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A rise in Iraqi deaths due to violence means extra business for specially trained Shiites who perform ritual washing of the dead before burial. One woman has made a living at the task for decades.

Can a Democrat (who use to be a Republican) and a woman (who used to be a man) win a legislative seat in one of the most conservative states in the nation? Jenny Brundin reports on the personal and political journey of an unlikely politician.

After months of stalled negotiations, Iraq's parliament has settled on a new prime minister... Jawad al-Maliki... and other senior officials. The breakthrough stirs hopes for a truly functioning Iraqi government.

The murder of two people on Maine's widely available sex-offender registry raises questions about who is on such lists. Experts say many states list hard-core predators alongside people who may pose little risk to the public.

Author Joe Klein (Primary Colors) says U.S. politicians' reliance on focus groups and political consultants threatens genuine leadership and trivializes democracy. Klein and Scott Simon discuss the state of politics in America.

The tune "Misirlou" is heard in klezmer music, '50s exotica acts, surf guitar and many other forms. Guitar legend Dick Dale and NYU professor Yale Strom help trace the history of a haunting melody.

Poet Brian Turner served as a sergeant in the US Army's Third Stryker Brigade in Iraq. Here, Bullet, collects the poems through which he reflects the experience of war.

Bird lovers say they're friendly and intelligent -- but a Connecticut power utility calls them a nuisance, and it's rounding them up to kill them. Tandaleya Wilder of member station WSHU reports on the skirmish over the wild monk parakeet.

Closing arguments are heard in PETA vs. Ringling Brothers Circus lawsuit. The animal-rights group says the owner of the circus infiltrated and spied on PETA and other animal-rights groups. Ringling Brothers officials admit they did just that, but they say PETA wasn't harmed by the spying.

At least 10 people were killed -- and 40 injured -- in the Midwest after a series of tornadoes swept across the Midwest. The bulk of the deaths occurred in Missouri. Crews assessing the damage Monday say it is remarkable more people weren't hurt.