Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, Aug. 31
Aug 31, 2007
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Sinkhole eats Apopka home from inside out
The earth opened Wednesday night and gobbled up Rodrigo Coronado’s bathroom. On Thursday, it took his refrigerator. It swallowed his furniture, clothing and 2-year-old son’s toys. From time to time, it threatened to take more — evident by the creaking walls.
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3 Democrats to skip rogue primary states
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden on Friday pledged not to campaign in states that hold early nominating contests in violation of party rules, drawing a sharp rebuke from Florida officials who are challenging the system.
Democratic spat is taken to court
A consultant challenges national party over a threat to void Florida’s early vote.
TAMPA — A Democratic political consultant asked a judge Thursday to determine whether the Democratic National Committee can render Florida’s presidential primary moot for holding it too early.
Fed Examines Credit Scores, Finds No Bias
In a report to Congress that is certain to generate controversy, the Federal Reserve Board says that credit scores vary “substantially” among racial and ethnic groups but that their use has made credit more available for major purchases such as buying homes.
Anti-Concurrent Language Upheld By 5th Circuit
Nationwide Insurance won strong support for the anti-concurrent language in its Mississippi homeowners’ policies yesterday when a federal appeals court in New Orleans ruled the language “is not ambiguous.â€
Cancer Society Focuses Its Ads on the Uninsured
The American Cancer Society plans to devote its 2007 ad budget to the consequences of inadequate health coverage.
Office weighs slapping suit against insurers
Get ready for potentially another round of the governor versus the insurance companies. During stops in Brevard County on Thursday, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said his office is determining whether it can take legal action against insurance companies to protect Florida consumers from financially debilitating rate increases for homeowners’ insurance.
Insurance rates: Promise or a pipe dream?
Insurers’ filings seek an average 28.2 percent increase.
Remember that promise from state regulators that windstorm insurance rates should drop by an average of 24 percent this year?
GOP also ready to swat Florida over primary
WASHINGTON — Democrats are not the only ones who have a problem with Florida’s primary date: Republicans are planning to punish the state, too.
Broward man says he’ll run for former boss’ House seat
When asked why he’s running to succeed state Rep. Mike Davis, Eric Zichella has an answer likely to reverberate in conservative Collier County.
Lehman hires Jeb Bush as private equity advisor
NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Reuters) – Lehman Brothers has hired Jeb Bush, brother of the President of the United States, as an advisor to its private equity business, a source familiar with the situation said.
South Florida lawmakers advocate national catastrophe fund at forum
Despite opposition in Washington, three South Florida congressmen visited West Palm Beach on Thursday to renew a push for a plan they say would make property insurance more affordable and easier to get.
Seffner Woman Charged In Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme
TAMPA – A 49-year-old Seffner woman is facing insurance fraud charges after selling fake automobile insurance cards to undercover agents, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said in a statement.
When Cracks Show Up In Dam Please Pardon Our Curiosity
Ruptures in the concrete covering of the earthen dam around Tampa Bay Water’s reservoir are no big deal, experts from the state and the water authority have assured the public.
Public service or political ads?
The presence of officeholders on state billboards raises an objection.
TALLAHASSEE – Billboards across Florida are urging motorists to move their cars out of harm’s way after minor accidents, to avoid a second crash.
Lawmakers grapple with losing two CMOs
ATLANTA – Lawmakers concerned about dental-care access for low- and middle-income Georgians grilled the state officials who are responsible for overseeing taxpayer-funded health plans at a special hearing this week.
Will Increased Supply, Lower Demand Threaten Global Re Market’s Stability?
Skies are basically bright in the relatively stable world of reinsurance as major players gather to strike deals in Monte Carlo during the industry’s annual rendezvous. But carriers are still cautiously waiting out the hurricane season, and a few threatening clouds are gathering—generated by the law of supply and demand—rating organizations, brokers and carriers have observed.
Bernanke Says Fed Is Prepared to Act
Mr. Bernanke offered no explicit hint that the central bank will reduce the benchmark federal funds rate at the next policy meeting on Sept. 18, and his remarks suggested that the Fed was unlikely to take any action before that date unless economic conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.