Around the Nation

In Upstate New York, Lack Of Snow Creates A Paradise For Nordic Skaters

by Brian Mann

The lack of snow in upstate New York has created a paradise for skaters — most specifically, Nordic skaters. It is a little-known sport in the U.S., involving long blades designed to speed over rough lakes and rivers. NPR meets some Nordic skaters who cover 30 to 40 miles of wilderness ice in a day.

New York City Enacts Gender Identity Rules For Restrooms, Locker Rooms

by Hansi Lo Wang

In New York City, transgender people are now guaranteed the right to use whatever single-sex restrooms and locker rooms they identify with in city-owned buildings. New York's mayor signed the executive order Monday amidst a national debate over gender identity and access to single-sex facilities.