WSJ.com: What's News US

AIG Leasing Unit Mulls Split-Up

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:03:00 EDT

One of AIG's most-profitable units, an airplane-leasing giant run by one of the insurer's largest shareholders, is considering a split from the company as concerns mount that it will be weakened by its parent's financial woes.

New Nuclear Plants Face High Costs

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:51:00 EDT

Plans for a new generation of U.S. nuclear power plants are giving utilities sticker shock, with projected costs of $5 billion to $12 billion a plant.

Large Quake Rattles Central China

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:05:00 EDT

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck central China and was felt as far away as Thailand and Vietnam.

Australian Banks Set for Shakeup

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:18:00 EDT

Westpac approached St. George with an over $14.15 billion offer that would shake up Australian banking, as the sector is squeezed by a rise in overseas funding costs and tighter interest rates at home.

Myanmar Peril Escalates

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:41:00 EDT

Relief workers warn that it could take weeks to reach many of Myanmar's cyclone victims due to the nation's decrepit infrastructure, increasing the number of people at risk and raising the possibility of unrest. The toll from last week's cyclone climbed to about 29,000.

Bribe Case Shines Light on Consultants

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:20:00 EDT

The Kazakhstan president's daughter used U.S. security firms to learn about a bribery probe involving her father that has stymied the nation's access to $84 million in disputed funds.

Obama, Clinton Target McCain

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:28:00 EDT

Obama and Clinton stepped up their criticism of McCain and aimed fewer potshots at each other amid signs the nomination fight is winding down and the Democratic Party is coalescing around Obama.

RIM Updates the BlackBerry

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:04:00 EDT

RIM will reveal the latest version of its BlackBerry, with enhancements aimed at protecting the device's market share against rivals.

Democrats Face Rescue Backlash

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:55:00 EDT

Democrats are risking a backlash over efforts by Congress to rescue homeowners who can't afford their mortgages. The White House and most Republicans say this amounts to using taxpayer money to reward bad behavior.

'Speed Racer' Stalls, Highlighting Risk

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:06:00 EDT

Warner Bros.'s "Speed Racer" made a weak debut that demonstrated the risks of such expensive gambits one week after "Iron Man's" success showed why Hollywood craves the rewards of a big-budget blockbuster.

Cablevision Close to Newsday Deal

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:04:00 EDT

Tribune appeared close to a deal to sell Newsday to Cablevision for $650 million. If successful, the cable operator will have beat out matching $580 million bids from News Corp. and Mortimer Zuckerman.

Price Rises Keep Pressure on Beijing

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:31:00 EDT

China's inflation rebounded in April to near decade-high levels, adding to pressure on Beijing to cool rapid price rises and avert possible unrest. China's trade surplus declined slightly, reflecting weaker demand for Chinese goods.

Morgan Stanley Fund Rakes In $4 Billion

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT

Morgan Stanley closed on a $4 billion new infrastructure fund, surpassing its original target of $2.5 billion and better positioning the Wall Street firm in the crowded field of investing in public-works projects world-wide.

American Axle Rift Remains

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:30:00 EDT

The two sides in a union strike that shut down GM supplier American Axle haven't softened their positions after an offer by GM last week to contribute $200 million to settle the dispute.

Barneys CEO Is Expected to Quit

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:55:00 EDT

Howard Socol is expected to resign as CEO of Barneys New York over disagreements with the new owners about the timetable for international expansion.

Rift Threatens Pakistan Government

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:41:00 EDT

A disagreement between Pakistan's two major parties threatened to derail the country's new coalition government. The parties were at odds over the restoration of judges fired last year by Pervez Musharraf.

Hezbollah Negotiates Political Deal

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:47:00 EDT

Hezbollah began negotiating a deal with the Lebanese government as it withdrew its militants from the capital and ceded positions to the Lebanese army, while battling the militia of a U.S. ally east of Beirut.

Iraqi Forces, Sadr Reach Truce

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:57:00 EDT

A deal brokered by Iran to end fighting between al Sadr and Iraqi forces was holding despite sporadic violence, a sign of Tehran's growing influence in Iraqi politics.