Politically Illustrated.com

Pakistan Floods: An Emergency for the West

Pakistan's floods have not just devastated the lives of millions of people, they now present an unparalleled national security challenge for the country, the region and the international community. Lest anyone under-estimate the scale of the disaster, all four of Pakistan's wars with India combined did not cause such damage.

• U.S. Begins Increased Aid to Pakistan
• Pakistan President Stays Away from Devastation

Support for Marijuana Initiative Skyrockets

According to a new SurveyUSA poll, 50 percent of likely voters in California say they are certain to vote yes on Proposition 19, which would legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. On the other hand, only 40 percent of likely voters said that they are are certain to vote no on Prop 19.

• Business Groups Against Legalization of Marijuana

Jon Stewart Skull-Fucks Sarah Palin

Some important primary battles have come and gone, and The Daily Show is here to remind us that Sarah Palin is probably just an inconsequential monster. Check out Jon's coverage inside.

Will 'Insurgent' Candidates Help or Hurt GOP?

You don't usually think of a Bob Dylan line when you think of trends in the Republican Party, but a fragment from "Subterranean Homesick Blues" sure seems to sum up the behavior of the rank-and-file this primary season: "don't follow leaders..."

• GOP Candidates Unpredictable and Wacky
• Deal Claims Victory in GOP Primary

Did the Democrats Deflate in Tuesday’s Primaries?

Did the Democrats deflate in Tuesday's primaries? Absolutely not. President Obama with fellow Democrats on Wednesday were basking in sweet victories of the midterm election season as Sen. Michael Bennet won in Colorado's Democratic primary, changing the storyline that all incumbents are doomed.

• Concession in Tight Republican Primary
• Primary Boosts White House for Now

The House Approves $26 Billion for School Spending

The House of Representatives interrupted its summer recess on Tuesday to approve $26 billion in aid to school districts and states to prevent layoffs of teachers and public employees.

Christina Romer Resigns

Christina Romer, chairwoman of Pres. Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, has decided to resign on Thursday during a recession that does not appear to be ending soon, according to a statement released by the White House.

• Jobless Claims Rise to 479,000

When Will General Motors Shed ‘Government Motors’ Tag?

When will General Motors shed 'Government Motors' tag? General Motors Chief Executive Ed Whitacre told Bloomberg he is eager for the United States to sell its shares to other worthy investors.

U.S.-China Trade Gap Reaches $49.9 Billion

The trade deficit widened sharply in June to the highest level in 20 months from rising Chinese imports and waning exports, according to the Commerce Department.

• China Landside Kills 1,100

For These Fat Kids a New Nutrition Act

The Senate passed a long-awaited child nutrition act on Thursday to help feed hungry kids while making the food more nutritious, and it provides $4.5 billion in financing over the next decade.

Elena Kagan Confirmed to the Supreme Court

The Senate has confirmed Elena Kagan as the Supreme Court's 112th justice and fourth woman on Tuesday after liberal justice John Paul Stevens retired.

• What Will Elena Kagan Bring?