Rep. Henry Waxman - a liberal ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi - has wrested the chairmanship of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee from veteran Rep. John Dingell when the new Congress convenes in January. ...more

November 20, 2008

Two former teachers elected to the school board in 2006 will sit on the top two seats on the board this year. ...more

November 20, 2008

Want to end the high school football season with a bang? Show your spirit by voting for the best team helmet. Schools will go head to head in a survival-style contest where readers can pick their favorite. ...more

November 19, 2008

In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, the Highlands County commissioners tripled the property tax break granted to low-income senior homeowners who have a Homestead property. ...more

November 19, 2008

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our supporters during the sheriff's race. The work of dozens of loyal campaign supporters during the past year enabled us to conduct a very competitive and well organized campaign that focused on the important public safety issues facing our community both now and in the future. As a part of the campaign, my wife Karen and I have had the opportunity to attend scores of events during the past year where we have met literally thousands of Highlands County residents. We have been very impressed with the warm reception we have received, and in the interest that citizens have shown in the political process. I want to thank the thousands of voters who voted for me during the election, and I am truly honored and humbled by the trust you demonstrated in casting your vote. For our campaign workers, it has been a special privilege to work with you on our campaign, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the sacrifices and contributions you made during the campaign. To those who contributed to the campaign, and attended the various fund raising events, special thanks for your assistance, and the commitment you made in supporting the campaign. ...more

November 14, 2008

Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair has scheduled a press conference today at noon on the 26th floor of the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. A press release from Blair's office said he will discuss his four years in office. ...more

November 13, 2008

Shareholders of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. approved the $52 billion sale of the business to Belgium-based InBev SA on Wednesday, a deal that is set to create the world's largest brewer. ...more

November 13, 2008

TAMPA State regulators are expected to decide today whether Tampa Electric Co. and Progress Energy can raise electric bills next year to cover higher costs for oil, natural gas and other fuels used to generate electricity. Under TECO's proposal, bills would increase about 12 percent beginning in January. The cost of 1,000 kilowatt-hours would rise from $114.38 to $128.44. ...more

November 12, 2008

Kevin Beckner was finally able to claim victory Thursday over incumbent County Commissioner Brian Blair. ...more

November 7, 2008

Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair said this morning he is not ready to concede defeat in his race with Democrat Kevin Beckner. ...more

November 6, 2008