JERUSALEM -- When Israel declared independence in 1948, it had to use mostly small arms to repel attacks by six Arab armies. Today, however, Israel feels, and is, more menaced than it was then, or has been since. Hence the potentially world-shaking decision that will be made here, probably within two years.

"The pace of economic recovery is likely to be more modest in the near term than had been anticipated." Those were the carefully chosen words of the Federal Reserve Board after its meeting Tuesday. Translation into English: We wuz wrong.

U.S. Sen. George LeMieux brought his "2007 budget express" to Orlando and Tampa Wednesday, standing up with fellow deficit hawks Robert Bixby and David Walker to get the word out about America's massive debt and deficits.

Gov. Charlie Crists pitch was simple: Florida is united this time, from school boards to unions, in its bid for up to $700 million in federal education stimulus funds.

JERUSALEM -- Two photographs adorn the office of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Together they illuminate a portentous fact: No two leaders of democracies are less alike -- in life experiences, temperaments and political philosophies -- than Netanyahu, the former commando and fierce nationalist, and Barack Obama, the former professor and post-nationalist.

NEW YORK -- Observing the Michelle Obama vacation controversy unfold, one is of multiple minds.

Timing is everything, and savvy shoppers can stretch their dollars beginning Friday the 13th.