Legislation aimed at reining in retiree benefit costs for Michigan state workers was approved Thursday by the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee.

Aflac Inc. on Wednesday posted an 8 percent rise in third-quarter net income, reaping the benefit of a stronger yen.

Shares of Ameriprise Financial Inc. advanced Thursday after the financial planning company reported revenue growth and a strong cash position in the third quarter.

MetLife Inc. says its net income increased tenfold in the third quarter, boosted largely by its acquisition of Alico last year.

As more budget cuts loom, Gov. Chris Gregoire is moving toward reopening contracts with Washington state employee unions to renegotiate health care benefits.

The House has voted to make it harder for hundreds of thousands of people to qualify for Medicaid under the president's health care overhaul.

The investment firm T. Rowe Price Group Inc. said Tuesday its third-quarter profit rose nearly 10 percent as revenue rose almost 16 percent, but the results missed Wall Street expectations and its shares fell more than 7 percent.

The Supreme Court could decide as early as Nov. 10 whether to hear a challenge to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul this term.