Major deal wipes out $30 billion in medical debt. Even backers say it's not enough
Undue Medical Debt is retiring unpaid medical bills for 20 million people. The debt trading company that owned them is leaving the market.
Republicans Pin Hopes On Senate Turnover In 2014
Much of what happens in the Senate in the present reflects expectations for the Senate of the future — specifically after the next election. Republican hopes are high for a takeover in 2014 that would confront President Obama with united opposition from a GOP-controlled Congress. So what are the prospects for the gains the GOP needs?
Japanese Commuters Save A Life During Rush Hour
In Japan, a bunch of rush-hour commuters saved a life — and kept the train running nearly on time. When a woman stepping off the train fell between the stopped car and platform, about 40 commuters went into action. Along with transit workers, the passengers pushed the 32-ton train far enough away that the woman could be pulled up, pretty much unhurt. And the train? It left only eight minutes late.
Seventh Try's The Charm For Hemingway Look-Alike
Sloppy Joe's on Key West — a favorite watering hole of Ernest Hemingway — just held its annual "Papa" look-alike contest. The winner: software developer and seven-time contestant Stephen Terry, who beat out more than a hundred hopefuls, including the husband of chef Paula Deen.
State Abortion Laws Differ From Doctors In Defining 20 Weeks
Texas last week became the 12th state to ban most abortions after 20 weeks. But most of the state laws don't define 20 weeks the same way doctors do.
In The Tour De France, Even The Loser Is A Winner
Even coming in last place in the Tour de France has its benefits. The final finisher is known as the lanterne rouge — the "red lantern," like that found on the caboose of a train. This year's "winner" was 36-year-old Canadian Svein Tuft. He ended up in 169th place — but just finishing brings glory and lucrative appearances.
Septuagenarian Superhero? Man Lifts Car Off Son-In-Law
Cecil Stuckless was fixing a Jeep in Salvage, Newfoundland, with his son-in-law, who was working under the vehicle when it suddenly fell. Stuckless, 72, summoned all his strength and lifted the Jeep just enough to save his son-in-law. Asked if he was Superman, he said: "No, I'm not super, I just did what I could do — that's all that's to it."
