Meter flap shines light on law
[Times photo: Jamie Francis]
ST. PETERSBURG -- Three years ago, Florida Power sent Debbie Detterline a string of monthly bills for about $70 without checking her meter. When the company took a look at the dials, she got a whopper for nearly $600.
He said-she said over departure leaves Checkers red-faced
CLEARWATER -- No company likes to talk about the departure of a top executive, even if the parting is cordial.
Business today
GENERAL DYNAMICS TO BUY MOTOROLA UNIT: General Dynamics has agreed to buy Motorola's Integrated Information Systems Group for $825-million. General Dynamics also would assume certain liabilities and ongoing obligations resulting from everyday operations. The deal is expected to boost the defense contractor's product offerings for its military and government customers. The acquisition is expected to close within two months, pending regulatory approval.
EchoStar's bid for Hughes faces regulatory fight
EchoStar Communications Corp.'s unsolicited offer for Hughes Electronics Corp. fails to meet key criteria set forth by parent company General Motors Corp. and faces potentially onerous regulatory risks, leading some analysts and industry insiders to largely dismiss the $30-billion takeover proposal.
Market retreats on Intel outlook
An analyst's report that the chipmaker will cut prices provides more dour news to worried investors.
