Nabbed Bandit Becomes Folk Hero
July 21, 2010
Harbour Island, Bahamas—The lengthy crime spree of Colton Harris-Moore, aka “The Barefoot Bandit,” ended last weekend when police nabbed him during a high-speed boat chase.More

Ohio Honor Student Faces Charges for Running Away
July 2, 2010
Norwalk, Ohio—After being missing for almost three weeks, Abbi Obermiller, 17, was discovered on Wednesday, hiding in her boyfriend’s attic. More

General Fired for Critical Comments
June 24, 2010
Washington, D.C.—President Barack Obama replaced America’s top military commander in Afghanistan this week because he criticized administration officials in a magazine article.More

Children of Lesbians Thrive, Study Shows
June 16, 2010
San Francisco—A first-of-its-kind study revealed that children raised by lesbian mothers fared better in some areas than did children in straight families. More

Pitcher, Umpire Show Class After Blown Call
June 8, 2010
Detroit—Sports fans witnessed history this week when a missed call cost a pitcher a perfect game. Even more memorable, some say, was the way both the umpire and the baseball player reacted.More

Experts Debate What Makes People Happy
May 24, 2010
Atlanta—Many Americans are in a pursuit of happiness these days. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s best-selling book The Happiness Project, they’re starting their own individual or group efforts to be happier.More

Ethnic Studies Now Banned in Arizona Schools
May 14, 2010
Tucson, Arizona—In another controversial move, Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed a bill this week that bans ethnic studies in public schools.More

National Day of Prayer’s Future Uncertain
May 10, 2010
Washington, D.C.—Now that a federal judge has declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, the future of the annual event is up in the air.More

Arizona Immigration Law Spurs Protests
May 3, 2010
Phoenix—Arizona’s tough new immigration law is being met with boycotts, outcries, and protests, including many by concerned students.More

‘South Park’ Creators Warned for Depicting Mohammed
April 26, 2010
New York—The cartoon known for equal opportunity mocking has raised the ire of a radical Islamic group. In its 200th episode, “South Park” depicted the Prophet Mohammed in a bear suit. More

Despite the Odds, Missing Girl Found in Swamp
April 20, 2010
Winter Springs, Fla.—Nadia Bloom’s family is giving God the glory for her miraculous rescue this week.More

Facebook Snooping Lands Mom in Court
April 16, 2010
Little Rock, Ark.—Denise New says she was just keeping tabs on her 16-year-old son, Lane, when she read his Facebook page. Lane took offense, however, and has charged his mom with harassment.More

Americans Fuzzy About Easter’s Meaning
April 1, 2010
Ventura, Calif.—According to a new poll out for Holy Week, a minority of Americans knows what’s actually being celebrated on Easter.More

Productivity Effects of March Madness, Social Networking Debated
March 19, 2010
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begins this week, so, too, does the annual debate about its effects on the workplace.More

Campus Atheists Conduct Controversial Exchange
March 5, 2010
San Antonio, Texas—At its annual “Smut for Smut” event, the atheist organization at the University of Texas San Antonio handed out pornography this week to anyone who turned in Bibles and other religious materials.More

Woods Makes Public Apology
February 22, 2010
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.—After three months of silence, golfer Tiger Woods made his first public appearance Friday to apologize for what he called “irresponsible and selfish” behavior.More

Valentine’s Day Suffers Image Problem
February 15, 2010
Loveland, Colo.—Columnist Kevin Huffman is one of many people who want to “end the tyranny of Valentine’s Day.”More

Missionaries Charged With Kidnapping Haitian Children
February 5, 2010
Port-au-Prince, Haiti—Ten Baptist missionaries, most from Idaho, were charged in Haiti with kidnapping children after the devastating earthquake.More

Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad Sparks Controversy
January 29, 2010
Miami—Women’s groups are calling on CBS to can a TV commercial slated to run during next Sunday’s Super Bowl. More

Media Use Fills Kids’ Waking Hours
January 26, 2010
Menlo Park, Calif.—Today’s young people are “wired” to television, computers and video games more than seven-and-a-half hours a day, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation.More

World Mobilizes to Aid Haitians
January 18, 2010
Port-au-Prince, Haiti—After the poverty-stricken nation of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake this week, nations and aid groups have joined together for rescue and relief efforts. An estimated 50,000 people are feared dead, and countless more are injured and homeless. More

Majority of American Youth Unfit for Duty
January 12, 2010
Washington, D.C.—According to a recent report, 75 percent of young people can’t enlist in the U.S. military because they’re physically unfit, lack a high school diploma, or have criminal records.More

Scandal-Plagued Woods Named Athlete of Decade
December 18, 2009
New York—This week, golf superstar Tiger Woods was chosen as Athlete of the Decade by members of the Associated Press, despite his recent headline-making sex scandal. More

Bullying Victim Fights Back Through Social Media
December 16, 2009
Newark, Ohio—After being punched in the face, 15-year-old Alexis Xanders uploaded video of the assault to YouTube and CNN iReport. Now authorities are using the tape to prosecute her assailant.More

Tiger’s ‘Transgressions’ Dominate Headlines
December 7, 2009
Windermere, Fla.—Golf superstar Tiger Woods, cited for careless driving in a Thanksgiving weekend car crash, now admits “transgressions” that “let my family down.”More

New Technology Blurs Legal and Privacy Boundaries
November 20, 2009
New York—Now that some Twitter users are being sued for libel, legal experts are watching to see how Internet-related cases are changing the legal landscape.More

Pay-for-Grades Fundraiser Short-Lived
November 13, 2009
Rosewood, N.C.—After word spread that a middle school was going to raise money by selling test points, district officials put an immediate stop to the plan.More

Witnesses Fail to Report Brutal Crime
November 4, 2009
Richmond, Calif.—As a 15-year-old girl was gang-raped outside a high school homecoming dance, up to 20 people watched or took part. Some witnesses laughed or took photos, but none called for help or reported the two-and-a-half-hour assault.More

12-Year-Old Wins Ball Back From All-Star
October 30, 2009
Miami—When Jennifer Valdivia attended her first Major League ballgame in July, the 12-year-old caught the 200th home run of Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Ryan Howard. More

‘Balloon Boy’ Floats Into Media Spotlight
October 16, 2009
Fort Collins, Colo.—Falcon Heene, age 6, because the focus of worldwide media attention Thursday, as millions of viewers watched the homemade weather balloon that he had reportedly entered.More

Scripture Banners Kicked Off High School Field
October 12, 2009
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.—A decade-long tradition has ended abruptly at a Georgia high school because the superintendent fears it is unconstitutional. Cheerleaders at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High have been making large banners containing inspirational Scripture messages. Football players then crash through the banners before games.More

Letterman Drops Bombshell About Affairs, Extortion
October 5, 2009
New York City—Late-night comic David Letterman surprised his audience and viewers Thursday night with a real-life tale of sex and crime. He shared that someone was threatening to reveal “some terrible, terrible things” he had done.More

High Schoolers Hazed With ‘Slut List’
September 28, 2009
Millburn, N.J.—An annual tradition that some students say is all in good fun is being criticized. At prestigious Millburn High, senior girls make what they call a “slut list” containing names and demeaning descriptions of pretty, popular incoming freshmen.More

Americans Endure ‘Rudest Week Ever’
September 18, 2009
Los Angeles—With outbursts from a politician, a tennis star, and a musician, Americans have been bombarded with incivility during the past few days.More

Coach Takes Players to Be Baptized--Upsets Parents
September 15, 2009
Harned, Kentucky—When a group of high school football players traveled to hear a motivational speaker, several of them ended up being baptized without their parents’ permission.More

Young Lottery Winner Regrets Jackpot
September 8, 2009
Cumbria, England—England’s second-youngest lottery winner now wishes she never would have hit the jackpot. Callie Rogers, 22, won $3 million at age 16. At the time, she was earning $7 an hour as a supermarket stocker.More

Upcoming Movie Explores Our Culture of Lies
August 28, 2009
Hollywood—A new film coming out in September has people talking about the roles of honesty and deception in our society. The Invention of Lying imagines a world where lying doesn’t exist, until a down-on-his-luck characters stumbles upon—and benefits from—it.More

Vick Receives Second Chance, Faces Tough Fans
August 21, 2009
Philadelphia—The Philadelphia Eagles stunned fans by recently signing Michael Vick, who was released from prison last month. Vick will receive $1.6 million this season, with the option for more next year.More

On Woodstock Anniversary, Generation Gap Eases
August 17, 2009
Woodstock, N.Y.—Forty years ago this week, a music festival became a defining moment for a disenchanted generation.More

Student Forced to Smoke as Punishment
August 7, 2009
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—Mohamad Alif, who was described as a model student, recently faced a harsh punishment when he was caught with a cigarette and lighter in his locker. Alif, 16, said he was forced to smoke 42 cigarettes four at a time for more than two hours.More

Professor’s Arrest Turns Into ‘Teachable Moment’
July 31, 2009
Washington—The arrest of a top African-American scholar led to a much-discussed get-together at the White House this week. More

Boy Sells His Toys to Help Struggling Family
July 29, 2009
Toledo, Ohio—In the past, Zach McGuire has raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and California wildfires. Now he’s selling his own toys to help his unemployed father.More

“Harry Potter” Fans Ask WWDD?
July 21, 2009
Some “Harry Potter” fans are interested in much more than this week’s new movie release. They’re members of a group that applies lessons from the popular series to social activism.More

Wall-to-Wall Jackson Coverage Upsets Soldier’s Family
July 13, 2009
Steilacoom, Wash.—More than a dozen U.S. soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since June 25, when Michael Jackson died. But they have received just a few minutes of media coverage, compared to hours devoted to the pop star.More

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
June 30, 2006
The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended this week that 11- and 12-year-old girls receive shots to protect them against human papilloma virus (HPV), the sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer.More

MySpace.com Makes Changes to Protect Teens
June 23, 2006
In an effort to safeguard its youngest members, popular online networking site MySpace.com announced new security measures this week. MySpace, which has more than 85 million members, has been under fire for leaving teenagers vulnerable to sexual predators.More

Star Quarterback Injured in Motorcycle Crash
June 19, 2006
The motorcycle accident that led to seven hours of facial surgery for star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last week ignited debate about risk-taking and personal freedoms.More

6-6-06 Date Prompts Fear, Promotions
June 6, 2006
With talk of the apocalypse occurring on Tuesday, 6-6-06, some superstitious people are increasingly nervous. And some are cagily using that date to promote books and movies.More

Moms Come to Britney’s Defense
May 30, 2006
While Britney Spears’ recent parenting mishaps have some people calling her a bad mom, an unlikely group is now crying foul. After Spears, 24, tripped and almost dropped her 8-month-old son, some moms finally insisted that Spears deserves a break.More

Churches Prepare Da Vinci Code Tactics
May 23, 2006
While Christians agree that the The Da Vinci Code is full of errors, they disagree about ways to approach the movie, which opens in 3,700 U.S. theaters this weekend.More

Perpetual Student Changes Mind About Graduating
May 12, 2006
After 12 years as an undergraduate student, Johnny Lechner was set to finally receive his diploma this weekend. But five days before the ceremony, Lechner changed his mind and decided he wanted to study abroad.More

Harvard Students Delighting in Peer’s Downfall
May 8, 2006
At the elite and ultra-competitive Harvard University, some students have been relishing in the recent plagiarism charges against sophomore Kaavya Viswanathan.More

Mine Survivor Writes to Victims’ Families
May 2, 2006
Randal McCloy Jr., the only miner who survived an explosion at the Sago Mine in January, wrote to the families of his 12 deceased co-workers this week. In the letter, which was leaked to the press, McCloy describes the disaster’s aftermath and speaks of the victims’ final hours.More

Students Ditch Class to Protest Immigration Reform
April 21, 2006
Thousands of students across America continue to stage walkouts to march for immigrants’ rights. Organizers of school and work boycotts say they’re showing the magnitude of immigrants’ contributions to America.More

Ancient Text Raises Questions About Judas
April 13, 2006
Just in time for Holy Week, the National Geographic Channel premiered The Gospel of Judas, a documentary about a newly deciphered manuscript that casts Jesus’ betrayer in a new light.More

Edgy Bibles, Ex-Stripper Aim to Reach Porn Industry
April 10, 2006
Los Angeles—This week the American Bible Society refused to print an order of 10,000 Bibles with the slogan “Jesus Loves Porn Stars” printed on the cover. The paid order was placed by pastors Mike Foster and Craig Gross, founders of XXXchurch.com, a ministry that strives to evangelize members of the pornography industry.More

Spring Break Alternatives Gain Popularity
March 31, 2006
While travel and relaxation are still top spring break priorities, more students are now participating in service projects and other unconventional experiences.More

Chef Exits 'South Park' Over Scientology Feud
March 24, 2006
Los Angeles—In an ongoing battle with Scientologists, the animated comedy South Park this week seemingly killed off the Chef character, formerly played by Scientologist Isaac Hayes.More

Youth Pastor Goes Back to High School
March 17, 2006
Warsaw, Indiana—Scott Greene, a 33-year-old youth pastor, just finished a two-week stint in high school so he could "feel the pressures that students feel."More

Student Turns in Teacher for Anti-Bush Rant
March 10, 2006
Sean Allen was so offended during geography class last month that he recorded his teacher's lecture and gave it to a radio station. Now the teacher has been suspended, students are protesting, and Sean, 16, fears for his life.More

Autistic Ball Player Leaps Into Spotlight
March 7, 2006
Jason McElwain, the basketball team manager at Greece Athena High School, gained national attention recently with a 20-point performance in the last four minutes of a game. More

American Athletes Face Olympic Disappointments
February 27, 2006
Although the United States already has more medals than ever before at a Winter Olympics on foreign soil, expectations were so high that there’s been a sense of letdown at the Games—especially for big-name American athletes.More

High Schooler Orders Roses for 500 Classmates
February 17, 2006
Weston, Fla.—Paul Kim, a junior at Cypress Bay High School, brightened up Valentine’s Day for 500 fellow students when he had flowers delivered to nearly all of his school’s female juniors.More

Cartoon of Prophet Sparks Muslim Outrage
February 10, 2006
Kabul, Afghanistan—Muslim protests over offensive caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad turned deadly this week throughout the Middle East. Police killed four people Wednesday as protesters marched on a U.S. military base. More

Author Under Fire for Memoir Fabrications
February 3, 2006
New York—After a tense confrontation with talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, James Frey admitted he embellished facts in A Million Little Pieces, his best-selling memoir about drug addiction.More

Kanye West Poses as Christ on Rolling Stone Cover
January 27, 2006
New York—Outspoken rapper Kanye West is at the center of another controversy for posing on the latest cover of Rolling Stone magazine as a bloodied Jesus wearing a crown of thorns. More

Study: Teen Drivers Dangerous to Others
January 20, 2006
WASHINGTON—According to data released this week, 64 percent of people killed in car crashes involving 15- to 17-year-old drivers are people other than the driver.More

Robertson Apologizes for Remarks About Sharon
January 13, 2006
Jerusalem—Evangelical leader Pat Robertson had a letter of apology hand-delivered to the family of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this week. In it, he asked forgiveness for comments that Sharon’s recent devastating stroke was punishment for “dividing God’s land.” More

Miscommunication Proves Torturous for Miners’ Families
January 5, 2006
Tallsmansville, W.Va.—For three hours late Tuesday night, relatives of 13 miners trapped two miles underground rejoiced at news that their loved ones were alive. Then came the stunning correction that all but one miner had perished. More

Colts Coach Mourns Death of Son
December 30, 2005
Lutz, Fla.—James Dungy, son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was remembered at a funeral service Tuesday. James, 18, died in an apparent suicide on Dec. 22. More

TV Show Explores Beliefs About Heaven
December 21, 2005
New York—As Christmas approaches and attention turns to spirituality, journalist Barbara Walters explored the topic of heaven during a two-hour, primetime TV special... More

 ‘Ethical Gifts’ Offer Alternative to Christmas Consumerism
December 16, 2005
London—What do you give a person who has everything? One popular solution is donating money to a charity in that person’s name. Some of these “ethical gifts” allow people to “buy” food, animals, boats, and other provisions for impoverished people throughout the world.More

School Paper’s Report on Oral Sex Upsets Town
December 9, 2005
Columbus, Ind.—A four-page report detailing definitions and dangers of oral sex caused an uproar in this community last week. The report, titled “That Other Sex,” ran in the Triangle, the student newspaper at Columbus North High School.More

Parent’s ‘Discipline’ Creates Controversy
November 23, 2005
Edmond, Okla.—High school freshman Coretha Henderson had been skipping classes and letting her grades slip. When traditional discipline methods failed, her mother came up with a solution that's garnered national attention.More

18-Year-Old Becomes Youngest U.S. Mayor
November 15, 2005
Hillsdale, Michigan—Michael Sessions, who turned 18 in September, won a close election last week as a write-in mayoral candidate. On November 21, he’ll be sworn in as mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan, population 9,000, becoming America’s youngest mayor.More

Disillusioned Youth Riot in France
November 11, 2005
Paris—For two weeks, angry young people in 300 towns around Paris have been going on violent rampages. The riots began Oct. 27 after two teenagers of North African descent, apparently innocent of any crime, were electrocuted while trying to hide from police.More

Officials Warn of Worldwide Flu Pandemic
November 4, 2005
Washington—President Bush unveiled a $7.1 billion plan this week to prepare for a possible flu pandemic. Nerves are on edge as the bird flu spreads from Asia to Europe and is expected to arrive in America soon.More

Civil Rights Pioneer Rosa Parks Dies
October 28, 2005
Detroit—Rosa Parks, known as the mother of the civil rights movement, died this week at age 92. When Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man 50 years ago, she set into motion profound legal and social changes.More

Fox Shows Top List of ‘Worst’ TV
October 21, 2005
Hollywood—The Parents Television Council this week released its annual lists of the best and worst prime-time TV shows for families. Topping the “worst” list are four Fox programs ... More

Nominee’s Religious Views Become Focus of Attention
October 13, 2005
Washington, D.C.—Reports surfaced this week that presidential adviser Karl Rove reassured a conservative Christian leader about Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers’ religious views.More

Many View Hurricane Katrina as God’s Warning
October 7, 2005
New Orleans—According to a recent ABC News survey, eight percent of people view Hurricane Katrina as punishment, 14 percent say it’s a test of faith, and about half see it as a warning sign. More

Americans Urged to Conserve Energy
September 29, 2005
Beaumont, Texas—After back-to-back hurricanes hit the oil-rich Gulf Coast, Americans are facing supply shortfalls and being asked to drive less. This week President Bush asked everyone to “pitch in” and be “better conservers of energy.”More

Another Major Hurricane Heads for Land
September 23, 2005
Houston—The Gulf Coast is bracing for another major storm. Rita, this season’s 17th hurricane, could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit Texas.More

Blame Game Escalates During Katrina Recovery
September 16, 2005
New Orleans—Finger-pointing about the poor response to America’s worst natural disaster began as soon as winds from Hurricane Katrina ceased. Officials at all levels of government have been harshly criticized for bungling evacuation and relief efforts.More

Evacuees Spreading Out, Starting Over
September 9, 2005
New Orleans—With much of the Gulf Coast uninhabitable because of Hurricane Katrina, an estimated one million people are being displaced from their homes. Waves of evacuees are flooding into other cities and states ... More

Evacuation of New Orleans a Slow, Agonizing Process
September 6, 2005
New Orleans—One week after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, most people have been evacuated from New Orleans, a once-vibrant city of half a million people that will be uninhabitable for months.More

New Orleans Drowning in Katrina’s Aftermath
August 31, 2005
New Orleans—Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast Monday, leaving countless people dead, homeless, or stranded. “This is our tsunami,” said Biloxi, Miss., Mayor A.J. Holloway. More

Armstrong Denies New Drug Allegations
August 26, 2005
Paris—Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is facing new charges of blood-doping. The American cyclist, now retired, has fended off repeated drug rumors, despite negative tests.More

Mother’s Protest Sparks 1,600 Peace Vigils
August 19, 2005
Crawford, Texas—What started as a grieving mother’s personal protest spread across the country Wednesday night as people at 1,600 peace vigils joined Cindy Sheehan in calling for an end to the war in Iraq.More

More States Ban Teen Drivers’ Cell Phone Use
August 11, 2005
Denver—This week, Colorado became the latest state to restrict teenagers’ use of cell phones behind the wheel. New drivers can be ticketed for talking while driving if they’re stopped for another offense.More

Rock-Throwing Case Goes to Mediation
August 5, 2005
Fresno, Calif.—An 11-year-old girl charged with felony assault for throwing a rock at a boy narrowly avoided a trial Wednesday by agreeing to mediation.More

Shuttle Glitch Grounds Future Flights
July 29, 2005
Space Center, Houston—After a two-and-a-half year break and $1 billion to focus on safety, NASA’s space shuttle program resumed this week, only to experience problems similar to those that doomed Columbia.More

Bombings Challenge Londoners’ Courage
July 22, 2005
London—Faced with two terrorist assaults in two weeks, Londoners are bravely going about their business, defying those who aim to frighten them. More

Pope Warns Against ‘Harry Potter’
July 15, 2005
Berlin—Amid the pre-launch hype for the sixth Harry Potter book came word this week of papal disapproval of the J.K. Rowling series. More

Terrorists Attack London Commuters
July 7, 2005
London—Four blasts rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing in the worst attack on London since World War II.More

Live 8 Concerts Tackle African Poverty
July 5, 2005
Philadelphia—In a worldwide music marathon Saturday, more than 1 million people attended 10 free concerts with a political message. Organizer Bob Geldof, who called Live 8 “the greatest political lobby ever formed,” staged the simultaneous concerts one week before the G-8 summit.More

Defying Odds, Missing Utah Boy Found Alive
June 24, 2005
Bountiful, Utah—Brennan Hawkins, 11, was found safe and sound Tuesday, after spending four days lost in the Utah wilderness. About 3,000 volunteers searched for Brennan, who disappeared from a Boy Scout camp a week ago.More

Cruise, Holmes Announce Engagement
June 20, 2005
Paris—After a whirlwind, highly publicized romance, actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got engaged Friday atop the Eiffel Tower. More

Jury Clears Michael Jackson of All Charges
June 15, 2005
Santa Maria, Calif.—After 30 hours of deliberation, a jury came back Monday with 14 “not guilty” counts in Michael Jackson’s child-molestation trial. More

Search Continues in Aruba for Missing Teen
June 10, 2005
Oranjestad, Aruba—Authorities have made more arrests in the disappearance of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway, but there’s still no trace of the honor student missing since May 30.More

Teen’s Mom Faces Charges for Hiring Stripper
June 3, 2005
Nashville, Tenn.—Anette Pharris has been indicted by a grand jury for her choice of birthday party entertainment—hiring a stripper for her 16-year-old son’s festivities. More

Watchdog Groups Protest Paris Hilton Ad
May 27, 2005
Los Angeles—Paris Hilton’s commercial for Carl’s Jr.’s new Spicy Burger is too spicy for television, according to media watchdog groups. More

Final Installment of ‘Star Wars’ Saga Opens
May 20, 2005
Hollywood—The long-awaited Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith debuts this week, bringing closure to George Lucas’ blockbuster six-part epic.More

 ‘Jesus Christ’ in Legal Fight for Driver’s License
May 12, 2005
Charleston, W. Va.—A man who calls himself Jesus Christ to honor his beliefs is having a tough time getting a driver’s license after moving to another state.More

Runaway Bride May Face Charges, Restitution
May 4, 2005
Duluth, Ga.—A bride-to-be who disappeared last week and made up a story about being abducted may face criminal charges and have to pay for the search to find her.More

Surrogate Mother Waives Fee for Carrying Quints
April 29, 2005
Phoenix—Surrogate mother Teresa Anderson delivered five baby boys in five minutes this week for a childless couple but is declining her $15,000 fee.More

New Pope Is Defender of Church Orthodoxy
April 25, 2005
Vatican City—During their conclave, Roman Catholic cardinals appointed Joseph Ratzinger, a conservative German, to be their church’s next pope.More

Young Adults on Spiritual Quest, Surveys Show
April 14, 2005
Los Angeles—According to two surveys released this week, America’s young adults are interested in spirituality but don’t necessarily embrace traditional religious practices.More

Church Mourns John Paul II, Searches for Successor
April 5, 2005
Vatican City—Millions of Catholic pilgrims are paying their last respects to Pope John Paul II, who’s being laid to rest Friday. Later this month, 117 cardinals will meet to choose the church’s next leader.More

Tribal Chairman’s Son Arrested in School Shootings
April 1, 2005
Red Lake, Minn.—Louis Jourdain, 16, was charged this week with conspiracy in connection with the recent school shootings on Minnesota’s Red Lake Indian Reservation. Jourdain, son of tribe Chairman Floyd Jourdain Jr., was apparently a friend of main suspect Jeff Weise.More

Schiavo Battle Intensifies During Holy Week
March 25, 2005
Clearwater, Fla.—While Christians ponder Jesus’ death and resurrection this week, right-to-life groups are fighting for Terri Schiavo’s life. The severely brain-damaged woman was disconnected from her feeding tube last Friday, and several last-minute appeals have failed.More

Hostage Speaks of Faith, Purpose to Murderer
March 18, 2005
Atlanta—Last weekend, Ashley Smith helped end the largest manhunt in Georgia history by telling her captor about Christ. Smith had been taken hostage by alleged rapist Brian Nichols, 33, who escaped from an Atlanta courthouse after killing a judge and three other people. More

Senate Passes Bankruptcy Reform Bill
March 11, 2005
Washington—The Senate passed sweeping legislation Thursday that will overhaul the bankruptcy system. The bill, which is expected to become law, makes it more difficult for people to have their debts erased.More

Serial Killer’s Double Life Stuns Congregation
March 7, 2005
Alleged BTK serial killer Dennis Rader, 59, is being described as a regular family man with leadership roles at church and Cub Scouts. But police say he’s the worst mass murderer in Kansas history ... More

Parents of Truants Face Arrest
February 23, 2005
Detroit—Several cities and states have recently cracked down on student absenteeism, holding parents accountable when their kids are truant. Since the beginning of the year, 34 parents have been arrested in Detroit, New Mexico, and Tennessee.More

Jury Rejects Teen Killer's Zoloft Defense
February 18, 2005
CHARLESTON, S.C.—A jury this week convicted Christopher Pittman, now 15, of killing his grandparents three years ago. Pittman, who was tried as an adult, was given the minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.More

Prince Charles to Marry Longtime Companion
February 11, 2005
LONDON—Just days before Valentine’s Day, England’s Prince Charles announced his upcoming wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles. The two have been close since meeting more than 30 years ago.More

Professor Under Fire for 9/11 Comments
February 4, 2005
Boulder, Colo.—Ward Churchill, an ethnic-studies professor at the University of Colorado, has created an uproar by comparing victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to Nazis.More

Aborted Suicide Attempt Leads to Derailment, 11 Deaths
January 27, 2005
Glendale, Calif.—A suicidal man abandoned his SUV on a railroad track Wednesday, leading to a train derailment that killed 11 people and injured 200.More

 ‘Intelligent Design’ Enters Classroom, Gains Convert
January 24, 2005
Harrisburg, Penn.—Last week, a Pennsylvania school district became the first to require biology students to hear about "intelligent design," a controversial alternative to the theory of evolution.More

Prince’s Nazi Costume Draws Criticism
January 17, 2005
LONDON—After wearing Nazi attire and a swastika armband to a costume party last weekend, Prince Harry has been harshly reprimanded by Jewish groups and royal watchers.More

Tsunami Survivors Turn to Faith for Answers
January 11, 2005
Banda Aceh, Indonesia—While tsunami relief efforts continue in Southeast Asia, survivors are coping with the disaster’s impact on their spiritual lives. More

Nations, Individuals Rally to Provide Tsunami Relief
January 3, 2005
Jakarta, Indonesia—Aid is trickling to survivors of last week’s tsunami, which left an estimated 5 million people homeless and in need of clean water, food, clothing, and shelter. The death toll from the earthquake-induced tidal wave is expected to reach 150,000...More

Holiday Spending Takes Toll on Teens, Families
December 23, 2004
Falls Church, Va—National sales figures for the holiday shopping season are lower than expected, but teenagers are doing their part to give retailers a boost. More

Emotionless Peterson Receives Death Sentence
December 15, 2004
Redwood City, Calif.—This week a jury ruled that Scott Peterson should be executed for killing his wife, Laci, and unborn child. Afterward, jurors pointed to Peterson’s lack of emotion and remorse throughout the court proceedings as an important factor in their decision.More

Parents Strike Till Kids Do Chores
December 10, 2004
Deltona, Fla.—A couple is camping out on their front lawn this week, hoping their domestic strike will force their kids do a fair share of the housework.More

Christmas Display, Parade Cause Uproar
December 3, 2004
Denver—December’s arrival brings not only holiday decorations but also controversies about religious displays. Two issues have the Denver community debating church-state issues this Christmas.More

NBA Fight Nets Record Suspensions
November 23, 2004
Auburn Hills, Mich.—Players involved in Friday night’s brawl at the end of the Detroit Pistons-Indianapolis Pacers basketball game have been suspended a total of 143 games without pay.More

Kidnappers Kill Female Foreign-Aid Worker
November 19, 2004
Baghdad—According to new video footage, kidnapped British-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan has been executed by Islamic militants.More

Arafat’s Death Sparks New Hopes, Fears
November 12, 2004
Ramallah, West Bank—The death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Thursday brings hopes of renewed Mideast peacemaking efforts, as well as fears of escalating unrest and violence.More

Close Races End in Defeat for Kerry, Daschle
November 5, 2004
Washington, D.C.--After a bitter, hard-fought presidential race, Sen. John Kerry fell short of his White House bid in Tuesday’s election. And Senate minority leader Tom Daschle became the first Senate leader to be voted out of office in more than 50 years.More

Celebrities Lampoon Hell House
October 25, 2004
Los Angeles—One of America’s largest secular humanist groups is staging a “Hollywood Hell House” to parody fundamentalist Christian beliefs about sin and hell.More

Americans Scramble to Find Flu Shots
October 20, 2004
New York—With flu season underway and shots still scarce, Americans are braving long lines and complaining about an inadequate vaccine-supply system. The expected U.S. supply was cut in half because of contamination in a British vaccine-manufacturing plant.More

Reeve Leaves Legacy of Hope, Activism
October 14, 2004
Pound Ridge, N.Y.—Actor and director Christopher Reeve, paralyzed for nine years, died of cardiac arrest Sunday. Best-known onscreen for his role as Superman, Reeve became a passionate advocate for the disabled and for stem cell research.More

Military Reponds to Soldiers’ Combat Stress
October 8, 2004
Baghdad—While the media continue to focus on the U.S. death toll in Iraq, military officials are also concerned about the toll that combat takes on those who return home. Two experts have been hired to help Iraq war veterans cope with the realities of combat, especially the experience of killing.More

Poll Links Money and Satisfaction
October 1, 2004
Washington—People with higher incomes report greater satisfaction with their lives, according to a poll released last week. Fifty-six percent of respondents earning more than $75,000 a year said they’re “very satisfied”...More

Student’s Death Shines Spotlight on Binge Drinking
September 23, 2004
Beatrice, Neb.—The parents of a college student who died from alcohol poisoning announced a new foundation this week, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. Rick and Patty Spady said their daughter didn’t understand the physical consequences of drinking.More

Baseball Brawl Results in Player's Arrest
September 16, 2004
Oakland, Calif.—Texas Rangers relief pitcher Frank Francisco was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for throwing a chair at heckling fans during a game Monday night. The folding chair hit two people, including Jennifer Bueno, whose nose was broken.More

Multiple Hurricanes Pound Florida
September 9, 2004
Fort Pierce, Florida—Floridians are bracing for Ivan, the third major hurricane in less than a month. Charley struck mid-August, killing 27 people and causing an estimated $6.8 billion in insured damage, and Frances hit last weekend, killing at least 19.More

Criminal Case Dismissed Against Bryant
September 3, 2004
Eagle, Colo.—The sexual assault case against NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was dismissed Wednesday because the alleged victim no longer wanted to participate. Her attorney, John Clune, said, “The difficulties this case imposed on this young woman in the last year are unimaginable.More

Greek Games Marked by Controversy
August 26, 2004
Athens—Athletes in several sports have protested the judging and scoring during the 2004 Summer Olympics. The noisiest uproar occurred in gymnastics, where American Paul Hamm’s gold medal is being called into question.More

Phelps’ 8-Gold Quest Sinks
August 18, 2004
Athens—American swimmer Michael Phelps faced high expectations at the 2004 Summer Olympics, with hopes he’d surpass Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven gold medals. But Phelps, the world’s greatest all-around swimmer, fell short...More

Sermon on Stealing Yields Tangible Results
August 12, 2004
Lakeville, Minn.—Parishioners at Hosanna Lutheran Church are bringing unusual contributions to the sanctuary these days: items they’ve stolen and want to return. More

Bombings Target Iraqi Christians
August 5, 2004
Baghdad—Eleven people were killed earlier this week in bombings at several Iraqi Christian churches. The coordinated explosions marked the first major attack on the country’s Christian minority since the insurgency began 15 months ago.More

Heinz Kerry Defends Right to Speak Her Mind
July 30, 2004
Boston—At the Democratic National Convention this week, Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of presidential candidate John Kerry, made headlines for telling off a reporter. And in her primetime speech, she advocated the "value in taking a stand."More

Armstrong Nears Sixth Straight Tour Title
July 23, 2004
Paris—American cyclist Lance Armstrong is within sight of his record-setting sixth straight Tour de France victory. The three-week, 2,200-mile race ends Sunday in Paris, and Armstrong extended his lead this week in the French Alps.More

‘Jeopardy!’ Champ Tops $1 Million
July 15, 2004
New York—This week’s most-talked-about competition wasn’t baseball’s annual All-Star Game but a record-breaking Jeopardy! streak. Contestant Ken Jennings, a 30-year-old software engineer from Salt Lake City, has won more than $1 million...More

Teen Surfer Models Bravery, Faith
July 9, 2004
Kauai, Hawaii—Surfer Bethany Hamilton, 13, is an odds-on favorite to win the Best Comeback award at next weekend’s ESPY Awards. The top amateur lost her left arm in a shark attack last October.More

Supreme Court OKs Block on Web-Porn Ban
June 30, 2004
Washington, D.C.—In its final ruling of the term, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Child Online Protection Act is probably unconstitutional because of its broad sweep.More

Teen Star Treated for Eating Disorder
June 24, 2004
New York—Actress Mary-Kate Olsen, 18, is being treated for anorexia. She recently denied having an eating disorder, despite speculation about her gaunt appearance.More

States Consider Lower Voting Age
June 18, 2004
Sacramento, Calif.—This election year 10 states are exploring whether the voting age should be lowered from 18. California State Sen. John Vasconcellos recently proposed giving 16- and 17-year-olds a half vote and 14- and 15-year-olds a quarter vote in state elections.More

Nation Remembers Former President Reagan
June 11, 2004
Washington, D.C.—In a solemn week of mourning and remembrance, America paid tribute to Ronald Wilson Reagan, its 40th president. Reagan, 93, died in California Saturday after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.More

Communion Being Used in Political Battles
June 2, 2004
Colorado Springs, Colo.—Months before Election Day, partisanship is emerging not just on the campaign trial but within churches. Numerous Catholic bishops, for example, have encouraged pro-abortion politicians to avoid communion—and even threatened to deny them the sacrament.More

Senior Pranks Lead to Damage, Arrests
May 28, 2004
Athens, Ga.—High school graduation season is in full swing, which means senior pranks are being planned and executed. Some pranks, however, now cross the line from fun to vandalism.More

Killer’s Parents: We Don’t Need Forgiveness
May 19, 2004
NEW YORK—Speaking out for the first time since their son, Dylan, and a friend killed 13 people and themselves at Columbine High School, Tom and Susan Klebold told a reporter they don’t feel at fault. More

Video Shows American Being Beheaded
May 14, 2004
Baghdad—After seeing footage of an American civilian being decapitated in Iraq, some people throughout the world called it fair revenge for the Iraqi prisoner-abuse scandal; others—including some Muslims—said it was unjustifiable.More

Prisoner-Abuse Photos Spark Outrage
May 6, 2004
Washington, D.C.— President Bush appeared on Arab television Wednesday, calling the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers "abhorrent" and promising investigations. More

Adoption Show Promoted as Reality TV
May 3, 2004
Akron, Ohio—Even before ABC’s 20/20 aired its open-adoption special Friday, viewers were outraged by the impression that the show was a competition. Initial promotions for "Be My Baby" said it followed five couples "desperate to adopt, all competing"...More

NFL Player-Turned-Soldier Dies in Ambush
April 29, 2004
PHOENIX—Tributes are pouring in for Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan last week. The 27-year-old had left pro football to join the Army after the Sept. 11 attacks...More

Columbine Anniversary Emphasizes Hope, Tolerance
April 23, 2004
Littleton, Colo.—This week marked the fifth anniversary of the worst school shooting in U.S. history. On April 20, 1999, two heavily armed teenagers killed 12 students and a teacher at Columbine High School before committing suicide.More

Student Tells Sorority Sisters to Lie at Blood Drive
April 16, 2004
Columbia, Mo.—The blood-drive coordinator for a sorority at the University of Missouri-Columbia may be expelled for urging members to lie about their health in a campus competition.More

Gibson’s ‘The Passion’ Impacts Holy Week
April 8, 2004
As Christians celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection this week, the movie The Passion of the Christ lingers in many of their minds, and its images of Jesus’ intense suffering now cast a somber mood...More

Final ‘Left Behind’ Novel Releases
April 3, 2004
Wheaton, Ill.—Glorious Appearing, the anticipated final book in the “Left Behind” series of apocalyptic thrillers, hit shelves this week. More

Officials on Hot Seat at 9/11 Hearings
March 26, 2004
Washington, D.C.—A bipartisan committee grilled current and former government officials this week in an effort to piece together possible missteps preceding the Sept. 11 attacks. More

Attacks Escalate Near War Anniversary
March 19, 2004
Madrid—As newscasts marked the one-year anniversary of the war in Iraq this week, they also were filled with reports of increased terrorism, including a Baghdad hotel blast that killed 27. More

‘Passion’ Merchandise in Fashion
March 11, 2004
Denver—With The Passion of the Christ still America’s No. 1 movie, grossing more than $212 million in just 12 days, tie-in items have been flying off shelves. Nail pendants, pocket crosses, witness cards, and books are available in Christian stores...More

Debate Intensifies Over Future of Marriage
March 5, 2004
Washington, D.C.—This week Congress began heatedly debating President Bush's proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. The divisive issue is expected to provide plenty of election-year debate...More

'The Passion’ Now in Theaters
February 25, 2004
Hollywood—After months of anticipation and discussion, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ releases to 2,800 theaters this week. The movie focuses on the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, graphically portraying his trial, suffering, and crucifixion.More

NCAA to Investigate Recruiting Scandals
February 20, 2004
Boulder, Colo.—Late last week, NCAA president Myles Brand announced the formation of a college-recruiting task force to address recent scandals that have rocked athletic programs nationwide. More

Pilot Plugs Christianity, Scares Passengers
February 13, 2004
New York—On an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York last Friday, the pilot encouraged Christian passengers to identify themselves and share their faith with others onboard.More

Halftime Show Triggers Outrage
February 3, 2004
New York City—Super Bowl XXXVIII had a fantastic finish—but Monday’s post-game discussions focused more on the R-rated halftime show. More

Kerry Wins New Hampshire Primaries
January 28, 2004
Manchester, N.H.—On the heels of last week’s victory in the Iowa caucuses, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry won the New Hampshire primaries Tuesday...Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean came in second...More

Jury Pool Narrowed for Stewart Trial
January 23, 2004
New York—Final jury selection began this week for the upcoming trial of homemaking maven Martha Stewart. U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum is overseeing the process of finding impartial jurors...More

Bush Announces Space Initiatives
January 16, 2004
Washington, D.C.—As NASA continues to celebrate the success of its Spirit rover on Mars, President Bush called for new funding and new goals for America’s space program.More

Oops! Spears Has Marriage Annulled
January 7, 2004
Las Vegas—At just 55 hours, pop princess Britney Spears had one of the shortest celebrity marriages on record. Early Saturday, she wed childhood friend Jason Alexander...and by Monday noon, the marriage was annulled.More

Quake Toll Rises; U.S. Helps Former Enemy
December 31, 2003
Bam, Iran—Officials now project that up to 50,000 people perished in last Friday’s earthquake, making it one of the deadliest modern-day natural disasters.More

Bush Lauds Volunteers, Urges Service
December 24, 2003
Washington, D.C.—In his final weekly radio address before Christmas, President Bush praised the 63 million Americans who do volunteer work and encouraged others to follow their lead.More

Bush to Saddam: ‘Good Riddance’
December 16, 2003
Washington—President Bush has promised a public trial for Saddam Hussein, who was captured by U.S. troops Saturday night. The deposed Iraqi dictator was hiding in a hole and surrendered without firing his pistol. More

Family Maintains Hope for Missing Woman
December 12, 2003
Grand Forks, N.D.—Authorities said this week there’s "no chance" of finding Dru Sjodin alive, angering family members who are still clinging to hope. The 22-year-old college student was apparently kidnapped from a mall November 22 after leaving work.More

Osbourne: ‘I Was Sexually Abused’
December 4, 2003
London—Heavy-metal singer and reality-TV star Ozzy Osbourne said in an interview this week that he was sexually abused as a child and has only recently dealt with some of the resulting emotional trauma.More

Jackson Calls Charges "A Big Lie"
November 26, 2003
Santa Barbara, Calif.—Michael Jackson, the eccentric "King of Pop," is in the spotlight again for child-molestation allegations, but fans continue to support him and claim he’s the victim of a vendetta.More

Bush, Blair Steadfast in Face of Protests, Bombings
November 21, 2003
London—Facing throngs of protesters and continuing terrorist attacks, President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair stood together Thursday and promised not to back down in Iraq.More

Media Blitz Focuses on Jessica Lynch
November 14, 2003
Palestine, W.Va.—Jessica Lynch, the American prisoner of war rescued in Iraq, was in the limelight all week, leaving some other soldiers and families feeling overlooked.More

Reagan Mini-Series Causes Uproar, Gets Axed
November 7, 2003
Los Angeles—Facing mounting pressure and threatened boycotts, CBS canceled "The Reagans," a mini-series set to air in mid-November during ratings sweeps. The four-hour docudrama eventually will air on Showtime...More

Florida Woman at Center of Euthanasia Debate
October 31, 2003
Tampa, Fla.—Florida’s legislature and governor intervened in a highly publicized right-to-die case last week, ordering a feeding tube reinserted into Terri Schiavo, who’s been in a persistent vegetative state for 13 years.More

Lovable Losers Seem Cursed, Remain Hopeful
October 20, 2003
New York—The 100th World Series began this weekend without the teams for which many Americans were rooting. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox were both eliminated in a Game 7...More

Government Probes Leak of CIA Operative's Name
October 10, 2003
Washington, D.C.—The Justice Department is investigating whether someone in the Bush administration illegally revealed the name of an undercover CIA officer. White House employees turned over relevant documents this week...More

Limbaugh Resigns Over Controversial Remark
October 3, 2003
New York City—Radio host Rush Limbaugh resigned as an ESPN football commentator this week after coming under fire for remarks about black quarterback Donovan McNabb.More

Group Decries TV’s ‘Flood of Vulgarity’
September 26, 2003
Los Angeles—Just as a new TV season premiered Monday, a watchdog group released a study showing that profanity abounds on the small screen. The Parents Television Council...found an increase in foul language in every time slot and on "virtually every network."More

Bible Gets Makeover for Teenage Girls
September 19, 2003
Nashville, Tenn.—One of today’s hottest-selling Bibles resembles a glossy teen fashion magazine. Revolve, a 400-page, full-color New Testament, is filled with fashion advice, top-ten lists, quizzes, and Q&A segments.More

Lawsuits Target Music File-Sharers
September 15, 2003
Los Angeles—Last week the Recording Industry Association of America filed 261 copyright lawsuits against Internet users who illegally download and share music.More

Executed Murderer Expected ‘Great Reward’
September 8, 2003
Starke, Fla.—Last week anti-abortion activist Paul Hill became the first killer of an abortion provider to be executed in America. Nine years ago, Hill shot to death Dr. John Britton and his bodyguard at a clinic in Pensacola, Florida.More

Protesters Decry Removal of Commandments
August 29, 2003
Montgomery, Ala.—Hundreds of people demonstrated and prayed outside the Alabama Judicial Building Wednesday as a crew removed a Ten Commandments monument from public display.More

Iraq Bombing Targets Humanitarian Offices
August 22, 2003
Baghdad—A hotel housing the United Nations headquarters in Iraq was hit by a suicide truck bomber this week, killing at least 23 people and wounding at least 100.More

Schwarzenegger Running for California Governor
August 15, 2003
Los Angeles—Movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger jumped into the California governor’s race last week, joining 134 other candidates trying to replace Governor Gray Davis in a recall election October 7. More

Homosexuality Threatens to Divide Church, Nation
August 8, 2003
Minneapolis—The Episcopal Church is facing internal rumblings and dissension after confirming its first openly gay bishop, the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, who has been in a homosexual relationship for 13 years.More

Bryant’s Accuser Being Named, Vilified
July 31, 2003
Eagle, Colo.—The 19-year-old woman who has accused NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of sexual assault is facing grilling from the media, and some outlets are even revealing her name and photo.More

Death of Saddam’s Sons Cheered as ‘Good News’
July 25, 2003
Baghdad—The U.S. military eliminated the men they called "High-Value Targets Nos. 2 and 3" by killing Saddam Hussein’s sons in a six-hour firefight Tuesday. An Iraqi informant told U.S. forces where to find Uday and Qusay in the city of Mosul.More

Bryant Faces Charges, Tarnished Image
July 21, 2003
Los Angeles–NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, 24, was charged late last week with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a Colorado hotel. Although he insisted he’s innocent of that charge, Bryant admitted he "made the mistake of adultery."More

Robertson: Pray for Justices to Retire
July 19, 2003
Virginia Beach, Va.–A recent Supreme Court decision has spurred a 21-day "prayer offensive" by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson. This week he asked his "700 Club" audience to pray for God to remove three liberal justices...More

Britney Spears Says She Slept With Boyfriend
July 12, 2003
Los Angeles—In an interview in the new issue of W magazine, pop singer Britney Spears admits for the first time that she isn’t a virgin. The 21-year-old had previously promised to stay chaste until marriage...More

Upcoming Film Labeled Anti-Semitic
July 3, 2003
Hollywood—Mel Gibson’s latest production has generated a lot of controversy, before it’s even been shown to distributors.More

New ‘Harry Potter’ Book Flies Off Shelves
June 27, 2003
New York–Within 24 hours of its Saturday release, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix had sold a record-breaking 5 million copies. Scholastic, the book’s American publisher, has already ordered a third printing of this long-awaited fifth title in J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter" series. More

'Roe' Asks Court to Overturn Landmark Ruling
June 20, 2003
Dallas–Norma McCorvey, once known only as "Jane Roe" in the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case that led to abortion’s legalization, filed a motion this week to have that ruling overturned. More

Parents Unaware of Young Teens’ Sexual Activity
June 13, 2003
Washington–According to a new report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, one in five young people ages 12 to 14 have had sex. And two-thirds of the parents of the sexually active 14-year-olds said they were unaware of their kids’ behavior.More

Captured Fugitive Called ‘Christian Terrorist’
June 7, 2003
MURPHY, N.C.–After eluding authorities for seven years, accused bomber Eric Robert Rudolph was arrested behind a supermarket by a rookie policeman last Saturday.More

Alabama D.A. Compiles Controversial List
May 30, 2003
MOBILE, Ala.–Saying that he wants to help troubled kids by providing early intervention, Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr. has assembled a database of 905 young people he predicts will be "future criminals."More

Graduation Test Leads to Calls for Boycott
May 23, 2003
MIAMI–Florida's sugar, citrus, and tourism industries are the targets of a potential boycott over the state's standardized testing.More

Long-Awaited ‘Matrix’ Sequel Opens
May 16, 2003
HOLLYWOOD–The Matrix Reloaded, which is expected to break box office records, opened Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival in France and at 3,600 theaters across America.More

Moral Crusader Says He’ll Stop Gambling
May 8, 2003
WASHINGTON–Republican-party activist and former Cabinet secretary William Bennett said Monday he's "done too much gambling" and will quit because it sets a poor example.More

Raunchy ‘Real Cancun’ Flops at Box Office
May 2, 2003
HOLLYWOOD–Despite lots of publicity and strong buzz, The Real Cancun ranked No. 10 in ticket sales last weekend, grossing just $2.1 million.More

SARS Outbreak Continues to Spread
April 25, 2003
BEIJING–Chinese officials admitted this week that the number of SARS cases in large cities is much higher than previously disclosed.More

Troops Work to Restore Order in Baghdad
April 17, 2003
BAGHDAD–Iraq's capital city, lacking basic services and a police presence after Saddam Hussein's fall, struggled to return to normal this week.More

Christian Groups Eager to Enter Post-War Iraq
April 11, 2003
BAGHDAD–Saddam Hussein's regime began collapsing this week when coalition forces took over Baghdad.More

Nation, President Turn to Prayer During War
April 4, 2003
WASHINGTON, D.C.–As the war in Iraq continues, the House of Representatives passed a resolution urging President Bush to proclaim a "day for humility, prayer, and fasting."More

U.S. Demands Humane Treatment for POWs
March 28, 2003
BAGHDAD–As Operation Iraqi Freedom enters its second week, coalition forces continue their push toward Baghdad.More

War Begins as U.S. Attacks Iraq
March 21, 2003
BAGHDAD–The United States began attacking key Iraqi targets Thursday, with cruise missiles causing large explosions and fires. More

Family Rejoices Over Missing Girl's Return
March 14, 2003
SALT LAKE CITY–Elizabeth Smart, the 15-year-old who was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom window nine months ago, was found alive Wednesday.More

Peace Protests Escalate as War Looms
March 7, 2003
WASHINGTON, D.C.–High school and college students across the United States staged walk-outs and peace protests Wednesday, urging President Bush to reconsider plans to attack Iraq.More

Transplant Error Fatal for Teenager
February 26, 2003
DURHAM, N.C.–Jesica Santillan’s family smuggled her into the United States so she could receive the best medical care.More

Nice Guy Finishes First on 'The Bachelorette'
February 21, 2003
LOS ANGELES–In a surprise ending watched by 30 million people Wednesday night, Trista Rehn, the bachelorette on ABC's hit TV series, selected shy, sensitive firefighter Ryan Sutter.More

Youth Group Holds Prayer Vigil for Jackson
February 14, 2003
LOS ANGELES—Two hundred youth group members held a prayer vigil at Michael Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, citing fears that the pop star might commit suicide because of recent negative publicity.More

Columbia Crew Mourned, Remembered
February 5, 2003
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston–In a memorial service Tuesday for the seven fallen Columbia astronauts, President Bush declared that "America's space program will go on."More

'Miracles' Debuts on ABC
January 30, 2003
NEW YORK–ABC's new mystery/horror series Miracles is being billed as a religious X-Files.More

Roe v. Wade Turns 30
January 24, 2003
WASHINGTON–Thirty years after the controversial Roe v. Wade ruling legalized abortion, abortion is still one of the most fiercely contested issues in the United States.More

Illinois Governor Clears Death Row
January 18, 2003
Springfield, Ill.–Last week Governor George Ryan shocked the nation by commuting the sentence of every single death row inmate in Illinois to life imprisonment or less, citing the likelihood of erroneous verdicts.More

Joe Millionaire Attracts Big Ratings
January 11, 2003
NEW YORK–Joe Millionaire, Fox's newest reality show, debuted to immensely high ratings, especially in the coveted 18- to 49-year-old demographic.More

Oregon Schools Threaten to Shorten School Year
January 3, 2003
PORTLAND, Ore.–School districts in Oregon may trim days from the school year to deal with severe budget problems.More

Parents Fight Truancy
December 21, 2002
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia school system, where the truancy rate was six percent last year, is launching a program that enlists parents to track down chronically absent students.More

Stress Increases Over College Admission Process
December 13, 2002
BOSTON–Caitlin Lochridge, a 16-year-old Massachusetts high school student, is paying $2,500 for two years of admissions counseling from a "college coach" to help her get into her top-choice schools'Pomona College and Pepperdine University.More

Charitable Contributions Decline in 2002
December 7, 2002
For the Salvation Army and many other non-profits, Christmas is a time when they expect to raise more than half of their yearly budgets, but as the holidays approach this year, overall contributions could decline as much as 6 percent, according to Investment News.More

Overweight Teens Sue McDonald's
December 2, 2002
NEW YORK–Fifteen-year-old Gregory Rhymes blames McDonald's for the fact that he weighs 400 pounds and suffers from diabetes.More

Evangelical Group Asks, 'What Would Jesus Drive?'
November 22, 2002
Washington, D.C.–A new TV ad campaign scheduled to air in Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and North Carolina asks car buyers the question, "What would Jesus drive?"More

Planned Parenthood's Online 'Sextionary'
November 15, 2002
Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest reproductive health care organization, launched an online "sextionary" last month on teenwire.com, the organization's award-winning teen Web site.More

Winona Ryder Found Guilty of Shoplifting
November 8, 2002
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.—Actress Winona Ryder was convicted of felony grand theft and vandalism this week for taking $5,500 worth of clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue.More

Atheist Teen Faces Expulsion From Boy Scouts
November 1, 2002
Port Orchard, Wash.–Nineteen-year-old Darrell Lambert has been asked to profess belief in a higher power within the next week or leave the Boy Scouts.More

Burial Box May Link to Jesus
October 25, 2002
JERUSALEM–A burial box dating from the first century A.D. may be the first-ever archeological discovery to directly reference the historical Jesus.More

Sniper Terrorizes D.C. Area
October 11, 2002
ROCKVILLE, MD .–The 13th sniper attack in the Washington, D.C., area occurred Tuesday morning, when a bus driver was fatally shot.More

Hosting Party Could Land Mom in Jail
October 4, 2002
PHILADELPHIA–Allowing her two teenagers to have a party in her home led to an involuntary manslaughter conviction for 42-year-old Judith McCloskey.More

Child Beating Caught on Videotape
September 27, 2002
SOUTH BEND, Ind.–Four-year-old Martha Toogood is in temporary foster care after her mother was videotaped striking her repeatedly in a parking lot.More

Companies Offer Sanitized Cinema
September 20, 2002
LOS ANGELES–Companies that offer cleaned-up versions of blockbuster movies have recently attracted the attention–and wrath–of Hollywood.More

Town Debates Yoga in School
September 16, 2002
ASPEN, Colo.—The Aspen School District board voted 3-1 last week to allow yoga to be taught to first- through fourth-graders.More

U.S. Marks 9/11 Anniversary
September 6, 2002
NEW YORK CITY–Americans are in a reflective mood as they remember the terrorist attacks that occurred one year ago.More

Politicians Debate Iraq Invasion
August 30, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C.–With rising speculation about an upcoming American invasion of Iraq, the Republican party is split over the wisdom of such a move.More

Film Explores Controversial 'Hell House'
August 24, 2002
CEDAR HILL, Texas–In a new documentary, filmmaker George Ratliff shows how members of Trinity, a Pentecostal church near Dallas, create a haunted house designed to scare people to salvation.More

Better Protection for Working Teenagers Urged
August 15, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C.–In a recent report commissioned by the Labor Department, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health encouraged the government to prohibit teenagers from working in dangerous job fields.More

Credit Card Companies Target Students
August 9, 2002
NEW YORK CITY–As college students prepare to return to campus this month, credit card companies are preparing to lure them with promises of free money.More

Teen Virgins Now in the Majority
August 2, 2002
ATLANTA–According to a new study, high school students who have chosen to remain virgins now outnumber their sexually active peers for the first time in more than 20 years.More

Court OKs Broader Drug Testing
July 26, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C.–In a 5-4 decision last month, the U.S. Supreme Court approved random drug testing of public high school students participating in any extracurricular activity.More

HIV-Positive Muppet to Join 'Sesame Street'
July 19, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C.–At last week's 14th International AIDS Conference, Sesame Street unveiled plans to introduce an HIV-positive Muppet to the South African version of its show.More

Ted Williams' Family Feuds Over Freezing Him
July 12, 2002
INVERNESS, Fla.–Since the death of baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams, his family has been feuding over what to do with his remains.More

Singer Denies Sex Charges
July 8, 2002
CHICAGO—In response to a deepening legal battle, Grammy-winning R&B singer R. Kelly just released a new song to take on his detractors and try to regain his fan base.More

Court Rules Pledge Is Unconstitutional
June 28, 2002
SAN FRANCISCO–A federal appeals court declared the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional Wednesday, saying "under God" violates the First Amendment's prohibition of a state religion.More

'Red Flag' Fire Warnings Issued Across Western U.S
June 21, 2002
DENVER–Nineteen major wildfires are burning across the United States, consuming hundreds of thousands of acres and leading to thousands of evacuations.More

Clues Sought in Case of Kidnapped Teen
June 14, 2002
SALT LAKE CITY–While authorities say they've received some promising leads in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, the 14-year-old is still missing after more than a week.More

Mission Group Bans Gay Volunteer
June 7, 2002
MALIBU, Calif.–Justin Emerick, a junior at Pepperdine University, has been barred from participating in a summer mission trip because of his sexual orientation.More

Web-Filtering Law Struck Down
June 4, 2002
PHILADELPHIA–A three-judge panel has ruled that Congress can't require public libraries to install Web-filtering devices on computers.More

White House Knew of Threats Before Sept. 11
May 24, 2002
WASHINGTON, D.C.–After recent revelations that the Bush administration had advance notice of possible terrorist attacks against America, the White House has acknowledged receiving intelligence that Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network might hijack U.S. airplanes.More

Attack of the Clones Continues 'Star Wars' Saga
May 20, 2002
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.–After three years of anticipation, Star Wars: Episode II–Attack of the Clones opened to mixed reviews.More

Suspect Captured in Mailbox-Bombing Spree
May 10, 2002
RENO, Nev.–Lucas Helder, a 21-year-old college student from Minnesota, was arrested Tuesday for what the FBI called a five-day "domestic terrorism" spree.More

Expelled Student Kills 17 in Germany
April 30, 2002
ERFURT, Germany–A gunman bent on revenge left a nation in shock Friday when he went on a shooting rampage at his former school.More

Cardinals Debate 'Zero-Tolerance' for Accused Priests
April 29, 2002
VATICAN CITY–At an emergency summit called by Pope John Paul II, America's Roman Catholic cardinals discussed how to handle priests who sexually abuse children.More

Tree-Sitting Protester Dies From Fall
April 19, 2002
PORTLAND, Ore.–Beth O'Brien, a 22-year-old "tree-sitter" protesting a timber sale in the Mount Hood National Forest, fell 150 feet to her death on April 12.More

Young People Kidnap Woman for Film Prank
April 15, 2002
FLINT, Mich.–Five young people who say they were merely making a horror movie now face kidnapping and assault charges.More

Survey Reveals Rude Nation
April 5, 2002
NEW YORK CITY—In a just-released survey, 79 percent of adults said a "lack of respect and courtesy is a serious problem" in American society.More

Violence Continues During Mideast Talks
March 28, 2002
NETANYA, Israel–A Palestinian suicide bomber killed 21 people and injured more than 120 at a hotel Wednesday, as Israeli Jews were sitting down to a Seder meal at the start of Passover. More

Pope Addresses 'Grave Scandal' in Catholic Church
March 21, 2002
VATICAN CITY–In his annual pre-Easter message to priests on Thursday, Pope John Paul II spoke out for the first time about the sex-abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church.More

Yates Given Life Sentence for Drowning Kids
March 18, 2002
HOUSTON–In two swift decisions last week, a Texas jury found Andrea Yates guilty of capital murder and sentenced her to life in prison for drowning her five children in a bathtub.More