Former Ray Charles Musician Passes
“Fathead” Newman dead at 75. A musician depicted in the film that earned Jamie Foxx an Oscar has died. Sax man David “Fathead” Newman, portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine in the biopic Ray, was a performer in Ray Charles’ band. Newman also made a name for himself as a tenor horn-player by appearing with such greats as Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville. A Grammy nominee, Newman performed in the music industry for several decades. He passed in Kingston, N.Y. this week at 75.
 
Automakers Want Another $25 Billion
Obama considers increasing loans to car companies. President Barack Obama is considering an additional $25 billion in low-interest loans to auto companies. The highly publicized money crises facing General Motors, Chrysler and Ford remains a subject of debate among legislators. Some elected officials oppose government rescue of the failing companies, while others insist that it’s necessary to stabilize America’s economy. A congressional delegation wants Obama to give the quarter-billion in added funds in order to assist the companies and their parts suppliers. It’s also requested that the money be included in Obama’s economic stimulus plan so more aid can be given to unemployed workers. Japanese manufacturer Toyota surpassed GM as the top auto company this week.

Automakers leave Capitol Hill empty-handed. GM, Ford, Chrysler leave Congress empty-handed on Tuesday after they told lawmakers that their situation was dire and the needed help. After hearing from the automakers, who asked for $25 billion in aid, the lawmakers deadlocked on a plan to bail out the big three automakers, leaving General Motors Corp. facing the prospect it could run out of cash before a new Congress can come to the rescue next year. Democratic congressional leaders disagreed with Republicans and President Bush over how to provide $25 billion in aid to GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. But they’re running out time to find a solution, since only two days remain in a lame-duck session for lawmakers to decide upon a compromise.

Detroit’s big three auto makers beg Congress. Detroit’s big three auto makers have gone to Capitol Hill with their hats in their hand, hoping that lawmakers will dole out $25 billion to save the limping industry. Unfortunately, the legislation clings to life support as top lawmakers and the White House seem reluctant to help an industry they say has been slow to adjust to consumers’ demand for gas-efficient cars. Democratic congressional leaders want to tap the $700 billion Wall Street rescue package for new loans to U.S. auto manufacturers and suppliers, but the White House and GOP lawmakers say the beleaguered industry shouldn’t get a dime. In a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, congressional leaders portrayed the Big Three as both short-sighted in their business strategies and central to the economy. “Their board rooms in my view have been devoid of vision,” Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said as Congress kicked off the first of two days of hearings. “They have promoted and often driven the demand of inefficient, gas-guzzling vehicles, and dismissed the threat of global warming.” President Bush and GOP lawmakers instead propose diverting $25 billion in loans approved by Congress in September – designed to help auto manufacturers retool their factories so they can make more fuel-efficient vehicles – to cover the firms’ immediate financial woes.   But auto executives, backed by leading Democrats, insist they need another $25 billion in emergency loans to avert a collapse of one or more of their companies before year’s end. That would bring the total federal help for the industry to $50 billion this year. 

The nation’s oldest private, historically Black university cuts jobs.  The nation’s oldest private, historically Black university is cutting jobs and reducing salaries to make up for a $2.8 million budget shortfall. Wilberforce University interim President Patricia Hardaway says private donations, revenue from the university endowment and tuition have all been hurt by the deteriorating economy. Hardaway says the school in Wilberforce, Ohio, will cut six to eight staff positions and make $850,000 in salary cuts. Wilberforce is also asking employees who have not previously paid into their insurance fund to contribute a small amount. The university has about 800 students. Its total annual operating budget was $15.6 million before the cuts.