Here in the D.C. area, people can sample many different types of food; we have restaurants representing nearly every region of the globe, farmers markets, food trucks and community gardens. But some areas of the District are considered food deserts with limited access to healthy, nutritious food. Commentator Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), says it's time to change that.

This week, Fred Fiske considers Japan's future after last month's earthquake and multiple tsunamis.

As localities across the country face mounting budet pressures, many are having to reevaluate spending and focus their priorities. Commentator Robert Rooks -- director of criminal justice programs for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -- is urging policymakers in our area to focus spending on education.

This week, Fred Fiske considers discount membership clubs, where "grazing" may be delectable but the bulk sizes can get out of hand.

This week, Fiske considers dog intelligence, including how it's been studied and what both scientists and dogs have learned.

An estimated one in four women in the United States has experienced domestic violence, usually at the hands of a current or former partner. For decades, community leaders have tried to understand what keeps victims trapped in an abusive cycle, and when violence hit home, commentator Beza Mesfin also struggled with that question.

Rising oil prices and new concerns about nuclear power are prompting a lot of people to reevaluate our sources of energy. Commentator Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, is urging lawmakers in Maryland to consider the potential of offshore wind farms.

As April 15 approaches, many of us are finding ourselves laboring through our taxes. Commentator Page Schindler Buchanan, volunteer coordinator for the D.C. Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign, is warning about one way some lenders take advantage of people desperate for their refunds.

This week, Fiske considers changes to men's fashion and the general trend toward more casual, informal dress and an embrace of the "scruffy look."

As members of Congress continue to negotiate a budget compromise, lawmakers are considering a wide range of potential cuts. But Georgetown University President John DeGioia is urging Congress not to cut federal funding for student financial aid.