World Mourns Iconic ‘King of Pop’
June 26, 2009
Los Angeles—With the stunning news of Michael Jackson’s death at age 50, fans of all ages are remembering the often-troubled man who left his mark on music and society.More

PETA Defends Rights of Flies and Fish
June 19, 2009
Washington—The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has made headlines recently, speaking out for creatures from coast to coast. This week, PETA criticized President Obama for swatting a fly during a TV interview. “I got the sucker,” Obama boasted.More

Shooters Target Holocaust Museum, Abortion Doc
June 12, 2009
Washington—White supremacist James von Brunn opened fire at the U.S. Holocaust Museum Wednesday, killing a security guard. Von Brunn, 88, denies the Holocaust occurred and has flaunted his anti-Jewish and anti-black beliefs.More

Home Bible Study Concerns County
May 29, 2009
San Diego—Pastor David Jones and his wife, Mary, are being threatened with fines for holding Bible studies in their home. They say a county official came to their house on Good Friday to question whether they held regular meetings and prayed.More

Graphic Anti-Pregnancy Video Stuns U.K.
May 26, 2009
Leicester City, England—Health officials in the United Kingdom hoped that a gory depiction of childbirth would scare teenagers away from becoming parents. But because of criticism, the National Health Service (NHS) pulled the ad from YouTube within 24 hours.More

Student Humiliated by Revealing Yearbook Photo
May 15, 2009
Citrus Park, Florida—Since the Sickles High School yearbook was released on Monday, a 16-year-old hasn’t been to class. The reason? A photo on the pottery-club page shows what some people say are the girl’s private parts.More

Christian Beauty Queen Faces Racy-Photo Scandal
May 8, 2009
Los Angeles—Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, already in the news for opposing same-sex marriage, now could lose her title for keeping semi-nude pictures a secret.More

Stabbed Priest Forgives Assailant
May 1, 2009
Vero Beach, Florida—As he finished hearing confessions last weekend, The Rev. Michael Massaro was stabbed in the back twice by a woman who accused him of being the Antichrist. But instead of holding a grudge, the priest feels compassion for his assailant and has already forgiven her.More

Pageant Contestant Vilified for Gay-Marriage Response
April 24, 2009
Las Vegas—Miss California, Carrie Prejean, spoke her mind during Sunday's Miss USA pageant and has been attacked in the press ever since. She also believes her honest answer cost her the crown.More

13-Year-Old Chooses Country Over Parents
April 20, 2009
Tokyo—When Japan recently deported her parents to the Philippines, Noriko Calderon, 13, chose to stay behind. The wrenching choice came after a three-year immigration battle that ended up in Japan’s High Court.More

Atheists Attempt to Get De-Baptized
April 3, 2009
London—Trying to renounce ties to Christianity, more than 100,000 people have recently paid to download certificates of “de-baptism.” More

New Features Help E-Mailers Save Face
March 27, 2009
Mountain View, California—People who have sent an accidental e-mail or an e-mail they’ve later regretted will be happy to hear about new offerings from Google’s Gmail Labs.More

More Christians Avoid That Term
March 27, 2009
As part of the current trend of hating religion but loving God, more Christians now prefer the label "followers of Jesus." More

Singers Reunite, Record Duet After Alleged Assault
March 13, 2009
Los Angeles—Amid rumors that they have reunited, singers Chris Brown and Rihanna recorded a duet together, just days after assault charges were filed against Brown.More

Prank Marriage Leads to Divorce
March 9, 2009
Jerusalem—A 14-year-old girl has become Israel's youngest divorcee, after she and her 17-year-old boyfriend pretended to get married.More

Catholics Urged to Return to Confession
March 3, 2009
New York—With Lent now underway, the Archdiocese of New York is encouraging Catholics to participate in a special event called “24 Hours of Confession.”More

Abstinence Message 'Not Realistic," Bristol Palin Says

February 23, 2009
Juneau, Alaska-New mom Bristol Palin told a reporter this week that abstinence is the best option for teenagers but that it is "not realistic at all."More

Punishments Vary for Dope-Using Athletes
February 13, 2009
New York—During the past week, two prominent athletes have come clean about using illegal substances, but so far the consequences have been quite different.More

Lawmaker Proposes Student Free-Speech Bill
February 6, 2009
Burlington, Connecticut—State senator Gary LeBeau believes students shouldn’t be punished for engaging in offensive speech. So in an effort to protect their First Amendment rights, he has proposed legislation that prevents schools from taking action against electronic insults. More

Ethical Issues Abound in Octuplet Case
February 3, 2009
Whittier, Calif.—Tough questions are being asked about a single mom of six who gave birth to eight babies last week. Nadya Suleman, 33, lives with her parents, who indicate she’s obsessed with having children.More

Unlikely Partnership Changes Lives
January 26, 2009
Houston—Almost a decade ago, Rice Temple Baptist Church reached out to waitresses at a local Hooters restaurant. Elderly women brought cookies, the church gave away Bibles at a Hooters golf tournament, and waitresses even went Christmas caroling with church members. More

Pilot Attempts to Run Away From Problems
January 19, 2009
Tallahassee, Fla.—Facing criminal investigations, lawsuits, and a divorce, Marcus Schrenker tried to disappear this week by parachuting out of his airplane. He issued a phony distress call and let his abandoned plane crash into Florida swampland.More

Estranged Husband Wants Kidney Back

January 9, 2009
Long Island, NY—Frustrated with stalled negotiations in a long divorce battle, Dr. Richard Batista announced this week that he wants his estranged wife to return the kidney he donated to her. He added that he’ll accept as an alternative $1.5 million in compensation.

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2009 Rings in With Hope, Optimism
January 2, 2009
New York—Americans bid a fond farewell to 2008 this week, hoping for better headlines in the year ahead. But amid the recollections of hardship and distress were tales of compassion and goodwill.More

Woman to Face Public Humiliation From Church
December 19, 2008
Jacksonville, Fla.—If Rebecca Hancock doesn’t end what her former church calls an “immoral” relationship, it plans to reveal her sins to the entire congregation. More

Distraught Man Doesn’t Blame Pilot for Deadly Crash
December 12, 2008
San Diego—A disabled Marine Corps jet slammed into Dong Yun Yoon’s house Monday, killing his wife, two small daughters, and mother-in-law. But the grieving man said he harbors no ill will toward the pilot involved. More

Teacher Sells Ads to Pay for Tests
December 5, 2008
San Diego—When high school calculus teacher Tom Farber needed money to photocopy tests, he turned to what he calls a “stopgap measure”: selling ads on those tests.

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Economy Isn’t Halting Teen Spending
November 24, 2008
New York—In a poll conducted by Junior Achievement, more than three-quarters (76 percent) of teenagers plan to spend as much or more this holiday season than they did last year. That’s down just two percentage points from last year’s poll.

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High School Rattled by H.I.V. Scare
November 14, 2008
St. Louis—As many as 50 students at Normandy High School may have been exposed to H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS. All of the school’s 1,300 students have been offered free, confidential H.I.V. tests.

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President-Elect Prepares to Face Enormous Task

November 7, 2008
Washington—After Tuesday night’s presidential election, Barack Obama acknowledged the big obstacles awaiting him. “We know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime—two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.”

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Childhood Anxiety Treatable, Study Says
October 31, 2008
Chicago—In a new study, 81 percent of kids suffering from anxiety were helped by a combination of medication and therapy. That’s encouraging news for the estimated 10 to 20 percent of kids who deal with overwhelming and debilitating fears.

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‘Hit a Jew Day’ Lands Students in Trouble
October 24, 2008
Chesterfield, Mo.—Some sixth graders in this St. Louis suburb are in hot water for coming up with “Hit a Jew Day” during spirit week. At least four students at Parkway West Middle School face possible suspension and counseling.More

Country Star Says She’s Been Reincarnated
October 17, 2008
Beverly Hills, Calif.—Singer and actress Reba McEntire, a self-proclaimed Christian, admitted this week that she believes she has been reincarnated. More

Uninformed Americans Shouldn’t Vote, Author Says
October 10, 2008
Washington, D.C.—Massive voter-registration efforts have been underway to get young people involved in the political process. But not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.More

Nebraska Parents Abandon Older Children
October 6, 2008
Omaha, Neb.— Two more children were abandoned at Nebraska hospitals this weekend under the state’s “safe-haven” law. But these kids aren’t infants: Both are 12-year-old boys.More

America Struggles With ‘Serious Economic Crisis’
September 26, 2008
Washington, D.C.—Dire financial news has dominated headlines the past two weeks. Big companies have gone under, and Congress is debating an emergency $700 billion bailout plan for other financial giants.More

College Grad to Auction Off Her Virginity
September 12, 2008
San Diego—A 22-year-old woman has devised an unusual way to pay off her student loans: She plans to sell her virginity to the highest bidder.

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VP Pick’s Family Drama Scrutinized
September 5, 2008
St. Paul, Minn.—The media was abuzz this week about the pregnant 17-year-old daughter of vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. More

‘100 Things’ Author Dies at 47
August 29, 2008
Los Angeles—Dave Freeman, who co-authored the adventure guide 100 Things to Do Before You Die, passed away recently at age 47. He died after hitting his head in a fall at his home. More

Lower Drinking Age, College Presidents Say
August 27, 2008
Middlebury, Vt.—More than 100 college presidents from across America have joined a movement urging lawmakers to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. More

University Can Deny Religious Course Credit
August 19, 2008
San Francisco—A judge ruled last week that the University of California can deny course credit for Creationism-based high school classes. More

Athletes Air Apology For Wearing Masks
August 8, 2008
Beijing, China—Politics are already at play in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, which are now underway. On Wednesday, four American cyclists apologized to Olympic organizers for wearing protective face masks upon arrival in Beijing. More

‘Fat Princess’ Video Game Causes a Stir

August 4, 2008
Seattle, Wash.—A new video game from a small studio is receiving lots of buzz already—even though it doesn’t ship until next spring. In “Fat Princess,” players try to steal the title character and ply her with cake until she’s too big to move.

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Judge Rejects Child’s Unusual Name
July 25, 2008
New Zealand—Concerned that her given name “makes a fool� of her, a New Zealand judge sided with a 9-year-old girl, who can now change her name from “Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii.�More

Congregation Learns Lesson From ‘Homeless’ Pastor
July 18, 2008
Prestatyn, Denbighshire, United Kingdom—When worshippers arrived at Trinity Methodist Church in this English town recently, most of them ignored the homeless man sitting in the doorway. He wore dirty clothes and was surrounded by beer cans and plastic syringes. More

Envy Played No Role in Comments, Jackson Says
July 11, 2008
Washington—The Rev. Jesse Jackson denied that his negative remarks about Sen. Barack Obama were rooted in envy of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. More

Singer Switches National Anthem Lyrics
July 3, 2008
Denver, CO—City Council members are fielding angry phone calls after a singer blindsided them by performing the so-called “Black National Anthem” before Tuesday’s State of the City address. More

Many Religious Americans Tolerant of Other Faiths

July 1, 2008
Washington, D.C.—According to a new survey, Americans have a lenient attitude toward other faiths. Seventy percent of people affiliated with a religion say multiple religions can lead to eternal life.

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High School Girls Form Pregnancy Pact
June 20, 2008
Gloucester, Mass.—Administrators were shocked when 17 students at Gloucester High School were pregnant this spring. But they were more shocked to discover that about half of those girls had formed a pact to have babies and raise them together. All the pact members are age 16 or younger, and some of the fathers are in their 20s. More

Atheist Campaign Targets Organized Religion
June 13, 2008
Denver—As part of a national ad campaign, a billboard stating “Imagine No Religion” recently went up near the Colorado state Capitol. The campaign is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, America’s largest atheist organization.More

After Graduation, Valedictorian Faces Deportation
June 6, 2008
Fresno, California—High school valedictorian Arthur Mkoyan, 17, hoped to study medicine at a California university this fall. But 10 days after he graduates in June, immigration officials plan to deport him and his family.More

Teen’s Effort Is Music to Soldiers’ Ears
May 30, 2008
Cleveland, Tennessee—Troops received many tributes this Memorial Day, but 16-year-old Kaylee Marie Radzyminski has been supporting them in an innovative way. Two years ago, she began a nonprofit group called Tunes 4 the Troops after hearing how much military personnel missed entertainment.More

Candidates Weigh In on Gay-Marriage Debate
May 23, 2008
San Francisco—Now that California’s Supreme Court has struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, the controversial topic is emerging as a campaign issue. On her TV show Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres sparred with Republican presidential candidate John McCain about gay marriage.More

Chinese Quake Survivors Stoically Grieve
May 16, 2008
Chengdu, China—Faced with massive devastation from this week’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake, most survivors have been patiently waiting for aid. Reporters say even the injured victims have been undemanding and uncomplaining, knowing they’ll get attention eventually. More

-Aid Delayed for Cyclone Victims
May 8, 2008
Piensalu, Myanmar—International relief workers are waiting to deliver much-needed aid to Myanmar, which was devastated by a massive cyclone last weekend. Death-toll estimates are as high as 100,000, and about 1 million people are now homeless. More

Christians Pray for Lower Gas Prices
May 1, 2008
San Francisco—As fill-ups get tougher on motorists’ wallets, one man is urging people to plea for God’s help. Rocky Twyman, a church choir director, staged a pray-in last week at a Chevron station, saying, “God is the only one we can turn to at this point.”More

Florida Mulls Christian License Plate
April 28, 2008
Miami—Florida may soon be the first state to allow drivers to promote a specific religion. A proposal currently in the legislature would create an “I Believe” license plate with a cross and stained-glass window.More

Mothers From Sect Want Children Back
April 21, 2008
Eldorado, Texas—As a court prepared to determine their children’s fate, women from a polygamist sect insisted their children weren’t being abused and defended their “pure” lifestyle.More

Chelsea Clinton Questioned About Parents
April 11, 2008
Indianapolis—While campaigning for her mom, former (and possibly future) first daughter Chelsea Clinton is being selective about which questions she answers. Three times in the past two weeks, audience members have inquired about how the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal influenced presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.More

Protests Intensify Against Olympic Host
April 7, 2008
Paris—Protesters angered by China’s human-rights abuses are voicing their concerns during the Olympic torch relay. In London Sunday, demonstrators chanted “Free Tibet!” and tried to snuff out the flame. At least 35 people were arrested.More

Publisher Deems Easter Too Violent for Kids
March 28, 2008
Raleigh, N.C.— ReThink, creator of First Look Sunday school curriculum, purposely omitted an Easter lesson this year because it thought it was inappropriate for preschoolers.More

Obama Addresses Race, Stands By Pastor
March 20, 2008
Philadelphia—Presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke about America’s “racial stalemate” this week while addressing concerns about his controversial spiritual mentor. For 20 years, Obama has been a member of Chicago’s Trinity United Methodist Church, led by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.More

Moral Crusader Brought Down by Personal Failings
March 14, 2008
Albany, NY—Eliot Spitzer’s stunning downfall this week pleased many people who disdained the New York governor’s holier-than-thou attitude.More

Many Americans Switch Faiths or Abandon Religion, Study Finds
February 29, 2008
Washington, D.C.—Almost half of American adults leave the faith tradition with which they were raised, according to a survey released this week. Those people either switch to another faith or remain unaffiliated with any religion.More

Youth Pastor Accepts Responsibility for Murder
February 21, 2008
Houston—Church members are rallying around a youth pastor who recently confessed to a 1994 killing. Calvin Inman, 29, admitted to police that he stabbed a convenience-store clerk to death.More

More Pastors Now Disciplining Members
January 31, 2008
Muscle Shoals, Alabama—In an effort to return the church to its role as a moral enforcer, some conservative Protestant pastors are bringing back discipline and even shunning.More

Angry Snow-day Message Creates Online Firestorm
January 25, 2008
Fairfax County, Va.—A school administrator’s wife has learned a hard lesson about technology’s wide reach. Her angry, minute-long message to a student is now an online sensation.More

‘Mean’ Mom Teaches Lesson by Selling Son’s Car
January 18, 2008
Des Moines, Iowa—After she found alcohol in her 18-year-old son’s car, Jane Hambleton sold the vehicle via classified ad. Now she’s receiving kudos from school counselors, emergency room technicians, and fellow parents.More

Real-Life Superheroes Use Powers for Good
January 18, 2008
Minneapolis—A contingent of costumed crusaders is patrolling America, anonymously improving communities and fighting crime. An estimated 200 real-life superheroes, or “Reals,” use special names and uniforms as they perform charitable deeds.More

‘Zoey 101’ Star Faces Real-Life Drama
January 4, 2008
New York—The popular pre-teen Nickelodeon show “Zoey 101” ends its third season this week, but the focus has been on its 16-year-old star, Jamie Lynn Spears.More

Christmas Carolers Now a Dying Breed
December 20, 2007
Chevy Chase West, Md.—Few Americans now partake in the annual December ritual of door-to-door Christmas caroling. One recent survey showed that only six percent of people planned to sing in their neighborhoods.More

Violence Strikes Faith Communities
December 11, 2007
Colorado Springs, Colo.—Four days after the shootings at an Omaha mall, a gunman killed four people at two Colorado religious facilities.More

Troubled Teen Goes on Mall Rampage
December 7, 2007
Omaha, Neb.—A 19-year-old opened fire at Omaha’s Westroads Mall Wednesday, killing eight people and then himself. Robert Hawkins left a suicide note indicating that he would become famous because of the massacre.More

Teacher Convicted in Teddy Bear Flap
November 30, 2007
Khartoum, Sudan—A British teacher arrested in Sudan after her pupils named a teddy bear “Mohammed” was found guilty this week of insulting Islam. Gillian Gibbons was sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation.More

Drought-Stricken Georgians Pray for Rain
November 16, 2007
Atlanta—Facing an epic drought, many people in the Southeast are turning to prayer. This week, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue gathered with state leaders and pastors at the state capitol to intercede for much-needed moisture. More

Toy Industry Faces Recalls, Adds Jesus Doll
November 12, 2007
Washington, D.C.—As Christmas displays overtake stores and Christmas catalogs flood mailboxes, the toy industry continues to reel from major safety recalls. In the past few months, numerous products have been pulled from shelves due to high levels of lead.More

Some Pastors Blend Scientology With Christianity
November 7, 2007
Tampa, Fla.—In an effort to address social problems, some inner-city pastors are creating a hybrid faith that combines Scientology and Christianity.More

California Evacuees Flee Destructive Flames
October 29, 2007
San Diego—More than three dozen wildfires forced half a million people to leave their homes in California this week. The fires, which have burned about 765 square miles in seven counties, destroyed at least 1,635 homes. More

Youth Group Photo Sparks Federal Lawsuit
October 19, 2007
A teenager and her family are embroiled in a lawsuit that pits privacy rights against creative freedom. An ad for cell phone company Virgin Mobile used a picture of Alison Chang, 16, without her permission. Chang’s youth leader took the photo at a church car wash and then posted it on the photo-sharing Web site Flickr.More

Jones’ Drug Admission Jeopardizes Teammates’ Medals
October 12, 2007
Austin, TX—American track superstar Marion Jones returned her five Olympic medals this week after admitting she used performance-enhancing drugs. Now the U.S. Olympic Committee is requesting that her relay teammates give back their medals as well.More

Editorial Sparks Free-Speech Debate
September 28, 2007
Fort Collins, Colo.—A four-word editorial in the Colorado State University newspaper has caused a huge reaction on campus—and beyond. The editorial in The Collegian about a Florida student being Tasered read: “Taser this. F--- Bush.” The expletive was spelled out.More

‘Jena Six’ Supporters March for Racial Equality
September 21, 2007
Jena, La.—Thousands of people descended on this small town Thursday to protest the treatment of six black teenagers accused of beating a white student. Marches took place across the country as civil-rights leaders led a peaceful pilgrimage in Jena, population 3,000.More

Suggestive Ads Target Teen Consumers
September 14, 2007
Los Angeles—Clearasil is causing an outbreak of controversy with its new ad campaign that equates confidence with sex.More

Youth Suicide Rates on the Rise
September 10, 2007
Atlanta—Two new studies reveal troubling statistics about American adolescents’ mental health. While antidepressant use among teens has fallen sharply, suicide is increasing, especially among girls.More

Letters Reveal Mother Teresa’s Doubts
August 31, 2007
Mother Teresa, who’s on the path to sainthood because of her Christlike devotion to the poor, waged a 50-year battle with doubts about her faith. More

Schools Experiment With Cash Incentives
August 24, 2007
New York—As classes resume across the country, some schools are now giving students money for their achievements, hoping to motivate them and curb dropout rates.More

Unauthorized Reincarnation Banned in Tibet
August 17, 2007
Beijing—In an effort to limit the Dalai Lama’s influence, China’s communist leaders recently outlawed reincarnation in Tibet without government permission. The largely Buddhist region of western China remains strongly loyal to its exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.More

Rescuers Hear No Sounds From Trapped Miners
August 10, 2007
Huntington, Utah—Crews dug more than 1,800 feet underground this week trying to reach six coal miners, who haven’t made any noise yet. The miners have been trapped since Monday, when the Crandall Canyon Mine collapsed.More

Bridge Collapse Survivors Dazed, Grateful
August 3, 2007
Minneapolis—An Interstate bridge plunged more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River during rush-hour traffic Wednesday, leaving an unknown number of people missing and feared dead. Among the survivors was a busload of children returning from a field trip.More

Bad Behavior Dominates Sports Headlines
August 2, 2007
Sports news this week was dominated not by scores and highlights but by accusations of illegal and unethical behavior. Scandals are currently rocking pro football, basketball, baseball, and cycling.More

Readers Prepare for Death in ‘Potter’ Finale
July 20, 2007
London—As “Harry Potter” fans line up for the seventh and final book, which goes on sale Saturday, they’re preparing themselves for a dark ending. Author J.K. Rowling has hinted that two major characters will die, and some fans fear that Harry himself will perish.More

Pope: Non-Catholic Denominations Aren’t True Churches
July 12, 2007
Vatican City—Pope Benedict XVI this week approved a document that reasserts the Roman Catholic Church’s primacy. It contends that other Christian groups are faulty or untrue because they don’t descend directly from the Apostle Peter. Catholicism, the document maintains, offers the only true path to salvation.More

Couples Hope 7-7-07 Is Lucky for Love
July 6, 2007
Las Vegas—More than 31,000 couples will say “I do” on Saturday, hoping the date of 7-7-07 brings luck to their union. About 12,000 couples get married on a usual July Saturday.More

Jail Gives Paris ‘New Outlook on Life’
June 29, 2007
Los Angeles—In her first post-jail interview, socialite Paris Hilton tried to put a positive spin on her 23 days behind bars. Speaking to CNN’s Larry King Wednesday night, Hilton said even though her sentence was unfair, God let her go through the ordeal for a reason.More

High school graduation rate holds at 70%
June 22, 2007
Washington, D.C.—Despite ongoing efforts to keep kids in school, about 30 percent of U.S. teenagers fail to earn a high school diploma. The problem is worst in urban areas and among minority students.More

Violent Game Angers Church of England
June 15, 2007

London—The PlayStation 3 game “Resistance: Fall of Man” is drawing criticism for featuring gun violence inside a cathedral. The game, which has sold more than one million copies since its November release, features a virtual shoot-out in Manchester Cathedral with hundreds of casualties.

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School Relents in ‘No Diplomas’ Incident
June 12, 2007
Galesburg, Illinois—Five students who were denied diplomas because of loud crowd cheering now have the coveted pieces of paper. This week, school officials gave diplomas to graduates whose family members and friends cheered loudly during graduation on May 27.More

TB Patient Quarantined After Extensive Travel
June 1, 2007
DENVER—Public-health officials placed an Atlanta man under an isolation order this week because he has XDR-TB, a severely drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Because the man took numerous flights during May, authorities around the world are now trying to track down people who might have become infected.More

Yearbook Photos Depict Drug Use
May 25, 2007
Conifer, Colorado—Parents are objecting to photos in the newly released Conifer High School yearbook. Five pages feature pictures and text about drinking and drug use. More

Pakistani Christians Ordered to Convert to Islam
May 21, 2007
Charsadda, Pakistan—Last Thursday was the deadline for Christians here to convert to Islam or be the target of “bomb explosions.” That’s what the 500 Christians in Charsadda were told via letter earlier this month. Those who haven’t already left town are fearful and seeking protection.More

Hilton’s Fans Petition for Clemency
May 11, 2007
Los Angeles—Just days after Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating probation, Internet petitions surfaced for the socialite heiress to be pardoned. More

Young Adults Cite Family Breakdowns as Biggest Concern
May 4, 2007
San Francisco—Asked about the biggest challenges facing their generation, young people ages 16 to 22 cited the breakdown of the traditional family. Other top concerns were violence, poverty, and global warming, in that order. More

Shooting Leads to Controversies, Discussions
April 27, 2007
Blacksburg, Virg.—As the nation reflected on the recent massacre at Virginia Tech, debates raged about the victims’ memorial, school security, and even free speech.More

Massacre Leaves Nation Asking ‘Why?’
April 19, 2007
Blacksburg, Virg.—America’s attention and hearts have been with the Virginia Tech campus this week, after a student killed 32 people in the nation’s worst mass shooting. College president Charles Steger called the massacre “a tragedy of monumental proportions.”More

Racial Slur Causes Media Uproar
April 12, 2007
New York—Radio talk-show host Don Imus faced escalating consequences this week for uttering an epithet that he admitted “went way too far.” Amid protests and calls for his job, Imus was suspended for two weeks, advertisers started bailing, and then MSNBC announced it would no longer simulcast “Imus in the Morning.”More

‘Chocolate Jesus’ Sculpture Sparks Public Outcry
April 5, 2007
New York—An art exhibit featuring a nude chocolate sculpture of a dying Jesus was canceled this week after Christians protested that it was offensive, especially during Holy Week.More

Edwards Continues Campaign Despite Wife’s Illness
March 30, 2007
Washington—Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said his campaign “goes on strongly” although his wife, Elizabeth, is again battling cancer. “Other than sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves,” Edwards said, “there was no reason to stop.”More

Free-Speech Case Debated at High Court
March 23, 2007
Washington—The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in Morse v. Frederick, which could have significant ramifications for student speech rights. The case centers on Joseph Frederick, who held up a “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” banner during a high school outing in 2002.More

School District Proposes Ban on Jeans
March 20, 2007
Indianapolis—Despite opposition from students and some parents, officials at Indianapolis Public Schools are recommending a uniform-like dress code for its 37,000 pupils.
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Giuliani’s Son Tells of Strained Relationship
March 9, 2007
New York—Don’t expect to see Andrew Giuliani helping his father Rudy on the presidential campaign trail. Giuliani, 21, said this week that they’re still working on mending their relationship following Rudy Giuliani’s messy divorce from Andrew’s mother, Donna Hanover.More

Sorority Faces Charges of Bias
March 2, 2007
Greencastle, Ind.—Former members of the Delta Zeta sorority at DePauw University allege that they were kicked out of the house because they were overweight and unpopular with men.More

Pastor Says He’s Jesus Incarnate
February 22, 2007
Miami—At the Growing in Grace International Ministry, chants of “Lord! Lord! Lord!” are directed not at Jesus Christ but at Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda. The leader of 300+ congregations in more than 30 countries claims to be God.More

Cancer Patient Fights for Lottery Jackpot
February 16, 2007
Wayne Schenk has discovered that winning the lottery isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Five weeks after being diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, Schenk won a $1 million jackpot.More

Cartoon’s Ad Campaign Sparks Terrorism Fears
February 2, 2007
After a scare shut down much of Boston Wednesday, two men face charges of placing a hoax device resulting in panic. Peter Berdovsky, 27, and Sean Stevens, 28, placed 38 light boards throughout the city as part of a guerrilla marketing campaign for the Cartoon Network’s TV show “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” More

Critics Say Film Exploits Young Actress
January 26, 2007
“Hounddog,” an independent film that debuted this week at the Sundance Film Festival, has sparked controversy for its portrayal of childhood sexual abuse. Actress Dakota Fanning, 12, plays a 12-year-old girl in the 1960s South who is raped on screen. More

Kidnap Victim Survives Four-Year Ordeal
January 19, 2007
The nation was captivated this week by the surprise ending to a Missouri kidnapping saga. When law-enforcement officials found Ben Ownby, 11, who disappeared from his bus stop four days earlier, they also found Shawn Hornbeck, 15, who had been missing since 2002.More

Wild Cheerleaders Cause High School Scandal
January 12, 2007
McKinney, Texas—At affluent McKinney North High School, five cheerleaders caused a scandal with their outrageous, defiant actions.More

First Muslim Congressman Takes Oath on Koran
January 5, 2007
To show that “religious differences are nothing to be afraid of,” America’s first Muslim Congressman took his oath of office Thursday on a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson.More

95% of Americans Had Premarital Sex, Study Finds
January 2, 2007
According to a recently released study, 95 percent of Americans have had sex before marriage. “This is reality-check research,” said study author Lawrence Finer. “Premarital sex is normal behavior for the vast majority of Americans, and has been for decades.” More

Airport Christmas Trees Center of Dispute
December 18, 2006
This year’s big holiday-decoration battle occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where officials removed plastic Christmas trees when a rabbi threatened to sue if a menorah wasn’t installed.More

Boy Arrested for Opening Gifts Early
December 11, 2006
A frustrated mother had police arrest her 12-year-old son for repeatedly rummaging through his wrapped Christmas presents.More

Comedian Apologizes for Racist Rant
December 4, 2006
Los Angeles—Michael Richards, best known for his role as Kramer on the hit TV show “Seinfeld,” has launched a round of public apologies for a recent hateful tirade during a comedy routine.More

‘Borat’ Inspires Boorish Language
November 17, 2006
The hit movie “Borat,” which rules the box office while offending many people, is also entering teenagers’ vocabularies. Young people are repeating anti-Semitic lines such as “Throw the Jew down the well” and harassing girls by saying “Very nice. How much?”More

Prominent Pastor Admits Sexual Immorality
November 9, 2006
Colorado Springs, CO—In a letter read to members of his mega-church Sunday morning, the Rev. Ted Haggard apologized for immoral conduct and asked for forgiveness.More

Scientist Debunks Supernatural Beliefs
October 31, 2006
Washington—Americans are too gullible when it comes to believing in creepy creatures such as ghosts, vampires, and zombies. That’s the warning from physicist Costas Efthimiou for this Halloween season. More

Text Messaging Is Top Distraction for Teen Drivers
October 27, 2006
Detroit—In a study released this week, 37 percent of teenagers said text messaging behind the wheel was extremely or very distracting. More

Office Dress Codes Now Address Body Art
October 20, 2006
New York—An influx of tattooed and pierced young workers is causing employers around America to update their corporate dress codes.More

Anti-Superstition Party Pokes Fun at Beliefs
October 16, 2006
Philadelphia—The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP) wants to cure anyone who suffers from friggatriskaidekaphobia—the fear of Friday the 13th. Friday night, the group of “nontheists” is sponsoring an Anti-Superstition Party where guests can feel comfortable breaking bad-luck superstitions.

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Amish Community Meets Violence With Forgiveness
October 6, 2006
As hundreds of people attended funerals for the girls slain in an Amish schoolhouse Monday, the affected community already has been practicing its core beliefs of forgiveness and restoration.

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Student Killed in Hostage Standoff
September 29, 2006
Bailey, Colo.—This small mountain town is reeling from a terrifying hostage standoff that left a 16-year-old girl dead. More

Muslim Outrage Still Rampant Over Pope’s Remarks
September 22, 2006
Protesters in this Muslim nation say Pope Benedict XVI isn’t welcome on a planned trip here in November unless he apologizes for a recent speech that offended them.More

More Americans Embrace Prosperity Theology
September 15, 2006
More than 60 percent of U.S. Christians believe that God wants people to be prosperous, according to this week’s cover story in Time magazine. The article, titled “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” explores the controversial but burgeoning movement known as Prosperity Theology.More

Sole Crash Survivor Awakens, Asks ‘Why?’
September 8, 2006
When James Polehinke regained consciousness this week, one of the first things he asked family members gathered around his hospital bed was “Why did God do this to me?”More

‘Survivor’s’ Race-Based Tribes Under Fire
September 1, 2006
The new method for dividing contestants into tribes on the popular CBS reality show “Survivor” has drawn heavy criticism by people who say it will cause racial tension.More

Plan B Now Available Without a Rx
August 25, 2006
After a three-year battle, the Food and Drug Administration ruled this week that people 18 and older can purchase the “morning-after” contraception pill without a doctor’s prescription.More

Arrest Made in Decade-Old Ramsey Case
August 18, 2006
John Mark Karr, a 41-year-old teacher living in Thailand, made a stunning confession this week that he accidentally killed JonBenet Ramsey in 1996.More

Terrorism Plot Revealed as ‘WTC’ Movie Opens
August 11, 2006
Flights from Britain to the United States are on red alert, the highest threat level, after authorities uncovered a plot to blow up 10 in-flight passenger planes. New carry-on restrictions brought airport security lines to a standstill Thursday, as travelers dumped liquids that no longer are permitted onboard.More

Anti-Semitic Tirade Jeopardizes Gibson’s Image, Career
August 7, 2006
Despite two apologies for a hate-filled rant during his recent drunk-driving arrest, Mel Gibson may have irreparably harmed his public image, say some experts.More

Teen Sniper Was Relieving Pressure, Police Say
July 31, 2006
Zachariah Blanton, 17, was arrested this week for a rash of recent sniper shootings along an Indiana Interstate. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and criminal recklessness.More

Middle East Fighting Sparks Cries of WWIII, End Times
July 25, 2006
As Israel continues its military campaign to cripple Lebanese-based guerrilla group Hezbollah, the conflict is being called the beginning of World War III.More

Soccer Star Apologizes, May Lose Award
July 14, 2006
Zinedine Zidane, captain of the French soccer team, apologized Wednesday for head-butting an opponent during Sunday’s World Cup championship game. But soccer officials said they still might take away Zidane’s Golden Ball award for best player in the tournament.More

Web Site Sued for Defamation
July 6, 2006
Tasha Joseph, who created DontDateHimGirl.com to be “a dating credit report,” is being sued by a man who says he’s unfairly characterized on the site.More

HPV Vaccine Recommendations Spark Controversy