Cruise liner Carnival tops forecasts for 3Q despite 20 pct drop in profitCHICAGO — Cruise operator Carnival Corp. said increased summer bookings from last-minute getaway seekers combined with falling fuel costs to help it beat third-quarter profit forecasts. Cruise liner Carnival tops forecasts for 3Q despite 20 percent profit declineCHICAGO — Carnival Corp. said Tuesday that its third-quarter profit fell nearly 20 percent, but the results were still better than expected as fuel prices fell and more travelers booked cruises. Not married to the mob, but related to it: Merlino faces tough climb in bid for casino licenseATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Joseph N. Merlino’s construction company has done work at sensitive sites, including two nuclear power plants and a New Jersey State Police building — but so far has been barred from working in the casino industry. GM’s Whitacre the latest exec to pitch product, but advertising world says he’s no Lee IacoccaWhen it comes to businessmen as pitchmen, not everybody can be Lee Iacocca. FCC likely to tangle with wireless carriers over proposed rule against blocking ‘Net trafficNEW YORK — The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Monday proposed the most wide-ranging and specific rules so far for regulating how Internet service providers and wireless carriers handle subscriber traffic. Analyst lifts Zimmer rating on new product launches, expects implant market recovery in 2010NEW YORK — Shares of Zimmer Holdings Inc. traded higher Monday after a Sanford Bernstein analyst upgraded the orthopedic implant maker, saying a series of new product launches should lead to a recovery in revenue and share price. HHS investigates Humana Medicare mailer warning seniors on health overhaulWASHINGTON — The Obama administration warned insurance companies Monday they face possible legal action for allegedly trying to scare seniors with misleading information about the potential for lost benefits under health care legislation in Congress. Demand for crop dusting soars in Midwest with new products to kill late-season diseases, pestsDES MOINES, Iowa — Demand for crop dusting is surging in parts of the U.S., largely because of new products to fight late-season diseases and pests. Holiday escape: Iraqis celebrate Muslim feast in security and beauty of Kurdish regionBAGHDAD — Iraqis celebrating the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan set off in droves Sunday on family trips to the country’s northern Kurdish region, a prized escape from the sporadic violence that still batters the capital and other cities. FCC chief will propose new ‘Net neutrality’ rules on Monday, agency official saysThe head of the FCC plans to propose new rules that would prohibit Internet service providers from interfering with the free flow of information and certain applications over their networks, an official at the agency said Saturday. Amazon expanding its in-house brands by selling electronics accessoriesSAN FRANCISCO — Consumers visit Amazon.com for deals on products from companies ranging from Apple Inc. to Zenith Electronics Corp. Now, the online retailer wants shoppers to check out stuff that carries Amazon’s own brand name, too. Jamaica seeks large cruise ships with construction of terminal along north coastKINGSTON, Jamaica — Construction of a cruise ship terminal expected to attract nearly 1 million visitors a year will begin now that Jamaica has secured financing, the government said Saturday. Multinationals selling baby formula in Vietnam break milk law meant to promote breastfeedingHANOI, Vietnam — Multinational companies in Vietnam sell baby formula so aggressively that they routinely stretch and sometimes break laws designed to promote breastfeeding, an AP investigation has found. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. workers approve new 4-year contract, protecting plants in 6 statesCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. workers approved a new contract that will prevent the potential closing of a half-dozen plants in the next four years, union leaders said Saturday. Reports say the FCC will propose new rules on the free flow of information on the InternetThe head of the FCC plans to propose new rules that would prohibit Internet service providers from interfering with the free flow of information and certain applications over their networks, according to reports published Saturday. Moody’s changes outlook on Sonic Auto debt to positive from negative, affirms junk ratingsNEW YORK — Moody’s Investor Service on Friday affirmed the junk status of corporate family debt held by Sonic Automotive but it changed its outlook to positive from negative. Northern New England tourism industry hopes to turn over new, colorful, leaf this fallCONCORD, N.H. — Northern New England’s fall foliage is expected to be spectacular this year, unlike tourism revenues, which likely will remain muted as the economy slowly recovers. Continental Airlines says consolidated revenue and capacity fell in JulyHOUSTON — Continental Airlines Inc. said Thursday its consolidated revenue fell 31.2 percent in July. Palm 1st-quarter loss widens but adjusted results surpass Wall Street expectationsNEW YORK — Smart phone maker Palm Inc. on Thursday posted a wider fiscal first-quarter loss — its ninth in a row. AMR gets $2.9B in cash and financing, builds hub capacity for international growthATLANTA — American Airlines’ parent company said Thursday it is taking on significant new debt at a time when revenues are being hammered, but the $2.9 billion in cash and fresh financing it raised should quiet concerns — for now — that it is in danger of a cash crunch and a bankruptcy filing. Regulators consider ban on upfront payments for loan help; file charges against 2 firmsWASHINGTON — The head of the Federal Trade Commission said Thursday the agency is considering banning upfront payments to companies that advertise help for borrowers who are in trouble on their home loans. FTC considering ban on upfront payments for loan help; files charges against 2 firmsWASHINGTON — The head of the Federal Trade Commission said Thursday the agency is considering banning upfront payments to companies that advertise help for borrowers who are in trouble on their home loans. Shares of Kodak fall sharply after deal to raise up to $700 millionROCHESTER, N.Y. — Shares of Eastman Kodak Co. slumped more than 11 percent Thursday a day after its management announced a deal with investors to pump up to $700 million into the photography products company. AMR gets $2.9 billion in financing, builds hub capacity for international growthATLANTA — American Airlines’ parent company said Thursday it is taking on significant new debt at a time when revenues are being hammered, but the $2.9 billion in cash and fresh financing it raised should quiet concerns — for now — that it is in danger of a cash crunch and a bankruptcy filing. Students protest coal-burning campus power plants, urge colleges to increase green energy useCOLUMBIA, Mo. — College students from Missouri to Oregon are urging their schools to stop using coal-based electricity in favor of cleaner energy sources ranging from wood chips to geothermal power. FDA requires stronger amputation warning on sedative at heart of major Supreme Court rulingTRENTON, N.J. — Makers of injected promethazine, a sedative also used to treat nausea and vomiting, are being required to put the strongest warning possible on the product because it can cause tissue damage leading to amputation, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday. House votes to expand government research on advanced technology vehiclesWASHINGTON — Targeting more federal money to support the auto industry, the House on Wednesday approved an expansion of government-led research into making cars and trucks more fuel-efficient. HHS announces Medicare pilot program with incentive payments for better primary careWASHINGTON — The Obama administration announced a new Medicare pilot program Wednesday to strengthen primary care services for patients and cut costly emergency room visits — by offering financial incentives to doctors. Russian finance minister: $14 mln settlement of Bank of New York Mellon case to be signed soonMOSCOW — Russia has reached a settlement with Bank of New York Mellon over a $22.5 billion lawsuit against the bank stemming from a 1990s money laundering scheme by one of its executives, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Wednesday. Fiat chief: new group can produce 6 million cars a year with Fiat/Chrysler allianceFRANKFURT — Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said Wednesday that the new auto alliance can reach a production of 5.5 million to 6 million cars a year on its own once the economy and car markets stabilze. |