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The nephew of African-American contralto Marian Anderson was a trailblazer in his own right, an acclaimed conductor in an age when few black men led major orchestras. His international performing, recording and teaching career blossomed despite significant physical challenges.

In her new book, The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things, author Paula Byrne shows how everyday objects helped shape Austen's life and literature. One example, a topaz cross, a cherished gift to Austen from her brother, plays an important role in Mansfield Park.

The decision has been long anticipated. The Postal Service continues to lose billions of dollars a year and is looking for ways to cut costs. Eliminating Saturday delivery of first-class mail (but not packages) might save it about $2 billion annually.

Of all the individuals in President Obama's first-term Cabinet, Energy Secretary Steven Chu was arguably the least likely to be found in official Washington. And now that the Nobel Prize-winning physicist is leaving government, there are a few reasons that understanding his legacy might take some time.

Host Michel Martin and editor Ammad Omar open up the listener inbox. They discuss musician Emeli Sandé's rise in the U.S. charts and get feedback about an interview on mental illness and gun violence.

Testing for prostate cancer may not get any less confusing anytime soon. But researchers say the much-maligned PSA screening test is worthwhile if it's used for the right men at the right time.

With the election over, attention in Washington has turned to the nation's debt and deficit challenges — most immediately $600 billion worth of expiring tax breaks and automatic spending cuts. Both the president and congressional leaders are signaling a willingness to work together to avoid a fiscal disaster.

We all know about the power of music — the songs that make you happy or trigger a poignant memory. But once in a while music can be even more intoxicating, as in a stunning performance that will be broadcast live to movie theaters worldwide this Saturday.

Jim Hewes has been bartending at the historic Willard Hotel's Round Robin Bar for 27 years. The bar is just a stone's throw from the White House, and Hewes mixes up presidential history with his cocktails. For the inauguration, he has come up with a drink list inspired by the 44 presidents.

AeroVironment has an unusual combination of products — military drones and electric vehicle chargers. The company's president acknowledges that some workers are uncomfortable with the company's dual interests, but he doesn't see a conflict.