qwest

The Federal Communications Commission has given its conditional approval to the merger of CenturyLink Inc.

A federal judge in Denver has approved a settlement of a class-action lawsuit by shareholders who challenged the proposed merger of CenturyLink Inc. and Qwest Communications International Inc.

This report is an intraday check of some of the more notable stocks that have hit a 52-week high or low so far today. 52-Week High:

• Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) high of $5.77.
  
  No real news today other than overall economic data. Shares have been bumping against a $5.70 level through the month of August, and finally has some solid momentum to break through the level today.
  
  Shares are up 2.3% on the session.
• Sonus Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS) high of $3.39.

CenturyTel is buying Qwest Communications in a stock swap worth $10.6 billion, creating a telecommunications giant serving customers in 37 states.

A federal judge has thrown out some claims in a civil lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission against former Qwest executives, including Joseph P.

Nacchio , the former chief executive.

Qwest Communications International Inc. said Friday that it began an offer by its Qwest Corp. subsidiary to exchange privately placed outstanding 8.375 percent notes due in 2016 for newly registered 8.375 percent notes also due that year.

Qwest Communications will no longer give its five top executives tens of thousands of dollars a year to pay for expenses like club memberships.

The Department of Justice will let stand a federal court decision ordering a shorter prison sentence for ex-Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio, who was sentenced to six years for insider trading.

The Department of Justice will let stand a federal court decision ordering a shorter prison sentence for ex-Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio, sentenced to six years for insider trading.

An appeals court has ordered a new, shorter sentence for ex-Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio, saying his 6-year term for insider trading was too long.