News in brief

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. Following similar moves by the two biggest online hangouts, Internet search leader Google is introducing tools that are supposed to make any Web site more sociable. The service, expected to be available on a limited basis yesterday evening, provides a framework that will enable people to interact with their friends and use favorite applications they have accumulated on social networks like Facebook and Plaxo even when they aren’t visiting those sites. Google’s initiative is called “Friend Connect.”    AP

WASHINGTON. Turmoil in financial markets has eased somewhat, but the situation is still “far from normal,” Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said yesterday. The central bank has taken a number of unconventional steps to help squeezed banks and big investment firms overcome problems and try to get credit flowing more freely again.    AP

WASHINGTON. Fewer Americans are expected to fly this summer, but don’t expect more empty seats as carriers park planes to help offset surging fuel costs. The trade group for the nation’s largest airlines yesterday forecast 211.5 million passengers will travel on domestic carriers between June 1 and August 31.    AP