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Congress returns to work this week after taking most of the autumn off to campaign. Host Rachel Martin speaks with NPR's Washington editor, Ron Elving, about the long congressional to-do list during the so-called "lame-duck" session.

In fiscal year 2012, the Bureau of the Public Debt received nearly $8 million in donations from private citizens, far surpassing the previous year's haul. But it barely makes a dent in the overall national debt. So why give away all that cash?

With mixers, blenders and food processors found in most kitchens, the primitive mortar and pestle may seem out of place. But the Stone Age tool can't be beat when it comes to creating tasty salsas, pestos and curries, chefs say.

When Philip Hensher realized he didn't know what his best friend's handwriting looked like, he decided to write a book. Host Rachel Martin speaks with Hensher about that book, The Missing Ink: The Lost Art of Handwriting.

Fighting between rebel and government forces in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has set off a humanitarian crisis. In one small refugee camp, workers from international aid groups are doing what they can to try and help some of the roughly 100,000 Congolese displaced by the fighting.

Political campaigning is increasingly driven by data. Journalist Sasha Issenberg says voter outreach has shifted from a precinct-centered game to one focused on individuals' behavior. In his new book, The Victory Lab, he says the smallest changes in tactic have had the biggest impact on politics.

The Homestead Act was born during troubled times in American History. It was passed during the Civil War, but just barely. Guest host Linda Wertheimer talks with Jonathan Earle, associate professor of history at the University of Kansas, about the act and its implications.

Alt.Latino hosts Felix Contreras and Jasmine Garsd swing by to give us a preview of some of the coming season's hottest new releases — from an iconic Mexican rock group to a much anticipated Colombian band.

Guest host Linda Wertheimer talks with NPR's Mike Pesca about his analysis of unusual baseball statistics, ahead of playoff season.

Writer David Skinner tells Weekend Edition host Rachel Martin about the creation of the dictionary commonly known as "Webster's Third." Its full title is Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language. The dictionary was published in 1961, and immediately caused a frenzy with its newfangled approach to language. Skinner's book is called The Story of Ain't.