Michelle Rhee talks about her controversial tenure as chancellor of Washington D.C.’s public schools and what she’s doing now to improve our schools. We’ll mark the 50th anniversary of the New York Review of Books, with editor Bob Silvers and contributors John Banville and Darryl Pinckney. Then, Charles Duhigg talks about The Power of Habit, the February pick of the Leonard Lopate Show Book Club! Plus, Ed Whitacre talks about bringing General Motors back from the brink of bankruptcy.

Morning Edition is your perfect morning companion: gentle, but straightforward, explaining the vagaries of international diplomacy, reporting weather and even recommending the best film in town.

NYC Health Commissioner Thomas Farley talks about why the city’s teen pregnancy rate has been on the decline over the past decade, and why the Bronx still has the highest rate in the country. Then, Thomas King of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association explains why the group is against new state gun laws. Plus: your stories on navigating the differences between Western and alternative medicine; the obstacles to higher education for first generation college students; and allegations of fraud against S&P.

Fresh Air is one of the most popular programs on public radio, breaking the "talk show" mold, and Gross is known for her fearless and insightful interviews with prominent figures in American arts, politics, and popular culture.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

In this episode: Beyoncé has has been known by many names: “Queen B,” “Foxxy Cleopatra,” and, of course, “Sasha Fierce.” Arielle Loren and Ann Powers talk with us about Beyonce's newest persona: Mrs. Carter.

Plus: Kishi Bashi, aka K. Ishibashi, used to be the go-to guy when indie bands like Of Montreal needed a violin. Now, he’s struck out on his own -- and he joins us to bring his melodic chamber-pop to life.

And: When filmmaker Jay Bulger titled his latest documentary Beware of Mr. Baker, he wasn’t exaggerating. The film stars the legendary, volatile and reclusive drummer Ginger Baker, known for his work in bands like Cream and Blind Faith -- and, more notoriously, for his drug use and temper. We talk with Jay Bulger about the making of the film, and Baker’s musical genius.

For this New Sounds, we'll hear music made with stuff around the house.  There are two works for teapots, one by clarinetist Andy Statman and the other a Beatles' tune.  Paul Lansky samples his sons beating pots and pans for "Table's Clear," while Pulitzer Prize-Winning composer David Lang writes music for teacups to be struck by So Percussion.  Plus, hear music for onions, and other innovative ways of putting household items in the service of music.