To Compete With Casinos, Old-School Gambling Sites Add Vegas Dazzle
By JOE PANGBURN
Hit hard by the recession and the popularity of American Indian-owned casinos, the Florida pari-mutuel industry saw a decline in revenue last year. But a lifeline remains: Voters in Miami have approved the addition of Las Vegas-style slots to these venues.

In Tight Economy, Medical Trials Draw People in Need of Quick Cash
By WILMA HERNANDEZ
Would-be guinea pigs end up on waiting lists as participants flock to potentially earn thousands of dollars for getting poked and prodded for the sake of science.

In Florida, Improving Schools Is a Delicate Calculus
By NICOLE SANTA CRUZ
When Darlene Johnson walks her granddaughter to school near Liberty City in the mornings, the 11-year-old honor roll student often darts toward the entrance, and Johnson smiles. It’s the type of scene any school administrator would love to encounter, especially in Miami-Dade County, where officials face a constant struggle to bring low-income schools up to state performance standards.

School’s F Grades Draw a Principal Known for A-Grade Reforms
By RICARDO LOPEZ
MIAMI — It’s 12:30 p.m., and lunch is over. Footsteps and loud voices echo through the corridors of Miami Central High School as administrators and security guards hustle hundreds of students to class.

The Word of God in a Pint-Size Package
By ADOLFO FLORES
FORT LAUDERDALE — The first time Terry Durham, 11, preached, his first sermon was in the bathroom of his grandmother’s home in Fort Lauderdale, where he spoke surrounded by toothbrushes, soap and towels. He was six years old.

Murder of Former Marine Sparks Anxiety Among the Homeless
By ERICK GALINDO
MIAMI — Lured by sunshine and balmy seas, Todd Hill came to Miami from his native Oregon three years ago looking for a fresh start.

With Tensions High in Gaza, Muslims and Jews in South Florida Strive for Unity
By LORINDA TOLEDO
COOPER CITY, Fla. — While some locals have reacted with hostility toward one another in light of the Gaza crisis, Muslim and Jewish leaders here say most in the community are trying to coexist peacefully.

At Art Fair, a Brisk Business — in Haggling
By WILMA HERNANDEZ
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Marcella Cataño found herself at the 21st annual Las Olas Art Fair by chance on Sunday. Although she had a credit card to treat herself to artwork or jewelry, not even 40 percent off could persuade her to swipe it.

For Some, Auction Block Is the Latest Hot Spot to Shop
By NICOLE SANTA CRUZ
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Sheila Harding and her husband, William, new homeowners in Coconut Creek, wanted to find some inexpensive furnishings for their new abode.