Briefcase

British Airways, others settle suits alleging price fixing

NEW YORK – British Airways has agreed to pay $89.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that it conspired with other airlines to fix prices for hauling cargo.

Chile’s Lan Airlines SA and Lan Cargo, and Aerolinhas Brasileiras SA of Brazil also agreed to pay $66 million to settle similar allegations, according to Hausfield LLP, the law firm that brought the cases and announced the settlements. It said it has now settled with 11 airlines around the world for a total of almost $434 million. Other settlements included Lufthansa for $85 million and Air France-KLM for $87 million.

The British Airways settlement covers actions between 2000 and 2006. It still needs approval by a federal judge in New York. British Airways did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The allegations also resulted in a massive criminal investigation. So far, 21 airlines including British Airways have agreed to pay fines totaling more than $1.7 billion. Nineteen executives have been charged with wrongdoing, and four have gone to prison.

Associated Press

Nintendo to release Wii U

LOS ANGELES – Nintendo has introduced the world to the Wii’s touchy new big brother: the Wii U.

The Japanese gaming giant on Tuesday unveiled the Wii video game console’s successor, which will broadcast high-definition video and feature a touch-screen controller that can detect motion and interact with what appears on a television display.

The 6.2-inch touch-screen controller, reminiscent of Apple Inc.’s iPad and other tablet computers, can broadcast standard-definition video but also features a directional pad, microphone, dual analog sticks, speakers, two pairs of shoulder buttons and a front-facing camera, which can be used to make video calls.

Nintendo said the Wii U will be released between April and December next year and will be backward-compatible with Wii games and controllers.

The price for Wii U was not revealed.

Associated Press

Pair take casino for $11 million

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Lightning has struck twice at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, which has lost more than $11 million to just two high-stakes gamblers since April.

Just weeks after a blackjack player beat the casino for $5.8 million, a different gambler won $5.3 million last week.

In April, Bensalem, Pa., gambler Don Johnson beat the casino for $5.8 million at blackjack, part of a spectacular roll that also saw him beat Caesars Atlantic City for more than $4.2 million and the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa for $5 million.

The casino would not identify last week’s winner, citing the casino’s policy to keep the identities of its players confidential. But it did say it was not Johnson.

Last Wednesday’s winner hit big at the craps table, where he was betting $100,000 at a time. He also did well at blackjack and mini-baccarat. The man left a $150,000 tip for dealers; it was divided up among table games dealers on duty that night.

Associated Press