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Union shops in the private sector have dwindled in recent decades. Now, public union leaders worry that they're losing political clout, bargaining power and members. That raises questions about whether unions fallen victim to their own success. Originally broadcast on June 7, 2012.

Freshmen "common reads" are becoming increasingly popular at American colleges and universities. One of the more popular common read assignments is Jared Diamond's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. Originally broadcast on Sept. 8, 2011.

Transgender performers have long been accepted as entertainment at baby showers and weddings in Pakistan; they are thought to bring good luck. But despite a recent legal victory, they continue to face widespread discrimination in the conservative Muslim country.

North Carolina, which Barack Obama won four years ago, offers an opportunity to help his re-election effort, even if he can't recapture the state, an analyst said on the eve of the Democratic convention in Charlotte.

Syrian rebels have gained control of a series of towns along the Syrian-Turkish border, including the northern town of Azaz. But government forces continue to launch airstrikes there. Azaz is trying to move forward, but it's largely a ghost town now, as tens of thousands of residents have fled to Turkey.

Even though organic food has less pesticide residue, a new review of several recent studies finds scant evidence that it has more nutrients or fewer risky bacteria than conventionally grown food. But researchers note that organic agriculture can bring environmental benefits.

American troops are leaving volatile Kandahar province by the thousands, handing security over to Afghan forces. But many Afghans don't trust Western forces or their own government to keep them safe. For the past two months, dozens of local leaders have been trying to come up with their own plan to revive Kandahar.

Author Paul Tough says parents should focus less on SAT and IQ scores, and more on fostering grit, curiosity and character in their kids. He argues that attachment is important in the first few years, but parents need to know when to step back and let their kids learn through trial and error.

When Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland answered "no," Republicans jumped on the comment. Vice President Biden weighed in, saying the answer's yes because "bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive." Expect much more to be said.

Also: Democratic National Convention kicks off; power is still out for many after Hurricane Isaac; Lufthansa cancels hundreds of flights because of strikes.