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Tips for keeping pedestrians safe on the roads
When it comes to keeping young walkers safe on America's roads, the country has made great strides. Still, bigger steps are needed to improve pedestrian safety overall, and particularly for teenagers. Here's what you can do to help keep walkers safe on the road.
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Sweet potatoes still top spud in top food trends
Sweet potato consumption rose nearly 10 percent since the year 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And as more restaurants tout sweet potato options on their menus, at-home chefs are looking for ways to prepare the nutritious orange spud.
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How your credit score is affected by common activities
Managing money wisely: It's something that everyone is told to do from an early age. From putting pennies in the piggy bank to classroom instruction in how to balance a check book, the message is to spend and save thoughtfully. However, in the real world, those lessons often fall by the wayside due to crunched schedules,...
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Holiday shopping online? 3 tips to avoid common scams
Sometimes the best way to find that perfect holiday gift is to search and shop online; it's quick, easy, and convenient. And more and more people are doing it: The number of consumers researching or shopping online is steadily growing and will surpass 200 million by 2015 according to eMarketer.
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Think rabies is a thing of the past? Think again
Most of us know what rabies is, but it's not something we think about often. Thanks to public health education, mandatory pet vaccinations and the wildlife oral rabies vaccination program, rabies cases in the U.S. have dropped dramatically in the past 15 years. But unfortunately this severe disease is still reported acro...
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Texting and driving don't mix
Are you like many Americans who make phone calls while they're driving? Or text a friend or family member when you reach a stoplight? Did you know that in doing so you could be breaking the law?
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Renter election predictions [Infographic]
Renter election predictions [Infographic]
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How diabetes affects vision and dental health
It's no secret that diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with other chronic conditions, like heart disease, and can cause a range of serious complications including nerve damage and limb amputation. When it comes to understanding how diabetes can affect oral and visual health, however, many people may feel they are in the dark.
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Gift ideas for your gamer this holiday season
If you aren't a gamer yourself, buying for one can sometimes be a bit overwhelming considering the rapidly evolving technology and the choices in video games. With a few bits of good advice, you can easily find a gift that will delight anyone who enjoys gaming.
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Out of work? How job hunters can fight the growing stigma of unemployment
Forty percent, or 5 million, of unemployed Americans are considered "long-term unemployed," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, meaning they have been jobless for at least 27 weeks. With so many people facing long-term unemployment it's inevitable that the topic is raised as they seek and interview for jobs...
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Six ways to protect your mobile data - and yourself
Mobile devices make your life easier; everything you need to contact friends and family, manage finances and juggle your personal and professional lives is at your fingertips. But what if that information were to fall into the wrong hands? To keep your smartphone and tablet safe from such prying eyes, follow these safeguards.
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Don't miss out on the important sounds of your life
Conversations going unheard, volume settings on electronics pushed to the max, constantly asking speakers to repeat themselves - these are all common signs of hearing loss.
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national news
Boy Scouts of America votes to end century-old ban on gay scouts

Jennifer Tyrrell hugs Pascal Tessier after a resolution passed to allow openly gay scouts in the Boy Scouts in GrapevineBy Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America voted on Thursday to lift a century-old ban on openly gay scouts in a major victory for gay rights activists, but the decision means a sea of change for an organization that depends heavily on faith-based groups. More than 60 percent of the group's National Council, comprised of some 1,400 delegates, voted in favor of ending the ban, effective January 1, 2014, the group said in a statement. A prohibition on openly gay adult leaders remains in place. ...


Thu May 23 21:55:35 UTC 2013
Bridge collapses in Washington state, sending cars into river
By Jonathan Kaminsky OLYMPIA, Washington (Reuters) - Part of a four-lane freeway bridge over a river in a rural area north of Seattle collapsed on Thursday, sending vehicles and people into the frigid water below, authorities said. The collapse on Interstate 5 over the Skagit River happened at about 7 p.m. local time between the towns of Mount Vernon and Burlington, 55 miles north of Seattle, Washington State Patrol spokesman Trooper Mark Francis said. "I've got reports of vehicles and people in the water," Francis said. He added that he did not know if anyone was injured. ...
Thu May 23 23:23:55 UTC 2013
Magnitude 5.7 quake strikes Northern California: U.S. Geological Survey
(Reuters) - A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck in Northern California on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter of the quake was located 2 miles north-northeast of the town of Canyondam, the USGS said. An initial report said the quake was magnitude 5.9. A 5.7 magnitude quake is considered moderate, but has the potential to cause considerable damage. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. (Writing by the Americas Desk)
Thu May 23 23:15:10 UTC 2013
Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay youth members
[Updated at 6:55 p.m. CT] DALLAS – The Boy Scouts of America, one of the country’s largest and oldest youth organizations, decided on Thursday to break 103 years of tradition by allowing openly gay members into its ranks. The controversial move was approved by more than 60 percent of the approximate 1,400 votes cast by [...]
Thu May 23 18:55:38 UTC 2013