ECONOMY

Obama: Dire economy requires bold action

President-elect Barack Obama campaigns for a plan that includes unprecedented spending as well as tax cuts even as he promised to clamp down on funding for popular entitlement programs. 1231388868

AVIATION

Chalk's, AIG sue seaplane manufacturer

Two lawsuits were recently filed against the manufacturer of the Chalk's seaplane that crashed three years ago in Miami Beach, alleging that the aircraft was defective. 1231385570

HEALTHCARE

Pharmed ex-owners face prison in $5 million fraud

Carlos and Jorge de Céspedes may face seven to nine years in prison if the judge follows recommended guidelines.

SMALL BUSINESS

Florida stimulus plan aims to create jobs

Gov. Charlie Crist outlined an economic stimulus package targeting small businesses.

JAPAN

Japan wants ports in Australia to ban anti-whaling ship

After chasing the Japanese whaling fleet for over 2,000 miles, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship must return to port for fuel. Japan will ask the most likely nations to deny the Steve Irwin entry.

BALANCING ACT

Circus manager juggles job and family life

Life is tough but satisfying for Mike Stuart -- circus manager, husband and father of two.

PORTS

California company sues Broward over port dispute

A California stevedoring company is suing Broward County for not letting it establish operations at Port Everglades.

ENERGY

Price of oil won't remain low for long

As oil companies cut back on production, experts warn that prices will likely surge upward once the recession clears.

INSURANCE

Panel: Gradual rate hikes for Citizens insurance

A task force's initial recommendations to shrinking state-run insurer Citizens include not extending its rate freeze beyond this year.

Circus manager juggles job and family life

Mike Stuart, general manager of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus visiting Miami, enjoys the atmosphere, the people and the flexibility of his job.

MEDIA

Court fight a threat to Univisíon's status

Unvisíon could lose its standing as the top U.S. Hispanic broadcaster if it loses a court fight with its chief programmer.

LITIGATION

Judge assigns blame in Pharmed fraud case

A judge said Jorge de Céspedes and Sylvia Oramas were equally responsible for a fraud against Kendall Regional Medical Center.

INSURANCE

Task force aims to lessen Citizens' risk exposure

A state task force Tuesday will consider ways to shrink Citizens Property Insurance and reduce its exposure to windstorm risk.

LITIGATION

Prosecutors want bail for Bernard Madoff revoked

Prosecutors want Bernard Madoff behind bars for mailing $1 million of valuables in violation of an asset freeze. Meanwhile, the SEC's internal watchdog said the agency's enforcement operations also will be scrutinized.

Plenty of opportunities, rewards for special education teachers

There is job growth in teaching special-education students, and the rewards can be plentiful, professionals said.

POKED

Set goals for 2009 networking

Now that you've already made your new year's resolutions regarding your personal life, it's time to think about setting goals for your professional social networking life in 2009:

INDICTMENT

Mutual Benefits officials charged

Top officials of viatical- and life-settlement company Mutual Benefits were charged in a 25-count indictment.

OPINION

My view | Advice for Madoff victims

In addition to the economic devastation caused by Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities and its related entities, the real story is about the lives of the investors who have been affected in unimaginable, life-altering ways.

SMALL BUSINESS

Businesses pitch their franchises at expo

Businesses from manicure shops to pizzerias will make their pitch at the Miami Beach Convention Center Friday through Sunday.