December’s cinematic delights
Photo collage of the films featured in this December-release roundup. Collage by Emma Iverson.

December’s cinematic delights

December is set to host a diverse array of film genres, spanning comedy, sci-fi, drama, horror and everything in between. While the holiday season typically brings a surge in festive content, this December promises an unexpected cinematic journey. Here the Catalyst summarizes online descriptions of…

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Sarasota County Commission severs ties with national library group and state affiliate
Selby Public Library in Downtwon Sarasota. (Taken by Veronica Jolley.)

Sarasota County Commission severs ties with national library group and state affiliate

Starting in 2024, Sarasota County will no longer pay annual dues of $1,300 to the American Library Association (ALA) and $2,673 to the Florida Library Association (FLA). The Sarasota County Commission voted 4-1 on Nov. 14 to stop funding the county’s public library memberships in…

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Revisions to Carryforward Spending Plan raise questions about transparency
Screenshot of the Nov. 6 BOT meeting supporting documents regarding Carryforward Spending Plan revisions.

Revisions to Carryforward Spending Plan raise questions about transparency

On Nov. 6, the New College Board of Trustees (BOT) held a virtual meeting with the sole agenda item of discussing revisions to the Carryforward Spending Plan. According to the State University System of Florida (SUS), Carryforward funds are reserve funds that each university must…

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Ten ways to nurture mental well-being amidst the holiday hustle
Mental health destressors graphic by Emma Iverson.

Ten ways to nurture mental well-being amidst the holiday hustle

As the holiday season approaches, adorned with festive decorations and the promise of joy, individuals often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of stress, diminished mindfulness and various mental health challenges. The pressures of gift-giving, social gatherings and year-end obligations can take a toll on…

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SPAACES makes waves in the Sarasota art world
Artemis and David, Oil on Canvas, 28” x 56” (Portrait by Danielle Dygert.)

SPAACES makes waves in the Sarasota art world

Sarasota Project Aligning Artists Communities Exhibits Studio (SPAACES) is an organization created by Marianne Chapel in 2018. “At SPAACES, we nurture professional artists by offering affordable art studios, quality exhibitions and much, much, more,” Chapel, visual artist and curator, told the Catalyst.  Visit SPAACES studio…

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Chemotherapy drugs shortage
Chemotherapy drugs now in shortage for sale over-the-counter. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)

Chemotherapy drugs shortage

Important drugs for treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy including carboplatin, cisplatin and methotrexate are headed toward a critical scarcity at cancer treatment centers, according to a recent survey  by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). This problem is not a new one. The Biden administration put…

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2023 Election Night: Democrats score wins and abortion emerges as key issue
Philadelphia's first female mayor Cherelle Parker organizing a recognition ceremony for street renaming. (Photo courtesy of flickr.)

2023 Election Night: Democrats score wins and abortion emerges as key issue

Following the Nov. 7 elections, Democrats across the United States had reason for celebration. The results of this election, while not definitive indicators for the 2024 presidential race, offer valuable insights into the evolving political landscape.  Reproductive rights have proven to be a winning issue…

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