From Los Angeles: The malls don't seem any less crowded this year, but apparently, more people are doing their shopping online.

From Washington: The security of ships and ports will be on the agenda in Washington today. The government and the shipping industry are meeting to talk about new ways to counter terrorism. The summit comes on the heels of a new warning about potential attacks by al Qaeda on maritime economic targets.

From London: Russia says it will ignore an injunction by an American court and go ahead with its Yukos sale this Sunday.

From Los Angeles: The Walt Disney Company is launching two new TV channels in India today.

From Los Angeles: Better not pop the cork just yet on a big wine merger. Last month, the Chalone Wine Group agreed to be bought out by Rothschild of France and Constellation Brands. Now, the Napa Valley company is entertaining a better offer - rumored to be from booze giant Diageo.

From Beijing: You've heard of copy cats. How about copy-cars? General Motors is bringing a Chinese competitor to court on that charge.

From New York: Pilots at United Airlines have approved a tentative agreement to further scale back their pay and benefits. The deal will help the bankrupt airline meet its goal of cutting more than $700 million in annual labor costs. The most unusual part of the arrangement could set a new precedent in the industry.