Friendly fire, civilian deaths...Obama plan...Auto sales sluggish

GAZA CITY, Gaza Three Israeli soldiers are among the latest casualties of Israel's assault on Gaza. They were killed by an errant tank shell. More than 550 Palestinians have been killed during the 10-day assault. Israel says the operation will continue until militants stop launching rockets into southern Israel. Washington (AP) President-elect Barack Obama is predicting Congress will approve his massive revitalization package within two weeks of his taking office. Obama met with lawmakers today in Washington. Three people who attended the meeting said Obama plans to post the recovery plan on the Internet.

NEW YORK (AP) A federal prosecutor has asked that financier Bernard Madoff be put behind bars until his trial. Madoff is accused of violating a court agreement by mailing watches, jewelry and other items worth more than $1 million to relatives and friends. Madoff allegedly duped investors out of as much as $50 billion.

DETROIT (AP) The deals being offered by automakers apparently weren't sweet enough to make consumers bite. December was an awful month for sales. Chrysler reports its numbers dropped more than half compared to last year. Most carmakers report their sales for the month were off about a third.

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) He's being remembered as a man of privilege who cared about the less fortunate. A funeral was held today for former Rhode Island Sen. Claiborne Pell. He was a backer of grants to make college more affordable. Pell was 90.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-05-09 2052CST | save this article / add to your favorites list