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Lawmakers are demanding that GM, Ford and Chrysler submit a plan for improvements before Congress will consider a $25 billion aid package for the auto industry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid say if there's a viable plan, Congress might return to work early next month for a vote. Some lawmakers wanted Congress to stay in session.

Economists say falling prices are a sign that the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel. The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger. Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.

Washington's National Mall will regain a star attraction Friday, when the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reopens after a two-year renovation. It took $85 million and a horde of curators, builders, architects and advisers to reframe space for the museum's 3 million historic objects.

President-elect Barack Obama's top choice for U.S. attorney general seems to be Eric Holder. Holder was the No. 2 official in the Justice Department under President Clinton. The Obama team says no final decision has been made.

Democrats in the Senate decided Tuesday that Joe Lieberman may keep his committee chairmanship — even though he campaigned for Republican John McCain. Democrats secretly voted 42-13 to let him remain chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. His only sanction was being removed from the Environment Committee.

The chief executives of GM, Ford and Chrysler go before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday — ahead of this week's vote on a Democratic plan to provide their companies $25 billion in loans. Will Congress act before one of the Big Three has to declare bankruptcy?

India is not a member of the G-8, but it is one of several emerging powers included in the G-20. Many believe these countries should have a greater say in global decision making. President Bush hosts a G-20 summit Friday. India believes key international financial institutions should be strengthened so the economic fallout on developing countries is minimal.

The director of the wildly acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire says the Mumbai he discovered during his movie shoot is a city on the move. And in India, he found, life is a study in contradiction and connection.

National Public Radio is turning to a new leader to maneuver it through a shifting media landscape. Vivian Schiller of The New York Times Web site will take over as president and CEO on Jan. 5.

The annual Violin Society of America conference showcases new, experimental concepts in the world of strings. But hidden behind the balsa wood violins and shrunken violas are craftsmen who prize great-sounding instruments above all.