NPR's Scott Simon remarks on the effects of book bans on libraries and young readers.

NPR's Scott Simon takes a moment to remember singer and activist Harry Belafonte, who died this week at the age of 96.

NPR's Scott Simon draws parallels between Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian dissident and journalist who was sentenced to 25 years in prison this week, and other courageous figures in history.

Canadian Super Pigs are on the rise and entering the United States. NPR's Scott Simon laments.

NPR's Scott Simon looks at just how prevalent guns have become in American society, compared to smartphones and cars.

The slasher film Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey has been pulled from theaters in Hong Kong and Macau - and not because of its terrible Rotten Tomatoes score. The Silly Old Bear has been used in protest memes against President Xi Jinping.

The fact it was hoodwinked into sisterhood with a fictional city means that Newark, N.J., is more trusting and innocent than one would think.

NPR's Scott Simon ponders skyrocketing Tooth Fairy payouts.

Flaco, the owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo, remains free. NPR's Scott Simon marvels at how successfuly Flaco has adapted to the wilds of New York City.

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on football coach Sean Payton's new contract with the Denver Broncos as well as NFL player safety ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl game.

You can say "I wuv u - not" by bestowing your ex's name on a hissing cockroach! NPR's Scott Simon muses on a fundraiser for a Chicago Zoo, and whether the roaches really deserve it.

NPR's Scott Simon wonders why teaching children about the Holocaust is not mandatory in most states and the lessons they are missing.

NPR's Scott Simon wonders about 8 characters on an old runestone found in Norway. It goes on display today, so others may look and ponder. It is a curse? A love poem? A receipt for Viking take out?

NPR's Scott Simon remembers Charles Simic, former U.S. poet laureate who was born in Belgrade right before World War II. He died this week after a long career of writing and teaching.

NPR's Scott Simon praises the humble bagel as an American cultural icon.