NPR Audio - Business

This week, President Obama traveled to Russia, Europe and Africa, while back at home, political surprises and scandals keep politics bubbling.

How might the economy affect President Obama's popularity — and thus his policies? Abroad, his arms limitation agreement with the Russians may already have fallen apart.

Now that it's emerging from bankruptcy in record time, what's next for GM? Getting out of bankruptcy is one thing — building and selling millions of cars that consumers want may be a bigger challenge.

At a shelter in Reynosa, Mexico, a group of men reflect on their recent deportations. Many were sent back to Mexico after committing crimes in the United States. On top of that, the distressed economy is squeezing illegal workers out of their low-wage jobs.

Mark Malkoff is afraid of flying. Or, at least, he used to be. The comedian and writer just finished living on an airplane for a month. He shares his secret for conquering a fear of flying in 30 days.

Musician Dave Carroll's $3,500 guitar was damaged by United Airlines baggage handlers. He complained to the airline, but got nowhere so he decided to write a song about it. His song, "United Breaks Guitars," went viral on YouTube.

American International Group's plan to pay millions in retention bonuses to top executives caused a political firestorm a few months ago. Both the company and federal officials are hoping to avoid another fiasco. AIG has asked the Obama administration's new "compensation czar" to approve the bonuses to shield the company from a public backlash. The Treasury Department says the consultation process is just getting under way.

General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy with its eye on regaining the trust and the dollars of the American consumer. But Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman, says the automaker can only hope to break even in this economy.

The president's comments came shortly after G-8 leaders committed themselves to provide $15 billion in aid to help farmers in poor countries. The economic summit ended Friday.

The new General Motors will be far faster and more responsive to customers than the old one, and it will make money and repay government loans faster than required, CEO Fritz Henderson said Friday as the company emerged from bankruptcy protection.