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Almost two decades ago, the novelist faced an Iranian fatwa that called for his execution after The Satanic Verses was published. Today, he leads the normal life of a writer, and some critics say his latest novel should be a front-runner for the Man/Booker Prize.

President Bush announced plans Tuesday to pump billions of dollars in new capital into U.S. banks. The package follows similar steps by European governments announced Monday. In both cases, the moves will deepen government roles in the economy.

Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan insists his scathing memoir is not the work of a disgruntled ex-employee — as some of his old colleagues have argued — but an effort to tell the truth to help clean up Washington.

Barbara and Gary Ratner, who live in Atlanta, aren't eligible for unemployment assistance, so they're seeking creative ways to make ends meet. The couple — in their 60s — have drawn $10,000 out of retirement and are considering dropping their health insurance.

Prosecutors in New York are asking a judge to put Bernard Madoff behind bars without bail. They told the judge Monday that the disgraced financier had violated bail conditions by mailing about $1 million worth of jewelry and other assets to relatives. At roughly the same time in Washington, a House hearing got under way on how regulators missed the alleged $50 billion Ponzi scheme Madoff is accused of running.

A Haitian businessman who lives in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, says he stood in line for 8 hours to get gasoline. Still, says Pierre Brisson, who was interviewed last week on All Things Considered, he considers himself among the lucky ones.

The trial of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on corruption charges began Friday in Jerusalem. Among other things, Olmert is accused of receiving illegal contributions from a Jewish-American businessman.

China has launched an economic stimulus package worth nearly $600 billion, which includes more government investment in infrastructure, tax deductions for exporters, and bigger subsidies to the poor and farmers. Asian markets soared in response.

Journalist Ruth Michaelson talks about Turkish opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu ahead of Turkey's general election.

Author John Updike, the relentless chronicler of postwar America, has died. He was 76. Updike is best known for his four Rabbit novels. Updike also contributed stories, essays, poems and book reviews to The New Yorker. David Remnick, the magazine's editor, talks to Renee Montagne about how Updike will be remembered.