In business news, Delta and Northwest have agreed to merge to create the world’s largest airline. The move, if approved by regulators, could trigger a wave of industry consolidation, fare increases and reductions in services. Democratic Congressman Jim Oberstar has vowed to try to block the merger. Labor unions have also criticized the deal. The merger comes amid one of the airline industry’s most tumultuous periods. Three airlines recently collapsed, and American Airlines was forced to cancel thousands of flights last week due to safety concerns.