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The Senate is set to vote Thursday on whether to release the second half of the $700 billion financial rescue package. While most Democrats are on board to approve the funds, many Republicans say the bill lacks transparency and accountability. President-elect Barack Obama's economic team went to Capitol Hill Wednesday to try to win them over. ()
Sen. Dodd predicts his colleagues will vote to release the other half of the bailout funds. ()
The Commerce Department says retail sales dropped 2.7 percent last month. ()
Politics
January 14, 2009 · President-elect Barack Obama's choice for secretary of Housing and Urban Development got a friendly welcome at his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday. Shaun Donovan said his top priority at HUD will be to address the foreclosure crisis, which he said has led to some 2 million families losing their homes last year. ()
Business
January 14, 2009 · Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are combining their brokerage units, in a deal that has Morgan Stanley paying Citigroup $2.7 billion for a 51 percent stake in the joint venture. Citigroup's retail brokerage, Smith Barney, was once the crown jewel in its wealth management business. ()
January 13, 2009 · At the auto show in Detroit this week, CEO Rick Wagoner tells NPR that General Motors plans to scale back its brands and models, but it will continue to invest in electric cars. "I actually feel confident that GM is going to be very well positioned to compete in the future," he says. ()
January 13, 2009 · Once President Bush requested the second half of the bailout money, the clock started ticking. Lawmakers have 15 days to decide whether to block access to the remaining $350 billion. Chairman Barney Frank says the House Financial Services Committee holds a hearing Tuesday on conditions that could be attached to the money. ()
Politics
January 12, 2009 · The president petitions Congress to release the remaining $350 billion intended to help the nation deal with its financial crisis. ()
Technology
January 13, 2009 · Fisker Automotive, based in Irvine, Calif., aims to revolutionize the U.S. auto industry with beautiful environmental cars. The CEO says that his startup has a great advantage because it's comfortable with change. ()
Business
January 13, 2009 · Electric cars are the focus of this years show, says Jamie Kitman of Automobile Magazine. The question is — how do you make the battery viable? We explore Chinese car makers' history of overblown claims and the best electric options coming out of the U.S. ()
January 13, 2009 · The College for Creative Studies in Detroit has one of the best car-design programs in the country. Students come from all over for a shot at joining the design staff of one of the major automakers. The auto industry, however, is in a crisis and there won't be many jobs available for those who graduate. ()
January 13, 2009 · Sen. Kent Conrad, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, has concerns about President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan. Conrad is among a group of Democratic senators who have criticized the plan for giving too much emphasis to tax cuts and not enough to job creation. ()
All Tech Considered
January 12, 2009 · From talking pillboxes to a video game that tests a person's memory, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week was filled with gadgets for aging baby boomers. For the first time, it had an area designated for technology for seniors. ()
January 12, 2009 · The auto industry is in such dire straits that some brands aren't exhibiting at the International Auto Show in Detroit this week. So what are the stakes for General Motors? Bob Lutz and other executives aim to get the word out about their cars to generate short-term sales. ()
January 12, 2009 · As the economy flounders, advertisers are learning how to exploit the hard times by pitching their products as bargains. That's the first lesson in Recession Marketing 101. ()