JUDY WOODRUFF: A string of attacks around the city of Mumbai, India, killed at least 78 people today. Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the financial capital of the country.
Indian officials said that gunmen coordinated the attacks that hit a crowded train station, two luxury hotels, and a restaurant.
There were also reports that hostages were being held at the hotels.
An Indian news agency reported that a little-known group, the Deccan Mujahideen, claimed responsibility. We'll have more on this story right after the news summary.
Back in this country, new reports confirmed the American economy has been taking a pounding. The Commerce Department revealed that consumers cut back spending by a full percent last month; it is the largest decline since the terrorist attacks in 2001.
Factory orders plunged over 6 percent in October, more than double the predicted drop. And new home sales fell more than 5 percent, hitting levels not seen since 1991.
The bad economic numbers did not translate on Wall Street today, where stocks ended the day up. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 247 points to close at 8,726. The Nasdaq rose 67 points to close at 1,532.
President-elect Obama announced two more senior members of his economic team today. The former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker will lead Obama's Economic Advisory Board. And University of Chicago economist Austan Goolsbee will serve as the panel's top staff official.
Mr. Obama said his network of advisers offered a combination of fresh ideas and experience.
BARACK OBAMA, President-elect of the United States: We want ideas from everybody, but what I don't want to do is to somehow suggest that because you served in the last Democratic administration that you're somehow barred from serving again, because we need people who are going to be able to hit the ground running.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Next week, Mr. Obama is expected to announce members of his national security team. It was widely reported that current Defense Secretary Robert Gates will stay in his post for at least another year. And retired Marine General James Jones is reported to be the pick for national security adviser. We'll have more on the transition and Defense Secretary Gates later in the program tonight.
In Iraq today, a vote in parliament on a security deal was delayed by at least a day; political blocs were still hammering out details. The pact allows U.S. forces to stay in Iraq through the end of 2011.
In Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the delay was all part of a democratic process.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, U.S. Secretary of State: What we should not lose sight of here is that this is an agreement with a major Arab state that is being publicly debated in a democratic environment in the center of the Middle East. And that is an enormous achievement.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Two American troops have been killed in Iraq. The U.S. military reported that a U.S. Marine and a soldier were shot north of Baghdad on Tuesday by a gunman wearing an Iraqi uniform.
In Thailand, the prime minister refused to step down today, the latest in months of political turmoil. Somchai Wongsawat rejected calls from the Thai army chief to hold new elections; that happened after anti-government protesters shut down Bangkok's main airport.
The siege forced all flights to be canceled, stranding thousands of passengers at the height of the tourist season. In a televised address, the Thai prime minister condemned the protests.
SOMCHAI WONGSAWAT, Prime Minister, Thailand (through translator): I think all of these protests are illegal, because the protestors have weapons. They have taken over Government House and the airports, and they have destroyed all the income of the country. These people have destroyed democracy by taking advantage of the law.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Tourism in Thailand makes up 6 percent of the economy.
Thanksgiving travelers filled the roads and skies today, but in fewer numbers than last year. AAA estimated that 41 million Americans would still travel for the holiday, but economic woes were expected to keep about 600,000 people closer to home.
At the White House today, President Bush prepared for Thanksgiving by pardoning the national turkey, named Pumpkin.
And in Chicago, President-elect Obama and his family distributed food to needy families at a church. Then, he visited excited children at a nearby school.
BARACK OBAMA, President-elect of the United States: I just wanted to come by and wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving. Who's going to have turkey tomorrow?
How about stuffing?
How about...
STUDENT: Mac and cheese!
BARACK OBAMA: How about mac and cheese?
JUDY WOODRUFF: The Obama family plans to spend the holiday at home in Chicago.
