Lifeline for car companies...Obama has more names...Governor to speak



Washington (AP) The government is tossing a lifeline to sinking U.S. automakers. It's offering them $17.4 billion in emergency loans, in exchange for significant concessions from the companies and their unions. President George W. Bush says letting the auto industry collapse would be too hard on the economy.

President-elect Barack Obama agrees.

DETROIT (AP) The head of General Motors says the loans announced today by President Bush should be enough to get the company through March. After that, Rick Wagoner says, "we'll have to see how it develops." He and Chrysler's CEO both say the aid will help their companies get through their cash crisis. Ford is declining the offer of help.

CHICAGO (AP) Barack Obama leaves tomorrow for a vacation in Hawaii. And, as busy as he's been with Cabinet appointments, he may be ready for a break. Today, he's expected to name California Congresswoman Hilda Solis to be labor secretary, and Republican Congressman Ray LaHood of Illinois as transportation secretary. Ron Kirk is said to be getting the trade representative's job, and Karen Mills will head the Small Business Administration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) When Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich) meets with reporters today at his Chicago office, he's not expected to resign or to take any questions.

Still, he could make his first substantial public comments since his arrest last week on federal corruption charges.

LONDON (AP) A few dozen protesters have been shaking their shoes outside the U.S. Embassy in London. It's one of the displays of support being seen for the jailed Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush during a news conference in Iraq.

A judge in Iraq, meanwhile, wants an investigation into the apparent beating of the journalist during his arrest.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-19-08 1247CST | save this article / add to your favorites list