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President Obama described an America ready for the daunting challenges it faces, from an economy in crisis to wars and terrorist threats from abroad. In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, the president called on politicians and the public to embrace shared sacrifice and new efforts to improve health care, schools and the environment.

The alleged domestic violence incident involving R&B stars Chris Brown and Rihanna has stirred serious discussions about abusive relationships. A panel of Moms — two of whom have survived abusive relationships — explore ways to discuss abuse with youngsters who claim to be in love, and why many victims suffer in silence.

Last November, for the first time in his career, Morrison revisited his second album, Astral Weeks, in concert. The result, Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl, arrives this week, offering a fresh take on one of the key recordings in late '60s rock.

President Obama embarked on his first foreign tour as head of state today, traveling north of the border to visit Canada. Talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper focused on the economy, trade, energy and Afghanistan.

Broward County, Fla., has been one of the hardest-hit by the real estate slump. Phyllis Brown, a mortgage counselor who works for the Broward County Housing Authority, says her agency receives anywhere from 700 to 800 calls a week from families facing foreclosure.

In Arizona Wednesday, President Obama outlines a plan to help homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgages. He's promised to devote at least $50 billion to the effort to stem the rising tide of foreclosures. This is the second piece of the president's economic recovery strategy. The first piece became law Tuesday when he signed the massive economic stimulus bill.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss took home the highest honor at Sunday's Grammy Awards: album of the year for Raising Sand. The duo also won record of the year for their song, "Please Read the Letter." In all, Plant and Krauss won five Grammys, the most of the night. Coldplay and Lil Wayne each won three Grammys.

Two men have come forward with allegations that they were abused by leaders of their Hasidic community in Brooklyn when they were children. The ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect, known for devout religious beliefs and insular culture, says it has investigated the claims.

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.

In his new book, Food Matters, Mark Bittman writes about the environmental impact of industrial farming — and how individuals can make a difference by cutting down on the amount of animal products they consume.