In The News Last Week...

Gordon Brown's troubles worsened. Ahead of an expected drubbing in local and European elections, the Prime Minister prepared a cabinet reshuffle. But Jacqui Smith and Hazel Blears pre-empted him by resigning amid rumours of a Labour Party plot to oust Mr Brown.

President Barack Obama visited Saudi Arabia, where he conferred with King Abdullah. He then went to Egypt to make a big speech, in which he called for a "new beginning" between Muslims and America.

General Motors entered bankruptcy protection. Although the recession helped push it under, the company had a long history of mismanagement and union intransigence.