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Washington, D.C., saw its homicide rate fall to 198 murders in 2004, down from 248 murders in the previous year. While the nation's capital and other cities have seen a drop in the annual number of murders, others have not.

When Americans think of race relations, they tend to think of the experiences and history of people of color. But what about the concept of "whiteness" in American society?

In San Diego, the Navy begins hearings on allegations that two lieutenants in the elite SEALs unit abused Iraqi prisoners. But questions about how to deal with the release of classified material are complicating the proceedings. Hear NPR's John McChesney.

In Wisconsin, people are celebrating a retro yuletide tradition: the aluminum Christmas tree. In 1959, the Aluminum Specialty Company rolled out the Evergleam, the first mass-produced aluminum tree on the market. Wisconsin Public Radio's Patty Murray reports.

In an expected vote in the Senate Wednesday, 30 of the 45 Democrats plan to oppose the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales as the next attorney general. Democrats accuse Gonzales of having played a leading role in providing legal grounds for the torture of foreign detainees.

President Bush nominates Jim Nicholson as secretary for Veterans Affairs, after the retirement of Anthony Principi. Nicholson is a Vietnam vet and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

Longer than three football fields, freighters ply the Great Lakes hauling iron ore, coal, stone and a crew of hard-working men who consider the skill of the cook before signing up for duty. Hidden Kitchens explores life and food aboard the Great Lakes freighters.

Spooked advertisers are steering their more controversial ads away from the Super Bowl and featuring them online. While the broadcast line-up will include family-friendly spots with patriotic themes and the Muppets, the Internet has become the destination for those seeking edgier advertising.

Shout! Factory Records releases a four-CD set celebrating the music of the city called Doctors, Professors, Kings & Queens: The Big Ol' Box of New Orleans. Hear cuts from the big ol' box.

President Bush delivers a $2.57 trillion budget to Congress that would eliminate or reduce spending on dozens of government programs, including education, farm subsidies and health care for veterans. Former Congressional Budget Office Director Robert Reischauer discusses the president's 2006 spending plan.