i have taken over the role of chairman and c.e.o. while the search for a new president and c.e.o. begins immediately. paul: a late day surprise announcement from general motors. chairman ed whitacre takes over the top job at the troubled automaker. c.e.o. fritz henderson is out. susie: december gets off to a strong start on wall street. the dow closes at its highest level in 14 months. some experts say expect more good cheer, while others sound a more cautious note. paul: the senate is deep in debate over its version of a health care reform bill. on the table now: a slew of amendments. we have some tips to keep track of the proposed changes. susie: then, business is going strong at this small p.r. firm, but it won t be hiring new workers anytime soon, and that could be a sign of a tough trend developing in the economy. paul: i m paul kangas. susie: and i m susie gharib. this is nightly business report for tuesday, december 1. nightly business report is made