Apple sued for poaching auto engineers to build battery division

Reuters: Electric-car battery maker A123 Systems has sued Apple Inc. for poaching top engineers to build a large-scale battery division, according to a court filing that offered further evidence that the iPhone maker may be developing a car. Apple has been poaching engineers with deep expertise in car systems, including from Tesla Inc., and talking with industry experts and automakers with the ultimate aim of learning how to make its own electric car.

Jobless claims in U.S. declined more than forecast last week

Bloomberg: Fewer Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, showing the labor market is making progress. Jobless claims fell by 21,000 to 283,000 in the week ended Feb. 14, from 304,000 in the prior period, a Labor Department report showed Thursday in Washington.

Walmart ups pay for nearly a half-million workers

CNNMoney: Walmart Stores Inc. will pay current employees at least $10 an hour within the next year, the company announced Thursday. The nation’s largest private sector employer said 500,000 full-time and part-time associates at Walmart U.S. stores and Sam’s Clubs will receive pay raises in April that will take them to at least $9 an hour. By Feb. 1 of next year, their pay will rise to at least $10 an hour.