In the early stages of atomic experiments, the U.S. government hired Harold Edgerton to figure out how to photograph big bangs. His photographs, shared by the Smithsonian, are both spectacular and spooky.

Duncan, John J. Jr. Edwards, Chet Edwards, Donna F. Ehlers, Vernon J. Ellison, Keith

Gabriel Arana, American Prospect
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)"Rule No. 1: No carilla," she started, using Spanish slang -- no ribbing each other. The rest of the classroom rules were also punctuated with some colloquialism to bridge the cultural divide. She was dynamic and enthusiastic, on a mission to use her skills and education to help these needy kids. She left after a year. I kept thinking of this teacher's quixotic idealism as I watched Waiting for Superman, the much-talked-about Paramount Pictures documentary by An Inconvenient Truth director Davis...

Putnam, Adam H. Quigley, Mike Radanovich, George Rahall, Nick J. II Rangel, Charles B.

Social progress in the National Football League has been slow to catch on, especially in the quarterback position which has traditionally been filled by white players. But Deron Snyder of The Root argues that there is reason to see positive change in the football community.

Bishop, Sanford D. Jr. Bishop, Timothy H. Blackburn, Marsha Blumenauer, Earl Blunt, Roy

Scientists hope a new DNA database for dogs will help track -- and prosecute -- people who breed dogs to fight. But advocates say there's a risk that the DNA records could be used against the dogs, or against people who adopt them.

Filner, Bob Flake, Jeff Fleming, John Forbes, J. Randy Fortenberry, Jeff

In the latest survey of Senate races, and the first since early September, we show Republicans continuing their momentum -- but they would have to win every tossup seat to have a chance to take control.

Delahunt, Bill DeLauro, Rosa L. Dent, Charles W. Deutch, Theodore E. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln

A facility in Baltimore uses a high-tech version of old-fashioned ice to provide efficient, thrifty cooling to local buildings. Water is frozen at night when electricity is cheapest, then chills water circulated to buildings. Customers save about 10 percent on their energy costs.

Payne, Donald M. Pelosi, Nancy Pence, Mike Perlmutter, Ed Perriello, Thomas S. P.

The Northeast, a longtime Democratic stronghold, might be the key to a Republican takeover of Congress in the midterm elections. Andrew Stiles of the National Review argues that Republicans can take back the region by running strong enthusiastic candidates.

Wu, David Yarmuth, John A. Young, C. W. Bill Young, Don Ackerman, Gary L.

Neal, Richard E. Neugebauer, Randy Norton, Eleanor Holmes Nunes, Devin Nye, Glenn C.

The NAACP hosts a rally this weekend in Washington D.C. with hundreds of other organizations. They're trying to promote good jobs, education and greater equality for black voters. NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous talks to Steve Inskeep about the march, midterm elections and the tea party.

Peterson, Collin C. Petri, Thomas E. Pierluisi, Pedro R. Pingree, Chellie

Ron Johnson, GOP Senate hopeful from Wisconsin, says what the Senate need is an accountant and manufacturer like him. And one less lawyer like incumbent Sen. Russ Feingold

Ackerman, Gary L. Aderholt, Robert B. Adler, John H. Akin, W. Todd Alexander, Rodney