Spanning two continents and three centuries, National Book Award winner Colum McCann's latest novel weaves the stories of well-known figures and fictional characters, revealing fiction's role in the telling of history.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died this week at 89, had been the only remaining World War II veteran in the Senate. Just two are left in the House. Today, fewer than 1 in 5 members of Congress have military service on their resume.

Friday's holiday wasn't the brain child of doughnut vendors trying to push their sugary, deep-fried treats (though some will give them to you for free). The holiday stems from the wartime volunteer service of "dough girls" — and even helped to lighten the dark days of Vietnam POWs.

About 55 million years ago, a teacup-sized critter in China was helping to pave the way for apes and humans. This insect eater had fingernails and stereo vision, a newly published analysis of a fossil suggests. And it weighed just 1 ounce.

Born to Chinese parents, conjoined twins Eng and Chang Bunker became famous throughout the world as "Siamese twins." After years of being displayed at exhibitions, they settled in the mountains of North Carolina in the 1830s. NPR's Michel Martin learns more about their remarkable story from descendant Alex Sink.

The assassination of the NAACP field secretary galvanized a growing civil rights movement, the effects of which are still being felt across the South today.