ROME — The U.N. has new weapons to fight hunger, boost nutrition and reduce pollution, and they might be crawling or flying near you right now: edible insects.

Buzz words such as “subsidies” and “loopholes” have been thrown around by politicians for decades. If you’re seeking to impose punitive financial policies, these words are certainly more appealing than terms like “tax” or “penalty.” The Obama Administration is currently pursuing tax increases on the oil and gas industry under the guise of ending accounting loopholes.

After the high-profile shooting of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in 2010, Scott Rollefstad felt he had to do something to help keep other agents safe.

America has always made a commitment to putting a good education within reach of anyone who is willing to work for it. The promise of a good education for everyone is part of what makes America great. As a person who works in the high tech industry, I am deeply committed and concerned about the success of all students.

Most of us already realize “normal” is relative. Yet, we are only human. And as such, we can scarcely stop ourselves from the very-human behavior of seizing every available opportunity to try to quantify and define the term.

After years in the doldrums, the housing market appears back on track. Home sales and prices are up, and mortgage rates remain near historic lows, reinvigorating the appeal of home ownership.

American oil producers are in the crosshairs of the Obama Administration once again, this time the president is promising to force the Big 5 oil companies to pay their “fair share.” This begs the question: Who gets to decide who’s not paying enough? Who gets to decide which American taxpayers or businesses need to pay more?

Whoever believes there's nothing new under the sun hasn't seen the plants being introduced for the 2013 gardening season.

With the onslaught of Oscar contenders that debuted last November, there’s a good chance that a little-seen indie gem, “Starlet,” managed to fall off your radar during its short, theatrical run. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 SXSW film festival, “Starlet” explores the unlikely friendship between a cheerful, aspiring actress (played by the winsome Dree Hemingway) and a cantankerous, elderly widow (the late Besedka Johnson).

Arizona's economic recovery is flattening out statewide, with job growth outside the Phoenix metro area for this year and next predicted to be anemic.

LAS VEGAS — To step into club XS at the Wynn Las Vegas is to enter the dreamscape of a modern artist with fetishes for gold and bronze and bodies in motion.

The jury has rendered its verdict — Jodi Arias is guilty of first-degree murder — but the trial is far from finished.

Grand Canyon Education Inc.'s shares soared Wednesday after the for-profit education company reported first-quarter results that far exceeded market expectations, and it issued a strong full-year forecast.

Jodi Arias was convicted of first-degree murder Wednesday in the gruesome killing of her one-time boyfriend in Arizona after a four-month trial that captured headlines with lurid tales of sex, lies, religion and a salacious relationship that ended in a blood bath.

E-Books and Amazon.com may spell the demise of the publishing industry, but Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, named “Best Bookstore” yet again by “2013 Best of East Valley Voters, continues to thrive.

A survey shows U.S. home prices rose 10.5 percent in March compared with a year ago, the biggest gain since March 2006.

Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, Dignity Health Members, each received the Partner for Change award by Practice Greenhealth, an industry leader and nonprofit organization that recognizes healthcare facilities for going above and beyond in keeping and maintaining a “green” workplace.

I am constantly amazed by how difficult it is for so many Americans to add two-plus-two and come up with four, and who continue to vote against their own economic self-interest. The facts are out there if they would only take a moment to consider the facts!

NEW YORK — You can recycle your waste, grow your own food and drive a fuel-efficient car. But being socially responsible isn't so easy when it comes to the clothes on your back.