Everytime I hear the news, I cringe at the way it is reported. Does anyone ever use the article "the" anymore?

I hear things like 'According to police'; or 'heat in valley'; or 'fire in mountains', have we become so lazy that we feel the article "The" should just be eliminated from the English language? .................or, were our news anchors asleep during their classes on English grammar? Does a degree in Journalism no longer require above average grades in English? When did this change?

Maybe I am just a foolish, old lady who could use a new hobby or maybe I just need to get out more. However, that doesn't stop me from cringing each and every time I don't hear the word 'the' used where it should be.

OK, this may sound trivial to most, I see it as the start of the decline of the English language, as we were taught it. In this age of text-messaging, we are forgetting our spelling lessons and now, thanks to the news media, we are dropping 'necessary articles'................don't get me started on proper use of adverbs as that rarely happens any longer. What ever happened to the great teachers who would have never tolerated such laziness?

Thanks for allowing me to 'vent'. Just maybe, the next time I hear (or don't hear) something said, I can feel a bit better about it as I have had my few minutes on my 'soap-box' to complain and voice my views.

Teachers: Teach our children well!

Universities: Require excellence. Do not hand out assembly-line degrees.

Students: Strive to learn and be the best that you can be.