As jobs are among Americans' most pressing concerns now, President Obama announced Monday that he has picked Princeton labor economist Alan Kreuger to be the Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. To explore what Kreuger can do for the economy, Michel Martin speaks with Susan Collins, Professor of Economics and Dean of Michigan's Ford School.
Some parents feel responsible to shape their children's religious foundations while others prefer to let kids explore faith for themselves. Host Michel Martin explores the complications of spiritual parenting with Asra Nomani, professor of journalism at Georgetown University; Kara Powell, author of Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids; and Regina Brett, author of God Never Blinks.
On Monday, Syria's closest ally Iran called on President Bashar al-Assad to listen to the "legitimate demands" of demonstrators. Today, Syrian government forces reportedly opened fire on protesters as worshipers exited mosques, marking Ramadan's end. To learn about Syria and the violence there, host Michel Martin speaks with members of Al Jazeera International and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Hurricane Katrina wove a destructive path through New Orleans six years ago today. But the city's lifeblood — its music — remains strong. Host Michel Martin speaks with Keith Spera, author of Groove Interrupted: Loss, Renewal and the Music of New Orleans, and Irvin Mayfield, who played jazz at a city-wide benefit concert more than a month after the hurricane. At that point, he wasn't aware that he had lost his father in the storm.
As Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast in 2005, New Orleans native Gralen Banks stayed behind while his family evacuated. He tells Michel Martin that his family is together now and doing well. He says the city is seeing an influx of people from other parts of the world and is missing its natives.
As communities along the East Coast begin recovering from Hurricane Irene, host Michel Martin hears from Bill White, who was the mayor of Houston when Hurricane Katrina hit. He welcomed hundreds of thousands of Katrina victims to his city during the storm's aftermath. He offers advice for leaders in the wake of Hurricane Irene.
For the past month, Muslims around the world have been fasting in observance of Ramadan. Regular contributor Arsalan Iftikhar and his friend, Rabiah Ahmed, share childhood memories of their families observing the fast.
In the wake of the destruction brought on by Hurricane Katrina, many Gulf Coast residents sought support from their faith communities. Father Vien The Nguyen works in New Orleans East and advises those now suffering from Hurricane Irene's effects. He is a judicial vicar in the Catholic Church's Archdiocese of New Orleans. He speaks with host Michel Martin.
Chuck Brown says turning 75 is a wonderful feeling. He's also thrilled about receiving a tribute from the National Symphony Orchestra during a concert next month. He and NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke discuss music with host Michel Martin. Brown even plays some music that influenced his style.
Famine is driving Somalis out of the country by the tens of thousands. Many are seeking shelter in Kenyan refugee camps. Humanitarian agencies are facing intense pressure, and medical staff are receiving malnourished children. Aid is getting through, but the U.N. says more money is needed. NPR Foreign Correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton speaks with host Michel Martin.
With this week's unveiling of the MLK, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, the Barbershop guys weigh in on what King's legacy means today. They also debate whether gay rights and civil rights are the same. Host Michel Martin talks with author Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette, and Latina Magazine Vice President Javier Morgado.
Rebels' advances in Libya are renewing praise and criticism for the country's leader. Americans are questioning how Barack Obama's support of the rebels will affect his 2012 presidential campaign. And Texas Governor Rick Perry is changing the picture for the GOP presidential candidates. Host Michel Martin talks politics with Politico's Cornell Belcher and Republican strategist Ron Christie.
Ala.'s controversial immigration law is set to take effect starting September. The U.S. Justice Department, civil rights groups and a coalition of religious leaders are challenging the law in court. Ala. state Rep. Mac Buttram voted for the law. Birmingham pastor R.G. Lyons penned a letter opposing the law, which 150 ministers signed. Both speak with Michel Martin.
Johnny DuPree made history Tuesday by winning the Democratic primary runoff for governor in Mississippi, where an African-American hasn't been elected for statewide office since Reconstruction. Host Michel Martin and DuPree discusses the primary win and upcoming general election.