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Distracted drivers plague nation's roadways
Many people who encounter a car weaving wildly out of its lane, speeding up and slowing down randomly, veering into oncoming traffic or breezing through stop signs will immediately think "drunk driver." While drunk driving is an extremely dangerous hazard on American roadways, this behavior is just as easily associated w...
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Grocery insight: What is fair trade and how does it make a difference?
When buying groceries, shoppers have the potential to impact countless people who work behind the scenes producing the foods and beverages that end up in households across America. Purchasing Fair Trade Certified products has been on the rise for the last 30 years, but most people still aren't aware of the impact fair tr...
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Gift ideas that embrace the true meaning of the holiday season
When the commotion of the holidays sets in, it's easy to forget the true meaning of the season. Giving back and helping others is what makes this time of year so special. As you rush from store to store buying gifts for your loved one, you might wonder how you can make a difference. Some simple steps can have a big impac...
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Harnessing the power of the moustache
Do you sport a retro moustache that complements your style? Or maybe a chevron moustache that says you don't mess around? Now you can use your facial hair style for good when you participate in Movember.
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Awareness and education are key to bridging the communication gap between people with diabetic nerve pain and healthcare providers
In the United States there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes and one of the most common complications of the condition is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a form of nerve damage. More than one in five of these people experience painful DPN, also known as diabetic nerve pain, as a direct result of this nerve...
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Five easy ways to support the troops during the holidays
Supporting the troops is an important thing to do - but sometimes it's hard to figure out how to give your support. Here are five easy ways to thank those people who keep us safe every single day - even if you don't personally know someone serving. And it's the perfect time of year to do it. With the holidays coming up, ...
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Creativity, organization, and activism help communities cope with police budget cuts
With schools back in session and the holidays approaching, many of us start to think more about the security of our communities. While crime is down, budget cuts in police departments across the country add to local concerns, and people in your community may be seeking new, cost-effective ways to make your neighborhoods ...
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Clean Water Act celebrates 40 years of water improvements
The Clean Water Act was established 40 years ago with the goal of protecting waterways and ensuring homes and offices receive clean drinking water. As the legislation marks its 40th anniversary, water officials and water consumers alike are looking back on the accomplishments and planning for new ways to continue water q...
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Lift loved ones up when medical costs get them down
Medical costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., according to crowdsourcing.org. So how do you help family and friends struggling with sometimes overwhelming expenses? For many, crowdsourcing websites are becoming an empowering source of financial support, with estimates that more than $2.8 billion will be ...
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Recognizing the stories of remarkable women pioneers, known and untold
Women continue to break the glass ceiling barriers and establish equal footing in leadership, business and government, all thanks to female pioneers who make positive impacts in their communities, display leadership qualities and lead by example through their vision, courage and ingenuity.
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Online service delivers your A-through-F letter grade to any member of Congress
With public opinion surveys showing the popularity of Congress at or near all-time lows, a free online service is empowering thousands of citizens to send an easy-to-understand letter grade to any member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives.
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Fighting the growing problem of childhood hunger in America
When thinking about childhood hunger, many people envision poverty-stricken regions on another continent, far from home. However, millions of children right here in the United States don't know where their next meal will come from. It's called "food insecurity," and it's a big problem in communities across the country.
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national news
Monster tornado devastates Oklahoma town; at least 51 dead

People look at the destruction after a huge tornado struck Moore, OklahomaBy R.J. Young MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - A massive tornado tore through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday, killing at least 51 people with winds of up to 200 miles per hour that flattened entire tracts of homes, two schools and a hospital, leaving a wake of tangled wreckage. Rescue workers raced against the setting sun to find survivors in Oklahoma as the dangerous storm system threatened as many as 10 U.S. states with more twisters. The Oklahoma medical examiner confirmed 51 deaths, making it the deadliest U.S. ...


Mon May 20 20:53:29 UTC 2013
Pentagon to take over some CIA drone operations : sources

A U.S. Marine, who is part of a military honor guard, takes his position before a welcoming ceremony for German Defense Minister de Maiziere at the Pentagon in WashingtonBy Tabassum Zakaria and Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's administration has decided to give the Pentagon control of some drone operations against terrorism suspects overseas that are currently run by the CIA, several U.S. government sources said on Monday. Obama has pledged more transparency on controversial counterterrorism programs, and giving the Pentagon the responsibility for part of the drone program could open it to greater congressional oversight. ...


Mon May 20 20:35:27 UTC 2013
US names envoy to combat anti-Semitism, warns of rising incidents

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks to the media at the State Department in WashingtonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday appointed a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism as a new State Department report warned about incidents in Venezuela, Egypt and Iran. Secretary of State John Kerry named Ira Forman, a long time director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, as special envoy citing a "troubling trend" of anti-Semitism around the world. Forman succeeds Hannah Rosenthal, who stepped down last year. The 2012 report on religious freedom said an increase worldwide in anti-Semitism was "of great concern. ...


Mon May 20 17:26:36 UTC 2013
Massive tornado rips through Moore, Oklahoma; 51 killed, more feared dead, officials say
A devastating, two-mile-wide tornado touched down near Oklahoma City on Monday, killing at least 51 people and decimating homes, businesses and a pair of elementary schools in the suburb of Moore. According to the state's medical examiner, the death toll was expected to rise. The schools—Plaza Towers Elementary and Briarwood Elementary—were leveled by the tornado. [...]
Mon May 20 19:53:06 UTC 2013