Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Survey of Florida small business owners' optimism remained steady in June
(The Center Square) – A survey by Florida's small business advocacy group says owners retained nearly the same level of optimism in June as in May. The monthly Florida National Federation of Independent Businesses Optimism Index edged down 0.2 of...
Florida APEX Accelerator recognized for helping local businesses secure millions in government contracts
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida APEX Accelerator is a resource for businesses designed to help them navigate the complex world of government contracts. What You Need To Know The Florida APEX Accelerator received the Economic Impact Award by the...

Florida Startup Wins US Air Force Contract for Secure Aerial Communications Platform
PureCipher has signed a contract to provide a secure communications capability for US Air Force combat missions. Under the terms, the Florida-based company will deploy its artificial intelligence-enabled systems to deliver “stealth,...
Florida is growing unaffordable. Do politicians notice? | Column
I write a lot about politics. It’s important, but much of it bores me, which makes off-election years great, because you can explore other things. But one story you will hear more about as we move closer to 2026 is how Florida’s affordability...

Florida lawmakers, scientists warn NOAA cuts could have major impacts during hurricane season
Florida lawmakers, scientists warn NOAA cuts could have major impacts during hurricane season UP. PLAY. CHRIS. THANK YOU. A NEW WARNING FROM SOUTH FLORIDA LEADERS. THEY SAY FEDERAL CUTS TO WEATHER RESEARCH COULD LEAD TO A MORE DANGEROUS HURRICANE...

Small business optimism steady despite tax concerns
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for June showed a slight decline, dropping 0.2 points to 98.6, which remains slightly above the long-term average of 98. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in reports of excess inventories....

Former House Democrat Stephanie Murphy announces mayoral run in Florida
Murphy, a Democrat, represented parts of Orange County for Florida’s 7th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023 before choosing not to run for reelection as her district was redrawn. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) now represents her former district. “I...

Immigration crackdown hurts small businesses in Kansas dependent on migrant customers
Mom-and-pop stores in Kansas City catering to recent immigrants are facing a sharp downturn, with sales falling since Trump took office. Owners say customers are scared and holding onto their cash. Sponsor Message MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: President...

Ken Griffin-Backed Florida Bill for Non-Competes Becomes Law
Florida enacted legislation allowing non-competes of up to four years, handing a victory to Citadel’s Ken Griffin, who pushed for the policy. Labor lawyers say it’s one of the most employer-friendly policies in the country. It also goes in the...

NFIB: Small-business optimism holds steady in June despite concerns over taxes, inventories
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index slipped slightly in June amid signs of swelling inventories and continued tax concerns. According to NFIB’s June report, the index dipped 0.2 points to 98.6 —...

Former Florida congresswoman Stephanie Murphy is running for Orange County mayor
Wednesday morning, former Rep. Stephanie Murphy announced her running for Orange County mayor on a post on X ▶ LISTEN TO ORLANDO’S MORNING NEWS EXPRESS PODCAST ON WDBO I’m Stephanie Murphy—and I’m running for Mayor of Orange County, Florida. I was...

Florida TaxWatch: State consumers will see higher prices as a result of Donald Trump’s trade tariffs
A new analysis by Florida TaxWatch on the impact of tariffs on the Sunshine State economy concludes there could be a substantial hit to many industries and consumers. The Potential Impacts of New Tariffs on Florida’s Economy report issued by the...

Florida Trying To Lure NYC Business Leaders After Mamdani's Victory
Florida has emerged as an unlikely winner from New York City's mayoral primary race, which marked the triumph of Zohran Mamdani, as wealthy investors scared off by the young left-wing candidate's ideas seem set to look for better opportunities in...

Trump signs sweeping tax bill, delivers major win for small businesses
On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill into law, securing a major legislative victory that locks in permanent tax relief for small businesses, working families, and American manufacturers. The law makes permanent the...

Tariff Toll: 44% of Small Businesses Report Revenue Drop
By: M. Scott Morris | 307 Reads | 1 Shares As tariff threats escalate, so do economic alarms from Main Street. Alignable’s June Tariff Report, developed in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute...

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.9.25
Good Wednesday morning. A top o’ Burn birthday shoutout to Golden Rotunda award winner (I hear she might be up for a significant award in the next rankings), INFLUENCE 150er, incredible aunt and pet lover extraordinaire, Heather Turnbull of Rubin...

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget: Tips from First-Time Entrepreneurs
Discover practical marketing strategies that won’t break the bank, curated from the experiences of first-time entrepreneurs. This article presents a wealth of cost-effective tactics, from leveraging local press to maximizing social media platforms...

The Rise of Brazilian Entrepreneurs in the U.S. Market
Ever wondered why your corner coffee shop in Miami now serves Brazilian brigadeiros alongside lattes? It’s no accident. Brazilian entrepreneurs have launched over 2,300 businesses in the U.S. since 2020 alone, transforming American consumer...

Robots and artificial intelligence are transforming jobs from manufacturing to sports
A majority of small businesses are using artificial intelligence and finding out it can save time and money. Artificial Intelligence and automation are often used interchangeably. While the technologies are similar, the concepts are different....

Major Updates to Florida’s Rulemaking Process – What You Need to Know
Effective July 1, 2025, Florida has significantly revised how state agencies develop and adopt regulations. These changes, enacted under Chapter 2025-189, Laws of Florida, aim to increase transparency, consistency, and public involvement in the...