Here is the (real) news  —  Here is some information about the war between Gaza and Israel that for some unaccountable reason you may have missed today in Britain's mainstream media.  —  Since the beginning of Israel's operation Pillar of Defence last Wednesday against Hamas rocket attacks …

Republicans at a crossroads  —  LAS VEGAS — Republican governors are torn between essentially staying the course in the wake of Mitt Romney's loss and a more proactive strategy aimed at radically shaking up their party in an effort to reach out to young and minority voters.

Can conservatives prevent the U.S. from becoming California? … As bad as last Tuesday night was for the national Republican Party, it was far, far worse for the California Republican Party.  Not only did Golden State Democrats maintain control of every statewide elected office …

The Twinkie Manifesto  —  The Twinkie, it turns out, was introduced way back in 1930.  In our memories, however, the iconic snack will forever be identified with the 1950s, when Hostess popularized the brand by sponsoring “The Howdy Doody Show.”  And the demise of Hostess has unleashed …

Florida's West to fight defeat in House race  —  (Reuters) - Tea Party-backed Republican Congressman Allen West said he was still not ready to concede defeat on Sunday, almost two weeks after the November 6 election, when the clock ran out on a partial recount in South Florida.

A decisive conclusion is necessary  —  There is no middle path here - either the Gazans and their infrastructure are made to pay the price, or we reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip.  —  Anyone who thinks Hamas is going to beg for a cease-fire, that Operation Pillar of Defense will draw to a close …

Paul Ryan Emerges as Power Broker in Fiscal Talks  —  WASHINGTON — Gone is the private jet and the motorcade that swept him from the tarmac to the private hotel entrances.  His security staff has been reduced to a few Capitol Police officers, soon to fade away.

Investment Falls Off a Cliff  —  U.S. Companies Cut Spending Plans Amid Fiscal and Economic Uncertainty  —  U.S. companies are scaling back investment plans at the fastest pace since the recession, signaling more trouble for the economic recovery.  —  Half of the nation's 40 biggest …

Joe Biden to Sandy victims: 'You've got a homeboy' who ‘gets it’  —  Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), left, and Vice President Joe Biden walk off their helicopter Sunday in Island Beach State Park, N.J. (Rich Schultz / AP)  —  Seeking to reassure victims of Hurricane Sandy following a tour …

McCain Refuses To Support Any Secretary Of State Nominee  —  Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has not hesitated to voice his distaste towards U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice, who may be nominated to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.  On Face the Nation Sunday morning …

Obama Extends ‘Hand of Friendship’ to Myanmar in Historic Visit  —  Becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit this long-isolated nation, President Obama today extended “the hand of friendship” as the country emerges from five decades of harsh authoritarian rule, but cautioned that the young democracy has “much further to go.”

As Coasts Rebuild and U.S. Pays, Repeatedly, the Critics Ask Why  —  DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — Even in the off season, the pastel beach houses lining a skinny strip of sand here are a testament to the good life.  —  They are also a monument to the generosity of the federal government.