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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
2015 might bring high-stakes testing reform to Florida
After a year that saw parents rise up against standardized testing, Florida lawmakers say they are prepared to improve the state’s assessment program. While it is unlikely lawmakers that can make any changes before the testing cycle begins in the spring, they intend to act quickly, Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Don Gaetz said. More from the Tampa Bay Times, WFSU, and Clay Today.
See also:
» Why are some parents opting kids out of Florida testing?
» Florida group drafts anti-Common Core bill
Feds offer help for younger, first-time homebuyers
President Barack Obama moved Wednesday to make it cheaper for first-time and younger buyers to take out a mortgage. The reduction is expected to save the typical first-time homebuyer an average of $900 a year on the insurance, the White House said. [Source: McClatchy]
Pip insurance could continue to receive green light
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is hoping lawmakers will have more patience with a 2012 law meant to curb fraud in Florida’s “no fault” auto insurance system. He may get his wish, as legislators don’t appear ready to change the system just yet. More from CBS Miami and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Commentary: The biggest problem American business is facing in 2015
As 2015 progresses, an improving U.S. economy should buoy markets and provide hope for the business sector. However, before we pop the champagne, it is worth remembering that the past year has also been a turbulent one. Economic inequality continues to widen and worker strikes, once rare, are now increasing in frequency. [Source: TIME]
New rules put healthier snacks in schools
Goodbye to sodas, potato chips, candy bars and sugary sports drinks sold in Florida schools. Nutrition standards put into effect on Nov. 1 removed a lot of the less-healthy food from vending machines, snack bars and stores in the schools. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Big Brothers Big Sisters move to Tampa may draw other organizations
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which will move its national headquarters to Tampa, is the city's latest economic development win. It's also a new kind of win, economic development officials said.
» See also: Big Brothers Big Sisters relocates from Dallas to Tampa
› Stein Mart named nation's best department store
Stein Mart is the best department store chain in the country, according to readers of USA Today. The Jacksonville-based chain currently has 270 stores. Nordstrom, the high-end chain that opened its first Northeast Florida store last year, came in second.
› EA fails to get Madden NFL lawsuit tossed
Madden NFL, a video game that is designed in the Orlando suburb of Maitland, is caught up in a lawsuit between former NFL players and gaming company Electronic Arts.
› 'Shark Tank' auditions coming to Miami
ABC-TV's "Shark Tank" show, where entrepreneurs pitch their companies to multimillionaire investors, will audition potential show participants Jan. 15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
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