The ongoing government shutdown has left many federal employers feeling frustrated by their status. We talk about the practical and emotional implications of the shutdown.

Journalist Shahan Mufti describes himself as "100 percent American and 100 percent Pakistani." We talk with Mufti about the importance of storytelling for people and nations alike, and Pakistan's role in world events.

Federal workers increasingly find themselves in the middle of partisan feuds. Recent political disputes over spending and the debt ceiling resulted in the so-called "sequester" -- and a cascade of furloughs and pay cuts for the federal work force. And congressional gridlock forces the threat of a government shutdown. We explore where the federal work force and the Washington region's economy fit into the gamesmanship of today's politics.

Kojo sits down with the executive producer of Al Jazeera America's flagship news program, “America Tonight,” to discuss the channel's first month of broadcasting, its approach to news coverage and how the channel fits into a rapidly changing media landscape.

Bestselling author Bill Bryson joins us to talk about his newest book, "One Summer: America, 1927." He details the events that transfixed the nation in that year including Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, Babe Ruth in the batter's box and epic floods in the Mississippi basin. Join us to talk about America in 1927 and how many of the key news stories of that year resonate today.

For teens at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, much of what they know about sex comes from a rather uncommon place: Sunday School.

In communities across the country, government agencies and city councils are pairing with individual artists and arts nonprofits to create a stronger sense of place through art.

Thirty million Americans struggle with basic reading and math skills, including some 64,000 right here in the District.

Whether you're a cubicle dweller or occupy a corner office, proper protocol in the office has changed drastically in recent years. Enter Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, who takes on everything from email etiquette to office dress codes in a new book.

It's your turn to weigh in with questions, comments and thoughts on the week's headlines.