In brief: Google phone makes its debut

Mountain View, Calif. – Google Inc. began selling its own mobile phone Tuesday, a much-anticipated move aimed at protecting its online advertising empire as people increasingly surf the Web on handsets instead of personal computers.

The Nexus One joins about 20 other mobile devices that already run on Android, the mobile operating system that Google introduced in 2007 to make it easier to connect to its services and other Web sites away from home or the office.

The Nexus One has been in the hands of Google employees for the past three weeks, triggering media speculation and anticipation for the company’s first attempt to peddle a consumer electronics device.

Given the hype, the Nexus One could be a bit of a letdown because it only takes a few incremental steps beyond what’s already possible on handheld devices. And the Nexus One’s standard sales price of $529 may lessen its appeal in a still-shaky economy.

Associated Press

Macy’s will close five of its stores

Cincinnati – Department store giant Macy’s Inc. said Tuesday that it would shut down five underperforming stores this year.

The affected stores are in Boise, Missoula, Waterford, Mich., St. Ann, Mo., and Burlington, N.J. Final clearance sales will begin Sunday and run for about two months.

More than 300 employees will be affected by the closures. Those associates will be offered positions in nearby stores where possible, the Cincinnati chain said.

Los Angeles Times

Mesa airline files for bankruptcy

New York – Mesa Air Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to eliminate excess aircraft and reach a faster a resolution in its lawsuit against Delta Air Lines, the airline said Tuesday.

Mesa stock fell nearly 54 percent Tuesday to 6 cents a share. The stock has been trading at bankruptcy levels since early 2008, when record-high oil prices helped to wipe out profits.

The Phoenix-based carrier said it had ample liquidity to support itself during the restructuring, which is expected to take about six months.

The company doesn’t expect any layoffs due to the bankruptcy, though ongoing fleet reductions will likely lead to a smaller work force.

Associated Press