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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Job market's new normal: Smaller workforce, sluggish pay
Even after another month of strong hiring in June and a sinking unemployment rate, the U.S. job market just isn't what it used to be. Pay is sluggish. Many part-timers can't find full-time work. And a diminished share of Americans either have a job or are looking for one. [Source: AP]
As death penalty debate reignites, Florida carves its own path
With the exception of a few states like Florida, use of the death penalty has waned amid legal challenges in state and federal courts, and shifting public opinion. Last week, two Supreme Court justices suggested the death penalty itself is not constitutional, writing that it's time for a robust debate and for the high court to act. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Buyer-friendly commercial property market continues
It's a great time to buy commercial property insurance. Rates are down by double digits compared with a year ago. Capacity isn't a problem. Terms and conditions are generally generous. And the market shows no sign of changing soon, according to underwriters and brokers alike. [Source: Business Insurance]
Better fuel efficiency means fewer gas taxes
With the nation’s network of roads and bridges requiring ongoing repairs and expansions, a primary source for funding that work — the nearly century-old gas tax — is not keeping pace. As drivers shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles, they stop less often at the pump. And, if they buy fuel less often, they pay the per-gallon taxes less often as well. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» Truckers enjoying low diesel fuel prices
Record store owners lament the move to New Music Friday
Starting this week, the music industry is adopting a new timetable for releasing music in America. Say goodbye to New Music Tuesdays, and hello to New Music Fridays. It's the latest move in the industry's ceaseless scramble to keep up with changing times. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ICYMI: Florida Trend's annual look at the biggest companies in the state. Lists include:
› Fireworks shows a boon for business
Rainy weather didn’t scare off the tens of thousands of people who gathered in downtowns across Central Florida Saturday. Local businesses are also relieved attendees didn’t run away because it means better business for them.
› Workers comp attorney pay caps challenged
A pending Florida Supreme Court decision and state legislative efforts are putting new focus on how to fairly compensate workers compensation attorneys without inviting additional litigation and greatly increasing claim costs.
› Deseret plan for new metropolis draws mixed grades
The biggest development ever planned in Florida would cause no "adverse impacts" to water, wetlands and wilderness in an enormous part of Osceola County, according to a brief statement by the state's top environmental agency.
› NASCAR leaves Trump resort in the dust
NASCAR’s burning rubber away from Trump National Doral in the wake of resort owner Donald Trump’s remarks denigrating people of Mexican descent.
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