NATION

NATION
Nasdaq seeks merger with New York Stock Exchange
NEW YORK -- Nasdaq, the 32-year-old electronic market suffering from the end of the Internet boom, has asked the New York Stock Exchange to explore the possibility of a merger, according to a published report.
Nasdaq Chief Executive Robert Greifeld approached NYSE officials with the idea about three weeks ago, The Wall Street Journal reported today, citing unidentified sources close to the situation.
The concept is at a very preliminary stage, and no formal proposal has been made, the sources told the Journal.
REGION
FirstEnergy's executive takes health-related leave
AKRON -- FirstEnergy Corp.'s chief executive, H. Peter Burg, will turn over his duties while he's being treated for leukemia, the company announced Monday.
Burg, 56, plans to return to work once his doctors approve, the company said Monday in a statement.
In the meantime, president and chief operating operator Anthony J. Alexander will take over for Burg, who's also chairman of the utility's board. The company did not release any details about Burg's illness or treatment.
WORLD
Union seeks compensation for loud Christmas music
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Labor unions in the Czech Republic demanded Monday that stores stop playing Christmas carols incessantly or pay compensation for causing emotional trauma to sales clerks.
Some stores here play the same songs all day -- and play them loudly. Employees say shifts have become unbearable.
"To listen to it for eight hours a day is not healthy, that's for sure," said Alexandr Leiner, a union leader. "And for the customers, it's almost unbearable as well."
He said the unions want $19 or two days off as a possible compensation. They've received no response.
Associated Press