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Fifty years ago, a toxic mix of dense fog and sooty black coal smoke descended on London, essentially suffocating thousands to death.

Talking about racial relations in America can often be a minefield of misunderstanding. But for comedians, it can be a goldmine -- an endless source of great material. In the first of a three-part series, co-host Michele Norris talks with Margaret Cho. Hear an extended version of Cho's interview, and learn more about the series.

Journalist Owen Bennett Jones is the author of Pakistan: Eye of the Storm. In the book, he examines the country's turbulent 55-year history. He'll discuss Pakistan's history and its current relationship with the United States. Jones lives in England and has written for The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Independent newspapers and the London Review of Books. He has also reported for BBC Radio and BBC World Television.

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Terry Calaway from San Rafael, Calif. He listens to Weekend Edition on member station KQED in San Francisco.)

He is the author of the bestseller Boy Still Missing, which is now available in paperback. He relates the saga of getting his photograph taken.

As part of NPR's year-long "Housing First" project, Morning Edition airs three reports on the economics of housing for some of the neediest Americans. In the second of three reports, NPR's Ina Jaffe reports from the once-gritty neighborhood of Venice Beach, Calif., now a hip destination for more affluent renters. Low-cost housing is drying up, and the elderly and poor are being pushed out.

Talking about racial relations in America can often be a minefield of misunderstanding. But for comedians, it can be a gold mine -- an endless source of great material. In the final report of a three-part series, host Michele Norris talks with "King of Comedy" Bernie Mac. Hear an extended version of the interview, and learn more about the series.

Republicans digest a Friday apology from Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) over remarks that seemed to endorse America's segregated past. Lott has declined to step down from his post as Senate Republican leader. Republicans must decide if he can remain effective. Hear from NPR's Jacki Lyden and NPR's Juan Williams.

The Senate's No. 2 Republican leader calls for a new election for majority leader. Oklahoma Sen. Don Nickles' recommendation comes just two days after Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) publicly apologizes for comments he made on segregation at a birthday party for Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC). Hear NPR's David Welna.

A sea squirt's chief claim to fame is that of a pest. It grows on boat hulls and pilings, pumping water in one hole and out the other. But an international team of scientists has recently seized on the squirt as a way to study the evolutionary history of humans and other vertebrates. NPR's Richard Harris reports.