Obama digging up dirt on potential opponent Chris Christie  —  President Obama's re-election campaign is trying to dig up dirt in the Garden State.  —  Despite New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's repeated pronouncements that he will not seek the GOP presidential nomination …

Obama double downs at AIPAC  —  The president just finished speaking to a packed convention room at the AIPAC policy conference.  He was not booed when he entered; most stood and offered brief applause.  Still, the crowd during the speech had long periods of stony silence …

Why I don't back Ryan Medicare plan  —  As part of the 2012 budget discussions, Congress is dealing with Medicare reform.  This debate is long overdue, since its increasing cost must be addressed if we are serious about the nation's growing $14 trillion debt and $1.6 trillion annual deficit.

Pictures of Sarah Palin's Rumored Scottsdale House  —  Photos of Rumored Palin Arizona House  —  The rumors are still just rumors and we don't know for sure yet whether or not Sarah Palin and family have purchased a North Scottsdale house.  The paper trail says that the property in question …

When Austerity Fails  —  I often complain, with reason, about the state of economic discussion in the United States.  And the irresponsibility of certain politicians — like those Republicans claiming that defaulting on U.S. debt would be no big deal — is scary.

Joplin tornado death toll soars to 89 … UPDATED at 5:40 a.m. with death toll at 89; at 6:10 a.m. with information from fire chief.  —  JOPLIN, Mo.  • A massive tornado that tore through the southwest Missouri city of Joplin killed at least 89 people, but authorities warned …

Spy, Military Ties Aided bin Laden Raid  —  In January, the chief of the military's elite special-operations troops accepted an unusual invitation to visit Central Intelligence Agency headquarters.  There, Adm. William McRaven was shown, for the first time, photos and maps indicating the whereabouts of the world's most wanted man.

The Elephant in the Green Room  —  The circus Roger Ailes created at Fox News made his network $900 million last year.  But it may have lost him something more important: the next election.  —  On Monday afternoon, March 28, Fox News chairman Roger Ailes summoned Glenn Beck to a meeting …

Islamic leaders question non-Muslim rights  —  Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad declared Malaysia an Islamic state a decade ago in a move to counter PAS' growing influence among the Malay Muslim population.  —  Several Islamic leaders have questioned the loyalty of non-Muslims in the country …

Putin decides to retake presidency  —  RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has decided to run for the presidency next year, raising the possibility of a power struggle with his protege Dmitry Medvedev, the incumbent Kremlin leader, say highly placed sources.

A City Prepares for a Warm Long-Term Forecast  —  CHICAGO — The Windy City is preparing for a heat wave — a permanent one.  —  Climate scientists have told city planners that based on current trends, Chicago will feel more like Baton Rouge than a Northern metropolis before the end of this century.

Republicans ignored warnings on Paul Ryan plan  —  It might be a political time bomb — that's what GOP pollsters warned as House Republicans prepared for the April 15 vote on Rep. Paul Ryan's proposed budget, with its plan to dramatically remake Medicare.  —  No matter how favorably pollsters …