Unusual News Bites: From Cold Cases to Christmas Bugs

Maine is trying a new approach to tackle old crimes. They've created a deck of cards, each featuring details of one of 52 unsolved cases. The goal is to distribute these cards to prisoners, hoping someone might have information that can help solve these mysteries.

Unsolved Crimes in Maine:

• 69 murders
• 38 missing persons

This initiative isn't new; over 24 states have tried similar methods before.

West Odessa, Texas Gets Running Water

A small town in Texas, West Odessa, is celebrating some good news. A $17 million project will finally bring running water to the town. Residents previously relied on wells and pumps, making clean water access expensive and challenging.

Christmas Trees Bring Unwanted Guests

While Christmas trees add holiday cheer, they can also bring unwanted guests into your home. Bugs like spiders and praying mantises often hitch a ride on these trees. When brought inside, these creatures wake up and start moving around.

Tips to Avoid Bugs:

• Shake your tree outside
• Use a leaf blower

The Disappearing Penny

Pennies are becoming a thing of the past. The U.S. Mint stopped producing them last November, and stores are now figuring out how to adapt. Some places, like McDonald's, round prices to the nearest nickel. For example:

• $10.22 becomes $10.20
• $10.23 becomes $10.25

Other stores, like Wendy's, round down. Brands like Auntie Anne's prefer to round in the customer's favor.

Society's Problem-Solving Approaches

These stories highlight how society addresses various challenges, from solving crimes to ensuring access to clean water and managing resources. Even small issues like bugs on Christmas trees or the disappearance of pennies can have significant impacts.