NATION

NATION
Discounts can't saveweak shopping season
NEW YORK -- Shoppers flocked to the nation's malls Tuesday to take advantage of deep discounts the day before Christmas, but there was little hope that last-minute spending would rescue merchants from what is shaping up to be the weakest shopping season in more than three decades.
Despite a better-than-expected sales surge following Thanksgiving, customers have been reluctant to spend, uninspired by the lack of must-haves and stymied by worries about the economy and jobs. The compressed season, which was six days shorter than a year ago, also had an impact on consumers.
Airline contract
DALLAS -- Southwest Airlines Co. and the union representing its reservation and customer service agents have reached a tentative contract agreement, which will be voted on by Jan. 30. The proposed six-year contract includes wage increases, an employee stock option plan and premium pay for bilingual reservation agents, the union said.
Associated Press