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Frank Stasio talks with Philip Hamburger, a writer for the New Yorker magazine and author of Matters of State: A Political Excursion, who has been attending Presidential inaugurations since the 1930's. Hamburger remembers Franklin Delano Roosevelt's riveting first inaugural address with particular fondness. (NOTE: Matters of State is published by Counterpoint.)

A sound montage of some of the voices in this past week's news, including Chinese Embassy Representative Lee Xiao Ming introducing two new pandas at the National Zoo in Washington; President-elect George W. Bush defending Linda Chavez, his original choice for Secretary of Labor; Linda Chavez, asking Bush to withdraw her nomination for Secretary of Labor; President-elect Bush introducing Elaine Chao, his new choice for Secretary of Labor; Elaine Chao; California Governor Gray Davis delivering his State of the State Address; David Stempler, President, Air Travelers Association and Barbara Biar, president of the aviation consulting firm Avmark; and Joanne Drake, chief of staff to former President Reagan.

Confirmation hearings begin Tuesday for John Ashcroft as George W. Bush's nominee for attorney general. Among the questions Ashcroft is expected to face are concerns over an interview he did with Southern Partisan magazine. NPR's Adam Hochberg profiles a magazine with a limited circulation, but a controversial reputation.

When Janet Reno steps down this month, she will have made history as the longest serving attorney general of the 20th century. Her eight-year tenure has been book-ended by controversial decisions in Waco, Texas, and in the case of Elian Gonzalez. But Reno also leaves a legacy of law enforcement at the local level. Host Lisa Simeone speaks with Jim Oliphant, a reporter with the Legal Times newspaper.

Indonesian financier James Riady struck a plea bargain with the Justice Department this week, in a move that appears to confirm allegations about fundraising during the Clinton era. NPR's Peter Overby reports.

Is it okay to wear cowboy boots with your tux at the inauguration? At the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, the "Answer Lady" Jane Greig as been fielding questions like this from Texans confused about what life in Washington will be like. In an effort to extend a warm welcome to all newcomers, we ask Greig about ways we can make Texans feel at home when they come to town.

Simon/Clef: Scott visits with hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean. Next Friday, Mr. Jean will be the first hip-hop act ever to headline a show at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Guests at the show will include Eric Clatpon, Whitney Houston and a group of young musicians from the Wyclef Jean Foundation. Wyclef Jean's most recent record is "The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book" (Columbia). More information on the Wyclef Jean Foundation can be found at www.wyclefjeanfoundation.org. (16:48) ((ST

NPR's Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr reviews the week's news.

Scott talks with Joyce Mills, who is a "bed buddy" at Paradise Ranch, a kennel in Sun Valley, California. The kennel provides owners with the option of a human companion for their dogs to sleep with.

Frank Stasio talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about Senate Judiciary Committee hearings this week on President-elect George W. Bush's nomination of John Ashcroft to the be next Attorney General. The nomination has provoked opposition from liberal interest groups.