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5 Big Stories

A look back at the week in business

By Jeff Harrington, Times Deputy Business Editor
Published September 30, 2007

1. UAW strikes at GM plants

Thousands of union workers take to the picket lines in the first nationwide auto strike in 30 years.

What it means: The two-day walkout ends with a deal that requires workers to be more responsible for their health care.

2. Hard Rock casino unveils $120-million expansion

Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock adds 1,000 gambling machines.

What it means: Casino becomes the largest in the state, and gets prewired for Vegas-style slots, pending state okay.

3. Gamers converge to buy Halo 3

Microsoft rings up record $170-million in sales in first 24 hours.

What it means: Microsoft's entertainment unit has lost billions since launching Xbox in 2000. Halo 3 could push it into the black.

4. Solar energy in Florida gets big boost

Florida Power & Light pledges first big solar thermal power plant.

What it means: Deal unveiled at a global summit in New York underscores swift industry push into alternative energy options.

5. Wal-Mart expands popular drug program

Retail giant expands list of generic prescriptions available for $4.

What it means: Part 2 of pilot program begun in Tampa adds generics for everything from birth control to acne.

[Last modified September 28, 2007, 20:02:59]