NPR's Andrew Limbong speaks with Brian Taylor, who teaches Russian politics at Syracuse University, about the call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leader of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

Maria Pappas is the treasurer of Cook County, Ill., but also is the star of her own unique calendar that has developed a cult following.

The dreidel is best known as a beloved Hanukkah tradition. But it actually started as a European gambling toy, only acquiring religious significance in the new world.