IN BRIEF.

IWERKS IN CHINA: Burbank-based Iwerks Entertainment Inc. will open its first Iwerks theater in China today. The theater, in the port city of Shenzhen, is part of the Happy Valley Amusement Park. It is Iwerks' first 3D-4D venue, using specially designed seats that have air, sound and water effects built in to give the audience a tactile experience.

- Daily News

ALASKA OPPOSES FTC: Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles said Thursday the state will go to court to oppose a Federal Trade Commission decision to block the proposed merger of BP Amoco and Arco. FTC commissioners voted 3-2 on Wednesday to reject the merger and told its staff to ask the courts to block the $30 billion deal. Regulators say the merger could lead to higher gasoline prices in California and other West Coast states.

- Associated Press