Israel launches ground offensive in the Gaza Strip  —  Palestinian witnesses said the artillery barrage caused a large explosion in Gaza City as well as a series of blasts stitching the nearby frontier with Israel.  —  Channel 10 television quoted a witness as saying that Israel …

Reid pressured Blagojevich not to appoint Jackson Jr. to Obama's U.S. Senate seat  —  Days before Gov. Blagojevich was charged with trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, top Senate Democrat Harry Reid made it clear who he didn't want in the post …

U.S.-installed Iraqi ex-PM says Bush “utter failure”  —  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Former U.S.-installed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has denounced the policies of President George W. Bush as an “utter failure” that gave rise to the sectarian venom that ravaged his country.

Analysis: Bush's personality shapes his legacy  —  Featured Topics: - Barack Obama - Presidential Transition  —  WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush will be judged on what he did.  He will also be remembered for what he's like: a fast-moving, phrase-mangling Texan who stays upbeat even though his country is not.

A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke’  —  Parents who smoke often open a window or turn on a fan to clear the air of second-hand smoke, but experts now have identified another smoking-related threat to children's health that isn't as easy to get rid of: third-hand smoke.

Mr. Gore: Apology Accepted  —  You are probably wondering whether President-elect Obama owes the world an apology for his actions regarding global warming.  The answer is, not yet.  There is one person, however, who does.  You have probably guessed his name: Al Gore.

Rangel Pushed for a Donation; Insurer Pushed for a Tax Cut  —  On April 21, 2008, Representative Charles B. Rangel met with officials of the American International Group, the now-troubled insurance giant, to ask for a donation to a school of public service that City College of New York was building in his honor.

Khat — is it more coffee or cocaine?  —  ‘FLOWER OF PARADISE’: In East African countries like Somalia, khat leaves have been used as a stimulant and social tonic.  But in the U.S. khat is illegal, and increased demand is leading to clashes between narcotics officers and immigrants.