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African-American philosopher Cornel West's new book laments the decline of "prophetic" black leadership, lifting up examples of people who were willing to risk their lives in the service of the truth.

Some Democrats say Secretary of State Frank LaRose is moving his office a few blocks away from its current location for political reasons, but LaRose says it's all about efficiency, security and cost savings.

Amid growing calls for a White House shakeup and concerns about low poll ratings, President Bush announces that Joshua Bolten will replace Andrew Card as White House Chief of Staff. Bolten is the current Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

A White House assessment of the sluggish federal response to Hurricane Katrina calls for more clearly defining the military's role during catastrophes, along with more than 100 other recommendations.

A presidential commission urged broad changes to veterans' care that would boost benefits for family members helping the wounded, an easy-to-use Web site for medical records, and overhaul disability pay. Panel co-chair Donna Shalala spoke with Renee Montagne.

The Bush White House is the first to be headed by a president and vice president with backgrounds in the oil business. The administration has produced a consistent approach to energy policy: finding new supplies and securing the old.

Croatian author Dasa Drndic's new novel Trieste is an experimental mix of historical record and personal quest. It's the story of an Italian woman trying to find the lost child she bore to a Nazi officer. Reviewer Alan Cheuse says it's an intensely moving book, but one that must be put down occasionally in order to recover.

James Traficant served in Congress for 17 years in Ohio's 17th District but was expelled in 2002 after he was convicted on charges of racketeering, bribery and tax evasion

Also: What "immigrant fiction" means; Wild author Cheryl Strayed on finding her half-sister; the best books coming out this week.

Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter's 1845 novella Rock Crystal is the seemingly simple tale of two children who get lost in a snowfall on Christmas Eve. But author Susan Choi says the story perfectly captures humanity at its humblest and most resilient.