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May 15, 2020

As jobless rates skyrocket, filing for unemployment benefits in Florida is still an almost insurmountable task. Many filers have reported web site crashes and have spent hours on hold, trying to get their troubles resolved on the phone. Governor Ron DeSantis has added more workers, more servers and made other changes to the system in an attempt to address the issues. Now, as some unemployed Floridians are finalizing their applications, they’re confronting another obstacle; getting approved for benefits. More on that from Blaise Gainey.

To prevent COVID-19 from spreading, the state has required Florida nursing homes and assisted living facilities to bar visitors from entering. Family advocates say that cuts out the people who hold nursing homes accountable, such as ombudsmen. But nursing home representatives say that’s false and now, more than ever, facilities have more eyes on them than ever. More from Robbie Gaffney.

Florida’s initial step towards reopening a few weeks ago was a bit more modest and tentative than what the White House was advocating. But now Governor Ron DeSantis is rolling out what he’s calling “Full Phase One.” Ryan Dailey has more on what that will look like starting this coming Monday.

We’re rapidly heading into what is normally the super-busy summertime travel season. But flights are far from full and highways remain uncrowded. As the coronavirus pandemic grinds on, Gina Jordan takes a look at what travel is expected to look like in the months ahead.

The Florida Board of Education met by phone this week. One of the agenda items was deciding how to incorporate the legal mandate of civics literacy into the state college curriculum. Tom Flanigan reports not everyone was happy with the decision.

Pregnancy is supposed to be a magical time for mothers-to-be and their families. But it can also be scary. Not surprisingly, the coronavirus is making it more so. Health News Florida’s Daylina Miller talked to pregnant women and health care professionals about how the pandemic is changing the experience.