The Silver Lining In Drought: 5 Upsides To Rain-Free Weather
Drought is mostly seen as a bad thing — and for good reason. But the upsides include fewer mosquitoes, less polluted runoff and greater awareness of climate change.
U.S.
Unbridled Kentuckians Decide It's Time For A Kick-Ass New Slogan
A couple of advertising professionals want to spruce up their home state's image by ditching the slogan Unbridled Spirit for a new one: Kentucky Kicks Ass. The new slogan has garnered fans as far away as Japan and England, but will state officials sign off on it?
'Anything That Moves': Civilians And The Vietnam War
In a new book, Nick Turse says the pressure on U.S. forces to produce a body count during the Vietnam War led to mass civilian deaths. "The idea," he says, "was that the Vietnamese, they weren't really people."
Beyond Portlandia: Subaru Drives For America's Heartland
The Japanese carmaker aims to expand its markets to other states after much success in the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast. "They don't have to be everything to everyone; they have to be something to someone," says Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports.
A Doctor's Kindness Gives Homeless Inventor A Second Chance
After inventor Mike Williams lost his business and his marriage, he ended up homeless. Then he found himself in the hospital after he was attacked and beaten in a California park. Dr. Jong Chen helped Williams back to health and back on his feet. Now they're working together on another invention.
The Changing Nature of American Diplomacy
Confirmation hearings begin on Thursday for President Obama's pick to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Nominee Sen. John Kerry told a Senate committee that he would come to the job at a moment when the world is "complicated and ever more dangerous."
To Combat Suicides, Army Focuses On The Homefront
Military suicides hit a record high in 2012, and the Army has been the hardest-hit branch. Its prevention efforts have included everything from a buddy system to 24-hour hotlines. Now, the Army is deploying psychiatrists and counselors to the places where soldiers live and work.
Court Ruling Upsets Conventional Wisdom On Recess Appointments
In a bombshell decision, a federal appeals court panel has invalidated President Obama's recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board. Legal experts say the ruling deals a big victory to Senate Republicans in an era of congressional gridlock, and could push the issue to the Supreme Court.
After Years Of Estrangement, Eight Siblings Become A Family
Bryan Wilmoth grew up in a strict, religious household where all of his siblings either ran away or were kicked out. He was the first to go, after his father discovered he was gay. Years later, Wilmoth tried piecing the family back together and assuming the big brother role once again.
New York Murder Rate Plummets, But Who Should Get The Credit?
While Chicago and Detroit are struggling to control rising murder rates, New York City hit a record low number of homicides in 2012. The police commissioner has often pointed to several controversial policing tactics for falling crime, but some analysts say there are many potential explanations.