BRIEFCASE.

Byline: - Staff and Wire Services

Gas prices up 3rd consecutive week

Gasoline prices rose for a third consecutive week this week, but by a significantly lower amount than the previous week, the Automobile Club of Southern California said Friday.

However, more price hikes are expected next month, according to the Auto Club.

The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular was $2.450 in the Los Angeles area Friday morning, 4.6 cents more than last week, 20 cents more than last month and 47 cents more than at this time last year, according to the Auto Club.

Unemployment rate 5.5 percent

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Los Angeles County rose to 5.5 percent in December, up from a revised 5.1 percent rate for November, state officials reported Friday.

The December unemployment rate was lower than the 6.5 percent rate in the same month last year, according to the Employment Development Department.

The statewide unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in December, down slightly from 5.3 percent in November and below the 6 percent rate in December 2004.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.9 percent in December, 5 percent in November and 5.4 percent a year ago.

Judge OKs United end to bankruptcy

CHICAGO - United Airlines got a judge's final go-ahead Friday to leave bankruptcy after a record three-year stay - a smaller and more efficient carrier than when it began its overhaul, but challenged more than ever by near-record fuel costs. The approval of its reorganization plan by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff removed the final obstacle to its targeted exit from Chapter 11 on Feb. 1 after the largest and longest airline bankruptcy ever.

Once free of bankruptcy, UAL Corp.'s United intends to be more competitive with its rivals while working its way back toward profitability, which has eluded it since 2000.

Japan halts U.S. beef shipments

WASHINGTON - Japan halted all shipments of U.S. beef because of mad cow fears Friday, threatening millions of dollars in American exports and sending officials scrambling to repair delicate trade relations. Japan's sudden order came just six weeks after the country had lifted a two-year ban on American beef. The problem this time: discovery of bone - a mad cow disease risk, Asian countries say - in a shipment of veal from a plant in New York.