Obama, lawmakers meet...Awful auto sales...Gaza violence

Washington (AP) Congressional leaders have had a rare pre-inaugural meeting with President-elect Barack Obama. He says the national economy is "bad and getting worse." Obama predicts lawmakers will approve a massive stimulus package within two weeks of his taking office.

DETROIT (AP) Automakers say December was not a most wonderful time of the year. Chrysler says its U.S. sales were down by more than half. And sales were down about a third for other U.S. and Japanese automakers.

NEW YORK (AP) South Korean automaker Hyundai has an offer for consumers worried about losing their jobs. Buyers who can't make payments during the first 12 months can return the car free of charge. The program only applies to customers stricken by misfortune outside of their control, such as job loss or disability.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Officials in Gaza say more than 550 Palestinians have been killed and about 2,500 wounded since Israel began its military campaign 10 days ago. Five Israelis have been killed during the offensive, including a soldier in the ground operation.

BOSTON (AP) Citgo, the Venezuelan government's Texas-based oil subsidiary, has suspended shipments of heating oil for poor families in the U.S. A charity cites falling oil prices and the world economic crisis. Critics say the donations were a ploy meant to embarrass the Bush administration.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-05-09 1749CST | save this article / add to your favorites list