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In stimulus plan, how much bang for the buck? - February 24, 2009 - Thousands of cities, counties compete for scarce infrastructure funds

Mentally ill in jail in a new crisis - February 21. 2009 - Florida's population of severely mentally ill jail inmates is expected to outstrip the number of beds available for treatment.

Counties divvy up millions - February 21. 2009 - Miami-Dade and Broward officials assigned most of their transportation stimulus money to a few big projects -- rather than to many small ones.

Obama unveils plan to stem foreclosures - February 20. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama rolled out a bold $75 billion, three-part plan Wednesday to halt the soaring rate of mortgage foreclosures nationwide, one that seeks to encourage refinancing of homes now worth less than their mortgages and provides incentives for lenders to lower the debt load on struggling homeowners.

Latest 'phishing' scam lures you with tax return - February 19. 2009 - Cyber-thieves' e-mail looks like it's from the IRS, but it's a rip-off

Gov. Charlie Crist defends support of stimulus package - February 19. 2009 - Republican voters who said they don't share Gov. Charlie Crist's support of the recently passed economic stimulus plan said they believe he's trying to do the right thing.

Beware Of Latest Scheme Targeting Social Networking Sites - February 4. 2009 - Friends of Bryan Rutberg were alarmed to hear Bryan was in trouble overseas recently, and one sent money to help out

Obama slams Wall Street on bonuses - January 29, 2009 - President calls the $18.4 billion in bonuses paid last year 'shameful'

Florida International Business Expo offers a global platform - January 29, 2009 - The Florida International Business Expo has attracted dozens of smaller businesses with networking possibilities and minimal booth fees.

Healthcare group eyes fees on small Florida tobacco companies - January 28, 2009 - With deep cuts looming in the state budget, children's advocates are eyeing a potentially bountiful source of new dollars: small tobacco companies

Postmaster Gen'l: Mail Delivery Could Be Cut - January 28, 2009 - Agency Could Cut One Day Of Delivery

House passes Obama economic stimulus plan - January 28, 2009 - President: 'Perilous moment' requires swift action to kick-start economy

Fighting corruption with the 'honest services' doctrine - January 25, 2009 - It might be a good idea for public officials and those who lobby them in Florida to pay attention to what's going on in federal courtrooms around the nation. Especially state legislators.

Deal collapse raises questions over Worldcenter - January 24, 2009 - Builders behind a giant downtown development failed to close on an important land purchase for the project.

Florida job outlook bleaker - January 24, 2009 - The state's unemployment rate grew more than expected in December, hitting its highest point in 16 years.

New rules raise the bar for condo mortgages in Florida - January 24, 2009 - In a move that will make it even more difficult to qualify for a condo loan, Fannie Mae is putting a host of new conditions on mortgages for condominiums in Florida.

Crist praises Obama's promised stimulus package - January 23, 2009 - West Palm Beach - Gov. Charlie Crist told a crowd of 700 today the stimulus package promised by President Barack Obama offers hope on the heels of severe budget cuts.

Florida jobless rate passes 8% mark, highest in 16 years - January 23, 2009 - "Florida's unemployment rate hit 8.1 percent in December, the highest rate in 16 years, the state labor department announced Friday morning.

Senate approves pay equity bill - January 23, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- The Senate approved landmark worker rights legislation on Thursday that will make it easier for those who think they have endured pay discrimination to seek legal help. The vote was 61-36.

Troubled Miami-Dade reform school may be forced to close main campus - January 24, 2009 - A troubled South Miami-Dade reform school could lose its main campus after the state announced it would lose its funding in March.

New rules raise the bar for condo mortgages in Florida - January 24, 2009 - In a move that will make it even more difficult to qualify for a condo loan, Fannie Mae is putting a host of new conditions on mortgages for condominiums in Florida.

Florida job offices feel the squeeze, too - January 23, 2009 - Applying for unemployment benefits in Florida can't be done in person. Either go online, or do it by phone and wait.

Foreclosure Fightback - January 22, 2009 - "This is a crowd that won't scatter," James Steele wrote in the pages of The Nation some seventy-five years ago.

Political Interference Seen in Bank Bailout Decisions - January 22, 2009 - Barney Frank Goes to Bat for Lender, and It Gets an Infusion

Senate Select Committee on Florida's Economy brain-storms solutions to the state's economic crisis - January 21, 2009 - BOYNTON BEACH — Dozens of local citizens lined up to offer advice to state senators today as they met to address Florida's economic crisis.

Poll: Inaugural boosts American hopes - January 21, 2009 - WASHINGTON — President Obama's inauguration has given a recession-battered nation a boost.

President Obama makes his way to new office - January 20, 2009 - Inaugural parade heads to White House, celebrating first black U.S. leader

Interest Rate Drop Has Dire Results for Legal Aid - January 19, 2009 - BOSTON — Scores of legal aid societies that help poor people with noncriminal cases — like disputes over foreclosures, evictions and eligibility for unemployment benefits — are being forced to cut their staffs and services, even as requests for help have soared.

Obama Has Chance to Shape U.S. Courts - January 19, 2009 - Vacancies of Appellate Judges, Makeup in Congress Should Give New President Sway Over How Laws Will Be Interpreted

Bush's legacy is America's shame - January 18, 2009 - Although Americans would be wary of admitting it to others, we know the wreckage left behind by the outgoing administration

Broward students can now text message potential danger - January 14, 2009 - Broward school officials are hoping that text will tell.

Congress takes up foreclosure relief plans - January 14, 2009 - After a year of debate, effective government solutions remain elusive

Poll: Solid support for Obama's economic plan - January 14, 2009 - WASHINGTON - A solid plurality of the American public supports the economic stimulus plan that President-elect Barack Obama has proposed, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Budget-squeezed states want a share of online sales - January 13, 2009 - BUYING ONLINE IS CONVENIENT -- AND A WAY TO AVOID SALES TAX. BUT BUDGET-SQUEEZED STATES WANT A SHARE OF CYBER-BUYING

Legislators Expect Deal By Monday On Budget Cuts - January 11, 2009 - Deal Made To Help Nursing Homes - New Traffic Fines, Other Changes To Help Plug Deficit

Boca Raton duo accused of fraud - January 6, 2009 - Two Boca Raton residents, including an attorney, are among six people charged in an elaborate scheme that federal prosecutors say looted $41 million from restitution funds set up to pay victims of securities fraud.

South Florida business bankruptcies highest since at least 1990 - January 6, 2009 - More South Florida businesses headed to bankruptcy court last year than at any time since at least 1990.

Crisis getting worse, lawmakers are told - January 6, 2009 - Lawmakers returned to Tallahassee to cut the state budget and close the deficit but were greeted with more bad financial news.

Phone exec says Pa. senator listed $50M in demands - January 5, 2009 - PHILADELPHIA -- The former president of Verizon Pennsylvania testified Monday that a powerful state lawmaker gave him a list of demands worth $50 million during negotiations over phone-industry deregulation.

Education Union Proposes Sales Tax Increase - January 5, 2009 - Lawmakers Addressing Budget Crisis Wednesday

Miami-Dade schools' finances draw state scrutiny - January 5, 2009 - The Miami-Dade school district has increased its reserves, but additional budget cuts are likely needed, meaning more layoffs and program cuts.

Union Credit Bank hopes to boost lending - January 5, 2009 - An old adage goes ''You can never be too rich or too thin.'' For banks these days, the saying might well be: ``You can never have too much capital.''

5 governors unite, seek $1 trillion in federal aid - January 3, 2009 - Governor Deval Patrick and four other influential Democratic governors pleaded their case yesterday for up to $1 trillion in federal assistance over the next two years, to help alleviate budget cuts, create jobs, and avoid inflicting irreversible damage to schools during a fiscal crisis.

U.S. Debt Expected To Soar This Year - January 3, 2009 - $2 Trillion Increase May Test Federal Ability to Borrow

The Student Loan Bailout - January 2, 2009 - As the economic crisis deepened during 2008, the turmoil in the housing and credit markets generated most of the more dramatic headlines. But higher education, and particularly the market for student loans, has also been feeling the effects of the ongoing recession.

30-year rates at new low - January 1, 2009 - Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to a record low for the third straight week and borrowers took advantage of the drop, sending new applications soaring.

State's minimum wage grows to $7.21 an hour - January 1, 2009 - Some of Florida's lowest-paid workers will get a raise beginning Thursday.

Taxpayers say fire-fee refunds `should be more' - January 1, 2009 - Miami taxpayers have started receiving their fire-fee refunds. But many residents are grumbling about the amount of the payout.

Liquor, tobacco shielded from lawmakers' special session - January 1, 2009 - The Legislature meets for special session next week to figure out how to close a $2.3 billion budget hole in this fiscal year's $65 billion budget. House Speaker Ray Sansom and Senate President Jeff Atwater have proclaimed that any fix to Florida's sales-tax-dependent budget can't include increasing taxes on booze or cigs or even giving the nod to the governor's deal with the Seminoles to get more than $100 million from their casino operations. Read the actural order.

Federal Panel Pushes Big Bump In Gas Tax - January 1, 2009 - A 50 percent increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes is being urged by a federal commission to finance highway construction and repair until the government devises another way for motorists to pay for using public roads.

An Irresponsible Budget - - December 31, 2008 - House Speaker Ray Sansom and Senate President Jeff Atwater on Tuesday officially released their call for the special budget-cutting session set to start next week and it closely mirrors the trust-fund raids and cuts Gov. Charlie Crist recommended.

Obama pledges schools upgrade in stimulus plan - December 31, 2008 - WASHINGTON --  Barack Obama probably cannot fix every leaky roof and busted boiler in the nation's schools. But educators say his sweeping school modernization program _ if he spends enough _ could jump-start student achievement.

Reform judicial nominations - December 28, 2008 - As became evident this month, Florida gives the governor too much power over selecting judges.

States are selling off roads, parks, airports and lotteries to raise funds - December 28, 2008 - Ballooning budget deficits have prompted more U.S. states to sell off roads, parks, airports and lotteries to raise money.

Double dipping rises despite outrage - December 28, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE — This year some of Florida's public officials are giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "home for the holidays.''

Lawmaker: End tax money for candidates - December 27, 2008 - UMATILLA - State Rep. Alan Hays wants Florida to end the practice of giving public money to statewide candidates to help finance their campaigns.

Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.

States slash Medicaid amid economic woes - December 26, 2008 - States from Rhode Island to California are being forced to curtail Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, as they struggle to cope with the deteriorating economy.

Condo bust may mean more parks for Miami - December 25, 2008 - With the economy stalling any short-term development plans, Miami hopes to turn vacant properties into temporary city parks.

Cafe ads draw $30K fine - December 25, 2008 - A former congressional candidate is fined for running afoul of election law when he ran ads funded through non-campaign funds about his bakery's pie and coffee.

Miami-Dade poor defendants face court delays - December 25, 2008 - Miami-Dade's poor defendants will face longer court delays in most cases, as the public defender tries to cope with high caseloads and shrinking budgets.

Refinance rates low; few qualify - December 25, 2008 - Interest rates may have reached their lowest level in nearly 40 years, but that doesn't necessarily spell relief for South Florida's struggling homeowners.

Florida DOT projects set to roll - December 25, 2008 - Obama stimulus plan would deliver $7 billion, help bring jobs to SW Fla.

3 Legislators Are In Favor Of Forgoing Their Raises - December 25, 2008 - WASHINGTON - With the economy teetering and thousands of Floridians and other Americans losing their jobs, three Florida members of Congress say they would vote to give up their automatic $4,700 pay raise next year.

Florida lags in school funding - December 24, 2008 - Florida ranks below the national average for teachers' pay and per pupil spending, according to the 65th annual report from the country's largest teachers' union.

Florida prisons will have new cooks in the kitchen - December 23, 2008 - Florida’s inmates will soon have a new chef in the kitchen. By the second week of January all food served in state prisons will be prepared by state employees and inmates.

Ocean Bank consents to Fed agreement - December 23, 2008 - Ocean Bankshares entered into a formal enforcement action with the Federal Reserve relating to the capital levels and the reserve set up to cover bad loans at its Ocean Bank unit.

Up is Down, Down is Up - December 22, 2008 - According to the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, here were some of our state's rankings in 2007:

Some South Florida elected officials exploit loophole in law to live outside districts they represent - December 21, 2008 - Vague residency rules for elected officials make the question hard to answer

Obama built Cabinet to impose ideas - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON - The Cabinet president-elect Barack Obama completed Friday is a largely centrist and pragmatic-minded collection of politicians and technocrats without a pronounced ideological bent.

Biden to oversee efforts aimed at middle class - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- As vice president, Joe Biden will oversee an Obama administration effort to find ways of building up the ranks of the middle class, that ambiguously defined segment of society most Americans identify with.

Even critics say prosecution of Bush officials for war crimes would be difficult - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- Emboldened by a Democratic win of the White House, civil libertarians and human-rights groups want the incoming Obama administration to investigate whether the Bush administration committed war crimes. They don't just want low-level CIA interrogators, either. They want President George W. Bush on down.

Small banks still waiting - December 21, 2008 - Many small community banks are growing frustrated about their inability to access the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund, nearly two months after large banks began tapping the fund for much-needed capital.

Optimism High About Obama Policies, Poll Finds - December 21, 2008 - Majorities Concur on Economy, but Rifts Abound on Initial Priorities

Miami-Dade schools chief Alberto Carvalho off to strong start - December 21, 2008 - Since taking over Miami-Dade public schools, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has focused on stabilizing the budget, boosting achievement and long-struggling schools.

Lawmakers cash in with campus jobs - December 21, 2008 - Former and current lawmakers are finding employment at community colleges and state universities, even in times of cutbacks and curbs on enrollment.

Transit hires after tax hike included the well-connected - December 21, 2008 - Aides and secretaries to current and former public officials found new jobs at the transit agency after voters backed a sales tax for transportation in 2002.

Tax money inflated salaries, overtime - December 21, 2008 - It was Nov. 1, 2002, four days before a historic election aimed at reshaping the transit landscape in Miami-Dade County, and a backroom deal was quietly being cemented at County Hall.

Obama increases jobs goal to 3 million - December 21, 2008 - ‘We're going to have to be bold,’ president-elect says of economic plan

$1.6 billion went to bailed-out bank execs - December 21, 2008 - Records show bonuses, chauffeurs, health club benefits, financial planning

Obama moves toward unity politics - December 20, 2008 - Democrats have complained for years about bitter partisan politics under George Bush. They blame it on Bush even though, logically, it takes two sides to produce a standoff. Now some Dems are irked at Barack Obama for giving his administration a big-tent look with moderates in the cabinet and elsewhere.

Burst bubble pushes Florida jobless rate to 15-year high - December 20, 2008 - Normally, Florida’s jobless rate falls in November as the holiday hiring season gears up. But, as President Bush said this morning, these aren’t normal times.

Unemployment Inches Up - December 20, 2008 - Unemployment in Florida inched up three-tenths of a percent in November. 680,000 Floridians are now out of work. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, there are now 200,000 more Floridians out of work than there were a year ago.

Automakers get $17.4 billion lifeline from gov't - December 19, 2008 - Government would have option to become stockholder in companies

Miami vigil honors the memory of 121 dead homeless people - December 19, 2008 - Several dozen people paid tribute to the 121 homeless people who died in Miami-Dade County in the past year.

Medicare scam draws another stiff sentence - December 19, 2008 - A central player in a vast Medicare racket received 14 years in prison after admitting he trained doctors to file false claims at a dozen clinics.

Where's the Leadership?- December 18, 2008 - It's a question every Floridian should be asking themselves about our state government these days. We're facing a $2 billion dollar deficit, with an economy that isn't predicted to recover until 2010.

DeFede: Hooray, Florida Still #1 For Corruption - December 18, 2008 - Ever since Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested, there has been a lot of talk about whether Illinois is the most corrupt state in the country.

Miami International Airport contractor found guilty of grand theft - December 18, 2008 - A Miami-Dade jury convicted a corporation and an individual, and found a second man innocent, after fuel was stolen from Miami International Airport.

Auto rescue being worked on quickly: Paulson - December 17, 2008 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A government bailout for automakers was being assembled as quickly and carefully as possible, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Tuesday as a new ratings report showed that bankruptcy was the most likely restructuring scenario for the industry.

More Americans feel downturn's pain, poll finds - December 17, 2008 - 63 percent are hurting, think U.S. has entered long-term economic decline

Revival sought for tunnel plan - December 16, 2008 - Backers of a proposed Port of Miami tunnel are fighting to resurrect the project.

U.S. set to return housing agency - December 16, 2008 - As two new important department head positions were filled in Miami-Dade County, county leaders get ready to retake control of the Miami-Dade housing agency.

Battle Continues Over Miami-Dade Teachers' Raises - December 15, 2008 - Teachers, School Board Members Attend Mediation

Fla. Legislature Meeting In 2009 To Slash Budget - December 15, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― In today's economy of budget shortfalls at the private and public level, many experts predicted Florida's legislature would hold a special session to deal with a budget deficit of millions, and Monday the announcement was made official.

Obama's healthcare stimulus plan could bring $1.8B to Florida - December 15, 2008 - Obama's healthcare stimulus plan could bring $1.8B to Florida

Successful insanity defense stuns Miami-Dade attorneys - December 15, 2008 - A Miami-Dade jury reached an extremely rare verdict, finding a Miami man not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his parents.

States’ Funds for Jobless Are Drying Up - December 14, 2008 - With unemployment claims reaching their highest levels in decades, states are running out of money to pay benefits, and some are turning to the federal government for loans or increasing taxes on businesses to make the payment

Ros-Lehtinen Talks About Auto Bailout - December 12, 2008 - S. Fla. Representative Voted Against Bill

$14B auto bailout dies in Senate - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- A bailout-weary Congress killed a $14 billion package to aid struggling U.S. automakers Thursday night after a partisan dispute over union wage cuts derailed a last-ditch effort to revive the emergency aid before year's end.

Treasury Dept. To Step In, Save Automakers - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- The Treasury Department said Friday it's prepared to act to avoid any possible collapse of nation's three largest auto companies given that rescue efforts in Congress have failed.

Ron Paul: Bailouts Will 'Destroy the Dollar' - December 11, 2008 - U.S. Representative and former presidential candidate Ron Paul tells Newsmax that bailouts of U.S. corporations are “bad morally” — and says current federal economic policies “will literally destroy the dollar.”

Miami's Diaz offers mayors' wish list to Obama - December 11, 2008 - From his post atop the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has offered President-elect Barack Obama a Christmas wish list for the ages.

RealtyTrac: Foreclosures to rise in January - December 11, 2008 - The number of American homeowners dragged into the housing crisis fell last month to the lowest level since June as new state laws lengthened the foreclosure process, RealtyTrac reported Thursday.

Many Parents Clueless About Newborn Genetic Tests - December 10, 2008 - (WCCO) Each year blood samples are taken from thousands of newborns to screen for more than 50 medical conditions.

$14 billion auto bailout bill clears the House - December 10, 2008 - White house lobbies GOP; Tough Senate battle for loan program remains

Economic woes threaten legal aid nationwide - December 7, 2008 - SEATTLE -- The day before Maria Nunes fled Florida for Seattle, her abusive husband beat her unconscious. She had already divorced him, which made the Jamaica native vulnerable to deportation because she depended on her marriage for her legal residency in the United States.

Legacy of tainted home loans: vacancy, vandalism, foreclosure - December 7, 2008 - Hundreds of MiamiDade homes financed by a now imprisoned lender have gone into the foreclosure process, and many are blighted.

Job loss worst in 34 years - December 6, 2008 - In a sign the recession is deepening, employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November, the biggest 1-month loss since '74

Montana judge: Man has right to assisted suicide - December 6, 2008 - HELENA, Mont. -- A Montana judge has ruled that doctor-assisted suicides are legal in the state, a decision likely to be appealed as the state argues that the Legislature, not the court, should decide whether terminally ill patients have the right to take their own life.

Miami-Dade makes lenders maintain foreclosures - December 5, 2008 - Miami-Dade passed new local laws this week to rein in rot on abandoned homes and protect buyers.

White House, Democrats reach deal on $15 billion auto aid - December 5, 2008 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders and the White House reached a deal to provide billions of dollars in relief to the ailing U.S. auto industry, a senior congressional aide told Reuters on Friday.

2 Broward Ex-Cops Plead Guilty In FBI Sting - December 5, 2008 - WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Two former Broward County sheriff's deputies have pleaded guilty to drug charges as part of an FBI undercover corruption investigation. The pleas were entered Friday in federal court by 38-year-old Kevin Frankel and 37-year-old Richard Tauber. Both face possible life prison sentences

Investors wary of state pool - November 27, 2008 - A year after many local governments yanked their money out, Florida's local government investment pool has made improvements. But investors still fear they won't recoup their funds.

Fraud case may be delayed - November 26, 2008 - Carlos and Jorge de Céspedes, owners of bankrupt medical distribution firm Pharmed and convicted of fraud for their part in a kickback scheme, could face longer sentences than they bargained for.

Florida ban on gay adoptions ruled unconstitutional - November 25, 2008 - A Miami-Dade circuit judge Tuesday declared Florida's 30-year-old ban on gay adoption unconstitutional, allowing a North Miami man to adopt two foster kids he has raised since 2004.

Florida's pension fund takes hit, but it's still above water - November 18, 2008 - Even though the state's public employee pension fund decreased 27 percent over the past 13 months, plan administrators says Florida's still better off than most states.

Gov. Crist: Florida can afford new $1.3 billion U.S. Sugar deal - November 14, 2008 - Despite a tight state budget and worsening national financial crisis, Gov. Charlie Crist said today that Florida can afford a $1.34 billion land buy to help save the Everglades.

Bailout lacks oversight despite billions pledged - November 13, 2008 - Watchdog panel is empty; unfinished monitoring report misses deadline

Obama begins building his transition team November 6. 2008 On a day when President Bush extended a welcome to his successor, Barack Obama began to build the team that will accompany him to the White House.

Onslaught of dirty tricks as election day nears Nov. 3, 2008 - In the final hours of the campaign, bogus fliers, e-mails and calls increase

Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks Nov. 3, 2008 - If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.

Social Security Hike Largest in 26 Years October 16, 2008 -
Rising inflation drove the 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to greatly surpass this year’s 2.3 percent raise. The 5.8 percent adjustment is the highest since 1982

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Election Officials Advise Early Bird Voters October 24, 2008

Final days of election

Laws in Florida ... Still on the Books!

Great Video on ACORN

Maria Shriver on the election

African American Voters Turn out Early

Is the Legislature to blame for long early voting lines?

Fla. elections officials dealing with long lines - October 22, 2008 - MIAMI - Elections supervisors are adding new equipment, updating Web sites with wait times and handing out fans and water to people standing in long early voting lines.

Attention Voters: Here's What You Have to Do to Make Sure You Get to Vote

Marriage amendment backers accused of election fraud

Commission recommends more openness in Florida

House GOP leader asks Bush to cut off ACORN funds - October 22, 2008 - House Republican leader John Boehner on Wednesday urged President Bush to block all federal funds to a grass-roots community group that has been accused of voter registration fraud.