January 11, 2001  

Now appearing on sptimes.com

American, United draw up complex five-airline deal [Times photo: Chris Schneider] The plan, meant to appease concerns of diminished service, faces tests from regulators, labor unions, a court and even Carl Icahn. Story Bay area travelers seek facts TAMPA -- It's no surprise to Ralph Rodeman that Trans World Airlines may disappear. TWA Q&A Here are excerpts from TWA's answers to frequently asked questions about what will happen during its bankruptcy and acquisition by American Airlines.

Founder of Dish sites sued by ex-partners
TAMPA -- The founder of Dish, the new restaurants in Tampa's Centro Ybor and St. Petersburg's BayWalk, is being sued by his former New England business partners. They say he stole the concept when he brought it to Florida.

Mutuals manager predicts recession
Waddell & Reed's president tells a group of clients he is more pessimistic than most economists.

Expect a chill from your utility bill
A cold snap is giving us high bills that are routine elsewhere. For Florida Power customers, it's up to a 100 percent increase.

Business digest
JOB CUTS AT SERVICE MERCHANDISE: Service Merchandise is trimming 1,750 full-time employees from its work force to reduce expenses. The job cuts represent 23 percent of the retailer's work force, which already had been reduced from 25,000 full-time employees two years ago to 7,600. The company cited a difficult holiday season for retail in general and a need to streamline amid competition as reasons for the latest cuts. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 1999.