Around the Nation

The Power Of Reunions After Long Separations

2:22pm December 26, 2012

Rita Betush and Judy Bottomley grew up with a sense that something was missing. As a child, Betush's mother told her she had a sister who'd been put up for adoption. This year, after decades apart, Betush and her long-lost sister, Bottomley, connected by phone, and in February, they'll finally meet.

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Adolphe Bizwinayo left Rwanda as a refugee and says his new city, Dayton, Ohio, helped him transition to American life with initiatives like the Dayton World Soccer Games.

National

Immigrants Welcomed: A City Sees Economic Promise

11:40am December 26, 2012

by Emily McCord

While some cities push measures that drive immigrants away, some cities are doing exactly the opposite. Dayton, Ohio, adopted a plan to rebuild its battered economy by attracting immigrants — an approach that's influencing the way other cities deal with immigration.

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Blind Dog Returned To Alaska Family

7:43am December 26, 2012

The dog wandered away from home during a big snowstorm last week. The family feared they'd never see their pet again, since she was lost as temperatures fell to 40 below zero. The local newspaper reports the dog's nose led her to the home of a vet, who posted her picture on Facebook.

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Zappos Logs Record Service Call

7:33am December 26, 2012

The call to the online shoe retailer lasted more than 10 hours. For one thing, the customer on the line wanted to know how the Zappos employee likes living in Las Vegas. The conversation even ended with a sale of Uggs boots.

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U.S. Military Builds Up Its Presence In Africa

7:22am December 26, 2012

by Tom Bowman

The U.S. military plans to send an Army brigade to Africa next year. Some 4,000 soldiers would deploy — in small units and at different times — to help train and advise African troops. It's part of an Obama administration plan to address the growing challenge posed by terrorism in Africa.

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Politics & Government

113th U.S. Congress To Be Sworn In Next Week

7:11am December 26, 2012

The new Congress will have big problems to tackle and little love from the people who elected them. To find out what can be done to get things working again on Capitol Hill, David Greene catches up with Iowa Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley.

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National

Instead Of Celebration, Christmas A Time For Solace In Newtown

4:22pm December 25, 2012

by Mark Herz

In Newtown, Conn., Christmas is very different this year, a little more than a week after the shooting at an elementary school. Eight families that attend St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church lost children to the tragedy. Parishioners came to Christmas masses there seeking solace, and priests gave a message of hope and comfort.

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How To Handle Santa-Heavy TV In A Jewish Home

1:46pm December 25, 2012

The Christmas season is a peculiar time for Jewish children, many of whom are drawn to Christmas specials like A Christmas Story. What should Jewish parents do? Guest host John Donvan talks to Slate senior editor Dahlia Lithwick about her Jewish parent's guide to Christmas specials.

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Sofia Campos, 23, is the head of the United We Dream campaign — a national network of youth-led immigrant organizations. Campos was born in Peru, but grew up in California, entirely unaware of her undocumented status until she tried applying for college

In Pursuit of Recognition: An Undocumented Immigrant's Resilient Fight

9:42am December 25, 2012

by Mandalit del Barco

Undocumented students have played a crucial role in calls for immigration reform. Now, as lawmakers from both parties resume talks of legislation, student leaders have expanded their fight. Sofia Campos, who's at the forefront of the movement, shares her story of unyielding activism.

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Santa Amazes Deaf Boy's Mother

9:42am December 25, 2012

At a store near Boston, Cameron Sylvester, 3, had his chance to meet Santa. But the boy, who's legally deaf, stayed back. Santa saw his hearing aids and in sign language asked the magic question: "Are you a good boy?" Cameron's mother told WCBV news she wanted to cry. "A lot of people don't know sign language," she said, but then, "there's Santa."

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