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Throughout the summer, NPR News will look at the history, culture and current state of the American Dream. NPR's Ari Shapiro and John Ydstie join host Rachel Martin to take a political and economic look at the ultimate American aspiration.

The Catholic Church has been in the public spotlight a lot this year. The issues of contraception and gay marriage have been part of the presidential campaign and church leaders have weighed in. There have also been new revelations in a case involving leaked Vatican documents, and it may actually be a case where the butler did it. Host Rachel Martin speaks with John Allen, a senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.

A United Nations agency has raised alarms about the Flame virus, which may have been designed for use against Iran. Skeptics say the announcement was more about politics than global security.

The publication of Vatican documents alleging corruption among cardinals has triggered a major crisis in the Holy See. It has shed light on a Vatican gripped by intrigue and power struggles like a Renaissance court, and some observers say it highlights the Vatican's dire need for structural reform.

Hiring ground to a halt across different industries in many parts of the country last month, according to the jobs report released on Friday. The news sent the Dow Jones plunging and gave President Obama's critics fresh material for attacks, but analysts see another story.

Marina Keegan had just graduated from Yale and was headed for a job with The New Yorker this summer. The 22-year-old's final column for the school newspaper spoke of the possibilities ahead, but her own exuberant life came to an end last week.

Brian Wilson and Mike Love reminisce about the '60s, Paul McCartney and getting back in the studio.

Blacksmithing is an ancient trade that, like other crafts, saw a downturn during the Industrial Revolution, when machines took over jobs that humans once did. Now, blacksmithing is having a small revival — and this time it's not just about banging on an anvil.

Home ownership has long been considered a key part of the American Dream. The dream has taken a beating in recent years, but polls show the desire to own remains extremely high. NPR's Chris Arnold discusses the state of home ownership and reviews the latest housing news with host Rachel Martin.

Host Rachel Martin talks to NPR's Mike Pesca about betting on the Belmont Stakes and boxing.