Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/31/2013

Jobless claims fall again as effects of shutdown abate

Initial jobless claims fell for the third straight week as furloughed federal employees returned to work and the effects of the government shutdown abated, the Labor Department said Thursday. There were 340,000 people who filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week, a drop of 10,000 from the previous week. More at the Lakeland Ledger.

Eighth-graders learn finance skills at JA World

Finance Park at JA World Huizenga Center in Coconut Creek is a nonprofit Junior Achievement program aimed to teach financial literacy and required for all eighth-graders in Broward County public schools. Students attending for the day role-play as adults, learn to budget and through that process, "maybe have some sympathy for their parents," jokes Finance Park program director Elexcy Morrison. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Halloween costumes in the workplace may present a scary pitfall

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It’s Halloween and in many offices, workers and managers are embracing the festive event by wearing costumes. But many labor experts are warning that wearing a get-up pushing taste or sensitivity can result in some workplace consequences that can be downright scary. More at the Florida Times-Union.

Florida legislative leaders oppose medical marijuana

Florida's top legislative leaders are coming out against a push to allow the use of marijuana for medical reasons. House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz announced Wednesday that they will ask the Florida Supreme Court to block the proposed amendment. More at the AP.

Certain Florida schools may consider hiring felons

A change in county policy could allow for convicted felons to apply for jobs within certain Florida schools. Duval County Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said that the county's current policy is too strict and the school system is losing candidates. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Action News Jax.

Holiday Business
8 Spooky Small Businesses Cashing In on Halloween

For such a short season, Halloween has created a pretty lucrative industry. From trick-or-treat candy and elaborate costumes to macabre decorations and party supplies, the holiday rakes in billions of dollars for retailers each year. While most companies simply run Halloween-themed promotions during October, some startups have built their businesses entirely on the season of spirits.