Florida students below global peers in math, science

Florida teens scored lower than their international peers in math and science and about the same in reading on a global test. Results released Tuesday from the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment show U.S. students overall have made little improvement. More at the AP and the Orlando Sentinel.

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House speaker weighs letting voters decide gambling growth

House Speaker Will Weatherford is developing a plan that could provide cover for Republican House members reluctant to expand gambling as the Legislature takes up the thorny issue during the upcoming session. Weatherford wants to put a constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot that would let voters decide if they should weigh in on future expansion of gambling. More at the Jacksonville Daily Record.

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Liberty Power named 'retail energy firm of year'

Construction Trends As houses get bigger, some opt to downsize into 'wee' homes While home sizes have gotten larger over the last several decades, a small-house movement is afoot, advocating downsizing to save money and put less strain on the environment. Leading the "tiny home" charge are builders such as Orlando native Dan Louche, who tours the country teaching people how to build miniature homes. » Full story from the Orlando Sentinel

Fort Lauderdale-based Liberty Power Corp., which sells electricity, was among the minority-owned businesses recognized in the 2013 National Minority Enterprise Development Week Awards. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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Americans Due to Replace Oldest Goods Since JFK

Americans have been holding on to their wobbly washing machines and sagging sofas even longer than their grandparents did 50 years ago, setting the stage for a rebound in consumer spending as old household goods wear out. More at Businessweek.

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U.S.-Cuba money transactions could get more complicated

The difficulties in transferring funds between the U.S. and Cuba have sparked broad concerns in the wake of M&T Bank’s decision to stop processing accounts for the Cuban diplomatic mission in Washington. More at the Miami Herald.

Florida Life 3 to see at Art Basel Miami Every fall, the frenzy that accompanies Art Basel Miami Beach builds as the event approaches. The annual fair — loosely referred to by locals as “the madness”— lasts four days in the first week of December. More than 50,000 visitors attend every year, with participation from galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The key for visitors is to choose which of the many components of Basel to explore. Here are three you shouldn’t skip. » Full story

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