The House approved legislation Wednesday that for the first time would empower the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the tobacco industry, a measure long sought by antismoking advocates. ...more

July 31, 2008

Opponents of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military denounced it as cruel and unpatriotic Wednesday. Supporters insisted it was needed to maintain military morale, and raised the prospect of a rise of HIV infection among service members if gays serve openly. ...more

July 24, 2008

For more than a year, a small but determined group of regular patrons of THE Bus gathered at county commission meetings and public hearings pleading with anyone who would listen not to cut what they called their lifeline to the community. ...more

July 24, 2008

And why it took so long. ...more

July 23, 2008

Regarding "55: Don't Count on It" (front page, July 17): This is just another example of the federal government trying to legislate away a problem best solved by individuals. Proponents of lowering the interstate speed limit to 55 mph point out all of the cost saving estimates of driving slower. It's worth pointing out that while the maximum speed limit is currently 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 40 mph. ...more

July 19, 2008

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite decided to stay in Florida this week so she could accompany her husband, who is battling pancreatic cancer, to doctor visits. ...more

July 11, 2008

HARVEY WAITE IS BATTLING CANCER ...more

July 10, 2008

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., made a dramatic return to the Capitol on Wednesday to help the Senate pass legislation that would rescind a sharp cut in Medicare payments to physicians. ...more

July 10, 2008

Our politicians are asking us to allow offshore and wildlife refuge drilling to increase the amount of oil available and lower gas prices. These requests make a rational mind believe we must have run out of land to develop for oil. Nothing could be further from the truth. ...more

July 9, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Teachers across Florida are awaiting the Department of Education's annual grading of individual schools. ...more

July 8, 2008