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Are you better off than you were four years ago? That's the question first posed by Ronald Reagan in 1980, and one that Republicans are again using as one of their main arguments against the re-election of President Obama. Weekends on All Things Considered host Guy Raz puts the question to two economists, Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, and Douglas Holtz-Eakin of the American Action Forum. NPR's Don Gonyea also has the latest from the campaign trail in Florida.

Some black voters in the Youngstown, Ohio, area are expressing reservations about President Obama this year because of his stance on some social issues that offend their religious beliefs. It's unclear, however, how many will sit home or change their votes as a result.

The State Department is deploying a new, elite force onto the precarious stage of international diplomacy. More than 80 top chefs from across the nation were inducted into the first-ever American Chef Corps on Friday.

As the NFL regular season opens this weekend, place-kicker Jason Hanson is preparing for his 21st consecutive season with the Detroit Lions. That's a record in the league — no small feat in an industry where a missed kick can cost you your career.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, which reportedly killed at least six people, including children.

Turkish officials recently arrested several suspected Iranian spies. But these cases are but a pale echo of Turkey's heyday as a mecca for spies. During World War II, Istanbul was a crossroads that swarmed with agents. It has inspired authors from Eric Ambler to John le Carre — a tradition that continues today.

The last time Republicans held the spot was in 1997. Richard Tisei might be their answer for taking it back. The openly gay candidate is getting a boost from a family scandal surrounding the incumbent Democrat, Rep. John Tierney.

In the 40 Under 40 exhibit at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, young artists bring modern-day technology together with old-fashioned craft techniques. Curator Nicholas Bell says it is a worldview and artistic approach "defined by the angst, the unease, the trepidation, the difficulties of the 21st century."

If 25,000 teachers walk out in President Obama's home turf Monday, it could present problems for his re-election campaign. The teachers union is at odds with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who touted his plans for change at the Democratic National Convention.

In Florida Saturday, President Obama made his pitch about an economy on the rebound, while stressing that there is much yet to be done. NPR's Don Gonyea reports from the perpetual battleground state.