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

• Fears Of India-Pakistan Nuclear War Raged In 2002
  India and Pakistan came close to war in 2002 after a deadly attack on India's parliament. Indian opposition leader Jaswant Singh; Maleeha Lodhi, the former Pakistani envoy to Washington; and New Yorker staff writer Steve Coll examine the aftermath of the attacks.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Improved Chelyabinsk Health Care Still Falls Short
  Astonishingly low life expectancy for men and anemic fertility levels have resulted in a population drop in Russia. And although Chelyabinsk's health system has made gains in the past 10 years, it is still short on specialists, tools and hospital space.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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