ORLANDO-Walt Disney World loses argument to bar the Orlando Sentinel from contacting individual members of the six-member jury that came in with a verdict of $240 million in damages against the theme park operator on Aug. 11. Disney is appealing the verdict and seeking a new trial. The company was convicted of stealing plans from another developer to build its existing Wide World of Sports Attraction.

RALEIGH, NC-Although Edwards Theaters has filed for protection from its creditors under Chaper 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, California-based developer PLC Commercial is going ahead with plans for MarqE, the entertainment component of a planned open-air retail and dining complex here just off Capital Boulevard.

CHARLOTTE-The Charlotte region is expected to begin a five-year slowdown that could approach a 24% decline from last year's $4.4 billion total value of projects, predicts F.W. Dodge, McGraw Hill of New York. Karnes Research Co. of Atlanta, however, projects the commercial sector's solid growth will continue.