Retreating Arctic ice is considered a key indicator of the pace of global warming by environmentalists, and one that could have devastating knock-on repercussions for the wider climate, including warmer oceans and rising sea levels.

CNN: Arctic melt worse than predictions

Studies like 'Ice Bridge' are key.

CNN: NASA flights will study Antarctic ice changes

Nonetheless, the researchers say, thinning has intensified at key locations where ice streams enter the ocean.

BBC: Laser satellite records ice loss

The worry is that if Mr Byers cannot make up his mind on relatively low-key issues like milk and ice cream, how will he be able to resist the far more serious pressures that will be exerted on him over car prices and supermarkets, both currently the subject of competition inquiries?

ECONOMIST: Stephen Byers is making a mess of competition policy

The key moment of New York's latest win might have occurred off ice between the second and third periods, when coach John Tortorella and the team discussed the Rangers' struggling power play.

WSJ: Rangers hang on to beat Caps 4-3, tie series 2-2

Obama made low-key campaign stops this weekend, hitting a street festival in Keizer and stopping for ice cream in Eugene.

CNN: Clinton: 'Think about this as a hiring decision'