President-elect Barack Obama today announced a bold initiative to save or create 2.5 million jobs in the next two years.

In his weekly address, President-elect Obama announced that he has directed his economic team to formulate an Economic Recovery Plan -- a two-year, nationwide initiative that will strengthen our economy and put millions of Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing our schools, and securing our clean energy future.

Watch Your Weekly Address now -- then send us your questions or ideas about how to fix the economy:

President-elect Barack Obama today announced a bold initiative to save or create 2.5 million jobs in the next two years.

In his weekly address, President-elect Obama announced that he has directed his economic team to formulate an Economic Recovery Plan -- a two-year, nationwide initiative that will strengthen our economy and put millions of Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing our schools, and securing our clean energy future.

Watch Your Weekly Address now -- then send us your questions or ideas about how to fix the economy:

President-elect Barack Obama visited Manny's Cafeteria and Deli in Chicago today to pick up two cherry pies and three corned beef sandwiches -- including one for himself and one for White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

President-elect Obama ordered his sandwich on rye bread with mustard.

The President-elect visited the Chicago institution with Valerie Jarrett, an Obama-Biden Transition Team co-chair and White House senior adviser. He spent about 15 minutes shaking hands and taking pictures with people in and around the eatery.

See pictures below.

President-elect Barack Obama visited Manny's Cafeteria and Deli in Chicago today to pick up two cherry pies and three corned beef sandwiches -- including one for himself and one for White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

President-elect Obama ordered his sandwich on rye bread with mustard.

The President-elect visited the Chicago institution with Valerie Jarrett, an Obama-Biden Transition Team co-chair and White House senior adviser. He spent about 15 minutes shaking hands and taking pictures with people in and around the eatery.

See pictures below.

Since we posted a video yesterday with an inside look at a meeting of our Energy and Environment Policy Team, tens of thousands of Americans have written in with questions, ideas, and suggestions about what the Obama-Biden administration should do on this important issue.

Heather Zichal, a member of the policy team, took a moment to address some of those questions and ideas -- on topics ranging from increasing the number of hybrid cars on the road to making the White House green.

Watch the video below -- then submit your own thoughts on energy and the environment:

The Energy and Environment Policy Transition Team recently convened a meeting to discuss complex and challenging issues head-on. With advice from some of the most experienced voices in the field, this diverse group of experts is wasting no time in addressing problems like climate change and rising energy costs that we must tackle right away.

Thousands of Americans who are passionate about these issues are also speaking out.

Eric from Hebron, IN, wrote in supporting cap-and-trade measures. He said:

"Based on the enviormental policy video I just watched, I thought I should share my ideas on that subject. First, I think the first and most effective program that should be submitted for appoval is the Cap and Trade system for pollution credits. This program I believe is one of the most easily implemented programs available. Secondly, I would like to see the goverment give serious thought to Carbon Capture, this technology is still in its infancy but with the appropiate funding and research this technology could be a key tool in the global warming battle."

On rising energy prices and the auto industry, Michael from Olympia, WA wrote:

"I think it is very important to provide financial incentives to auto manufacturers to produce plug-in hybrid cars. We also need financial incentives, such as tax credits, for consumers to purchase plug-in hybrids. In my humble opinion, this is the most important first step in changing our nation's energy usage habits, and it will go a long way toward energy independence, providing a cleaner environment, and strengthening the economy."

Others offered up creative solutions that might help American businesses keep up with the growing need for conservation. Susan from Chicago, IL, wrote:

"I would like to see Americans working to design and build state-of-the-art environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient public transit vehicles (buses, trams, trains) - technology that could also be exported... We need an energy policy and plan based on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and development of community-based wind, solar, and geothermal power."

Jen from Tempe, AZ, got fired up after watching our latest video, and wrote:

"Your recent video address made me so hopeful the country may actually be able to move away from fossil fuel dependency! I'm so excited!! ....Please do something soon!"

Conversations like these are vital to effective policy development. Your voices will be part of the team's effort to combat climate change and empower Americans to live more sustainable lives.

Make sure to send us your own questions and comments.

Vice-President-elect Joe Biden turned 66 years old today.

To celebrate, President-elect Barack Obama surprised him at the Transition's Chicago headquarters yesterday with cupcakes, candles, and a stirring rendition of Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Joe!