Judge nixes Blagojevich bid for Costa Rica trip, says ex-gov doesn’t grasp gravity of case

CHICAGO — A federal judge told ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday to forget about starring in a reality TV show in the Costa Rican jungle and focus instead on the corruption charges that could send him to prison for years.

Study shows decline in flow of many major rivers, which scientists blame on climate change

WASHINGTON — The flow of water in the world’s largest rivers has declined over the past half-century, with significant changes found in about a third of the big rivers.

Chinese dairy company launches first line of products since tainted milk scandal

BEIJING — The Chinese dairy that bought the company at the heart of a tainted milk scandal that sickened hundreds of thousands of children has launched a new line of milk powder products, state media reported Tuesday.

Japan Airlines mulls loans from government-run bank as demand for travel slumps

TOKYO — Japan Airlines Corp., Asia’s biggest carrier by sales, said Tuesday it is considering applying for government loans to cope with slumping travel demand amid the global downturn.

Shanghai Auto Show a showdown for global, Chinese car makers fighting over only growth market

SHANGHAI — China’s up-and-coming automakers unveiled a smorgasbord of new vehicles Monday at Shanghai’s auto show, from compacts and electric vehicles to the biggest, brassiest SUVs and luxury sedans, maneuvering to upstage their global rivals in the world’s only major growing market.

GM executives say car maker plans continued expansion in China, despite US financial woes

SHANGHAI — Dealing with the crisis at General Motors Corp. kept new CEO Fritz Henderson from traveling to Shanghai’s auto show, but executives say the company intends to continue growing in China regardless of how its financial mess is resolved.

China Telecom 1Q profit down 27.4 percent as demand for fixed-line service drops

BEIJING — China Telecom Ltd. said Monday its first quarter profit plunged 27.4 percent as demand for traditional fixed-line telephone services weakened.

Shanghai Auto Show a showdown for automakers zeroing in on world’s only major growth market

SHANGHAI — International automakers are converging on China’s commercial capital for a show that, once marginal, is now a key showcase — and battleground — for the world’s only major growing car market.