VATICAN CITY — Benedict XVI always cast himself as the reluctant pope, a shy bookworm who preferred solitary walks in the Alps to the public glare and the majesty of Vatican pageantry. And on Monday, the Vatican announced that the leader of the world's billion Roman Catholics was stepping down — the first pontiff to do so since 1415.

Through Dec. 29 soft toys purchased at Ikea will help provide quality education to children in developing countries.

WASHINGTON — Some reward.

It certainly won't match the boom years of the last decade.

Stocks rose on Friday after a government report showed that more Americans are going back to work.

Byblos (3332 South Mill Ave., Tempe [480] 894-1945). Middle Eastern cuisine doesn’t get much better in the Valley. The Mirza family’s signature tomato soup is a must-have item and their stuffed grape leaves are nearly as good. You can’t go wrong with the chicken Mediterranean or any of the kebabs. $$

Whenever Kaimarr Price had his doubts, and there were many, he always found something to refocus on his goals.

Our economy is recovering under Obama’s leadership despite the worst worldwide recession in our lifetime.

Knives in hand, two East Valley chefs face off August 27 in a culinary competition to win the votes and taste buds of local diners. Calling themselves “Crouching Tiger” and “Transylvanian Garlic Keeper,” reining champion John Wong of Mesa’s Asia restaurant and his challenger Romeo Taus of Romeo’s Euro Café in Gilbert go head-to-head in the second Chef Off competition.

NEW YORK — Stocks soared in the U.S. and Europe Thursday after the European Central Bank president vowed to "do whatever it takes" to preserve the continent's monetary union.

To tip or not to tip?

Americans gape with fascination at the slow-motion implosion of the Eurozone. But it’s a fabulous opportunity to learn from others, if we will, and avoid at least some of the misery enveloping Europe.

Americans gape with fascination at the slow-motion implosion of the Eurozone. But it’s a fabulous opportunity to learn from others, if we will, and avoid at least some of the misery enveloping Europe.

The 48th annual Economic Forecast Luncheon will address what's ahead in 2012 for unemployment, the housing market and the stock market nationally and in Arizona. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the event at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center's West Ballroom.

Brian Bergeson is owner (with his brother, Bruce) of Bergies Coffee Roast House, 309 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. (480) 497-3913 or www.bergiescoffee.com

Pump prices in Arizona experienced modest declines this week, but a surge in the price of crude means Thanksgiving travelers could end up paying more for gas.

Does anyone remember the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin?

Houston, we have a problem! Chicago, New York and L.A., you have the same problem I'm afraid, as does our entire nation actually.

Although the building in Gilbert’s Heritage District has housed five failed restaurants in 14 years, local business leaders dismiss talk of a curse.

Although the building in Gilbert’s Heritage District has housed five failed restaurants in 14 years, local business leaders dismiss talk of a curse.

Although the building in Gilbert’s Heritage District has housed five failed restaurants in 14 years, local business leaders dismiss talk of a curse.