BANGKOK — U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expressing concern about the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has conducted yet another day of airstrikes aimed at militants who have been firing rockets into southern Israel.
What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.
Gregory Rayburn, the chief executive of Hostess, the maker of the iconic Twinkies, Ho-Hos and Ding Dongs, has announced this morning that the company will shutter its doors and lay off its 18,500 workers after striking members of the Bakers Union failed to reach an agreement with the company's management by last night's deadline.
Schools and businesses are closed today near Israel's southern border as the conflict intensifies along the Gaza Strip. Security officials in that country are warning residents to seek shelter in underground bomb shelters when the sirens warning of an attack occur.