PUBLIC EDUCATION

Miami-Dade, the nation’s fourth-largest school district, is broke in terms of capital dollars, according to its chief financial officer, and has at least $1.7 billion on its books for unmet capital needs and deferred maintenance for its schools and facilities. 1329063726

• DATABASE: Search for neigborhood's schools
• Schools sniffing around for new tax revenue
• Why school buildings don’t last here

2012 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Lawmakers cut taxes, cities get tab

As the Florida Legislature pushes business-friendly tax cuts, local governments are being left with the bill, with billions of dollars slashed from their bottom lines. 1329057028

• State goes easy on deregulation
• Lawmakers singling out poor or promoting self-responsibility?

MATHESON HAMMOCK | CORAL GABLES

It's rich vs. very rich in Gables

On one side: Dolphins legend Nick Buoniconti, his son Marc assorted boaters. On the other: an HMO tycoon and his neighbors, including Pat Riley. 1329057506

REAL ESTATE

Officials try to manage the blight

Abandoned homes and buildings in the process of foreclosure are on the rise. Many have deteriorated to dangerous levels or become dens for drugs and prostitution. 1329061571

AMERICAS | HEALTH

Mystery disease
kills thousands
in Central America

A mysterious epidemic is devastating the Pacific coast of Central America, killing more than 24,000 people in El Salvador and Nicaragua. 1329057329

AMERICAS | POLITICS

Venezuelans
head to polls to choose Chávez rival

Venezuelans are heading to the polls Sunday to choose the opposition candidate who will face-off against President Hugo Chávez in October. 1329066471