Protesters Leave Wisconsin Capitol

Today's a big showdown day in Wisconsin. I'll have updates later. Meanwhile, at Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Overnight protesters leave Capitol":

Madison — With a final group hug and a rousing rendition of "Solidarity Forever," the last large group of demonstrators left the state Capitol Thursday night, hours after a judge ordered their removal.

The more than two-week occupation ended peacefully, as Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs gently prodded and patiently waited for around 50 of the last holdout protesters to file out of the rotunda.

"We have to get back to normalcy," Tubbs said. "I'm asking you tonight to please leave."

At 9:58 p.m., about an hour after the main group left, the last five protesters exited the building. No arrests were reported.

"This proved the people are right and the governor is wrong," said Jeff Fox, 53, of Minong.

State officials claimed that damage to the Capitol from the days of demonstrating reached $7.5 million. But no one could back up that figure with any evidence, and some scoffed at it.

Earlier Thursday, in a historic ruling after three days of testimony, Dane County Circuit Judge John Albert issued an interim order calling for the immediate removal of overnight demonstrators and putting state officials on notice that improved access to the building has to be in place by Monday morning.

The decision came after testimony from citizens, legislators, law enforcement and state officials.

More at the link above.