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President Barack Obama suffered a big setback Tuesday when two of his nominees withdrew their names from consideration for top administration jobs. Tom Daschle, the former Senate majority leader, pulled his nomination to be secretary of Health and Human Services. Nancy Killefer withdrew her name from consideration as Mr. Obama's chief government performance officer.

President Obama set out to create an administration with higher ethical standards and fewer ties to the lobbying industry in Washington. Obama also set out to assemble the most experienced, plugged in and hyperconnected team of Cabinet members and top-level staffers ever. Were these two goals mutually exclusive?

Kay Thompson was a musical director for MGM Studios, the author of the Eloise children's books and the star of her own long-running nightclub act. Liza Minnelli pays tribute to her real-life godmother in her latest, sold-out revue.

The government has announced the U.S. economy shrank at its fastest pace in nearly 27 years. That because consumers and businesses cut spending. Layoffs that began in the real estate and finance sectors are now hitting workers in nearly every field. Some iconic firms are slashing jobs by the thousands.

The House has passed an $825 billion economic stimulus bill. However, no Republicans voted for the bill. They say it has too much spending and not enough tax cuts. It was a loss for bipartisanship but an early win for President Obama — just eight days into his presidency. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The unforgettable "Go See Cal" jingle turned Cal Worthington into one of the nation's top car dealers. At 88, he's still appearing in ads with his "dog" Spot and strategizing about how to give the foundering industry a boost.

Several big names in corporate America announced layoffs Monday. Pfizer, Caterpillar, Sprint Nextel, Home Depot and Texas Instruments said they were cutting thousands of positions. So far this year, nearly 200,000 jobs have been eliminated.

The impeachment trial of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich begins Monday in the state Senate. Instead of going to the state capital to defend himself against charges that he has abused the power of his office, Blagojevich will be making the rounds to TV studios in New York. He's trying to salvage what's left of his flagging political career.

It can be hard to escape winter chills. But cookbook author Nigella Lawson says she never complains about it — instead, it's a great excuse for her to indulge in warm and hearty comfort foods such as soups and stews. Besides, recipes for sweet corn chowder, chicken pot pie and other dishes can be easy.

As President Obama spends his first 100 days in office, NPR is launching a project called "100 Days: On the Road in Troubled Times." NPR's David Greene will spend most of the next hundred days roaming the U.S. and, with help from listeners, relaying stories about the recession. Greene kicks off the tour in frigid northern Michigan.