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While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.
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How a spirit of kindness grew in the aftermath of a tornado — and remains 15 years on

NPR | By Pauline Bartolone
Published May 22, 2026 at 3:46 PM CDT

Fifteen years ago, after a massive tornado flattened much of Joplin, Mo., nearly 100,000 volunteers helped the town rebuild. A spirit of community service lives on in Joplin today.

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Pauline Bartolone