President Barack Obama

Obama's ascent thrilled millions but also stirred a countermovement that is still on the march. His new memoir, A Promised Land, covers his rise through the second year of his presidency.

Climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are not part of the $3 trillion in U.S. relief packages passed so far — despite a long history of funding energy programs after economic crises.

Lowery got his start as an activist organizing bus boycotts in 1950s Alabama. He led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for two decades and prayed at Barack Obama's first inauguration.

The former first lady's new book is a story about her history, how that influenced who she is — and learning to adapt after agreeing to let that life be hijacked by politics.

The National Portrait Gallery unveiled portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.