Imperial, California - When it comes to banking, bigger isn’t always better.  A recent subscriber survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that customers of credit unions, primarily online, and smaller traditional banks were more satisfied with their overall banking experience than those who do business with one of the nation’s four dominant mega banks: Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - It's the kind of Thanksgiving story straight out of a Frank Capra movie, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens.  Distraught parents, holding their one-year-old baby girl, braved the vast crowds to get a glimpse of Pope Francis when he visited Philadelphia in September.  They hoped for a prayer, at best, but got what they now call a full blown miracle.

Sacramento, California - What stands out as the highlight of this day for me, though isn’t the food itself so much as the sharing of it. The people around our tables – friends and family members - are special to us, and more than a few are people whom we don’t see as often as we should. Sharing this meal and this day with them is something to look forward to, and to celebrate. Food is a fitting centerpiece for such an occasion, especially if it was grown in California.

Rochester, Minnesota - The healthiest oils are those that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as vegetable oil and olive oil. These types of fats can help lower your risk of heart disease when used instead of saturated and trans fats.

West Lafayette, Indiana - This season's horror-themed movie "Krampus" could become a holiday staple in the vein of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," according to Purdue University film expert Lance Duerfahrd.

Washington, DC - The American Red Cross is making it easier than ever to give a meaningful—and enduring—gift of support, strength and hope to someone in need this year. Thanks to the 2015 American Red Cross Holiday Gift Catalog, you can get started on your holiday shopping list by “purchasing” a symbolic gift that supports a Red Cross service, and then sending a greeting or electronic card to announce the gift to the person you’re honoring with your donation.