New labeling rules were to have gone into effect next month for certain sunscreens. While the deadline has been extended six months, it's still a good time to make sure readers know about summer skin safety.

Hard to believe, after all these years of dire warnings, but young women continue to use tanning beds.

From last night's passage of an amendment to ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina, to Vice President Joe Biden's remarks about gay marriage on Sunday, this topic is a talker. Ways to tap into reaction in your area:

America's obesity epidemic is so deeply rooted that it will take dramatic and systemic measures - from overhauling farm policies and zoning laws to, possibly, introducing a soda tax - to fix it, the influential Institute of Medicine said today. The call for moving more and eating less hasn't worked so far; will this?

Enjoy these Mother's Day story ideas, courtesy of the Society for Features Journalism's monthly newsletter:

The Chicago Tribune reported last week that in some suburbs, unpaid volunteers are helping municipalities paint public buildings, work at the library and answer phones at the police department.

Taser guns used by law enforcement can cause heart rhythm problems, sudden cardiac arrest and death, according to a new study. Do police in your area use these devices?

Prom season is approaching for many of our regions. May's syndicated Local Loop callout will help you get photos, and here are some story ideas for covering this fun time in the community:

First "pink slime," now a case of "mad cow disease" found in California. What readers need to know about the safety of their food:

U.S. home prices continued to fall at the start of the year, pushing Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller home-price indexes down to new post-crisis lows in February. The housing market continues to be sluggish, but is this a good time to buy?

Spring has tradtionally been that time of year when home improvement projects pop up like daffodils. This year, it seems there's even more to do.

Nodding off behind the wheel isn’t the only threat from a lack of shut-eye. There’s growing evidence that people who regularly sleep too little and at the wrong time suffer long-lasting consequences that a nap won’t cure: An increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. Are you and your family getting enough sleep?

With the 20th anniversary of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day coming up April 26, many of the children who were pioneers in their parents’ workplaces might now have children of their own.
 

Verizon just announced a new upgrade fee for new phones. Will this change consumer habits?

Like Etsy and Pinterest, Kickstarter is a cool social site -- and a good source-finder -- that can provide info on local groups or inventors.

Story ideas for this weekend's Titanic sinking centennial, and what's coming from GateHouse News Service.

The New Orleans Saints bounty scandal got thicker last week when Yahoo Sports reported on a recording of then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams instructing players to intentionally injure San Francisco 49s players.

Slogging through tax season inevitably ends with a panicked rush for procrastinators to get their files to Uncle Sam. Check out five story ideas to kick off the end to this year’s tax season.

Retailers from discounter Target to department-store chain Macy's reported better-than-expected sales in March in the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about the economy. Are you seeing changes in your area?

April 28 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an important issue for adults and teens. Here's why: