The psalmist praises the "glorious splendor" of God's kingdom this Sunday, but the beauty and splendor of the fragile wildlife eco-system off the coast of four U.S. Gulf Coast states is threatened by an approaching oil slick.

We read in the Sunday's selection from the Acts of the Apostles that it was necessary the disciples "undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." Opponents of Arizona's controversial new immigration law believe it drives a wedge between law enforcement officials and the Latino community . . .

This Sunday's gospel begins with the dramatic moment at which Judas leaves the Last Supper in order to betray Jesus. Republican Governor Charlie Crist of Florida will stir election-year drama and likely be accused by some of betraying his party for deciding to run for one of Florida's U.S. Senate seats . . .

In this Sunday's reading from the Book of Revelation, John describes a vision of "a new heaven and a new earth" and "the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven." British scientist Stephen Hawking believes extraterrestrial life . . .

"It's dangerous because it can create the illusion of understanding and the illusion of control. Some problems in the world are not bullet-izable."

In 2009 U.S. newspaper advertising revenues fell 27.2 percent--more than $10 billion--from 2008, which had been considered the worst year for newspapers since the Great Depression.