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5 Big Stories: A look back at the week in business
By Jeff Harrington, Times Deputy Business Editor
Published March 25, 2007
1. Smile day at Wal-Mart Wal-Mart doles out $530-million in performance bonuses to 813,759 of its 1.35-million workers. What it means: Hit hard by criticism over pay and benefits for its rank-and-file, the world's biggest retailer revamps compensation and makes public its bonus contributions for the first time since the bonus program began in 1986. 2. Hospitals get low grades The Joint Commission details treatment shortcomings of bay area hospitals in three categories. What it means: The commission, which evaluates hospital performance nationwide, said South Florida Baptist in Plant City was the sole facility in west-central Florida to score above the national average in the chief categories of heart attack treatment, heart failure treatment and pneumonia treatment. 3. Apple TV ripens Apple begins shipping its new product, which will show content from your computer on your TV screen. What it means: It's the Holy Grail of entertainment: the fusion of TV and the Internet. Apple TV won't let you tap into cable TV, but it's a big step toward the Grail. 4. Enron shareholders hitlegal setback An appeals court says shareholders can't sue investment banks to recoup losses. What it means: A $40-billion lawsuit filed in the wake of Enron's collapse was supposed to go to trial next month. Now shareholders' attorneys are expected to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to help pry open the rich pockets of banks such as Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse. 5. Universal Health Care wins time The St. Petersburg Medicare insurer avoids state liquidation Friday of its Any, Any, Any plan, and now heads to court. What it means: Florida regulators say the fast-growing company's Any, Any, Any lacks proper financial reserves and should be taken over by the state. Universal begs to differ. The fight will play out this coming week in a Tallahassee courtroom.
[Last modified March 23, 2007, 22:10:51]
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