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Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Producer prices post largest gain in 1 1/2 years

U.S. producer prices recorded their largest increase in 1-1/2 years in April as the cost of food and trade services surged, hinting at inflation pressures in some parts of the economy. The Labor Department said on Wednesday its seasonally adjusted producer price index for final demand increased 0.6 percent. More at Reuters and USA Today.

See also:
» Frugal U.S. consumers make it tough for food companies to raise prices


Study: More than half of us aren't saving anything

More than half of South Florida households aren't saving anything, according to a report released Wednesday by a subsidiary of the North Palm Beach-based Bankrate.com. In 2012, only 16 percent -- or less than one out of five South Florida households -- contributed to a 401k retirement savings plan at work, the website's study found.

Publisher's Column

Challenging outdated views of Palm Beach

Andy Corty, publisher
Many of us have outdated views of Palm Beach. We might only think of the spit of land along the Atlantic, fondly referred to as “The Island,” where Bentleys cruise and wealth managers congregate.

Palm Beach County’s brand still benefits from that impression, but the reality is far more complex, as you will read in the big special section.

» Full column by Andy Corty, here

More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Gov. Scott will veto 75 mph speed limit bill

Days after attending the funeral of a state trooper, Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday that he will veto a bill that would allow drivers to go 75 miles an hour on Florida highways. "I'm going to stand with law enforcement," Scott said. "I want everybody to stay safe. I don't want anyone to be injured, so I'm going to veto that bill." More at the Tampa Bay Times.


Everglades projects included in federal water bill

A joint congressional committee has signed off on a long-anticipated federal water resources bill that includes some Everglades restoration projects. Congress is likely to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Reform and Development Act next week. More at the AP.


KSC's future hinges on Space Launch System

Kennedy Space Center's future hinges on a rocket and spacecraft NASA is developing to send astronauts beyond Earth's orbit, the center's director said Tuesday. "This is our only reason to exist," Bob Cabana told the National Space Club Florida Committee in Cape Canaveral. More at Florida Today.

Wild Florida
South Florida abuzz in 'killer bee' complaints

beesIt's swarm season for Africanized honeybees, as the least desirable tenants in South Florida look for tree cavities, overturned flower pots and other cozy spaces to establish new hives. Calls to bee removal services spike at this time of year, as many people make the dismaying discovery that they have become landlords to up to 15,000 of the aggressive insects dubbed "killer bees."

» Full story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel