Florida and other states cut unemployment benefits

More states are chopping unemployment benefits, from the number of weeks to the weekly benefit. Florida, which has only a $275 maximum weekly benefit, cut its jobless aid in 2011 to a range of 12 weeks to 23 weeks, on a sliding scale with the unemployment rate. This year, the maximum state benefits are 19 weeks. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Tech and the Law Lawyers haven’t always been the most tech savvy professionals, but tech experts say that’s changing, seeing three main areas they expect will explode as attorneys take advantage of new technologies and connectivity. » Tech and the Law

South Florida offers best prices in nation for used cars

Bummed out about the high cost of living in South Florida? Turns out that we're a bargain for used cars. In fact, the Miami metro area, which includes Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, offer, on average, the best used car bargains in the nation, according to CarGurus.com, a car shopping website. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

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NASA to chronicle close Earth flyby of asteroid

NASA Television will provide commentary starting at 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 15, during the close, but safe, flyby of a small near-Earth asteroid named 2012 DA14. NASA places a high priority on tracking asteroids and protecting our home planet from them. This flyby will provide a unique opportunity for researchers to study a near-Earth object up close. [Source: NASA]

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» FRIDAY PREVIEW: Coming next week to FloridaTrend.com:

• Florida Express Bus is 'On a Roll': The past five years have seen the re-emergence of bus transportation.
• The Launch Pad: From its headquarters in Pasco County, the Launch Pad provides IT support services to small and mid-sized businesses across the country.
• Start the Presses: The publishing industry isn’t filled with optimism these days, but Jacksonville resident Ron Rose hasn't let that deter him.
• Talent Search: The costly and inconvenient experience of traveling to auditions inspired Will Quinones to create the Talent Shopping Network, which enables performers and agents to conduct auditions online.

» You'll find all these stories first on the Daily and Afternoon Pulse e-mails.

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Out of the Box Cowpoke party If you are moseying through downtown Ocala on Saturday morning and you are delayed by cattle stampeding across the boulevard, there's no need to be alarmed. In fact, you may just want to follow the cattle — and the cowboys driving them — as they make their way to Tuscawilla Park for a party. The city of Ocala and all six Marion County Rotary clubs are presenting a daylong cowboy-themed festival at the park, which the city hopes will draw thousands. More from the Ocala Star-Banner.