Israeli forces thrust deeper in Gaza Strip
JERUSALEM — Israeli ground forces backed by air and naval power pushed deeper into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, engaging in fierce combat with Hamas fighters as they attempted to encircle Gaza City, the territory’s largest metropolis.
Richardson exits as Commerce pick
WASHINGTON — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on Sunday announced that he was withdrawing his nomination to be President-elect Barack Obama’s commerce secretary amid a grand jury investigation into how some of his political donors won a lucrative state contract.
Hogs downplay talk of rankings
FAYETTEVILLE — After being picked sixth in the SEC West in a series of preseason polls, the Arkansas Razorbacks have started well enough to at least be considered for inclusion in latest Associated Press media and ESPN/USA Today coaches’ Top 25 polls that will be released today.



