Auto industry's future?...Wall St. update...Indian security review

Washington (AP) A top Chrysler executive is warning that the collapse of one of Detroit's Big Three automakers could lead to an economic depression. Meanwhile, the president of the United Auto Workers says the union is willing to modify its contracts to help struggling U.S. automakers .

NEW YORK (AP) Wall Street has withstood another stream of bad economic readings. The reports included the Fed's dismal reading on regional economic growth. Still, investors seemed to shake off disappointment. Stocks closed sharply higher.

CHICAGO (AP) President-elect Barack Obama wants New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be his commerce secretary. Richardson served in the CLinton administration and is one of the nation's most prominent Hispanic politicians. He pledged today, in English and Spanish, to work to renew the economy.

NEW DELHI (AP) India's top defense officials are reviewing procedures in the wake of growing criticism about the country's weak security. They met on the same day a bag of explosives was found at Mumbai's main train station, more than a week after deadly attacks by gunmen.

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles City Council is delaying a vote on whether to halt construction of a $42 million elephant exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. It would be seven times larger than the animals' current home, but activists and concerned celebrities say the six-acre site would still be too small and depressing for the elephants.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-03-08 1606CST | save this article / add to your favorites list