A very old story is once again being retold, with a few of the characters' names updated to besmirch the innocent. In this story, conservatives are to blame for an economic crisis because they allegedly believe there is no role for government in the economy, and all economic crises are due to lax regulation of markets.

WASHINGTON - The country didn't get the energetic rebound in economic growth hoped for from the government's tax rebates in the second quarter, and the economy jolted into reverse at the end of 2007, raising new recession fears.

WASHINGTON -- Eager to show action on the ailing economy, President Barack Obama promised Monday to speed federal money into hundreds of public works projects this summer, vowing that 600,000 jobs will be created or saved.

Chandler's Economic Development Division has won an award from the Public Relations Society of America's Phoenix Chapter for a recent "community profile" economic and demographic report.

According to a prominent new study, Arizona is winning a race, not to the top but to the bottom. We are about to lead the nation in jobs for high school dropouts.

Arizona is creating a new economic development organization, at least in part to compensate for the state’s lack of financial incentives to lure new business.

The harboring of a nationally recognized theatre company to the new Tempe Center for the Arts will heighten the excitement in the growing Tempe community in economic development, childhood education and recognition for local fine arts.

Gov. Janet Napolitano challenged state legislators Monday to keep moving forward in the face of an economic downturn, putting forth proposals to increase health coverage, offer free college tuition, crack down on human smugglers and improve substance abuse treatment for parents who need it.

JERUSALEM - Israel will clamp down on Palestinian areas, cutting the West Bank off from Gaza, banning Gaza workers from Israel and halting most funding, in a campaign to weaken the violent Hamas as it assumes power.

WASHINGTON - In defense of his war policy, President Bush will highlight U.S. efforts to help Iraqis overhaul their economy and rebuild their shattered infrastructure - an endeavor continually undermined by unrelenting violence.

Austin Hill: Why don’t faith-based Americans concern themselves with economics? Does that seem like a strange question? You may be wondering what I mean by “faith-based Americans.”

The rapidly growing Hispanic community in Arizona is playing an increasing role in the economic and cultural life of the state, according to a study released Wednesday by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

CANTON, Ohio - Closing his case for the presidency, Barack Obama promised on Monday to restore economic prosperity and a sense of "higher purpose" to a tired, embattled nation. "We are one week away from changing America," the Democratic presidential candidate proclaimed, campaigning with the confidence of a contender nearing victory.

The Bowl Championship Series exhibited several glaring shortcomings this year. A couple of them will be on display right here in the East Valley today when Utah plays Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama claimed early progress Tuesday night in his aggressive campaign to lead the nation out of economic chaos and declared that despite obstacles ahead, "we're moving in the right direction."

The budget challenge facing Arizona schools today is like nothing that’s happened before in Superintendent Debra Duvall’s nearly 27 years with the Mesa Unified School District.

NEW YORK - Alas, wireless Internet may not be the technology sector’s salvation after all.

It’s not a porterhouse, but rather a powerhouse of eateries stuffed into historic downtown Chandler.

Our View: Martin Bihn, a lawyer for the Chandler Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, sounded mighty arrogant when he presumed it would be the city that faces public shame in a showdown with the union over merit pay.

Just as Arizona’s construction industry scrambles to keep up with relentless commercial and residential demand, and the Gulf Coast struggles to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration has tossed another obstacle in the way that makes FEMA’s bungled disaster relief seem like a minor wrinkle.

Arizona's largest and most established Chamber, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC), today applauded Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona Legislature for taking strong leadership to pass an economic competitiveness package. In response to one of the deepest recessions since the Great Depression, the package's intent is to provide Arizona with economic tools to foster job growth, stimulate business retention, expansion and attraction efforts in the state and diversify the state's economy.

Steve Stanek: One of the worst decisions in U.S. Supreme Court history is now linked with one of the worst economic development failures in history. We should not be surprised, as “economic development” failures cover the country. 

Now that the rancorous Riverview election is behind us, maybe we can get on with the important task of solving some big problems confronting Mesa.