U.S. Cellular has become the second company in recent weeks to ask a U.S. District Court judge to overturn an order by Waukesha County officials requiring that a transmission tower located near Crites Field be lowered or moved.

Regular gasoline prices tumbled by double digits or near double digits throughout the region over the weekend, AAA Mid-Atlantic reported.

Gas utility Avista Corp. on Monday said it has refiled a rate request with the Oregon Public Utilities Commission that could decrease its customers’ bills by more than 4 percent. (AVA)

At least one bright spot exists amid the Wall Street meltdown and the financial uncertainty rocking the nation.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged five California brokers who worked for Duluth, Ga.-based World Group Securities Inc. with securities fraud, alleging they put customers at risk by refinancing their homes with subprime mortgages that they could not afford in order to fraudulently sell unsuitable securities.

Revenue and earnings at The Fastenal Co. rose 17 percent in the third quarter, the company said Monday. (FAST)

Gasoline prices are down in the Phoenix region by as much as 37 cents per gallon over last month. Nationally, prices are down 52 cents to $3.21 per gallon over September as crude oil prices have dropped and consumer demand weakened.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will open the tap Tuesday to a new 11-mile natural gas pipeline between Thornton and Elk Grove, providing 35 million cubic feet of natural gas each day, enough to serve 50,000 customers in south Sacramento County.