New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew yesterday from consideration as incoming commerce secretary, citing an ongoing federal "pay-to-play" investigation involving one of his political donors as a significant obstacle to his confirmation. (Yesterday)

Israeli ground forces backed by air and naval power pushed deeper into the Gaza Strip yesterday, engaging in fierce combat with Hamas fighters as they attempted to encircle the the coastal region's largest city. (Yesterday)

With little sign that the departing Bush administration will press Israel to halt the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, diplomats and political leaders throughout the Middle East and Europe scrambled to find ways to bring an end to the violence. (Yesterday)

Aiming to foster bipartisan support for his record-setting economic stimulus, President-elect Barack Obama plans to propose huge tax cuts for businesses and middle-class workers that will total about 40 percent of the package, or up to $310 billion, congressional officials said. (Yesterday)

Like many Americans, Barack Obama spent yesterday getting things organized so he could head back to work after an extended holiday vacation. (Yesterday)