Topic: Palm Beach

Madoff settlement: Defrauded investors get $7.2 billion

Madoff settlement, approved by US judge, returns money from an estate that benefited from the Ponzi scheme.

Madoff victims to receive $7.2 billion from Jeffry Picower estate

The $7.2 billion from the estate of philanthropist Jeffry Picower represents the largest forfeiture in US history. So far, $9.8 billion has been collected on behalf of Bernard Madoff victims – nearly half the $20 billion that investors lost.

New research: If you love your town, prosperity follows

When people are passionate about the place they live, the local economy blossoms, according to a Gallup survey of 26 US cities.

Madoff auction: jewelry, luxury items fetch high prices

Madoff auction nets more than $2 million with engagement ring selling for $550,000, diamond earrings for $135,000.

Florida homes: Will luxury real estate ever rise again?

Florida homes were the craze in the 1920s, then prices crashed and didn't fully recover until the '40s. The current bust could be worse.

Gulf spill oil driven by complex ocean currents and eddies

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is far different than the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. The complex marine environment has currents and eddies that could carry the oil anywhere in the Gulf.

Which airports have the least delays?

Airport delays are down. Thanks to the recession, fewer people are flying. But weather and location also play a part in which airports have the most on-time flights.

Madoff gets 150 years for 'extraordinarily evil' crime

The harsh sentence is meant to send a message, but is that necessary?

Want fruit with that burger?

Mixing meat with cherries, blueberries, and other fruits is a growing culinary trend.

What I Saw and How I Lied

A mystery with a film-noir feel for teens.

USA

Madoff scam saps confidence in Wall Street

Angry investors blame US regulators for one of the investment world's biggest scandals.

Adult readers: check out these book for teens

US Sugar buyout: sweet deal for the Everglades?

Removing land from cane production could help save this environmental jewel.

'New Europe' urges West to rethink Russian ties

Seizing on the conflict in Georgia, East European countries are pushing for strong measures against an aggressive Moscow they say they know all too well.

Mass transit demand rises, costs soar

Fuel prices and smaller government subsidies are squeezing transit budgets.

Florida to pay $11.5 million for cutting citrus trees

The jury verdict comes in the first of five lawsuits seeking compensation for backyard trees destroyed in disease-prevention efforts.

Must Florida pay for felled citrus trees?

Homeowners suing the state say its disease-prevention efforts destroyed thousands of healthy trees.

Low graduation rate draws Florida lawsuit

The case against the Palm Beach County district aims to clarify its duty to keep more kids in school.

Task force strikes hard at Medicare scams

A joint strike force makes gains against rampant Medicare fraud in Florida.