LONDON-Proposals to extend the London Underground system into South London have been approved by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers. The suburban office centre of Croydon is likely to be the biggest beneficiary.

AUSTIN-Two large conventions keep their dates with Austin. Last year, Semicon Southwest pumped $9 million into the state capital's economy, but that might not be the case this year. On a bright note, there's no word of vendor cancellations, as yet.

PORTLAND, OR-Milestone Investment has sold the 45,000-sf building that is leased fully to a national provider of electrical services. The tenant has a seven year lease.

NEW YORK CITY-Ernst & Young's Hospitality Services Group has revised its US 2001 lodging industry forecast from 3.7% positive growth to negative 5.7% and occupancy rates are predicted to fall from an already-low 63.7% to 60.5%.