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Today’s headlines
Robert Trigaux
Florida chamber seeks (again) to forecast the future
Florida can become a major economic power over the next decade, but first the state will have to erase shortages of technical research and skilled labor.

Verizon boosts Internet access rates
Despite growing competition, many cable and phone providers are increasing consumer rates.

Jump in jobless claims a concern
WASHINGTON -- New claims for unemployment insurance climbed last week to their highest level in five years, the Labor Department reported Thursday, and economists believe the pain will grow in the months to come.

Business digest
SUN LIFE TO BUY ASSETS: Sun Life Financial Services Inc., Canada's second-largest life insurer, agreed to buy part of Liberty Financial Cos. for $1.7-billion to gain a larger share of the U.S. insurance and savings business.