Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Poet Elizabeth Alexander inspired by rich variety of experiences
  Poet and essayist Elizabeth Alexander takes her inspiration from a wide range of influence -- the history of poetry, the richness of language, and what she calls the "rich infinity" of the African-American experience.3:19 p.m.
• Minnesota's jobless rate jumps to 6.4 percent
  The job market continues to get tougher for Minnesotans as the recession deepens. Minnesota lost another 10,500 jobs in November and the state's unemployment rate spiked 10 6.4 percent.4:50 p.m.
• The economy alters our notion of attractiveness
  It's said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But, as it turns out, the state of the economy has a way of altering our vision.4:54 p.m.
• Coleman with 2-vote lead after 3rd day of canvass
  Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says the board charged with reviewing disputed ballots in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race will finish that part of the process today.5:20 p.m.
• Infamous 'Lizard People' ballot rejected by board
  One of the most talked about ballots during the recount was the infamous "Lizard People" ballot. Today, that ballot came up to the State Canvassing Board for review and was rejected as an overvote. Tom Crann talked with the voter who cast that vote, Lucas Davenport.5:24 p.m.
• Recession provides real world lab for biz schools
  Professors know one of the best ways to capture students' attention is to use real world examples in the classroom. The current financial turmoil is one of the most effective teachable moments ever for business schools.5:50 p.m.
• Speaking of Faith: A conversation with Rick Warren
  Speaking of Faith host Krista Tippet talked with Rev. Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, in 2007.6:20 p.m.
• Local GLBT leader upset with Warren inauguration pick
  Among the people disappointed with Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation on Innaguration Day is Amy Johnson. She is the brand new executive director of Minnesota's biggest gay and lesbian equality organization -- OutFront Minnesota.6:24 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Pre-Inaugural Jitters At San Francisco Chorus
  Among the entertainment at Barack Obama's Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony will be 86 young singers from San Francisco. The 43 singers from the San Francisco Boys Chorus and 43 from the Girls Chorus paired up, recorded one song and sent it off with their fingers crossed.
• Suggestions For New Cabinet-Level Agencies
  Commentator Andrei Codrescu thinks that the Obama presidency needs some new Cabinet-level positions. Among them: a Department of Common Sense, a Department for the Defense of the English Language, a Department of Accuracy and a Department of Unused Resources.
• Conservative Icon Paul Weyrich Dies
  Paul Weyrich, a founder of the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Foundation, has died. He was 66. Weyrich was a beacon on the right in American politics for over four decades.
• Bush's Last-Minute 'Conscience' Rules Cause Furor
  The Bush administration has issued new rules allowing doctors and other health providers to opt out of performing services to which they are morally opposed. Opponents are lobbying the incoming Congress to overturn the regulations.
• Chrysler Worker Weighs Uncertain Future
  Automaker Chrysler has announced it will shut all its plants for a month starting Friday. Brian Peshek, a die-maker at a Chrysler plant in Twinsburg, Ohio, talks about the plant's closure and his worries for the future.
• Saudi Arabia, George Soros On Clinton Donor List
  The former president's foundation ended years of secrecy by naming its donors. The information dump came about to stave off problems that could sink Hillary Clinton's Cabinet job. The list included enough big money and enough big names to catch the attention of conservatives, journalists and bloggers.
• Greek Police Continue Clashes With Protesters
  Violent protests are continuing in Greece two weeks police shot and killed a teenager. Riot police have clashed with rock-throwing demonstrators in central Athens. Christmas shoppers and people in cafes sought cover. Derek Gatopolous, a reporter for The Associated Press, offers his insight.
• Automakers' Woes Blamed On Dealerships
  Car dealerships are hurting, but are they also partly to blame for the woes of the Big Three automakers? Consumer advocates say the dealerships have made it harder for carmakers to innovate, but dealers say online car sales don't work.
• Poet Calls Writing Inaugural Poem A 'Challenge'
  Elizabeth Alexander, who was chosen to read at Barack Obama's inauguration, says she doesn't feel scared but wants to find the right words for the historic moment.
• Obama Names SEC Pick
  President-elect Barack Obama has named Mary Schapiro to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. In a news conference in Chicago, Obama said government regulators "had dropped the ball," leading to the financial meltdown.
• Obama Unveils Pick For Labor Secretary
  President-elect Barack Obama has picked California Congresswoman Hilda Solis as his labor secretary. The Democrat, a daughter of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants, has worked closely with immigration and environmental issues.
• Letters: Christmas Cards
  Listeners respond to the commentary from Jesuit priest James Martin. Martin is advocating for an end to Christmas cards featuring family photos, and a return to those featuring religious images.
• Obama Defends Choice Of Warren
  President-elect Barack Obama's choice of evangelical pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony has infuriated gay-rights activists. Few evangelicals voted for Obama and gays were some of his strongest supporters.
• Hamas-Fatah Rift Deepens, Threatens Peace Efforts
  In the Gaza Strip, leaders of the militant Islamist group Hamas declare an end to a six-month truce with Israel. With little in sight to diminish the grip of Hamas, the political chasm between Gaza and the Fatah-ruled West Bank looks increasingly permanent.
• Jason Crigler: Hope And Recovery
  The guitarist's new CD, The Music of Jason Crigler, deserves attention because of the variety of style and performance, and the natural fit you often hear between singer and song. But the story behind this recording, which was nine years in the making, goes beyond music.

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