NATION IN BRIEF: UAW head urges federal funds for automakers

The head of the United Auto Workers made a public plea Sunday for government help for U.S. carmakers as the Big Three put the final touches on stabilization plans to submit to Congress. “We cannot afford to see these companies fail,” said Ron Gettelfinger, calling on Congress to approve the aid during a special session the week of Dec. 8. Gettelfinger said a $25 billion rescue plan for the carmakers is “not a bailout, this is a loan —- a bridge loan —- that will get us through until we can take a longer-term look at exactly what needs to be done in the industry.” Democratic leaders are demanding blueprints from Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. before they schedule votes on any new federal aid. The plans, due Tuesday, are to be scrutinized at a Senate hearing Wednesday and a House hearing Friday.

U.S.: Mexican thugs buy American arms

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says Houston has become the top source of firearms for Mexican drug cartels, with gangsters spending millions in Texas on military-style weapons and ammunition. Mexican officials estimate 90 percent of nearly 27,000 weapons seized from stash houses or recovered from crime scenes in the past two years originated in the United States.

Transit agency speeds excuses

People late for school or work because of New York City subway delays can get notes from the transit agency to give their teachers or bosses. Passengers request the delay verification letters over the phone. NYC Transit verifies the date and time of the delay and sends an official note in the mail in one or two weeks.

Smells like alumni spirit

Fans of Penn State can smell like the school for just $60. Masik Collegiate Fragrances says it has made a perfume and a cologne inspired by Pennsylvania State University’s blue and white colors and its campus vegetation. The perfume smells of vanilla, lilac, rose and white patchouli. The cologne smells of blue cypress and cracked pepper.

First lady welcomes Christmas tree for White House

First lady Laura Bush kicked off the holiday season Sunday by standing out in the rain to receive this year’s White House Christmas tree. As a horse-drawn wagon pulled the 20-foot Fraser fir, which will decorate the Blue Room, up to the White House, Bush was waiting under an umbrella. Jessie Davis and Russell Estes, owners of River Ridge Tree Farms in Crumpler, N.C., where the tree was grown, joined the first lady, along with their families. Bush said this year’s holiday decorating theme would be announced later this week. “I will have to say —- just a sneak preview —- that this is the perfect theme for this year,” she said.