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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida rated best place to live
Florida is back on top as the most desirable state to live in. The Harris Poll, released Wednesday, last placed the Sunshine State first in 2001. For the U.S. adults polled, it's all about the beach and living on the water. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, NBC Miami, and the Financial.
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» The Harris Poll results
U.S., Cuba reach understanding on restoring commercial flights
The diplomatic advance helps open the way for U.S. airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months in what would be the biggest business deal struck as the two countries try to normalize relations. [Source: AP]
U.S. poised to export oil for first time in 40+ years
The U.S., seemingly awash in crude oil after an energy boom sent thousands of workers scurrying to the plains of Texas and North Dakota, will begin exporting oil for the first time since the 1973 oil embargo. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Put Fido on Santa's list, as holiday pet spending soars
Owners across Florida are showing love for their pets this holiday season by shelling out big bucks on toys and treats. A poll from Saint Leo University north of Tampa says that Floridians will spend about $121 apiece on their pets, 22 percent higher than the national average. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
U.S. destinations feeling chill from low loonie, weakened Canadian economy
Canadians are likely thinking twice about forays to top destinations in Florida, Arizona, California and Texas this winter given the Canadian dollar is expected to drop even further. [Source: Financial Post]
› No deal in Staples-Office Depot merger, parties tell court
Lawyers for Staples and Office Depot have not been able to agree with regulators on a deal to let their $6.3 billion merger proceed, according to a status report filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court.
› Outsourcing giant gets a bit bigger
Oasis Outsourcing, the nation’s largest privately held professional employer organization, has merged with Tampa-based A1HR. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but A1HR will become a new division of West Palm Beach-based Oasis.
› Medicare Penalizes 29 Florida Hospitals For Safety Incidents
The federal government is penalizing 758 hospitals with higher rates of patient safety incidents, and more than half of those places had also been fined last year, Medicare records released late Wednesday show.
› Miami is toughest place to rent in U.S.
Rising rents cut into Miami paychecks like no other city. Two in three Miami renters pay 30 percent or more of their salaries to their landlords, making them “cost burdened,” according to a new study from real estate website Apartment List.
» See also: More bad news for renters
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