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Today’s headlines
Business today
TRADE DEFICIT NARROWS: The U.S. trade deficit fell to $94.98-billion in the July-September quarter, the smallest in nearly two years. The Commerce Department said the deficit in the current account, the broadest measure of foreign trade, dropped by 11.7 percent from an April-June imbalance of $107.58-billion. The improvement came for all the wrong reasons -- imports fell because of weakening U.S. demand, reflecting the first recession in a decade. For all of 2000, the current account deficit hit a record $444.7-billion.

Seeing Christmas Green
Surveys show live tree sales climbing as much as 20 percent. Retailers hope to regain ground on their artificial competition.

Senators debate Microsoft deal
Lawmakers say the antitrust settlement might hinder industry competition.

Prudential Insurance puts its rock on the IPO block
NEWARK, N.J. -- For the first time in 86 years, the general public -- and not just policyholders -- will be able to get a piece of the rock.

Winter worries weigh on tourism
As Pinellas sees signs of recovery at hotels and attractions, the industry remains cautious as peak season approaches.