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Robert talks to Seymour Martin Lipset, author of "American Exceptionalism: A Double Edged Sword." (W.W. Norton & Company) Lipset says that many of the characteristics that Alexis de Tocqueville described as uniquely American still exist in our society today and continue to make the United States different from other countries. But Lipset notes these characteristics have a negative side, too.

-- NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on how work at the Labor Department is being affected by the fact that there is no secretary. Senate Republicans are blocking a confirmation vote on Alexis Herman, President Clinton's nominee to succeed Robert Reich, who left the administration four months ago and work is backing up at the Department.

NPR's Alex Chadwick speaks with Harvey Mansfield, the editor and translator of the newest edition of, Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville. De Tocqueville's visit to the fledgling United States 170 years ago led to an analysis of our political and social systems that are surprisingly relevant today.

As Mexicans migrate to the United States, many are leaving their children behind in the care of extended families. That's causing problems in their home communities: children are doing poorly in school, dropping out and turning to criminal activity.

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott says Alexis Herman's confirmation as Labor Secretary is being held up by questions about her political activities when she worked at the White House. The Republican-led Senate is looking into Herman's role in a White House gathering last year, in which President Clinton and the Comptroller of the Currency met with banking industry executives. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.

Alexis Sinduhije, a Burundian journalist, will receive an International Press Freedom Award this week from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Sinduhije is the founder of Radio Publique Africaine, a radio station that has brought together Hutu and Tusti reporters. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and Sinduhije.

Historically, Sunday was reserved for prayer and reflection, and most commerce or non-religious activity was off-limits. But these days, almost anything goes. As part of her series on leisure, NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with the Alexis McCrossen, author of Holy Day, Holiday: The American Sunday.

Also: A new short story by Stieg Larsson; Sherman Alexie's mullet; Rebecca Mead on Jane Austen.

At least six people — three children and three adults — were killed when a 28-year-old woman opened fire at a small Christian school in Nashville. The shooter was then killed by police.

Seven people died and dozens were wounded in the attack during a July 4 parade.