S.D. residents finance town's only variety store

This prairie town of 1,300 loves its football, and residents are just about split between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, says Randy Gruenwald, a local banker. It's no surprise when the annual Potato Days Parade has entries representing both teams, he says.

The people of Clark aren't split, however, when it comes to financing the Clark Hometown Variety Store. They're rooting together for a business model that helped build the Green Bay Packers into a National Football League power as they attempt to make a go of a community-owned general store that opened in February.

Click here to read how this small town came together to open a store.

New Orleans is awarded the Super Bowl in 2013

"It's New Orleans.... Again.

The NFL awarded New Orleans the 2013 Super Bowl (XLVII) during the NFL owners' meeting Tuesday afternoon. It's a record-tying 10th Super Bowl for the Crescent City. The game is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2013."

Click here for more on how the Crescent City scored this coup.

Frugal Shoppers Become Swappers

The turtleneck from designer Marc Jacobs costs hundreds of dollars at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. But at one Brooklyn bar, the charcoal-gray sweater was free for the taking - along with jeans, belts and shoes.

The neighborhood watering hole called Sycamore will never be mistaken for a department store, but for some recession-battered consumers, it's serving a similar purpose. It's a chance to update their wardrobes and capture the adventure of shopping without having to open their wallets.

"It's guilt-free shopping," said Shannon McDowell, a bartender and swapper.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Plumber Uses Snake With Camera To Find Cat In Wall

When Bubba the cat disappeared inside the home he shares with Cheryl and Phillip Albers, they knocked holes in walls looking for him, but he couldn't be found. Bubba's meows could be heard through the night last Monday, Cheryl Albers said, after he vanished following a visit from an air-conditioner repairman.

Bubba normally hides high atop a kitchen cabinet when there is a stranger in the house that he doesn't want to meet, Albers said. He wasn't there, however, after the repairman left.

Click here to find out how Bubba was found.

At Notre Dame, Obama confronts abortion uproar

"Confronting the nation's deep schism over abortion, President Obama on Sunday called for greater understanding on all sides and 'open hearts, open minds, fair-minded words' on the issue as he spoke to graduates at one of America's premier Catholic universities.

Obama stressed the importance of common ground as opponents of abortion rights protested his appearance and the honorary degree he received from the University of Notre Dame."

Click here for more on President Obama's appearance at Notre Dame.

Ministers Urged to Keep Resolution at Center of World Health Assembly’s Agenda

"Millions of children will continue to die of preventable causes each year unless health and development ministers get their priorities straight next week in Geneva, says leading aid agency World Vision.

Days before government officials begin their annual forum at the World Health Assembly, World Vision is urging them to support a vital resolution on primary health care, and place it at the center of the development agenda."

Click here for more about World Vision's position.

Folsom, CA Veterans Parade Gets New Moniker

"A one-man parade that has grown to more than 1,000 received a new name Tuesday night.

The annual Veterans Day Parade will now be known as the Wayne Spence Memorial Folsom Veterans Day Parade, thanks to a move by the Folsom City Council."

For more of this heartwarming story, click here.