business
Stocks rise on hopeful signs for the US economy
NEW YORK (AP) — Encouraging news about the U.S. economy extended the stock market’s rally Friday. A gauge of future economic activity rose more than analysts had expected, as did a measure of consumer confidence, adding to evidence that the economy is steadily recovering.
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Ben Bernanke forecasts gains from computer technology
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Saturday that pessimists forecasting that the economy will not reap sizable benefits from the computer revolution are likely to be proven wrong.
Texas sues BP for damages related to oil spill
HOUSTON (AP) — Texas on Friday became the fifth state to sue British oil company BP over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, seeking damages related to the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
Falling yen to make Japan’s goods more affordable
Attention, bargain-hunters around the world: Japanese goods — from cars to televisions — are going on sale. Credit Japan’s drive to pump cash into its economy to stimulate growth. The extra money is helping shrink the value of the yen.
Bank of Montreal ordered to fix oversight lapses
Federal regulators are ordering the Bank of Montreal to take steps to correct lapses in oversight that could allow the bank to be used for money laundering.
Rising consumer demand aids organic industry sway
The organic food industry is gaining clout on Capitol Hill, prompted by rising consumer demand and its entry into traditional farm states. But that isn’t going over well with everyone in Congress.
Gauge of US economy’s future health up in April
A measure of the U.S. economy’s future health rose solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build homes and a better job market.
RV company’s new owner to close northern Indiana plant
The new owner of Monaco RV plans to shut down a 520-worker northern Indiana factory and shift its production work to another Indiana plant.
Illinois jobless rate dips to 9.3 percent in April
Illinois’ unemployment rate improved slightly in April, dipping to 9.3 percent compared to 9.5 percent in March. Even so, Illinois’ unemployment rate remains well above the national average of 7.5 percent.
How loyalty programs influence the way you shop
Loyalty programs at supermarkets used to be as simple as getting access to the cheaper advertised prices on store shelves. Today, companies are using shoppers’ purchasing histories to offer more personalized deals.
Canada prime minister on pipeline plan: Oil to come anyway
Canada’s prime minister says a controversial oil pipeline from his country to the U.S. Gulf Coast “absolutely needs to go ahead” and warns that the oil will be transported through one way or the other.
Ticketmaster settles rewards lawsuit for $23M
Ticketmaster has agreed to settle claims for up to $23 million over a lawsuit affecting more than a million people who, after buying a ticket online, were enrolled in a rewards program that cost $9 a month but never gave them any benefits.
Top Hoosier wind farm drafts bat-protection plans
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The operators of Indiana’s largest wind farm are proposing changing the nighttime operations of the farm’s 300-plus wind turbines to protect endangered Indiana bats from being killed by the turbines’ spinning blades. Two of the mouse-sized federally protected species have been found …
American will favor passengers without roller bags
American Airlines said Thursday people carrying just a personal item that fits under the seat — no rolling suitcase — will be allowed to board before most other passengers.
Only 2 of 13 small SUVs do well in crash tests
Only two of 13 small SUVs performed well in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Several popular models fared poorly.
US housing starts fell in April but permits surged
U.S. builders broke ground on far fewer homes in April, one month after topping the 1 million mark for the first time since 2008. But applications for new construction reached a five-year peak, evidence that the housing revival will be sustained.
