First-time claims for unemployment benefits fell last week by 6,000 to 462,000 for the week ending Saturday. The total nearly matched analysts' estimates and was the second straight drop. Here are states with the largest claim increases and decreases. The data are for the week ending Feb. 27. ...more

March 12, 2010

According to new estimates from the University of Florida, the state's population should rebound this year from its first loss in more than half a century. ...more

March 2, 2010

What a difference a sunny weekend makes. Pasco County Fair President Wilton Simpson said last week's chilly weather kept the crowds away, but attendance rebounded with the warmer weekend. ...more

February 24, 2010

In his letter on Sunday, Phillip White said, "White identity politics is coming to America, though, and none too soon." Poor fellow, he's in for a surprise. It isn't working. Look up "majority-minority" on Wikipedia. "Majority-minority" is a term used to describe a U.S. state or other jurisdiction whose racial composition is less than 50 percent white. Four states are majority-minority as of 2009: Hawaii (which is the only state that has never had a white majority), New Mexico, California and Texas. ...more

February 23, 2010

In June, large tarpon sculptures should start appearing on the sides of skyscrapers in downtown Tampa. Just a few at first, then schools of fish should appear on buildings and shopping malls. ...more

February 9, 2010

Want to hook a 6-foot tarpon? Do you mind it being fiberglass? In June, large tarpon sculptures should start appearing on the sides of skyscrapers in downtown Tampa. Just a few at first, then schools of fish should appear on buildings and shopping malls. ...more

February 9, 2010

City Manager Greg Horwedel said he would like to reopen a lane of Alexander Street closed by a depression before the Florida Strawberry Festival opens on March 4. ...more

February 6, 2010

President Barack Obama presented his latest budget, and it was eye popping. There is something in it for everyone as federal spending soars. ...more

February 6, 2010

Lots of people like the idea of doing yoga but have no idea how to start. On Jan. 23, instructors across the country will give folks the chance to take a yoga mat for a spin as part of the annual Yoga Day USA celebration. ...more

January 16, 2010

If you can stand the winters, Bismarck, N.D., might be the place to go to find a job: Its unemployment rate is about one-quarter Tampa's rate. ...more

January 6, 2010