Car makers take aim at the retiring Crown Vic
Established rivals Chrysler and GM and a startup called Carbon Motors are taking aim at Ford’s dominance of the small but profitable market for police cars with new models. Ford has held sway in the market with its iconic but soon to be retired Crown Victoria. Carbon Motors, by the way, plans only to build police cars.
Battle brewing over smokeless cigarettes
Are e-cigarettes — drug delivery devices that should be regulated as such, or are they “recreational” smoking devices that should be treated just like any other kind of smoke? The future of a fledgling industry is at stake in the debate.
Lack of spending threatens economy
Corporations are cutting back on spending, while consumers continued to hold back, threatening the economic recovery. Two reports released Wednesday underscore the problem.
Consumers paying down credit cards
Consumers continue to pay down debt, as credit card balances fell by 8 percent in July. The number of delinquencies also declined to pre-recession levels.
Electronic Arts criticized for ‘Medal of Honor’
Critics say Electronic Arts has crossed the line with a new version of “Medal of Honor” that allows players to assume the role of Taliban fighters and kill U.S. soldiers. EA, which is a major employer in Central Florida, plans to release the game in October.
Biden attacks Republicans on tax cuts
Vice President Joe Biden took aim at Republicans looking to extend the Bush tax cuts for top earners, saying the super rich already have enough disposable income.
FPL limits PSC’s access to company exec.
FPL has declined the Public Service Commission’s request to have company President Armando Olivera discuss documents concerning $31 million in costs the utility incurred regardubg its nuclear plants. FPL wants to pass those costs on to its customers, but there are concerns about the accuracy of those numbers. An attorney for FPL said Olivera would testify only if a majority the PSC’s five members vote to request his appearance.
Microbes dining on Gulf oil plumes
Those plumes of oil that could endanger marine life in the Gulf really could be gone, having presented a massive feast for microbes, scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say.
Drop in home sales a boon for the economy?
Home sales plummeted in July according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s bad news for sellers, but it could be exactly what the economy needs.
Air fares expected to rise for the holidays
If you’re thinking about traveling over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays this year, be prepared to pay higher fares. Oh and don’t forget all those fees.
That big, scary drop in the Dow remains unexplained
That sudden 600-point drop in the Dow last spring still fascinates, mystifies some. Was it a case of computers overloading or was there some sort of cyber attack? Or could it be mounting concerns over European debt by investors and a lack of “circuit breakers” to halt runaway trading?
An influx of international tourists, plus an emergency marketing campaign has kept Florida tourism above water despite the BP oil spill.
Beall’s outlet strategy proving profitable
Even in a recession, there’s opportunity to make money. Beall’s, Bradenton based retailer, is doing it by aggressively expanding its outlet stores.
Old numbers could be costing FPL customers
A Massachusetts firm says Florida Power & Light customers might be paying more for electricity than they should because of outdated numbers the utility provided state regulators.
Governments conducting fire sale to balance budgets
From office buildings and water supplies to zoos and airports, government across the country are turning over assets — selling or leasing — to private businesses to balance their budgets. While such moves are helping in the short term, they’re likely to hurt in the long term.
Agents fight for role in health insurance post reform
Insurance agents and brokers say they still have a role to play in the health insurance market despite reforms that make it easier for consumers to compare and pick plans on their own. Now they’re working to convince the Obama administration that they are relevant.
CBO report fuels both sides of tax cut debate
The Congressional Budget Office says keeping the Bush tax cuts will boost growth and cut unemployment short term. But it also says keeping them ultimately will wreak havoc on the economy. The cuts are set to expire at the end of the year.
Jackie Chan: The man who destroys everything
The strong box office appeal that some stars enjoy doesn’t always transfer to the products they endorse. Take the case of Jackie Chan, the actor one Chinese newspaper dubbed ‘the man who destroys everything.’
Florida air conditioner rebates begin next Monday
Beginning August 30, Florida residents can take advantage of a $1,500 state rebate for air conditioner units. But there is a slight catch to qualify for the help. No more than 15 percent of the cool air can be escaping from your ducts.
Lauderdale Lakes homeowners contest foreclosure
The owners of a Lauderdale Lakes home are fighting foreclosure efforts brought by Citimortgage, claiming that they’re victims of fraudulent documents. They’re also suing Citimortgage’s Plantation law firm, Stern & Stern, which is under fire for allegedly fabricating foreclosure documents.
End of summer should send gas prices south
With the summer vacation wrapping up and school buses rolling once again, gasoline prices should drop — by as much as 15 cents a gallon, according to one analyst. The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular in Palm Beach County: $2.77, down about 5 cents from a week ago.
Intel branches out with McAfee deal
Chip maker Intel Corp. announced it’s buying McAfee, the anti-computer virus software company, for about $7.7 billion. The move signals Intel’s intent to branch out beyond hardware.
Tribune Co. bankruptcy settlement falls apart
The Tribune Co.’s proposed settlement in its bankruptcy reorganization case has fallen apart. That leaves future of the company, publisher of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, up in the air. Parties involved in the case still could come to a quick resolution, meaning a vote on a reorganization plan by the end of the year, or the case could end up in extended litigation.
It’s Obama vs. Bush as economy dominates elections
With the economic recovery hitting a lull, and November rapidly approaching, both Republicans and Democrats are casting the mid-term elections as Obama vs. Bush, spending vs. tax cuts to boost the economy. At issue: an economy that started to swoon during the Bush administration and the best way to turn things around.
FPL agrees to hold line on rates
Florida Power & Light has agreed to hold the line on its base rates through 2012. FPL, which in January asked the Florida Public Service Commission for a $1.3 billion rate hike, said the agreement provides financial certainty for both the company and its customers.
Buy Owner files for liquidation
Buy Owner, the Deerfield-based company that helps homeowners sell their homes without going through a real estate agent, has filed for liquidation. The company will continue operate with minimal staff as it attempts to sell off its assets.
Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald has his company on the offense to win back market share lost to cheaper alternatives and to win new territory in other countries, where competitors, such as Unilever, dominate.
Obama vs. the GOP on the economy: Who's right?
Corporate wheeling and dealing is back; What it means for the economy
Obama: Republicans blocking bill to aid small businesses
Spies in the sky — Satellites gather intell for profit
Is anybody watching? Golf's long summer without Tiger at the top
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