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The new movie 'Lincoln' explores the last months of Abraham Lincoln's life and sheds light on prominent figures of the time. One lesser-known person is former slave Elizabeth Keckley. She became a close confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. Host Michel Martin speaks with professor Clarence Lusane about Keckley's contributions to American history.

The French Senate approved a measure tripling the tax on palm oil and other vegetable oils. It would sharply raise the cost of making Nutella, a popular chocolate and hazelnut spread. It's meant to cut down on obesity but the tax has prompted an outcry from Nutella lovers.

The storm threw some people onto unemployment rolls and shut down some state offices the previous week — meaning some laid-off workers couldn't file their claims until last week.

There has been no dearth of post-election Republican self-flagellation. But the party is still sorting out solutions, wrangling over whether its problems lie in its positions on issues ranging from immigration to women's reproductive health, or simply in its sales job with the voting public.

Scientists have found rappers and jazz musicians use their brains in similar ways when it comes to improvisation. Brain scans show distinct differences in which parts of the brain are most active during rap performances of memorized pieces compared with those that are done freestyle.

Throughout the Syrian uprising, the opposition has relied on social media to get out its message. The newly formed Syrian National Coalition is hoping Facebook will link up supporters and help the movement build backing inside Syria.

The bulk will go to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences and at Coast Guard trust fund. The foundation focuses on wildlife conservation and the academy advises the government on science and technology.

President Obama held his first news conference Wednesday since winning re-election. He addressed the scandal involving former CIA chief David Petraeus, as well as the "fiscal cliff." Host Michel Martin discusses this week's political news with Andrea Seabrook, host of Decode D.C., and Keli Goff, political correspondent for The Root.

People who have science, math, engineering or technology backgrounds and who are looking for a career change can become Hamilton County schoolteachers…

Every so often, an NPR station discovers a song that it can't stop playing. In this edition of Heavy Rotation, download music from R&B king Avant, dance-rock trio Yeasayer, folk up-and-comers Shovels & Rope and The Stray Birds, and pop singer Robert Francis.