Farming is a very healthy business, spurring calls to end its large government safety net. But some lawmakers want to create a new program instead. Read more..

By WILLIAM NEUMAN - The New York Times

Glad plans to spend $30 million to $40 million on a campaign for a new kitchen trash bag that the company says saves enough plastic — the equivalent of 140 million bags — to cover Manhattan. Read more..

None None - The New York Times

IBM reports solid quarterly profits, showing corporations continue to spend on information technology; company reports net earnings of $3.84 billion, a 7 percent increase from the year-earlier quarter; its earnings per share from continuing operations rose 15 percent, to $3.28; revenue for the quarter increased 8 percent, to $26.2 billion. Read more..

By STEVE LOHR - The New York Times

The Olympus board’s decision to fire Michael C. Woodford after only two weeks shows that change was sorely needed. Read more..

By WAYNE ARNOLD and JOHN FOLEY - The New York Times

Research in Motion offers Blackberry users $100 credit for select apps in its online store as apology for a service collapse that left millions of devices without service for up to three days; limited selection may leave customers grumbling. Read more..

By IAN AUSTEN - The New York Times

Dow Jones industrial average loses 2.13 percent to close at 11,397; Standard & Poor's 500-stock index drops 23.72 points, or 1.9 percent, to 1,200.86; Nasdaq composite index loses 1.98 percent, to 2,614.92. Read more..

By CHRISTINE HAUSER - The New York Times