°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ

People trying to help victims of Hurricane Sandy usually don't think to send underwear. A Colorado nonprofit called Underwearness exists to send underpants to the needy. They raise money with an annual race, which people run without any pants.

Lots of people and companies are making donations to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, but food and clothing aren't always the most helpful things. Most charities would prefer money so they can target help to the greatest needs.

Climate change and the environment were not major topics of the presidential campaign. But the former vice president tells NPR that he's convinced "more and more people in both political parties are taking a hard look at it and saying 'yes we really do need to do something about this.' "

Superstorm Sandy caused billions of dollars of damage, washing away houses, boardwalks and boats. But it also washed away dunes that protect coastal communities, literally redrawing the map.

The storm threw some people onto unemployment rolls and shut down some state offices the previous week — meaning some laid-off workers couldn't file their claims until last week.

More than two weeks after Hurricane Sandy, many people in New York and New Jersey are still focused on restoring the basics: food, electricity, water. Most vulnerable are the elderly and sick — many of whom can't get to their doctors or refill prescriptions.

As the recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues, states are making more requests for federal aid. New York alone wants $30 billion in assistance. The requests come as Congress is already consumed with reducing the deficit.

Retail sales fell in October, largely because of the storm. To get a sense of the small picture — messier, more ambiguous — I visited three small businesses on one hard-hit street.

Acting CEO/COO Michael Hervey will leave at the end of the year; had planned to step down before Sandy struck. N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to appoint an investigative panel to check utilities' response during and after Superstorm Sandy hit.

Thousands of New Jersey residents remain displaced due to Superstorm Sandy which hit the Northeast more than two weeks ago. Finding temporary housing has proven to be a confusing and difficult process for many storm victims.