BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL

For independent booksellers, what's sold off shelf counts just as much

Small booksellers are filling niches and emphasizing service as they fight to stay in business. 1257693869

UNEMPLOYMENT

U.S. jobless rate hits 10.2 percent

The nation's unemployment rate soared to 10.2 percent in October, putting pressure on Congress and President Barack Obama to do more to create new jobs.

FLORIDA PENSIONS

Change sought in who oversees state pension funds

The State Board of Administration is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

GOLD

Gold sellers beware, experts warn

Inside a conference room at a Kendall hotel, Maria Noguera and her mother sit in front of a jeweler from Twery's Estate Buyers. As a large lamp shines down on their glittering rings, necklaces, watches and earrings, the jeweler meticulously counts, separates and tests the 30 pieces of gold they brought to sell.

GROCERY STORES

Sedano's supermarkets expanding to Orlando

Three Albertson's stores in Orlando will become Sedano's as part of the Miami firm's expansion plans.

IRS

Thousands of Floridians' tax refunds undeliverable

Thousands of South Floridians' income tax refunds were sent back to the Internal Revenue Service this year because they couldn't be delivered.

The IRS provided lists of taxpayers who have uncashed refunds Thursday.

CHINESE DRYWALL

Expert: Problem of defective Chinese drywall is no surprise

During a summit on defective Chinese drywall, a toxicologist said that kind of problem was expected.

TOURISM

Beach chamber chief Wendy Kallergis to take over hotel association

The head of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will become Miami-Dade's top hotel industry advocate.

Some tips for selling gold

With the high price gold is fetching these days, thousands are selling their trinkets and treasures. Here are some points to consider before you sell:

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

In recession-battered Cuba, tough entry for business outsiders

Business executives seeking Cuban visas are facing heightened scrutiny, a U.S. maritime executive said.

REAL ESTATE

Suit takes aim at Soffer empire

Title companies facing $600 million in contractor claims on the bankrupt Fontainebleau Las Vegas casino want the parent of Fontainebleau Miami Beach to step into the Vegas fight.

EDUCATION

University of Miami hires controversial expert

The UM medical school hired a psychiatrist who has been criticized for taking millions of dollars from drugmakers.

BUSINESS TRAINING

Business people learn to mind their manners

You're having a business lunch with your most important client. You take a bite of food and . . . UGH! You're munching on a mouth full of gristle that you need to spit out. So do you reach for the napkin to secretly discard the food?

EARNINGS

CVS Caremark discloses big losses

CVS Caremark disclosed more multibillion-dollar contract losses in its pharmacy benefits management business and said the head of the unit will depart.

ECONOMY

Productivity, markets surge

The latest batch of promising economic reports could help spur some U.S. employers to start adding jobs again.

BANKUNITED

BankUnited pins its comeback on a cheeky recruiting campaign

BankUnited, back from the brink, has launched a brazen campaign to lure management talent and business from its Florida competitors.

PHARMACEUTICALS

IVAX to pay $14M fine related to kickback allegations

A decade-old drug deal involving Miami-based IVAX led this week to the company paying $14 million to settle kickback allegations.

SEACARGO AMERICAS CONFERENCE

Slump in trade hits cargo carriers hard

International cargo lines may lose $20 billion this year as the poor economy leads to layoffs, route reductions and increased competition.

UM business school dean lays out ambitious agenda

Two years into her post as dean of the University of Miami's business school, Barbara Kahn is out to make her vision for the school a reality.