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Nina Keck

Nina has been reporting for VPR since 1996, primarily focusing on the Rutland area. An experienced journalist, Nina covered international and national news for seven years with the Voice of America, working in Washington, D.C., and Germany. While in Germany, she also worked as a stringer for Marketplace. Nina has been honored with two national Edward R. Murrow Awards: In 2006, she won for her investigative reporting on VPR and in 2009 she won for her use of sound. She began her career at Wisconsin Public Radio. 

  • Many homes in the Northeast use oil heat, and many homeowners lock into a set price to avoid nasty surprises. But this year, that prudent step has backfired as oil prices plunge.
  • Average gasoline prices fell below $2 a gallon this week. That means U.S. consumers saved more than $100 billion this year at the gas pump, or about $550 per licensed driver. At the same time, falling natural gas prices — combined with warm temperatures in much of the country — will mean big savings on heating bills. But consumers don't seem to be spending more yet. Why? In Vermont, at least, people are worried about warm days hurting tourism.
  • A record number of Americans are studying abroad. Educators say that's good, as it promotes better cross-cultural understanding. But many in the field worry the influx of technology and social media may be hampering students' ability to fully immerse themselves abroad.
  • A fresh fall of snow can mean more skiers and riders getting lost in the woods. Who should pay to rescue them can become a tricky issue, but some states can bill riders who have gone astray.
  • The fruit-based alcoholic drink may not yet rival beer in popularity, but sales have been increasing rapidly in the past few years. A variety of flavors and the use of fruits other than the traditional apple are helping to attract a new generation of hard cider drinkers.