The massive economic stimulus package approved by Congress dramatically ramps up spending for a broad array of social programs for needy Americans in a way not seen since the launch of the Great Society programs. ...more

February 15, 2009

Hundreds of workers at the St. Pete Times Forum got an unwelcome surprise Friday morning when they picked up their paychecks: ...more

February 14, 2009

Cash-strapped states like Florida could lose out on millions of dollars. ...more

February 11, 2009

Cash-strapped Florida could lose out on millions of dollars if Congress' final version of a massive economic stimulus bill ends up reflecting the $838 billion Senate bill passed Tuesday, rather than one the House approved last week. ...more

February 11, 2009

Building Strong Kids, an annual fundraising campaign to make Plant City Family YMCA activities available to local residents who could otherwise not afford them, is under way. ...more

February 11, 2009

With an unlikely ally at his side - Republican Gov. Charlie Crist - Barack Obama made his first Florida appearance as president Tuesday to push his economic stimulus plan, the first major legislative test of his administration. ...more

February 11, 2009

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed an economic stimulus bill that would cost the American taxpayer $819 billion - enough to give every man, woman, and child almost $2,700. This would be the most expensive spending bill in history, costing more than the equivalent cost of the New Deal, the Marshall Plan and the Louisiana Purchase combined. ...more

February 11, 2009

prepared remarks of president barack obama in fort myers, fl. ...more

February 10, 2009

President Obama obviously relished slamming the present-day robber barons of Wall Street last week for paying out billions in bonuses even as taxpayers are bailing out their failed businesses. He demanded that they begin to show some sense of discipline and responsibility in the management of their companies. ...more

February 3, 2009

Iraqis across the country voted Saturday in provincial elections that will help shape their future, but regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the Americans are already drifting offstage - and that most Iraqis are ready to see them go. ...more

February 2, 2009