USA - Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) And American Transmission Acquire Zephyr Power Transmission Project

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 19, 2011

Duke-American Transmission, a joint VC of Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) and privately held American Transmission, has reportedly bought out the Zephyr Power Transmission Project.

The firm intends to continue the design and development of the proposed 950-mile transmission line that will deliver wind energy generated in eastern Wyoming to California and various parts the southwestern United States.

Duke Energy Corporation is an energy company located primarily in the Americas that owns an integrated network of energy assets. The Company manages a portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery, and trading businesses in the United States and Latin America.

USA -- payroll tax break for 160 million US workers battle heats up

Published on Dec 19, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A tax concession for 160 million US workers is in doubt because of strong opposition from Republicans in the lower house of Congress.

Despite the fact that over the weekend the upper house, the Senate, overwhelmingly voted to delay until February an increase in that payroll tax -- which goes towards pension provisions.

Without congressional action the tax workers pay into the Social Security federal retirement programme will rise to 6.2 percent on Jan. 1, from 4.2 percent.

Sweden - Troubled car maker Saab files for bankruptcy

Uploaded by BBCNewsHeadlines on Dec 19, 2011

Troubled Swedish car maker Saab has filed for bankruptcy after failing to secure fresh funds from potential Chinese investors.

General Motors (GM), which owns part of Saab, did not want Chinese car makers accessing technology licences.

Production has been suspended at Saab's main plant in Trollhattan, Sweden, since April as the company has struggled to pay its suppliers.

Workers have complained that they have not been paid since last month.

Brian Milligan reports.

Syria - signs Arab League plan to allow monitors

Published on Dec 19, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Syria has signed an Arab League peace plan aimed at ending months of bloodshed. The deal agreed in Cairo paves the way for Arab League observers to monitor the situation on the ground.

The agreement also calls for troops to be withdrawn from city centres and for political prisoners to be freed.

Until now Syria has been wavering over the deal. But in Damascus the foreign minister Walid al-Muallem said it signed on Russia's advice after various demands were met.

Germany - Air Berlin gets help from Etihad increases its stake to almost 30% for 73 million euros

Published on Dec 19, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is to spend 73 million euros to increase its stake in Air Berlin to almost 30 percent and loan it nearly 200 million euros.

The two airlines will also cooperate more on flights.

The deal represents a life-line for debt laden Air Berlin which has been trying to shrink its way back to profit. It has cut money losing routes and delayed orders for new planes.

Spain - Rajoy sets out country's new economic targets

Published on Dec 19, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Spain's incoming Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has made his first speech to Parliament.

The conservative People's Party leader told the chamber that the next government will pass a decree on December 30 with urgent reforms to the economy and the budget.

Rajoy added that his government would raise pensions in real terms as of January 2012, the only item of public spending it would increase.

Britain - Leveson Inquiry The Sun also guilty of hacking, reporter's brother claims

Uploaded by BBCNewsHeadlines on Dec 19, 2011

The brother of a former News of the World showbusiness reporter who claimed hacking phones was endemic at the paper has told the Leveson inquiry into press standards The Sun newspaper was guilty of the same offence.

Sean Hoare died earlier this year, but his brother Stuart gave evidence to the Inquiry today.

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