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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
Whole neighborhoods razed by Oklahoma tornado that killed 24

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 Carey Gillam and Ian Simpson MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - Rescuers went building to building in search of victims and survivors picked through the rubble of their shattered homes on Tuesday, a day after a massive tornado tore through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, wiping out blocks of houses and killing at least 24 people. ...


Tue May 21 23:17:22 UTC 2013
Los Angeles voters choose from two Democrats for mayor

Supporters hold signs as they wait during the election night party for candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles Wendy Greuel in Los AngelesBy Steve Gorman and Sharon Bernstein LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Voters in Los Angeles went to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new mayor in an election between two liberal Democrats seeking to lead America's second-largest city as it faces an increasingly gloomy financial outlook. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, 42, and Controller Wendy Greuel, 51, are vying for the city's top spot in a race shaped by dire fiscal constraints, the political clout of its public employee unions and a largely disinterested electorate. ...


Tue May 21 23:57:01 UTC 2013
Moore shows that as cities grow, tornado damage grows with them

Rescue workers look through the rubble at Plaza Towers Elementary school in MooreBy Ben Berkowitz and Julie Steenhuysen (Reuters) - Moore, Oklahoma, has had the bad luck of being hit by two highly destructive tornadoes, both in the month of May, 14 years apart. But the Moore that got struck on Monday is not the same as in 1999. Like a lot of towns across America and in the so-called "Tornado Alley," rapid growth has made it a bigger target, vulnerable to more damage. The tornado, with winds that may have topped 200 miles per hour, killed at least 24 people and injured hundreds more, with many of the casualties children from two schools that were destroyed. ...


Tue May 21 15:34:25 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