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Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area surged in July, the National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago said in its monthly report issued Friday.

The University of Michigan’s final consumer sentiment index for July held steady at a 96.5, the same as a preliminary reading issued two weeks ago.

The House passed a six-year, $286.4 billion highway bill Friday, paving the way for Senate approval that could lead to the measure becoming law upon President Bush's anticipated signature, news services reported.

Click here to write a Letter to the Editor. rude oil prices hit $61 a barrel Friday before falling back to close at $60.57 a barrel following reports of oil refinery fires in Louisiana and Texas, news services reported.

Congress Friday sent President Bush a national energy bill touted by supporters as providing a diverse mix of fuels, new jobs and cleaner burning coal, the Associated Press reported..

Less-than-truckload carrier Yellow Roadway Corp. reported late Thursday its second-quarter net income rose 62% to $76.1 million or $1.38 a share, compared with $46.9 million or 97 cents a year earlier.

Ryder System Thursday reported its second-quarter net income was $63.3 million or 98 cents a share, compared with $63.6 million or 97 cents for the same period last year.

Truckload carrier U.S. Xpress Enterprises said late Wednesday that its second-quarter net income was $482,000 or 3 cents a share, compared with $4.2 million or 30 cents a year earlier.

Click here to write a Letter to the Editor. he House approved an energy bill Thursday packed with $14.5 billion in tax breaks and incentives for energy projects, and the bill could become law by this weekend, news services reported.