Addressing fliers' wait on tarmac

WASHINGTON - A former CEO of American Airlines on Tuesday backed imposition of a three-hour time limit on how long airlines can strand passengers on airport tarmacs, but he also warned of unintended consequences.

local briefs

New yoga studio sets open house, free class

florence - A new yoga studio is opening in Florence. Florence Yoga, which specializes in Ashtanga yoga, will host an open house this Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., to showcase the studio, introduce teachers and enjoy music, refreshments and traditional Indian dance by members of Nataraj Performing Arts of India.

Treasurys attract solid demand even as stocks rise

NEW YORK - A strong auction of two-year notes helped support the bond market Tuesday, sending Treasury yields lower.

In afternoon trading, the price of the benchmark 10-year note rose 10/32 to 101 14/32 and its yield fell to 3.45 percent from 3.49 percent late Monday.

Stocks at '09 highs

NEW YORK - A rebound in commodities drew investors back into the stock market and helped push stocks to new highs for 2009.

Major stock indicators rebounded Tuesday from a drop the day earlier to end at their highest levels in 11 months. The Dow Jones industrials rose 51 points after falling 41 on Monday.

FDA ban on flavored cigarettes takes effect

RICHMOND, Va. - The new federal ban on flavored cigarettes took effect on Tuesday, marking one of the first visible signs of the Food and Drug Administration's new authority to regulate tobacco.