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The political climate has changed drastically since a 10-year assault weapons ban passed in 1994. The lack of political will and other barriers stand in the way of it even coming to a vote today.

President Bush will address the nation Monday evening. His topic will be immigration, and his address follows a week of increasing controversy between the administration's national security efforts and protecting civil liberties. Host Liane Hansen talks with NPR Senior Washington Editor Ron Elving about the president's efforts to take the political initiative as his approval ratings continue to fall.

Melissa Block talks with Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, whose new CD Picaresque was recorded in a church in their hometown of Portland, Ore. Meloy likes to write songs that describe events outside his actual experience.

She is neither a misunderstood genius nor a child celebrity. She has not witnessed the extraordinary. Yet Amy Krouse Rosenthal wants you to know about her life. Her new memoir is an encyclopedia of herself, in alphabetical order. Mallory Kasdan profiles the writer.

Author Judith Moore's darkly humorous and unflinching memoir recounts growing up "heavy" with an abusive mother. Moore revels in the delights of a cheeseburger, and the subtle victory of rising above her past.

Scott Simon speaks with composer Danny Elfman about his latest music projects, which include an album, a long-awaited performance at the Coachella festival, and classical music concertos.

Author and poet Maya Angelou talks about her latest work, a book of recipes and recollections she's put together that combine her love of cooking and good food with her deeper love of the people she shares her table with.

The alleged shooter, an 18-year-old white male, has been arraigned on a first-degree murder charge. Authorities say most of the victims killed at a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket were Black.

About 1 in 20 high school seniors now acknowledges taking OxyContin, a prescription drug for managing severe pain that, when abused, can be powerfully addictive. The consequences can be tragic.

The beginning of January marks the deadline for most college admissions applications. The Unversity of Virginia's freshmen may not be anxious to revisit this period, but they can anyway: A play called Voices of the Class, 2009 offers adaptations of their application essays.