I second BBC World News. I believe BBC America carries it too. Cable is your friend. I believe strongly the appalling standards of our news programs (and newpapers) in the US is why we're so ignorant about what's going on in the rest of the world.

As for gas prices, but our country is BIGGER! We have to drive REALY REALY FAR in our non-fuel-efficient cheapass cars! *spits out pacifier and throws tantrum*