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Detroit Free Press
WITH VIDEO

UAW may restart contract talks, alter controversial jobs bank

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger

UPDATED AT 1:29 P.M. -- UAW President Ron Gettelfinger today said the union will suspend the jobs bank and delay the 2010 payment into a retiree health-care trust.

WITH VIDEO

Firefighters gather as site of fatal blaze is demolished

Detroit firefighters look on as the City of Detroit today tears down the house that firefighter Walter Harris died in while fighting a blaze on Nov. 15.

Nearly 100 firefighters and supporters stood watch this morning as a crane smashed to pieces the scene of a deadly fire that killed firefighter Walter Harris on Nov. 15. In the weeks since Harrris died, firefighters made clear how much it hurt to see that house at 7418 E. Kirby St.

GM, Chrysler's plea: Aid to survive month

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC warned Tuesday they could collapse without federal aid before the end of the month, as they joined with Ford Motor Co. to urge $34 billion in loans and to press lawmakers to resolve a standoff threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs.

All I want for Christmas: cleaner air

A doctor makes final plea in parody for Michigan smoking ban

Even though the House and Senate have each voted, it’s (a smoking ban) still no cinch. The chamber can’t seem to agree on a final version,

Lawrence Tech offers 50% discount to displaced workers

Lawrence Technological University is offering tuition discounts of 50% to displaced workers to help get Michigan’s economy moving again.

THE OFFBEAT WITH KRISTA JAHNKE

MSU faces No. 1, but Big Ten is all about the Fours

MSU coach Tom Izzo has a 5-3 records in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

The Offbeat knows -- and guesses Tom Izzo does, too -- that top-ranked North Carolina will be difficult to topple. And, yes, conference teams don't fare too well in their annual ACC challenges. But the Big Ten has seen its share of Final Fours.

Wagoner will drive Volt to Senate hearing

WASHINGTON — General Motors Corp. will press a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid prototype into service Thursday on Capitol Hill, where GM Chairman Rick Wagoner will use a prototype to emphasize the company’s technology.

Analyst: GM plan likely to win converts in Congress

WASHINGTON — A Wall Street analyst said Wednesday that General Motors Corp.’s survival plan submitted to Congress will likely get a “significantly improved reception,” and that the $18-billion request is “potentially just enough” to get GM through a recession.

INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC

U.S. automotive jobs 101

The automotive industry directly employs more than 43,000 workers, on average, in every state. Check out our interactive map to find out where they are and what they're doing.

FREE PRESS EDITORIAL

Hey, America: It's a loan

Can we get something straight between Detroit and the rest of America? What the auto industry is seeking is a loan, L-O-A-N, as in something you borrow and then pay back -- with interest.

MORNING AUTO REPORT

Opinions come in 7’s: Worst car accessories, ways to rescue Detroit

The next generation of this Dodge Charger, due as a 2011 model, will not only exceed the government’s fuel economy standards, but it will deliver better performance.

The best of today's automotive news, reviews and commentary -- as well as the cool and weird -- from Freep.com and other Web sites. Check back for updates throughout the morning.

TOM WALSH

Automakers need a decision

Congress will unleash a Christmas nightmare in Detroit if they allow GM and Chrysler to fail. These are nerve-racking times. The city anxiously awaits the nation's verdict.

Find the perfect homegrown treat with our mail-order gift guide

Grand Traverse Pie Co.'s seasonal desserts include, front to back, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and pumpkin cheesecake.

Want to send some Michigan flavor to loved ones who live out of state this holiday season? From Coney Island hot dog kits to Sanders hot fudge sauce, our mail-order gift list includes items to suit just about any taste.

BOYS SOCCER

Dream team

Salem's Kevin Cope (15) is introduced with his teammates before a game this season. Cope is this year's Mr. Soccer.

Mr. Soccer, Kevin Pope from Salem, leads this season's all-state boys soccer team

JEFF GERRITT

Transit takes center stage in Detroit mayoral debate

It’s a good sign for Detroit and the entire region that three of the leading candidates for mayor of Detroit agreed Tuesday night that it makes sense for the city-owned Detroit Department of Transportation and the suburban SMART system to merge.

NICHOLE M. CHRISTIAN

Lawrence Tech steps up; who'll be next?

Lawrence Technological University's offer of a 50% price break in tuition for displaced workers gets my good-news-of-the-day award.

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Mercy swimming and diving team

The state championship Mercy swim team

The Farmington Hills Mercy girls swimming and diving team won its second straight MHSAA Division 2 state championship on Nov. 22.

Candidates spar on ethics, residence, ability to lead

Businessman Dave Bing, left, Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. and former Deputy Mayor Freman Hendrix debate Tuesday night at the studios of WADL-TV (Channel 38) in Clinton Township. Three more debates among other sets of Detroit mayoral candidates are planned.

The session featured businessman Dave Bing, Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. and Freman Hendrix, deputy mayor under former Mayor Dennis Archer.

MSU, UNC hope this won't be only Ford Field trip

Michigan State's Raymar Morgan (2) couldn't do much to slow down star North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough during an NCAA tournament loss March 17, 2007, in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The Spartans have known for a year that they would have one guaranteed trip to Ford Field during this season and that they would play one of the top teams in the nation there. They hope there will be a return visit to Detroit in a few months -- with the possibility of a rematch.

DETROIT 89, S.A. 77

Wallace gets T-ed, hits threes

Pistons center Rasheed Wallace shoots over Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) during the first quarter Tuesday in San Antonio. Wallace finished with 19 points, five rebounds and was 4-for-6 from the three-point line.

After being called for an offensive foul midway through the third quarter and the Pistons trailing by four points, Rasheed Wallace decided to release his inner 'Sheed against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.

Inkster woman to be held without bond in case about deadly fire

An Inkster woman was held for court without bond today after a police detective testified she admitted that jealousy over the loss of her 71-year-old boyfriend led her to set a fire that killed his new girlfriend.

PISTONS CORNER

More playing time OK with Rasheed Wallace

Pistons center Rasheed Wallace scored 19 points against the Spurs Tuesday night.

For all the concern over Rasheed Wallace's increased minutes, there is at least one person who isn't that concerned. That would be Wallace. While the concern is that the heavy minutes could lead to tired 34-year-old legs, Wallace said at Tuesday's shoot-around that he felt fine.

Report: Obama invited to watch Winter Classic at Wrigley

There might be a very famous face in the crowd when the Red Wings play the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic on Jan. 1 at Chicago's Wrigley Field.

PERRY FARRELL'S BLOG

Watch out, GP North girls will only get better

Teams may not have as easy a time as they think feasting on Grosse Pointe North girls basketball team while all-state forward Ariel Braker continues to recover from knee surgery.

MIKE WENDLAND's 12 Days of Tech Gift Ideas

Mike's 4 smartphone picks for 2008

In Day 2 of Mike's 12 Days of Christmas Tech Gifts that will run through Dec. 17, he offers up his four favorite smartphones for those looking to upgrade their mobile device this holiday season. Mike's top pick? Apple's iPhone.

U.S. Steel idles Ecorse facility

A lack of customer demand and a faltering economy has prompted U.S. Steel to temporarily suspend operations at its Great Lakes Works in Ecorse and two other mills.

Did Kilpatrick violate his plea deal?

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick may have violated his plea deal by fighting the revocation of his law license and wants a judge to settle the issue.

Mom who abandoned son denied reunion with family

Nathanial Martin of Southfield makes his way out of court after a hearing today at the Oakland County Court House in Pontiac. The Martins are in court to reunite their family.

UPDATED AT 1:43 P.M. -- An Oakland County judge denied a request by the Southfield woman who abandoned her teenage son in Nebraska to return home and be reunited with her family.

JAMIE SAMUELSEN'S BLOG

Nothing fishy about finalizing Furrey's season

Lions receiver Mike Furrey

What do the Lions stand to gain by dumping Furrey for the rest of the season? I’m not familiar with his contract, so I have no idea if he stands to get some bonus if he were to play in a certain number of games or make a certain number of catches.

Warren man pleads guilty in assault case

A Warren man pleaded guilty to assault Wednesday in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of his work supervisor, according to Macomb County court records.

Man imprisoned in murder case seeks clemency

LANSING -- Advocates said a Michigan man has been imprisoned nearly 20 years for a murder he didn’t commit at age 15.

Union wants prison microwaves gone after attack

LANSING – Union officials are seeking to have microwave ovens removed from state prisons following a weekend assault in which a prisoner allegedly heated a mixture of Vaseline and water and threw it in the face of an officer.

A chat with Christ Child journalists

Freep.com held a live chat earlier today with two journalists who worked on the Free Press' Christ Child House project, an in-depth look at a group home for boys on Detroit's west side.

Fed describes deeper economic decline

WASHINGTON — The country’s economic picture has darkened further as Americans hunkered down heading into the holidays, forcing retailers to ring up fewer sales and factories to cut back on production.

White House gives Congress lead

The White House today said it would wait on Congress to take the lead on a rescue plan for the failing domestic auto industry but suggested it might be amenable to a proposal costing more than the $25 billion initially envisioned to help the Detroit companies.

Auburn Hills sees 2 armed robberies this week

There has been one armed robbery and one attempted armed robbery in Auburn Hills since Monday, though police have said the incidents aren’t likely connected.

Central Michigan's Antonio Brown heads all-MAC football team

CMU's Antonio Brown cruises past Eastern Illinois defenders on Aug. 28.

Sophomore receiver Antonio Brown tops a list of nine Central Michigan players named to the 2008 Mid-American Conference football team

Candice Miller's daughter arraigned on drunken driving charges

The daughter of U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, was arraigned Tuesday in St. Clair Shores on charges of drunken driving, resisting arrest and fleeing and eluding police.

Thanksgiving road fatalities up by one over '07

There was one additional traffic fatality during this year’s Thanksgiving period compared with 2007, the state announced today.

LIONS' NEXT OPPONENT

Suspensions leave Vikings scrambling on defense

The Vikings' Pat Williams, No. 94, and Kevin Williams, 93, hover over a sacked Dan Orlovsky on Oct. 12.

The suspensions of Pat and Kevin Williams leave a gaping hole in the middle of the Vikings defensive line. That might be good news to the 0-12 Lions, who will be seeking their first victory of the year Sunday at home against Minnesota.

Teen to face charges in Lathrup Village fatal shooting

A Southfield teenager, accused of fatally shooting a pregnant Waterford Township woman in October, is to be in court this morning.

Zimbabwe police attack protesters amid growing cholera epidemic

Women and children collect clean water from a UNICEF truck today in Harare, Zimbabwe. The United Nations is reporting that the death toll from the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has risen to 565, with 12,546 people infected.

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Riot police charged into a group of doctors and nurses protesting Zimbabwe’s deepening economic and health crisis, witnesses said today as deaths rose sharply from a cholera epidemic blamed on collapsing infrastructure.

Bombs found in Mumbai train station a week later

UPDATED AT 4:28 PM: MUMBAI, India — Police searching a mound of baggage abandoned amid the carnage of the attack on Mumbai’s main train station found two bombs today — nearly a week after they were left there by gunmen — in a stunning example of the botched security that has become a major issue in...

Notre Dame official: Weis will stay another season

Charlie Weis has been Notre Dame's football coach for the past four years.

Charlie Weis will return for a fifth season as Notre Dame’s football coach despite posting his second straight disappointing season. A person familiar with the decision says the university will make the official announcement later today.

Michigan gets high marks on bicycle friendliness

Michigan ranks in the top tier of states for bicycle friendliness, the Michigan Department of Transportation says.

Video: First pitch 'not our finest hour'

WASHINGTON — The head of General Motors says bankruptcy isn’t a viable option for struggling U.S. automakers, maintaining that a retooling plan being presented to Congress this week will save the industry.

No Mega Millions winner; pot grows to $146M

ATLANTA — The jackpot in the multistate Mega Millions lottery drawing grew to $146 million for Friday’s drawing.

Third members of Vikings' defensive line might sit out vs. Lions

The Williams wall isn’t the only part of Minnesota’s front four that might be missing this week.

Family sues in Wal-Mart stampede death

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — The family of a New York man who was trampled to death the day after Thanksgiving by a stampede of bargain hunting Wal-Mart shoppers has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

Yellow called 'most wonderful symbolic color' for 2009

Carolina Herrera uses vibrant yellow in her 2009 spring collection shown during September's Fashion Week in New York.

NEW YORK — Enough gloom and doom: There’s a prediction from a leading color source that cheerful and sunny yellow will be the influential color of 2009.

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Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

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12/03/08

Good Morning Britney

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12/02/08

Dearborn 57, Liv. Stevenson 44

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12/02/08

Pistons 89, Spurs 77

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12/03/08

Columns

TOM WALSH

Automakers need a decision

MARK PHELAN

Niche brand is exactly what Pontiac should be

DESIREE COOPER

Historic homes are city gems

MICHAEL ROSENBERG

Next stop on Road to XVI: Daunte Bowl vs. Vikings

TOM WALSH

Only a vision of overhauling the auto industry will do

Blogs

Editorial Blog: Jeff Gerritt

JEFF GERRITT

Transit takes center stage in Detroit mayoral debate

Editorial Blog: Nichole Christian

NICHOLE M. CHRISTIAN

Lawrence Tech steps up; who'll be next?

Blog: Matt Helms

MATT HELMS

Thankfully, he lived

Blog: Mike Wendland

MIKE WENDLAND's 12 Days of Tech Gift Ideas

Mike's 4 smartphone picks for 2008

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