Life Articles

February consumer sentiment surges ahead of possible coronavirus impact

Consumer sentiment in Florida reached its highest level in almost 20 years, increasing 3.1 points in February to 102.6 from a revised figure of 99.5 in January. These levels of confidence have not been observed since November 2000 when consumer sentiment reached 104.2 points.

UF grad is Florida's Teacher of the Year

Dakeyan Graham had a plan: Go to medical school, work as an anesthesiologist for 11 years, then, after saving money, pursue his true passion: music education. A hug from a student put him on a different path.

Consumer sentiment stays the course, remains steady in new year

Consumer sentiment among Floridians remained unchanged in January from December’s revised figure of 99.4, but confidence is up 1.3 points compared with a year ago. January is the third consecutive month with no movements in the overall index.

Nationwide survey shows how coronavirus is impacting travel plans in the U.S.

Nearly 1 in 5 American travelers who have trips booked in the next three months have already changed their travel plans due to concerns of coronavirus.

Bump in consumer sentiment heading into the new year

As Florida’s unemployment rate reached a historic low, consumer sentiment among Floridians increased in December by seven-tenths of a point to 100.1 from November’s revised figure of 99.4. Similarly, consumer sentiment at the national level increased in December.

Consumer sentiment rises in November heading into the holiday season

Consumer sentiment among Floridians increased in November 3.2 points to 99.3 from October’s revised figure of 96.1.

Engineering a nationwide plan to reduce campus food waste, hunger

A UF team's winning plan uses innovation to reduce food insecurity for college students and their communities.

Catching up with National Book Award winner Ibram Kendi

With a second New York Times bestseller to his name, the former UF professor returns to discuss how to be an antiracist.

October’s consumer sentiment holds steady leading up to holiday season

Consumer sentiment among Floridians decreased five-tenths of a point to 96.1 in October from a revised figure of 96.6 in September.

Consumer sentiment bounces back in September

After plummeting 6.6 points last month, consumer sentiment among Floridians ticked up 3.9 points in September to 97.3 from August’s revised figure of 93.4.

UF alum Stephen Root lands first Emmy nomination for HBO's "Barry"

He’s most often recognized as the red-stapler-loving Milton, but once you start to notice this University of Florida alumnus, he pops up everywhere.

“Record players” and reading: A brain scientist shares what actually works

Joe Biden’s debate comments about playing records for kids at night to enhance their academic performance left many confused. We asked professor Lisa Scott what science says about boosting brain development in infants and young children.

Despite positive economic indications, Florida’s consumer sentiment tumbles in August

Consumer sentiment among Floridians plummeted 6.7 points in August to 93.3 from a revised figure of 100 in July. The last time consumer sentiment dropped more than six points was in May 2015.

We’ve been trapping and sterilizing stray cats for decades. Does it work?

A collaboration between cat welfare advocates, veterinary scientists and wildlife biologists suggests that when sterilization efforts reach 75% of the colony, overall numbers will decrease over time, while preventable cat deaths can be reduced more than 30-fold.