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Wednesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
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]
› Group proposes amendment to open Florida's primaries to all voters
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
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
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
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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