Microsoft logging your surfing habits
Privacy experts fear the Web data could be used by marketers or lawyers. But Microsoft says it has no plans to sell the information.
Insurance firm settles; will refund $51-million to blacks
ATLANTA -- A Georgia insurance company agreed Wednesday to pay $55-million to settle allegations it charged blacks higher premiums for life insurance policies for more than 30 years.
Plan: $5 more for phone bill
Legislators are considering a proposal that would raise the cost of local service but reduce in-state long-distance rates.
Utility pledges lower rates, better service
ST. PETERSBURG -- Florida Power president William Habermeyer pledged Wednesday to improve service and lower electric rates for the utility's 1.4-million customers.
Investors prowl for bargain stocks
Despite more rumblings of accounting reports, the markets surge as lower prices attract buyers.
Conversion 'seamless,' SunTrust CEO claims
Despite reports of some glitches, SunTrust Banks Inc. boasted Wednesday that it has successfully converted a half-million Huntington Bancshares accounts in Florida into its ranks.
Business digest
CPI EDGES UP: Higher prices for gasoline, medical care and some food items helped bump up consumer inflation in January. But prices for clothing, cars, lodging and computers fell, giving shoppers some bargains. The Consumer Price Index, a closely watched gauge of inflation, rose 0.2 percent last month after dipping 0.1 percent in December, the Labor Department said. Excluding energy and food prices, which can swing widely from month to month, the "core" rate of inflation increased 0.2 percent in January, up slightly from a 0.1 percent advance the month before. "Inflation remains completely under control," said Bill Cheney, chief economist at John Hancock Financial Services.
Verizon to move regional office to Tampa
TAMPA -- Verizon is moving its regional headquarters to Tampa from Durham, N.C. as part of the reorganization after the telephone company sold its Alabama and Kentucky businesses.
