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Ian Tregillis' new novel is the start of a series, set in an alternate 1926, that follows a robot's search for humanity against a backdrop of science, philosophy and a grand struggle between empires.

Saad Hossain's new novel is a wild ride through war, tyranny and the supernatural, set in Baghdad during the U.S. invasion. Critic Daniel José Older praises the book's "poetic and brutal precision."

Congressional Democrats say they have agreed with the White House on a plan to bailout the auto industry with $15 billion in emergency loans. The House could vote on it later Wednesday. The measure faces fierce Republican opposition in the Senate.

President-elect Obama got down to business in Chicago this week. He chose Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel as White House chief of staff, got his first classified intelligence briefings and faced reporters for the first time since the election.

State Department employees have snooped inside the passport files of all three presidential contenders. The State Department has apologized and is investigating. Two employees have been fired. The Justice Department is weighing whether a criminal investigation is warranted.

The Bush Administration is promoting another plan to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. It would expand voluntary efforts by major banks to modify loan terms for struggling borrowers. But housing advocates doubt the move will keep a large number of people in their homes.

Bret Anthony Johnston says that although he's not particularly religious, Jim Crace's version of the Christ-in-the-desert tale "always leaves me in a state of rapture, as if I'd received a revelation of my own."

A retired Turkish ambassador to Sweden says no one can predict whether President Erdogan will let Sweden become a member. Twenty-nine of the 31 NATO governments say it should already have happened.

Scott Simon talks with NPR's Juan Williams about how the candidates performed last night and how they prepped for the debate.

The government rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sent mortgage rates plunging on Monday. Some bond investors say this is a positive first sign. But the future of these two mortgage financing giants depends on what happens when a new administration takes over in Washington.