Good morning, Tallahassee.

Florida's unemployment rate increased to 3.7% in April from 3.6% in February and March, with 410,000 people out of work among a labor force of 11.203 million.

The report showed that gains in education, health services, and leisure jobs were partly offset by a 2,000-job drop in manufacturing—officials described the rise as a steady trend rather than a sign of trouble.

Florida gas prices dropped ahead of Memorial Day weekend, with the statewide average at $3.05 per gallon—46 cents lower than last year's rates.

AAA said the decline comes because lower oil prices are affecting the market, though some changes may still happen.

Tallahassee's 13-year-old Cecily Dean will compete at the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee from May 27-29 in Maryland — she is one of 12 Florida spellers and is sponsored by Envision Credit Union, with the event to be shown on several Scripps networks.

Florida schools will end at different times as students prepare for summer vacation.

In 16 counties, classes will end between May 21 and May 23—while students in seven counties will finish in June and all remaining districts will close on Memorial Day.

On Saturday, FSU College of Medicine held its commencement at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall as 113 new doctors and eight Bridge to Medical Sciences graduates were honored while families and military members celebrated the event—adding to the college's 2,069 alumni caring for patients across Florida and beyond.

Florida A&M University’s board voted 8—4 on Friday to choose Marva Johnson as the new president despite objections from alumni and students over her qualifications and salary demands.

The appointment now awaits confirmation by the state university system’s Board of Governors amid a broader push to reshape state higher education.

Researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering reported promising progress in quantum computing using electrons trapped above clean surfaces (liquid helium and solid neon) and controlled by chip-based microwave circuits.

The review in Progress in Quantum Electronics shows that this hybrid method may build qubits with high fidelity that can scale up for future quantum computers.

On Friday, the Legislature sent about 60 bills to Gov. DeSantis including SB 296 that would let school districts bypass the 8:30 a.m. high school start time rule if they report issues with buses and drivers.

Another measure, HB 593, would require owners to carry liability insurance and microchip dogs deemed dangerous—an effort prompted by a 2022 mauling of a mail carrier.

FSU beat Auburn in a winner-take-all game on Sunday and advanced to host Texas Tech in a best-of-three super regional series at the Seminole Softball Complex (the opener is Thursday at 7 p.m.) with tickets going on sale Monday at 10 a.m. on seminoles.com/tickets (or the NCAA website).

Local Band Showcase

9-11 p.m. — 926 Bar & Grill — $10 over 21, $12 under 21 — Enjoy a night of local music featuring BITE MARKS, BANQUET, and BACKWARDS DRIVING!

Open Farm Fun Day

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Redemptive Love Farm — Tickets sold at the farm — Experience a day with farm animals and outdoor fun for all ages.

Lauren Daigle Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of two-time GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle live in concert.

ISB Convention 2025

June 2-7 — Florida State University — Registration required — The largest gathering of double bassists returns to inspire and connect musicians worldwide.

Ken Ludwig's Lend Me A Soprano

8:00 – 10:30 PM — Theatre Tallahassee — Tickets required — A madcap screwball comedy set in the 1930s with world-class talent and laughs.

EDXN Fest 2025

4-8 p.m. — Cascades Park — Free entry — Experience a heavenly blend of music and performances with live Christian rappers and soulful worship.

20th Annual Tomato Feastival

1-6 p.m. — Goodwood Museum & Gardens — Supports local farms — Enjoy a day of food, music, games, and the best local tomatoes.

Songwriters in the Round

8-10:30 p.m. — Blue Tavern — $10 — Embark on a musical journey with top Tallahassee songwriters Elizabeth Fravel, Christopher Ash, and Doc Russell.

Saturday Night Bikes and Trikes

7-10 p.m. — The Getaway Grille and Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a night of good food, cold drinks, and live music with Queen of Hearts Band.

R&B Wednesday Night at Crafty Crab

8 p.m. - 12 a.m. — Crafty Crab Capital Circle — VIP seating available — Enjoy an evening of R&B vibes, seafood, and drink specials at Tallahassee's newest adult hot spot.