Crowds Grow in Egypt Protests, Jordan’s King Dismisses Cabinet

More than a week after they began, demonstrations on the streets of Cairo appear larger than ever as calls grow for President Hosni Mubarak to step down. Mubarak, who sacked his cabinet and named a vice president in an effort to appease the protesters, shows no sign of leaving office. The NewsHour has more on [Tuesday’s developments] and [in-depth coverage](http://www.pbs.org/newshour/topic/egypt.html) of how the protests have grown in the past week.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Dismisses Cabinet in Response to Street Protests

Jordan’s King Abdullah II dismissed his cabinet and called for a new one to be formed by a former army general after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Amman. Many called for the resignation of the country’s prime minister, Samir Rifai, over political issues and food prices. The protests echoed those seen in Tunisia and Egypt.

Despite discontent over political reforms, marchers have largely refrained from criticizing the king. Statements against the monarchy are banned in Jordan. The king has met with Islamist groups and political blocs in an effort to stave off further unrest.

Another Winter Storm Hits the Midwest

The National Weather Service urged residents to avoid travel because of whiteout conditions as a massive winter storm began sweeping through parts of the Midwest. Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan are taking the brunt of below-zero temperatures and snow.

Emergency personnel mobilized and officials urged residents to stock up and stay indoors to ride out the storm. Snowfall could reach several inches per hour in Chicago, creating a major headache for one of the largest cities in the country. Eight states have issued official warnings.