Civil Rights

Activists Launch Petition to Rename Journalism School After Sarasota Resident

Charlayne Hunter-Gault, an award-winning journalist and civil rights leader, was the first black student to integrate the University of Georgia.

06/15/2020 By David Hackett and Megan McDonald

Troubled Times

Sarasota's Black Community Reacts to the Death of George Floyd

A chorus of voices speaks out about racism, justice and our future.

06/02/2020 By Susan Burns, Megan McDonald, Heather Dunhill, Kay Kipling, Jessika Ward, and Cooper Levey-Baker

But Wait, There's More

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Has Arrived. Here's What to Expect.

What can we do to keep safe this season—especially as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic?

06/01/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

More Than 40 Million Americans Are Out of Work

New data from the Department of Labor shows that 2.1 million more people filed for unemployment benefits last week.

05/28/2020 By Megan McDonald

Designing Mind

Peek Inside Fashion Influencer Blair Eadie's Colorful Sarasota Home

Eadie's 1920s cottage is a reflection of its owner.

05/28/2020 By Megan McDonald Photography by Kylie Fitts

Coronavirus

Another 2.4 Million People Filed for Unemployment Last Week

Even as all 50 states begin to reopen, most experts say recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown will take at least a few years.

05/21/2020 By Megan McDonald

Fizzling Out

Sarasota Bayfront, Siesta Key July 4 Fireworks Cancelled

Organizers say public safety, social distancing guidelines and crowd management in the face of COVID-19 played a major role in the decision.

05/21/2020 By Megan McDonald

Jobs

Nearly 3 Million More People Filed for Unemployment This Week

Those numbers bring the two-month total to nearly 36.5 million, according to new stats from the Department of Labor.

05/14/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

More Than 20.5 Million Jobs Were Lost in April Alone

The unemployment rate is a staggering 14.7 percent.

05/08/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Almost 3.2 Million More People File Unemployment Claims

Experts expect the Department of Labor's unemployment rate for April to be at or above 15 percent.

05/07/2020 By Megan McDonald

Gift Guide

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Buy any of these gift-worthy local items individually for Mom or put them together for the ultimate mega-present. She deserves it.

05/06/2020 By Megan McDonald

Jobs

More Than 30 Million People Are Currently Unemployed in the U.S.

Another 3.8 million people filed unemployment claims last week.

04/30/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

DeSantis Introduces Reopening Plan for Florida

The 'Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida's Recovery' would allow restaurants to open indoor seating at 25 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing.

04/30/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Another 4.4 Million People Filed Unemployment Claims Last Week

Those claims bring the unemployment total to more than 26 million people, or 11.3 percent.

04/23/2020 By Megan McDonald

Q&A

'We're Going Backwards': A Climate Change Expert Sounds the Alarm

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we asked one of the authors of a major climate change report for an update on how we're doing.

04/21/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

DeSantis Suspends 'Actively Seeking Work' Requirement for Unemployment Claimants

The governor's office says that the suspension is on an emergency temporary basis to respond to the spread of COVID-19.

04/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Here's What You Need to Know About the Federal Stimulus Payments

When will your check arrive? And how much will you get? We've got answers.

04/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Unemployment Claims Total More Than 22 Million

More than 5.2 million people filed for unemployment this week, bringing the unemployment rate to an unprecedented 8.2 percent.

04/16/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

Another 6.6. Million People Filed for Unemployment Last Week

That brings the current total number of unemployed U.S. residents to a staggering 16.78 million, according to grim new data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

04/09/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

U.S. Unemployment Claims Spike to Shocking 6.6 Million

According to new data, nearly 10 million people have filed unemployment claims over the past two weeks due to the crushing economic ramifications of COVID-19.

04/02/2020 By Megan McDonald