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- Percentage of Republicans who believe in evolution is shrinking
A Pew study finds that the percentage of Republicans who believe that Darwin's theory of evolution is correct has dropped 11 percent in about five years. That is suggestive of the country's broader polarization, the authors say.
- Wordpocalypse! 'Selfie,' 'twerk' top list of most annoying words of 2013.
Seen one too many 'selfies' of the Kardashians or still recovering from Miley Cyrus's 'twerk'-fest at the MTV Video Music Awards? You are not alone.
- 'Duck Dynasty' star told men to marry 15-year-old girls. Is that even legal?
Phil Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty' has a new controversy: A video has surfaced in which he counsels men to marry young teen brides. While that's legal, it's not necessarily sage advice, data show.
- Phil Robertson reinstated: How Christmas saved 'Duck Dynasty'
After a stand-off with the 'Duck Dynasty' family over patriarch Phil Robertson's comments about gay people, which many found offensive, the A&E cable network backed down in return for the family's pledge to promote tolerance.
- ‘Duck Dynasty’: Will ‘I Stand With Phil’ petition work?
‘Duck Dynasty’ patriarch, Phil Robertson, is the beneficiary of a petition that has gathered almost 250,000 signatures, in the wake of his controversial comments about gays. There’s been other pushback, too, to the condemnation of Mr. Robertson.
- FocusLegal pot is imminent in Colorado and Washington. Are they ready?
Starting in 2014, it will be legal to sell marijuana over the counter in two US states to anyone over 21. Colorado and Washington spent a year crafting a regulatory framework they hope will pass federal muster. Now, the testing day is almost here.
- Good news for kids: Fathers playing a bigger role in their lives
From changing diapers and reading books to sharing meals and carpooling, fathers' involvement in their children's lives continues to expand beyond the role of playmate, a CDC survey finds.
- 'Duck Dynasty' in peril over Phil Robertson suspension. Why did this happen?
The family at the center of A&E's 'Duck Dynasty' said they may not be able to go on without clan patriarch Phil Robertson. His remarks on homosexuality illustrate a cultural divide in America.
- Why are 59 unreleased Beatles songs now on iTunes?
The majority of the songs are already circulating among collectors, but the officially issued recordings on iTunes are significant for their sound quality, at least one Beatles expert says.
- Brian Griffin returns to 'Family Guy.' Was there ever any doubt?
Brian Griffin, the popular martini-drinking pooch that 'Family Guy' famously killed off three weeks ago, has been written back in to the show. Attention grabbed. Mission accomplished.
- Newtown school shooting: year of trial, and grace, for local faith community
In the year since the Newtown school shooting, the town's faith communities have become important hubs for residents. Congregations are witnessing how the trials of that dark day are producing extraordinary fruit – much of it sweet but also some sour.
- Yoko Ono's persistent 'imagining': fewer hungry people in the world
Yoko Ono – artist, musician, and now dancer – rarely permits groups to use John Lennon's songs to promote causes. But hunger and the iconic 'Imagine' have a connection for her, she says.
- A year after school shooting, Newtown to mark day with 'acts of kindness'
Residents of Newtown, Conn., hope to avoid the intense media scrutiny that came a year ago Saturday, after the school shooting that shocked the world. Their focus will be on reflection, healing, and kindness.
- For Newtown's gun-control families, a year of mixed results
Newtown, Conn., families who became gun control activists after the horror of last December are today part of a revitalized movement. Their big push for reform of federal gun laws failed, but the picture in the states is more mixed.
- Cover StoryTeen suicide: Prevention is contagious, too.
Teen suicide in the US continues at high rates, but the stories of lives saved often don't make headlines – and prevention experts are encouraged about progress in that direction.
- Teen suicide: A survivor's story – 'There are solutions'
Teen suicide is more often the stuff of headlines than are the stories of lives saved. Troy Bush is one such story – his suicide attempt has informed his own efforts as an adult to help in prevention.
- FocusCulture wars: Holiday struggle over public spaces still very much alive
Nearly half of Americans believe there's a 'war on Christmas,' while 9 out of 10 celebrate the holiday, polls show. Navigating the culture wars in the holiday season is as perilous as ever.
- Paul Walker crash could 'romanticize' growing street racing culture
Paul Walker wasn't street racing when he crashed, according to police, but early reports suggest his car was going very fast. His death won't curb street racing, and could do the opposite, experts say.
- Family Guy: Brian bites the dust, but for real?
Family Guy's Brian, the resident dog, is a goner, hit by a car in the latest episode. Fans are howling to bring him back, and there's precedent for that in TV land. Here's why naysayers doubt that will happen.
- 'Knockout game': Growing or not, black leaders are denouncing it
After recent random attacks in Northeastern cities that played on racial fears, Al Sharpton and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter are imploring African Americans to reject the 'knockout game.'