Corporate interests have won several victories, but trial lawyers continue to try to undo legislation restricting litigation and are pursuing new strategies of their own.
Republic Services is in talks to acquire Allied Waste Industries for about $6.6 billion in stock. If completed, the deal would create a formidable rival to market leader Waste Management. Allied"s share rose 7.8%.
Kellogg is raising cereal prices for the second time in six months, becoming the latest food company to use price increases to offset soaring prices for grains and oil.
Bartering, especially of homes, has found a new, global life on the Internet.