CHICAGO (NNPA) - It's a nationwide problem - the shortage of Black male teachers. Only two percent of the nation's nearly five million teachers are African American.

Historically, severe economic downturns draw many people to turn to their faith, praying for the strength to hold on just a little bit longer. But now, where people pray or worship is also being affected by foreclosures.

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, President Barack Obama's controversial former pastor, accused people who wrongly believe Obama is Muslim of catering to political enemies during a fiery speech last Sunday in Arkansas.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen this week voiced support for a Nashville waiter's claim that a new law allowing guns in bars creates an unsafe workplace.

A controversial nationwide conversation has sparked following the proposal of a Muslim-themed community center two blocks away from Ground Zero.

For years, drivers from every U.S. state and Canadian province have reported speed trap locations to the National Motorists Association's National Speed Trap Exchange.

NEW ORLEANS, La. — A mile-long oil sheen spread Thursday from an offshore petroleum platform burning in the Gulf of Mexico off Lousiana, west of the site of BP's massive spill.

WASHINGTON — The former chief of Lehman Brothers told a panel investigating the financial crisis that the Wall Street firm could have been rescued, but regulators refused to help — even though they later bailed out other big banks.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Police shot and killed a man upset with the Discovery Channel network's programming who took two employees and a security officer hostage at the company's headquarters Wednesday, officials said. All three hostages escaped safely.

WASHINGTON — Despite President Barack Obama's declaration Tuesday of an end to the combat mission in Iraq, combat almost certainly lies ahead.