Also. . .

* Varig, the biggest airline in Brazil, said it plans to buy 32 to 40 new jets from Boeing Co. in a transaction worth about $2 billion. Viacao Aerea Rio-Grandense, as the airline is formally known, said it plans to buy the new 737-800 and 737-900 series of Boeing’s short-haul jetliner to renovate and expand its fleet.

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* The Justice Department recommended against allowing BellSouth Corp. to offer long-distance service in Louisiana, saying the Atlanta-based Baby Bell had not addressed concerns that regulators pointed out in its first request. The Federal Communications Commission must render a verdict by mid-October.