Costs from regulations pile up, hurt small business profits

It's getting more expensive to be an employer and small business owners say that's making it harder for them to make money. The health care law, minimum wage increases and paid sick leave laws in some states and cities are increasing costs. [Source: AP]

What's behind the falling prices of oil, gold and copper

There's a firesale on raw materials like copper, aluminum, gold and oil, raising concerns about the health of the global economy. The CRB raw industrials spot price index is now at its lowest level since November 2009. The Bloomberg Commodities Index touched levels unseen since June 2002. [Source: CNN]

See also:
» Investors Flee Commodities

More companies finding autistic workers bring special skills to jobs

You may think the term “autism advantage” is an oxymoron, but it’s trending in employment in the U.S. and Europe. Some people with autism have been able to channel their obsession with detail or prodigious memory into jobs where those qualities are valued. [Source: Florida Times-Union]

El Niño intensifying, could rival strongest in recorded history

The present El Niño event, on the cusp of attaining "strong" intensity, has a chance to become the most powerful on record. The event — defined by the expanding, deepening pool of warmer-than-normal ocean water in the tropical Pacific — has steadily grown stronger since the spring. [Source: Washington Post]

See also:
» Another month, another global heat record broken – by far

Unemployment rates fell in 21 US states in June, rose in 12

Unemployment rates fell last month in 21 U.S. states and were unchanged in 17, as widespread job growth and a shrinking workforce reduce the ranks of those out of work. [Source: AP]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Group proposes amendment to open Florida's primaries to all voters [Times/Herald]
Armed with data that shows that the fastest growing segment of Florida's electorate is choosing no party affiliation, a bipartisan group of activists is pushing for a constitutional amendment to open Florida's closed primary system to all voters.

› Downtown Sarasota businesses holding their own [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
When the $315 million Mall at the University Town Center opened in October, many Sarasota business owners feared it would draw customers away from downtown. But the worst of their fears were never realized.

› Startup-building weekend event coming to Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
A competition that brings people together to build a business in one weekend is coming to Central Florida. Organizers have put out the call for those interested in attending Startup Weekend, a national program that relies on volunteers to facilitate local events.

› Brevard lawmakers debate Medicaid expansion — again [Florida Today]
If you wanted an idea of how rancorous it will be in Tallahassee next session, a forum put on by the Dean Mead Law Firm provided a preview.

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› Ranking Florida cities where small businesses likely to flourish or sputter [Tampa Bay Times]
Statewide, cities based in central Florida and the suburbs of Miami are among those topping the list of the best 268 Florida cities for launching a small business rated by Nerdwallet, a financial data crunching web site.

› Battery maker gets $9M Brevard tax break [Florida Today]
Melbourne-based Oakridge Global Energy Solutions Corp. received approval Tuesday for nearly $9 million in property tax breaks from Brevard County.

› Mote makes list of top US aquariums [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
TripAdvisor has name Sarasota's Mote Aquarium as one of the nation's best in the annual Traveler's Choice awards. The Travelers' Choice awards recognize the top zoos and aquariums around the world that are the favorites of the TripAdvisor community.

› Boardrooms & Bedtimes – Insights for Working Parents in Gainesville [Gainesville Business Report]
“It’s the perfect job, BUT….” This is how the conversation starts when a working couple is faced with a big decision – whether or not a spouse should take a job in another city and become a ‘super commuter.’