The world, and especially the United States, are in pretty dismal shape right now. At least that's the perception most Americans hold. Natural disasters seem to be pummeling people all over the globe and there's no one to blame, which adds to the frustration. Christians are being persecuted. Women and children are exploited and sold into the sex trade. Responsible citizens are going bankrupt and families are living on the streets. Should everyone simply raise their hands in surrender and wait for the rapture, or is there a tiny glimmer of good news?

The world, and especially the United States, are in pretty dismal shape right now. At least that's the perception most Americans hold. Natural disasters seem to be pummeling people all over the globe and there's no one to blame, which adds to the frustration. Christians are being persecuted. Women and children are exploited and sold into the sex trade. Responsible citizens are going bankrupt and families are living on the streets. Should everyone simply raise their hands in surrender and wait for the rapture, or is there a tiny glimmer of good news?

The global news of the day would happen in a vacuum for kids without the context that social studies teachers — and parents — provide in their lives.

WASHINGTON - First the good news: The worst of the painful housing slump and the credit crunch might come to an end this year. Now the bad: The economy will weaken further and unemployment will rise.

In the same breath, SyFy is trumpeting the renewal and announcing the cancellation of Warehouse 13, the whimsical adventure series now in the latter half of its fourth season.

High gas prices have convinced Americans to do what ceaseless carping by the greenhouse-gas scolds has failed to do - drive less.

Mesa’s serious crimes fell 5 percent overall from 2006 to 2007, and fatal traffic collisions decreased by almost half. But robberies, aggravated assaults and arsons increased.

It’s a so-so holiday season for motorists — much lower gasoline prices than two months ago but much higher prices than last year.

Big-name college players can be hit or miss in the NBA. In the case of the SuperSonics' two big-name, Round 1 draft picks, one looks like a hit, the other at least a short-term miss.

Big-name college players can be hit or miss in the NBA. In the case of the SuperSonics' two big-name, Round 1 draft picks, one looks like a hit, the other at least a short-term miss.