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The auto industry wants a lot from Congress, from a cash infusion to help with the GM-Chrysler merger. Steve Chiotakis talks to Steve Henn in Washington, where auto execs are meeting with House leaders.

Tremendous economic problems await the new president, from the deficit to unemployment. To find out what President Obama's to-do list is going to look like, we're joined by Washington Bureau Chief John Dimsdale.

This week our listeners wrote in about auto-worker benefits, the Great Depression and the darker side of Tinkerbell. Also, abut a pirate who's no Capt. Hook. Kai Ryssdal picks out a few.

Chrysler's promotion to guarantee buyers $2.99 per gallon gas doesn't really sell when national prices have dropped below that number. Janet Babin reports what the auto maker might plan to do instead to help the company.

Ford is aiming to ramp up production of its monster pick-up truck, the F-150, and re-hire 1,000 employees. But Jeremy Hobson reports the move doesn't mean big cars are making a comeback.

There's talk of a loan to GM and Chrysler to assist with a merger. But economics correspondent Chris Farrell tells Scott Jagow U.S. auto makers should avoid a government loan and just declare bankruptcy.

GM is back looking for government help, and the automaker says it can't afford to wait this time -- it needs $10 million to merge with Chrysler. Together, the argument is, the two companies can survive. Mitchell Hartman has more.

The government is talking with GM and Chrysler about giving the auto companies some help, but not a bailout. Scott Jagow talks to Nancy Marshall Genzer in Washington about what separates this move from a bailout.

Michigan's congressional delegation is asking the federal government to help Detroit's car makers and lenders. But do the automakers really need more government intervention? Jeremy Hobson reports.