WASHINGTON - This time, John McCain kept Barack Obama on the defensive. The feisty Republican tried hard to find a lifeline Wednesday night, challenging his Democratic rival at every turn over his truthfulness, associations and record. By that measure, McCain won the last debate of the 2008 campaign. But that may not be enough. ...more

October 16, 2008

Sen. John McCain, echoing both Sen. Barack Obama and Republican orthodoxy, proposed a $52.5 billion economic plan Tuesday that would eliminate taxes on unemployment benefits and cut the capital gains tax. He warned voters about taking a chance on his Democratic rival. ...more

October 15, 2008

So many Floridians are seeking unemployment benefits that the state's work force agency has hired more staff and expanded its hours just to keep up with the calls. ...more

October 11, 2008

Brown-Waite No Friend Of Hernando County ...more

October 1, 2008

New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to their highest level in seven years because of the impact of a slowing economy and Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department reported Thursday. ...more

September 26, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to their highest level in seven years due to the impact of a slowing economy and Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department reported Thursday. ...more

September 25, 2008

Florida's unemployment rate hit 6.5 percent last month, the highest in 13 years. ...more

September 20, 2008

Many of the nation's retailers struggled with a sluggish back-to-school season, though Wal-Mart posted higher August sales Thursday as shoppers focused on buying essentials amid worries about high gas and food prices. ...more

September 5, 2008

He's been through tough times before, but Brandon resident Mark Mahon never anticipated that he and his 14-year-old son would have to live in the Chevy van he purchased to carry supplies for his home-remodeling business. ...more

September 4, 2008

A private sector measure of the economy's health showed the largest drop in a year, and even though new jobless claims fell for the second straight week, they remain near the highest levels since 2002. The reports are the latest evidence that the languishing American economy remains stuck in low gear. ...more

August 22, 2008