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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Be Generous, Not Gullible - Holiday Charity Scams Abound

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012   

BOISE, Idaho - "Give now! Every dollar helps."

It's a common plea as holiday and end-of-year donations campaigns are in full swing. So, how to tell if a charity is legit or a scam?

Consumer protection attorney Beverly Salhanick's tips include investigating the charity before writing a check, and being wary of unsolicited calls and email pitches. While many requests are for money, she says, it's sometimes worth considering a different kind of donation.

"We've all seen that photograph of the New York police officer providing boots for the homeless person. Anywhere that you are in the country, there's always someone who's in need - and it may be that one little gesture that may be your charitable gift for the year."

Salhanick advises using the online tools at guidestar.org to confirm if a nonprofit is registered with the Internal Revenue Service. You can also call the Better Business Bureau to check out a charity.

If you are going to make a financial donation, Salhanick cites proven sites such as charitynavigator.org for checking out charitable groups. She also suggests a newer resource that uses social media input, greatnonprofits.org.

"It's a social comment site. It's kind of like a Yelp for charities, so you get an impression of what their position is in the community."

Idahoans are ranked as the nation’s sixth "most generous," according to a philanthropy-tracking organization. The philanthropy report is online at philanthropy.com.


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Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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