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Contrary to what some Americans believe, Hanukkah traditionally isn't one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. Host Michel Martin speaks with Dianne Ashton, author of the book Hanukkah in America, about how and why the holiday has gained more importance in this country over the decades.

In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower appointed John Foster Dulles as secretary of state, and Allen Dulles as director of the CIA. In his new book, The Brothers, journalist Stephen Kinzer says the Dulles' actions "helped set off some of the world's most profound long-term crises."

Yesterday Congress brought the country back from the brink of defaulting on its debt. Host Michel Martin talks to Joe Davidson of The Washington Post about how federal workers will bring the government back to life.

Wall Street Journal reporters Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell say that champion cyclist Lance Armstrong was at the center of "the greatest sports conspiracy ever." Their book chronicles everything from group blood transfusions on the team bus to extensive efforts to silence and intimidate those who might expose the abuse.

There are reports that the suspects planned to head to New York City next. Also, surviving suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is said to have told investigators the plot was put together only recently.

Many African-born immigrants are considered 'African-American,' but with different histories and cultures than we typically associate with black culture in America. Host Michel Martin speaks to writer Wayetu Moore about her recent article, 'How the Africans Became Black.'

Carl Kasell reads three quotes from the week's news: Standing Tall, Cybercake, Still No In-flight Meal.

Tuberculosis is much less of a health threat in the United States than it is in other countries. But a family in Boston discovered that even here, no one is immune from this ancient foe. More than a dozen family members were infected with TB, and matriarch Judy Williams died at age 59.

Bill Kurtis reads three quotes from the week's news: "Yes. I Can Hear You Now; The Leftist Coast; Pedal Pushers."

Melissa Block talks with Lolis Eric Elie, a writer and editor behind the HBO series Treme about a new cookbook written in the voices of the show's characters. Elie says it reflects both old New Orleans traditions and more recent influences.