Also...

* Four airlines--Northwest, Continental, America West and Alaska--said they signed agreements with Air China to share frequent-flier programs, coordinate schedules and connections and cooperate in other ways. The agreements are the first between U.S. carriers and China’s largest airline.

* Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc. said it’s scaling down expansion plans and will buy back 2 million shares, as it forecast disappointing earnings for the second quarter and full year because of falling sales at its restaurants. The company will add up to 20 new outlets this year rather than the 60 it had planned.