There's an upside to cold, snowless New England days — great skating
Maine Public reporter Ari Snider heads out on a couple of Maine's lakes to explore the burgeoning sport of "wild ice skating." (Story aired on All Things Considered on Jan. 16, 2025.)
Is That Gas I Smell, Or Cinnamon?
A gas pipeline was being fixed in Harlem and officials didn't want a flood of 911 calls from people smelling gas. So they masked the smell by adding cinnamon to the gas.
Bakery Apparently Mishears Cake Order
To celebrate Laura Grambel's college graduation, her mom ordered a cake: Indiana red and white, with a photo of Laura's face. One more request: a graduation cap, made of icing. Instead, the baker drew a cat on Laura's head
European Aviation Firms Spotlighted At Paris Air Show
The world's premier commercial and military aviation and space trade fair is underway. The Paris Air Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The competition between European and U.S. plane makers Airbus and Boeing is a staple of the show.
Lowe's Looks To Acquire Hardware Stores
The home-improvement retailer Lowe's has reportedly agreed to buy Orchard Supply Hardware Stores. The sale price is expected to top $200 million. Orchard is a California-based hardware-and-garden chain. It was once owned by Sears, and is now about $230 million in debt.
European Pet Passport Lets Animals Travel To EU States
Until this week, there had been a limit: Travelers could only take up to five pets across the borders. Now, thanks to a pet-loving member of the EU Parliament, those who prefer to travel with herds of animals are free to roam — as long as they're heading for a competition or sporting event.
Supreme Court Rejects Arizona's Proof Of Citizenship Law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday tossed out an Arizona law that required proof of citizenship for its voters. In a 7-2 majority, the justices said the state's voter-approved Proposition 200 interfered with federal law. For more on the ruling, David Greene speaks with NPR's Carrie Johnson and Ron Elving.
Poor Economy Encourages Scientists To Leave Spain
More than 40,000 scientists in Spain have signed a petition calling on their government to freeze budget cuts blamed for an exodus of the country's best and brightest researchers. As the Spanish government struggles to avoid a bailout, it has cut the number of university jobs and research grants.
Mind-Numbing TV Shows Are A Hit In Norway
Boring TV is such a hit in the Scandinavian nation of Norway that broadcasters are scrambling to produce even more shows to satisfy the appetites of viewers. One idea being considered is a live show with knitting experts, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Long-Term Interest Rates Start Moving Higher
The bond market has pushed interest to the highest levels in 15 months, and that includes mortgage rates. David Greene talks to David Wessel, economics editor at The Wall Street Journal, about rising interest rates.
