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What makes an essential rock song? Music journalist Greil Marcus argues that it's not the stature of the performer, but the degree to which a song tells the story of rock 'n' roll itself.

From a Top Gun sequel starring drones to Howard University's pick of Puff Daddy as its commencement speaker, the Barbershop guys weigh in on the week's news.

The Beauty Shop ladies weigh in on whether it matters that Trayvon Martin's killer is Hispanic. They also discuss the Illinois primaries and a TV commercial that critics say reinforces stereotypes about Latinas. Host Michel Martin checks in with columnists Mary Kate Cary and Mary Mitchell, and with bloggers Viviana Hurtado and Danielle Belton.

The guys discuss the outrage around the shooting death of an unarmed African-American teen. They also talk about penalties the NFL imposed on the New Orleans Saints. Host Michel Martin checks in with freelance journalist Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, sports editor Dave Zirin, and NPR's digital news correspondent Corey Dade.

Guest host Jacki Lyden and the Barbershop guys hash out vice presidential politics, including what Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's VP pick, brings to the ticket. They also discuss Joe Biden's controversial comment that Romney's fiscal policy will put people "back in chains."

Why did it take some of the nation's biggest news organizations so long to take seriously the accusations against the late Jeffrey Epstein? Allegations about his behavior go back more than a decade.

"He believed that in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage, that in all of us there is a longing to do what's right," former President Barack Obama says of his friend and mentor.

John Pierce is defending more people charged in the U.S. Capitol riot than any other lawyer. His past had already raised concerns. And an unexpected absence from court only led to more questions.

Despite days of widespread incitement on social media in advance of the insurrection encouraging extremist Trump supporters to assault the U.S. Capitol, law enforcement was unprepared and overwhelmed.

The sheer volume of loss felt by the music world in 2020 is almost overwhelming. Here is NPR's tribute to dozens of the musicians — founders and innovators across genres — who died this year.