BUSINESS BRIEFS
Hawaiian still tops on-time list
Advertiiser Staff and News Services
Hawaiian Airlines had the nation's best on-time performance during May, the 31st month in a row in which the airline's on-time record topped the industry.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said 95 percent of Hawaiian's flights were on time in May. The department also said Hawaiian received the top ranking in baggage handling, with only 2.57 reports of mishandled luggage for every 1,000 passengers flown.
$145B TOBACCO AWARD REJECTED
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court lifted a huge burden from U.S. tobacco companies yesterday when it threw out a record $145 billion punitive damages award against them even though it agreed the companies had misled smokers about the dangers of lighting up.
The court also ruled that smokers could sue the companies — and gave plaintiffs a legal weapon by upholding the trial jury's finding that the firms had negligently misled the public about the dangers of cigarettes.
HIGH GAS PRICES HURT RETAIL SALES
NEW YORK — Retailers reported lower sales in June as shoppers curbed their spending on other items because of soaring gasoline prices.
Disappointments included Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Federated Department Stores Inc. and Limited Brands Inc. Winners included Target Corp., J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and AnnTaylor Stores Corp.
