The extension on federal jobless benefits is set to expire. If no deal is reached, 2 million people will see their benefits dry up by the end of January. Guest host Allison Keyes speaks with NPR Senior Business Editor Marilyn Geewax and Vincent Brandon, who has been unemployed since March.
Melody Barnes is leaving her post as director of the administration's Domestic Policy Council. Barnes was influential in crafting some of the president's major initiatives including health care and economic legislation. Host Michel Martin speaks with Barnes about her achievements and the president's popularity.
A recently released children's book tells the story of how Duke Ellington brought swing to the holiday classic, 'The Nutcracker.' Also, Texan vampires go up against werewolves and were-armadillos in a popular young adult novel. These are just some of the books that top librarian Loriene Roy's list of holiday books. She speaks to host Michel Martin.
In the 20 years since her platinum debut album Little Earthquakes, legendary singer/songwriter Tori Amos has released 11 more studio albums and received 8 Grammy nominations. Fans have watched Amos reinvent herself and turn out hits in a range of genres. Host Michel Martin speaks with Amos about her latest album, Night of Hunters.
Genuine, passionate, powerful — that's as much of an introduction as Tori Amos needs. But for the past two decades, she's introduced her fans to plenty. She helped turn the piano into a rock instrument, showed that she can create big hits in different genres and challenged every critic who ever tried to put her in a box. And her 12th studio album, Night of Hunters, is no different.
Today is perhaps the busiest day for the U.S. Postal Service. While workers are hustling to keep up with holiday mail, the agency lost $5 billion last year. The postal service plans for major cuts, but Congress wants to weigh options. Host Michel Martin speaks with two advocates of the postal service, Rep. Ed Towns (D-NY), and author Philip Rubio.
Not everyone thinks the U.S. Postal Service is worth saving. Tad DeHaven of the Cato Institute says spiraling costs and uncertain revenues can be solved with privatization. Host Michel Martin and DeHaven discuss what a private postal service might look like.
Personal finance experts say the start of a new year is the perfect time to check your credit report. Host Michel Martin speaks with Tell Me More regular 'Money Coach' Alvin Hall about what to look for and how to boost your credit in 2012.
Hanukkah begins tonight, and since many people wait until the last minute to do that holiday shopping, some are probably still trying to figure out what to get for their favorite little people.
Last week, we talked about the newest electronic gifts, like this one.
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UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN #1: Introducing Fijit Friends, a girl's interactive best friend. Fijit Friends say more than 150 different phrases.
Three out of 4 moms consider their kids spoiled, according to a recent survey on Parenting.com. But the survey also found that most parents use the holidays as an opportunity to teach volunteerism and charity. Host Michel Martin discusses the challenges of instilling a spirit of giving with a diverse panel of moms.
