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In what will be his first papal visit to the U.S., the pontiff has accepted an invitation to a meeting in Philadelphia and is reportedly considering stops in New York and Washington, D.C.

This winter's extra-cold temperatures mean that nearly 90 percent of the five lakes' total surface area is covered with ice. That's approaching the record high of nearly 95 percent, set in February 1979. Satellite images help tell the story.

Last month, the best-selling writer told NPR that her new book, Ripper, which is itself a mystery novel, was written as a "joke." Fans of the genre, as well as booksellers and writers, weren't amused.

Athletes and spectators are giving the food in Sochi rave reviews. But what are they eating, exactly? It's a mashup of Soviet-era Russian faves, punctuated with foods of the Caucasus that have long been special treats for people visiting the Russian Riviera.

In Geneva, Syrian government and opposition representatives are wrapping up a second round of peace talks. There have been no signs of progress at the peace conference, but international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi says he's planning to hold another round. Meanwhile, he'll be traveling to New York City to brief the U.N. Security Council.

American skeleton racer Noelle Pikus-Pace took silver in Sochi on Friday. The medal was the first for the U.S. in the event since the Salt Lake City games in 2002, when Americans got the gold and silver.

Scientists have made some attempts to link mollusks to increased libido. There's even evidence that consuming heavy doses of an amino acid found in oysters can increase sperm count – in rabbits. But do any of these findings actually prove that oysters can — ahem — amp up arousal? Not so much.

One legislator broke his nose and another his finger as Parliament erupted into a fist fight over a measure to increase the government's control in selecting judges.

The NFL's report about the Miami Dolphins describes the team's "pattern of harassment." NPR's Scott Simon speaks to sports correspondent Tom Goldman about the week in sports.

Fewer people are taking the bus down to the southern district of Lebanon's capital. A series of bombings has the bustling, residential area on edge. If you do take the trip, you're likely to run into a checkpoint — either run by the army or Hezbollah. Meanwhile, shop owners continue to pile up sandbags to barricade their livelihoods.