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NPR's Michel Martin speak with writer Les Standiford about his new book, Battle for the Big Top: P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus.

The House Democratic caucus will include a record number of women and minorities next year. But when it comes to top statewide offices, minorities do better running as Republicans.

Trump appointee Michael Pack hoped to fire top executives who challenged him at the U.S. Agency for Global Media. When he couldn't, Pack paid a high-profile law firm millions to investigate them.

Washington, D.C., teens get into the spirit of historical figures and tell visitors what the portraits miss. In one instance, a student imagines a private talk between Richard Nixon and his wife.

The top issues for many young adults in this election aren't about culture wars, but their wallets. Inflation and rising prices have hit a lot of people in this age group, and many who can't afford groceries and rent say they are on the cusp of homelessness.

During a heated Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Mark Warner described the actions of the nation's top intelligence officials as "sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.

Marisa Peñaloza is a senior producer on NPR's National Desk. Peñaloza's productions are among the signature pieces heard on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as weekend shows. Her work has covered a wide array of topics — from breaking news to feature stories, as well as investigative reports.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson has selected Bob Cabana as the agency’s associate administrator. Cabana served as Kennedy Space Center’s director since 2008.

JOHNNY OTIS is a pioneer of rhythm and blues music. He has been a R&B musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his 1945 big band hit "Harlem Nocturne," and his 1958 his record "Willie and Hand Jive," which was in the top ten on R&B charts. Otis is back on the road and in the recording studio now. In January he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in February, he was inducted into the Rhythm &Blues Hall of Fame. His latest CD, "The Black Territory Bands," was nominated for a Grammy in the Big Band category for 1994. Capitol records reissued OTIS's sessions from the 1950's. OTIS has also just written his memoirs, "Upside Your Head! Rhythm and Blues on Central Avenue." (University Press of New England) (REBROADCAST from 11/21/89).

Author LORENZO CARCATERRA (Car-CA-terra). He is managing editor of the CBS weekly series "Top Cops." He's written a memoir, "A Safe Place," (Villard Books) about growing up, the son of a violent, loving, murderous, and generous father. They lived in New York's Hell's Kitchen during the 50s and 60s. Lorenzo found out at the age of 14 that his father had murdered his first wife when she threatened to leave him. Lorenzo's father went on to terrorize his second wife, beating her and Lorenzo. Yet his father also could be warm and affectionate, taking Lorenzo to the ballpark, or showering him with kisses. His father would cry at the sound of a beautiful aria, but he could also be extremely violent at even the midest affront to his ego.

Soul Musician ISAAC HAYES. He is a renowned soul musician, who rose to the top of the charts in the 1970's on the Stax label, a soul record label. HAYES released his first solo album, "Presenting Isaac Hayes," in 1968. His next album, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a gold record in the 1970's. His 1972 soundtrack to the movie "Shaft," went platinum and won an Oscar for "Theme From Shaft." HAYES is also an actor, who has held roles in the movies "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," and "Posse." He was in the Nicholas Cage movie, "It Could Happen to You." It's been seven years since he's released any new albums. Now he has two new releases: "Branded," (a vocal album) and "Raw & Refined" (an instrumental.) (REBROADCAST from

Before Hurricane Katrina hit land, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, FEMA Director Michael Brown and other top agency officials received e-mails warning that Katrina posed a dire threat to New Orleans and other areas. Yet one FEMA official tells NPR little was done.

Wendy's is doing away with its "biggie" and "great biggie" portion names. But that doesn't mean sizes are getting smaller. A medium drink is 32 ounces, and a large tops out at 42 ounces. Nutritionists see this new, larger soft drink as a setback in the battle against obesity.

The dark comedy by David Hare chronicles the tangle of diplomatic maneuvers leading to the war. It hints that President Bush and top advisers intended to invade Iraq even before the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Stars and Stripes has been a staple of wartime since World War I, bringing soldiers news from home and the battlefront. The newspaper strives to provide an independent voice while under military control. Some readers and even some of its reporters have claimed the paper is too cozy with the military, while many in the top brass say it's too hostile. NPR's Bob Edwards reports.

Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his top aides should be held responsible for failing to plan for Iraq's reconstruction after the U.S.-led war. Hear NPR's Steve Inkseep's extended interview with the former U.S. Central Command chief.

Actor Jack Palance, known for his haltingly intense speaking style and dozens of roles in Western and noir films, has died. After years of playing the heavy in Hollywood, Palance became a hit in comedy films late in life. At 70, he won an Oscar for his over-the-top role in the Billy Crystal film City Slickers.

One of the world's top female wrestlers is featured in this week's installment of the Weekend Edition Sunday summer reading series. Toccara Montgomery will compete in Athens in the 72-kilogram weight division. She talked about books with NPR's Liane Hansen before leaving for the Summer Games.

The Senate Banking Committee grills top regulators and several of the nation's largest lenders about problems with sub-prime mortgages — and what regulators did and did not do to address them. About 14 percent of outstanding subprime loans are now delinquent by 30 days or more.

We cover the week’s top domestic stories, from immigration regulations to inverted yield curves.