Online Features
Community Cares
Rare diseases: Increasing awareness for better patient outcomes
(BPT) - Getting a diagnosis of any cancer can be frightening, but for those diagnosed with a rare cancer, the emotional toll can be much worse. For some of these patients, the journey to a correct diagnosis may take years, and once they receive an accurate diagnosis, it can be extremely difficult for these patients to find accurate information on their disease. One of the first things patients do is research everything they can about their illness, including connecting with someone who is al...
full story
6C5V_1703437_web.jpg
Still texting while driving? Quitting might be easier than you think
(BPT) - Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey. The 2012 AT&T survey of teen drivers also fo...
full story
GN5X_17478826_web.jpg
Taye Diggs joins the fight against childhood hunger with breakfast program
(BPT) - Studies show and experts agree: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a good night’s rest without eating, kids’ brains and bodies are ready to refuel. Breakfast can help kick-start a child’s metabolism, energy and focus for learning according to a report published in the Annals of Nutrition and ...
full story
GYCU_17471246_web.jpg
The new year welcomes a new generation of inspiration
(BPT) - In 2012, the world watched as women made historic gains in everything from Congress, with an all-time high of 20 women in the U.S. Senate – to the field, where they’ve won 100 total gold medals at the Olympics. In 2013, MAKERS.com moves us to reflect on the important advances made by women in years past to in...
full story
G9E9_16717662_web.jpg
Why greener schools can make a difference in kids' lives
(BPT) - As awareness about the environment continues to grow, it’s becoming more apparent that “going green” not only benefits the planet – it benefits the entire population, especially its youngest segment. When children learn in safe, comfortable, toxin-free school environments, their futures are that much brighter. ...
full story
Active duty military: 'We'd do it again'
(BPT) - If you could start over again, would you make the same decision? According to a recent survey, 78 percent of active duty military personnel say a resounding “yes.” When you think of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform have made, especially in recent years, this overwhelming positive response may seem odd. But when you consider the dedication to duty and our nation that they exhibit, it’s not all that surprising. Yet, as war efforts draw down and the military reduces the...
full story
DA09_17004741_web.jpg
Veterans with hearing loss experience renewed hope
(BPT) - As our nation’s heroes continue to return home from the fronts of two major wars, it is a great time to recognize the tremendous toll service to our country can have on the brave men and women who selflessly choose to protect our freedoms throughout the world. While there are many devastating effects of war, th...
full story
BCR6_17313343_web.jpg
Pay it forward: the next generation of women who are changing the world
(BPT) - The roles and perceptions of women have greatly evolved over the last 50 years. From homemaker to executive, women have fought for their voice and advanced tremendously – altering virtually every aspect of American culture. In 2013, the women of the past continue to pay it forward and emerging leaders take the r...
full story
5ZZ5_16274796_web.jpg
Caregiver 101: Creating a safe and happy environment for your loved ones
(BPT) - Nearly 66 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. adult population, are providing care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged, according to the National Center for Caregiving. And, according to AARP, 61 percent of family caregivers who are 50-plus also work either full-time or part-time. How can busy caregive...
full story
What's in your drinking water?
Water is essential to our planet and our lives. But do you know what's really in your drinking water? You might be surprised to see that your hometown has been identified as one of the best or worst cities in the country for water quality, or to learn about the significant difference in costs of filtering your own water versus buying bottled water. Filtrete Brand, the maker of do-it-yourself plumbed-in water filtration products, took a closer look at some of the issues faced when it comes ...
full story
HIOH_17137131_web.jpg
Giving back is the best way to spread holiday cheer
(BPT) - If there’s one thing that unites us, it’s that doing something nice for someone else has a way of making us feel good. And sometimes, there’s no better reminder of this than hearing stories of those who give back to improve the lives of others. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to kids with life-threatening medical con...
full story
INW5_16893292_web.jpg
Join the next generation of doing good - philanthropy 2.0
(BPT) - In the past, giving money to a charity was considered one of the best ways to do a good deed. But thanks to modern technology, the face of philanthropy is changing as people around the world become more connected. Lending a helping hand to people has always been an inherently good thing. But new perspectives ...
full story
national news
Rescuers seek Oklahoma tornado survivors as area eyes recovery

Danielle Stephan holds boyfriend Thomas Layton as they pause between salvaging through the remains of a family member's home one day after a tornado devastated the town Moore, OklahomaBy Ian Simpson and Alice Mannette MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - Rescue efforts in the tornado-ravaged Oklahoma City suburb of Moore continued through the night into Wednesday morning, with officials increasingly confident that everyone caught in the disaster had been accounted for. The massive tornado that tore through the area on Monday wiped out blocks of houses, killed at least 24 people and injured about 240. ...


Wed May 22 01:36:24 UTC 2013
Los Angeles city councilman opens lead in race for mayor

Greuel speaks to supporters during her election night party in Los AngelesBy Steve Gorman and Sharon Bernstein LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti opened a convincing election-night lead in his bid to become mayor of America's second-largest city as it faces an increasingly gloomy financial outlook, returns showed late on Tuesday. Garcetti drew 53 percent of the vote, compared with 47 percent for his opponent, city Controller Wendy Greuel, after tabulation of more than a third of ballots cast at polling stations on Tuesday and all mail-in ballots received as of last Friday. ...


Wed May 22 02:55:52 UTC 2013
Voters oust mayor of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in primary

City of Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson holds a news conference in Harrisburg PennsylvaniaBy Michael Sadowski (Reuters) - The embattled mayor of Pennsylvania's financially crippled capital of Harrisburg was ousted on Tuesday when she lost the Democratic primary to the owner of an independent bookstore. Mayor Linda Thompson's loss to Eric Papenfuse comes after a tumultuous term in which her outbursts and statements caused a loss of confidence in her administration. Papenfuse is likely to win the general election in this heavily Democratic city in November, but he must still face off against independent candidate Nevin Mindlin. ...


Tue May 21 23:59:17 UTC 2013
Witnesses describe deadly Oklahoma tornado; Gov. Fallin says death count unknown
[Updated at 2:30 p.m. CT] MOORE, Okla. –As a hailstorm bore down on the devastated region Tuesday afternoon, first responders continued to sift through debris to try to find survivors and figure out how many people died in the massive tornado that ripped through southern Oklahoma City and other towns a day earlier. Twenty four [...]
Tue May 21 18:36:00 UTC 2013