Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s BBQ in Ocala, serves smoked barbecue samples to fans at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse during the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California.
Local
4 months ago
From Ocala to Stagecoach: Rashad Jones brings Big Lee’s BBQ to country music’s biggest stage

The Lake Weir High grad and Big Lee’s pitmaster shares how a surprise visit from Guy Fieri led to a life-changing invite to California’s iconic country music festival.

Racehorse Sovereignty, wearing number 14 and ridden by a jockey in blue silks, crosses the finish line first on a muddy track at Churchill Downs during the 151st Kentucky Derby. Several other horses trail closely behind as a crowd of spectators, many in hats, cheer and take photos from the stands. Uniformed personnel line the grassy infield near the iconic Derby finish post.
National
4 months ago
Sovereignty wins muddy 151st Kentucky Derby as rain soaks Churchill Downs

Fans in ponchos and a sloppy track set the stage as favorite Journalism falls short in dramatic Run for the Roses.

State
5 months ago
New ID rule could affect summer travel plans for Ocala families

Starting May 7, local travelers flying domestically will need a REAL ID or valid passport – here’s how to check if your license qualifies.

National
7 months ago
Trump orders Treasury to stop minting pennies, citing high production costs

The U.S. Mint loses millions annually on penny production, and Trump’s cost-cutting move aims to eliminate waste—though congressional approval may be required.

FILE - Rep. Randy Fine, R-South Brevard County, closes on a gambling bill during a special session, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Tallahassee, Fla.
Elections
7 months ago
Jimmy Patronis, Randy Fine win GOP primaries in Florida special elections to replace Gaetz, Waltz

Patronis secures GOP nomination in Florida’s 1st District, while Fine advances in the 6th District, which includes part of Marion County, as Republicans aim to maintain control in Congress.

FILE - This April 13, 2014, file photo shows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters building in Washington. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File)
National
8 months ago
IRS is sending out automatic stimulus payments. Who is getting them?

The IRS is issuing special payments to taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or reported $0 despite being eligible.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a nominee for Secretary of State, attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
National
8 months ago
Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving Trump the first member of his Cabinet

The Senate unanimously confirmed Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State with a 99-0 vote, making him the first Latino to hold the position and the first confirmed member of President Trump’s new Cabinet following his return to the White House.

FILE - Pez candy, which contains red dye no. 3, is on display at a store in Lafayette, Calif., March 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Haven Daley, File)
Health & Wellness
8 months ago
FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods after decades of cancer concerns

Regulators cite cancer risk in lab rats; food and drug manufacturers have until 2027 to comply with new safety rules

Former President Jimmy Carter addresses the audience after being awarded the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela during a ceremony at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Jan. 14, 2016. The award, named for Panama's first president, recognizes distinguished people in the areas of politics, science and the arts.
National
8 months ago
Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. president and global humanitarian, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, left a lasting legacy of diplomacy, humanitarianism, and public service after a single tumultuous term in office.

The seal of the Federal Reserve Board is seen at the building in Washington, Dec. 8, 2024.
National
8 months ago
The Fed expects to cut rates more slowly in 2025

What that could mean for mortgages, debt and more.