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Robert Siegel talks with Verity Jennings, a recent graduate of Leeds Metropolitan University in Britain. Jennings' thesis analyzed the popularity of the term "chavs" in hundreds of newspaper stories. While the origins of the word are murky, Jennings says "chavs" has come to refer to British young people characterized by gold jewelry and sportswear, often in a negative light. But she says references to "chavs" may also create a new sense of belonging.

As it prepares to hold its first direct elections in 46 years, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces steep hurdles, including how to get election material to 50,000 polling stations. Some observers say Congo isn't ready for Sunday's balloting.

Part of the funds distributed by a Utah foundation established by Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt and his family is used to pay the rent for students living in Leavitt-owned apartments. The foundation is under fire for giving away little money -- but securing substantial tax advantages for Leavitt's family.

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas re-opened in New Orleans Friday, nine months after Hurricane Katrina killed thousands of fish and animals there. Lance Ripley of the aquarium tells Melissa Block that generous donations rebuilt and revived the facility.

German-born Pope Benedict XVI makes a solemn visit to the site of the Auschwitz concentration camp, ending a four-day tour of Poland. Benedict called the Nazi death camp "a place of horror."

Summer is the time to eat. There's no better opportunity to make the most of what the season — and your local farmer's stand — have to offer. Cookbooks can help. Food writer Bonny Wolf rounds up 10 to take you through the season.

The group Las Rubias del Norte is led by a pair of singers from Brooklyn who found inspiration in the songs of Tejana singer Lydia Mendoza and other music of South America.

There was a standing ovation at baseball's Miller Park in Milwaukee this weekend, as a new athlete took the field for the first time. Standing about eight feet tall -- including his sombrero -- "El Picante" was the star of the show during the Brewers' 6th-inning entertainment: the sausage races.

NATO forces take control of security forces in southern Afghanistan, which has been plagued by terrorism and violence. A U.S.-led coalition had previously controlled the area. Some 8,500 troops will be in the area when the NATO contingent is at full force.

New York Times photographer Tyler Hicks has spent the past 2 1/2 weeks in Tyre, Lebanon. Although covering a war story comes with a grave risk, Hicks has been able to get up close to the action, capturing images that are hauntingly intimate. Hicks has covered conflicts across the globe: He explains what's different about this assignment.