The judge Monday adjourned the conspiracy and fraud trial of four former top Adelphia Communications Corp. executives after one of the defendants took sick over the weekend.

Former Adelphia executive vice president Michael Rigas, 50, was hospitalized and released during the weekend, sources said.

One person close to the case said Rigas was disoriented but has returned to New York and is expected to attend court today.

Construction spending reaches highest level

U.S. construction spending jumped to its highest level ever in March, but manufacturing growth slowed in April, weighed down by higher costs for materials, according to figures released Monday.

The Commerce Department said construction activity jumped 1.5 percent in March from February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $944.1 billion, the highest level on record.

Earnings increase at NY Stock Exchange

Earnings at the privately held New York Stock Exchange rose 76.5 percent in 2003, despite falling market share, fewer new listings and the repercussions of former chairman Dick Grasso's $187.5 million pay package.

In the NYSE's annual report, released Monday, the exchange made $49.6 million for the year, up from $28.1 million in 2002. Revenues, however remained almost flat year-over-year, as a drop in investment income was balanced by an increase in listing fees.

Bill Gates to pay $800,000 penalty

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corp. and the world's richest person, agreed to pay an $800,000 penalty to settle charges he violated reporting requirements involving his personal investment company, the U.S. Justice Department said.

The government said Gates, through his investment firm, bought more than $50 million of voting shares of ICOS Corp. without abiding by notification and waiting-period requirements.

DaimlerChrysler closer to Chinese deal

Automaker DaimlerChrysler Monday said it has received an important approval from the Chinese government for plans to build Mercedes C- and E-class cars at a new factory in Beijing with Chinese partner BAIC Ltd.

The green light from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission is a "fundamental step" in the approvals process for the Beijing plant, the company said.

The Beijing plant would have an initial production capacity of 25,000 vehicles.