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We all have a place where we can go to get away — even if it's only in our mind's eye. Writer Jess Walter loves days spent paddling on Lake Union.

It's become a pattern: On the first Friday of the month, the Labor Department issues a disappointing economic report. Republicans cite it as proof of President Obama's failed policies. The White House urges everyone to focus on the glass half full. And both sides miss the broader picture.

Melissa Block speaks with marine biologist Dorris Welch, who is co-owner of Sanctuary Cruises in Monterey Bay, Calif. She says blue whales come and go throughout the summer, but this year they are coming closer to shore and in bigger numbers. She believes it's because of the abundance of krill available.

Power outages resulting from last week's storms are still making it difficult for many people in the Mid-Atlantic to feed themselves. But perishables from many grocery stores and restaurants have been making their way into the hands of the hungry through food pantries.

Former members of Argentina's junta are convicted of stealing babies from political prisoners in the 1970s and 80s. The landmark case comes after decades of protests by the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who fought relentlessly to find out the fate of their children and grandchildren.

Texas farmers were boggled in the 1950s when rain refused to fall for seven years. Crops and livestock suffered from the drought, which later spurred water planning initiatives so the state could survive in the event of another dry spell. Some growers still recall what's colloquially called "the drouth."

Even before last weekend's storms killed at least 26 people and knocked out power to 3 million, engineers were worried about the nation's power grid. The American Society of Civil Engineers says unless $673 billion is invested in the grid, it could break down by 2020.

Employers added 80,000 jobs in June, fewer than expected. It appears that hiring has slowed considerably after starting the year at a healthy clip. But as NPR's Sonari Glinton explains monthly payroll numbers aren't always reliable.

Monday, Dan Sullivan was sworn in for a second term as the mayor of Anchorage, Alaska. Host Scott Simon speaks with Sullivan about his decision to take the oath of office via Skype from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Saturday, less than a year after the death of Moammar Gadhafi, Libyans are electing a new parliament. But in the months since the dictator was killed by a mob, life in Libya has been troubled. Host Scott Simon talks with Reuters reporter Hadeel Al-Shalchi, who is in Tripoli.