Retailers look forward to the holiday shopping season for at least one-fifth of their annual sales. How online shopping, a Black Friday backlash and economic uncertainty are shaping purchasing trends.

In 1835, a drunken slave entered his mistress' bedroom with an axe, setting in motion events that would lead to Washington's first race riot. We learn about the fascinating, and nearly forgotten, characters involved in the incident and its aftermath.

Diane talks with Amanda Burden about her work as the New York City Planning Commissioner and the challenges facing the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The atmosphere of a restaurant can be as essential to its success as the food it serves.

The story is a familiar one: a powerful leader felled by a sex scandal, with details straight out of a soap opera. But behind the usual discussions of judgment and ego lie less-examined attitudes about women.

A decade ago there were about a dozen craft distilleries in the U.S., now there are more than 250. We explore the growing phenomenon and talk to local makers.

An exploration of the U.S. domestic shale oil boom and geopolitical power.

Could you eat for just $5 a day? Hundreds of Montgomery County, Md., officials and employees tried it last week to raise awareness about hunger in the affluent county, but some people who struggle to buy food found the week-long challenge offensive.

We explore how innovators are using crowdsourcing today.

Obese and overweight kids are more likely to have health, emotional and behavioral problems. But because of our cultural sensitivities and the emotions caught up in the issue, helping a child lose weight can be an overwhelming challenge.