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.)
Pope Benedict XVI To Resign Feb. 28
Pope Benedict announced Monday morning he is retiring at the end of the month. He will be the first pontiff to step aside in six centuries.
Bulgaria Links Hezbollah To Deadly Attack On Israelis
The attack at a Black Sea resort town last July killed five Israeli tourists and one Bulgarian citizen. In response, the White House called Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, a "real and growing threat not only to Europe, but to the rest of the world."
Syrian Opposition Leader Holds Talks With Russia, Iran
Over the weekend, one of the main Syrian opposition leaders held informal talks with the regime's main backers — Russia and Iran. The talks were held on the sidelines of a security conference in Germany. It's unclear whether this creates an opening to a political settlement that could end the bloodshed in Syria.
Chaos Follows Funeral For Slain Leader In Tunisia
Tens of thousands of supporters of Chokhri Belaid, a Tunisian opposition politician who was gunned down this week, jammed a cemetery for his funeral Friday in the capital, Tunis. Youths set fire to cars, and police responded with tear gas.
Court's Swearing Decision Goes In Favor Of N.Y. Man
Police arrested Trevis D. Baker for swearing but New York's highest court threw out the charges. Because the arrest was invalid, the court disallowed a search police conducted after the arrest. Baker walks away with freedom of speech, and no charges for possessing 25 bags of crack.
'Onion' Photo Pokes Fun At Outgoing Energy Secretary
It's a fake story from The Onion with a doctored photo showing Energy Secretary Steven Chu in bed with a solar panel. Chu played along. On Facebook, he said he wouldn't confirm or deny the charges, but clarified his stepping down is unrelated.
Spain's Wind Farms Break Energy Record
For the first time, electricity production from Spanish wind mills topped that of nuclear, coal and solar. Spain's location in the south of Europe means it's endowed with lots of sunshine and clear windy skies — which it's put to use becoming a leader in renewable energy.