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A group in Wisconsin is trying to heal that state's bitter partisan divide by holding monthly meetings and forums to discuss political issues with in a friendly and more civil way. But could they remain civil while watching Tuesday night's presidential debate?

In government-run media, a letter he reportedly signed congratulates a medical school on its 50th anniversary and takes some shots at the U.S. Castro is now 86 years old.

Back in the 1700s, the resentful subjects of France's Marie Antoinette gave her the nickname: "Madame Deficit." The Queen's extravagant lifestyle ended at the guillotine. But she left behind some treasures — including a delicate pair of green and pink silk striped slippers. On the anniversary of her execution this week, they were sold by a Parisian auction house for more than $65,000.

Andy Ashkar, 34, has amazing self-control. He won $5 million but decided to hold off cashing the ticket in for six years. He told lottery officials he didn't want the winnings to "negatively influence" his life, including his engagement and marriage.

Also: Syrian rebels now have portable anti-aircraft missiles, Wall Street Journal reports; former Sen. George McGovern, is "no longer responsive," his family says; Greeks stage another general strike to protest austerity measures.

In this morning's roundup of arts and culture news: an anniversary celebration for a whale, a guest-starring role for the beloved George Takei, a kiss for Survivor host Jeff Probst, and a few words about magical realism in American cinema.

Yamanaka is big in Japan — of course, it helps that that's where the jazz pianist was born and grew up. Recently, her imaginative virtuosity has begun to translate to stateside jazz success.

Spencer West lost his legs because of a genetic disorder when he was just 5 years old. But that hasn't stopped him from great athletic endeavors, like climbing the highest peak in Africa. West joins host Michel Martin to talk about his memoir, Standing Tall.

The national debt is a major talking point in this year's presidential election. But political scientist Robert Sahr says it hasn't always been this way. He sits down with host Michel Martin to look at what the presidential candidates plan to do about the debt. The conversation is part of NPR's "Solve This" series, looking at the issues driving the election.

Courtney Pearson is the first African-American woman to be elected homecoming queen at the University of Mississippi. She says race didn't come up during her campaign. Neither did her size. Only afterward did she hear some cruel comments about her full figure.