Report: Inflation in check

Consumer prices rose just 0.1 percent in August, a sign that inflation poses no immediate risk.

The over-the-month increase in the Consumer Price Index, the government’s most closely-watched inflation gauge, came after prices dipped by 0.1 percent in July, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Excluding energy and food prices, which can swing widely from month to month, “core” prices also inched up by 0.1 percent in August for the third month in a row. That suggested that most other prices are remaining well behaved, analysts say.

International

Boeing, Airbus talks produce few results

The European Union on Thursday demanded Washington explain more clearly how it subsidizes Boeing Co. and warned it would counter any U.S. challenge targeting EU rival Airbus SAS before the World Trade Organization.

After 4 1/2 hours of negotiations on the trans-Atlantic dispute between the world’s biggest aircraft makers, no clear progress was made, officials said.

Boeing officials have argued that Airbus is receiving inappropriate subsidies in the forms of low-interest loans from the European Union. Airbus officials have countered that Boeing receives subsidies in the form of U.S. defense contracts and tax breaks.

Program

Leadership Lawrence announces 2005 class

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has announced that 25 area residents have been chosen to participate in the organization’s Leadership Lawrence program.

The class members are Rhonda Birdsong, Jane Blocher, Kevin Boatright, Kim Bodensteiner, Jacqueline Bogner, Laura Hiebert Carbrey, Thomas Carignan, Ndeye Ceesay, Brad Chindamo, Sheryle D’Amico, Doug Gaumer, Patrick Kelly, Kiersten Gens, Michele Johnson, Barry Landon, James Lowe, Maria Martin, Pamela McDermott, Scott McMichael, Lynn Parman, Jeff Peterson, Doris Ricks, Joseph Ryan, Karen Schuyler and Lori Tapahonso.

The program will be conducted during the next eight months, beginning Sept. 29. It will include sessions on leadership, health, arts, education, civic responsibilities and area governments.