The youth unemployment rate remained higher than the national average for the month of August, according toGeneration Opportunity's "Millenial Jobs Report" for August 2013. Generation Opportunity is a national, nonpartisan youth advocacy organization.

The National Rifle Association is putting its weight behind a lawsuit brought forth by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenging the constitutionality of the National Security Agency's snooping in the U.S., according to the Washington Times.

On Thursday, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam unveiled a new design for the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

Former Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico, the Libertarian Partys presidential nominee in 2012, weighed in on Thursday to oppose military action against Syria, slamming it as an ill-advised military intervention on the other side of the globe. Johnson sent out an email to supporters arguing against military intervention as he prepares to launch a campaign to stop it.

Gov. Rick Scott presented 136 veterans with the Governors Veterans Service Award in Land OLakes on Thursday. Our veterans are fearless heroes that have made countless sacrifices for Florida families and it is important that we take the time to frequently honor and thank them for their courage and their service, Scott said on Thursday. We will forever be indebted to our veterans for their service, and this medal will serve as a testament of our thanks from Floridians everywhere.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., will be meeting with local business owners, policymakers and travel representatives in Wesley Chapel Friday to discuss the economic benefits of travel and tourism on the greater Tampa Bay area. According to a press release, Bilirakis will also be speaking about measures that can be taken to boost tourism for businesses in the upcoming year.

Many children across the country headed back to school this week, and vaccinations are just one part of the back-to-school check list. Most Americans report their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations, but a new poll shows more than half of Americans have concerns about the safety of vaccinations.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., the chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, weighed in on Wednesday about the Obama administrations plans to attack Syria. Unlike several of her Republican colleagues from the Sunshine State, Ros-Lehtinen is open to backing military action, arguing that failure to act could encourage Americas enemies, including Iran.

Former U.S. Rep. Allen West, a favorite of the tea party who has opened the door to a political comeback in 2016, ripped President Barack Obamas leadership on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., said on Wednesday he is strongly opposed to attacking Syria. "I am pleased that the president has agreed to fulfill his responsibility to consult with Congress before intervening militarily in Syria, Webster said. While I will seriously consider the information delivered in upcoming classified briefings, at this point I am strongly opposed to military intervention in Syria."

After listening to testimony from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this week, U.S. Rep.Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., announced on Wednesday he would oppose military action against Syria. DeSantis sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced he would not support resolutions authorizing military action against the Syrian government. With no direct threat to the United States and no discernible military objective, I cannot support committing American military might to a civil war in the Middle East where the lines are blurred between friend and foe, Buchanan said. The case has not been made for why U.S. involvement is vital to our national security.

The Florida Department of Education is bringing Common Core State Standards to Twitter. The department's Twitter accountis now tweeting a "standard of the day" to over 5,700 followers on the social media website. The tweets include links to math and language arts standards and explain what students will need to know at the end of each grade.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution Wednesday authorizing President Barack Obama to conduct military strikes in Syria. The 10-7 vote came after the panel added a provision to the resolution stating U.S. policy aims to "change the momentum on the battlefield" in the Syrian civil war, in order to force President Bashar al-Assad to ultimately agree to a negotiated settlement that would end the conflict and paves the way for a democratic government. The full Senate and the House still have to approve the resolution.

Gov. Rick Scott announced funding for water quality and quantity improvements for springs across Florida. The funds come from a $10 million investment in the 2013 budget, more than $1 million from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and local partners.