Economists point to rising debt as next crisis

The Founding Fathers left one legacy not celebrated on Independence Day but which affects us all. It's the national debt, which is a staggering $11.4 trillion — about $37,000 for every American.

Johnny comes marching home — to no job
National Guardsmen are coming home from Iraq to face a new enemy – a swooning economy that has landed like a KO'd heavyweight on the canvas of their home towns.

Cops: Ariz. mom led sons on crime spree
The case of an Arizona mother who allegedly led her sons on a crime spree has outraged authorities and the public and drawn comparisons to "Ma Barker," the infamous mom in the early 1900s.

Report: Turkoglu ditches Blazers for Raptors

Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu decided Friday to pass on Portland and is reportedly likely to sign with Toronto for $56 million over five years.

July 4 fireworks shows go up in smoke

With the recession eating away at state and local budgets everywhere, it will be a silent Fourth of July across the country for many communities that have canceled their annual fireworks shows.

Chestnut, Kobayashi face off again in eat-off

Coney kings hot-dogged it for the cameras yesterday, mustering tough-guy poses and stare downs at the weigh-in for Saturday's traditional July 4th hot-dog eating contest.

Analysis: Yet again, Palin plays by own rules

Sarah Palin demonstrated once again yesterday that she is one of America's most unconventional politicians, following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

Iran leader's aide: Mousavi is a U.S. agent

A top aide to Iran's supreme leader called the country's main opposition figure a U.S. agent and accused him in an editorial Saturday of committing crimes against the nation.

Cop nabs robber minutes after graduating

One of the NYPD's newest officers made his first arrest just minutes after graduating from the Police Academy in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

Rural S.C. terrorized by 5 killings in past week

A terrified rural South Carolina community hunkered down over the Fourth of July after the sheriff said a serial killer was on the loose, and longtime residents were reminded of a murderer who terrorized the town in the 1960s.