March 18, 2024

Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/28/2016

U.S. economy stalls in first quarter as activity weakens broadly

U.S. economic growth braked sharply in the first quarter to its slowest pace in two years as consumer spending softened and a strong dollar continued to undercut exports, but a pick-up in activity is anticipated given a buoyant labor market. The economy was also blindsided by cheap oil, which has hurt the profits of oil field companies. Full story from Reuters is here. Also read more at MarketWatch and the Wall Street Journal.

See also:
» What’s concerning about the GDP numbers — economist reactions
» Thursday's big GDP report can say anything you want about the US economy

Florida's small businesses still optimistic - but less than last year

A new survey of Florida small business owners finds seven in ten (71%) plan to grow their business over the next six months -- which is good, but is down significantly from last year's 81%. More than one quarter of Florida business owners (27%) are planning to hire within the next six months, down dramatically from last spring (40%). More from Florida Small Business.

Governments struggle to enforce "living wage" laws

While advocates have worked hard to move the minimum wage toward $15 an hour from Seattle to from New York, experts say there may be a more daunting challenge ahead: getting businesses to obey those new laws. More from the AP.

FPL and FIU unveil solar research facility

FPL says the commercial-scale solar installation is the only facility of its kind installed at a Florida university. The 1.4-megawatt solar array is comprised of more than 4,400 solar panels on canopy-like structures that provide clean electricity to FPL’s grid and shade for about 400 parking spaces. Full story from FIU is here. Also read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

In Internet age, pirate radio arises as surprising challenge

In the age of podcasts and streaming services, you might think pirate radio is low on the list of concerns of federal lawmakers and broadcasters. You'd be wrong. More from the AP.

Around the State
Coming clean

coming clean Buyers who spend more than $1 million on a home in Miami-Dade County will now find it more difficult to shield their identities from the U.S. government. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (a U.S. Treasury unit known as FinCEN) issued Geographic Tracking Orders that require most title insurers to determine the owners behind holding companies.

» Access full story.

Natural Resources
Saving the treasures of a sunken world

cameras An underwater graveyard of prehistoric mega-reptiles has long been a trove of scientific discovery. Now that these flooded caves in the Bahamas have gained national protection, they could be a key to restoring the islands’ biodiversity.

» More from UF News

Tags: Daily Pulse, Afternoon Pulse

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