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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An extended government shutdown could impact people who rely on federal food assistance. States have already warned residents on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that it could be suspended within the next two weeks. “What we’re hearing is that the federal government has told states to pause November benefits and not distribute them until they say so,” said Holly Bullard of the Florida Policy Institute (FPI). 8 On Your Side gets results for St. Pete family in need of hurricane repairs. FPI is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing policies that improve economic mobility and…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Last year was supposed to be the year of affordability, but the same concerns remain for lawmakers heading into the 2026 session.“Prices are a top issue for Floridians, and I speak for everyone here when I say addressing this is a top priority for the next Congress,” said Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton). In the first round of proposals for 2026, Senate Democrats are unveiling a package of affordability bills aimed at combating soaring property and casualty insurance rates. All 11 Senate Democrats have introduced or plan to introduce legislation to address the affordability…

BOSTON – A lot has changed since Brad Marchand was last in Boston. In just over seven months, the former Bruins captain not only added a second Stanley Cup championship to his illustrious resume, but also signed a six-year contract extension to stay in South Florida. Once the symbol of a single franchise, it is now shared between two rival clubs. So as the 37-year-old veteran forward prepares to face his former team for the first time on Tuesday when the Panthers conclude their road trip at TD Garden, he expects a healthy mix of both emotion and excitement upon…

Guests at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will soon be able to fly from sea to sparkling sea as the parks renovate fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The new experience, “Soarin’ Across America,” will highlight America’s natural wonders and iconic urban landscapes through expansive aerial views, the park announced Monday. Described as a homage to America’s past, present and future, Soarin’ Across America is scheduled to debut at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort in the summer of 2026. Located at Disney California Adventure, Soarin’ lifts guests skyward in front of an immersive 80-foot projection…

MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) – A man identified as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he was stopped for driving recklessly with two young children in his car, police said. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Scott Thomas Diceroth, 42, on Wednesday after receiving a report of “reckless driving” from another driver. According to NBC affiliate WTVJ, officers placed Diceroth in the car and found two children, ages 7 and 9, inside. Deputies said Deiseroth, who identified himself as an ICE agent, smelled strongly of alcohol. Video released by…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Millions of bags are mishandled at airports each year, but Miami International Airport is the “worst baggage handling hub,” according to a study by California-based packaging company Arca. According to research by Arca, MIA loses approximately 306 bags per million flights, or 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers. Travel and Leisure said around 1,000 flights pass through MIA each day, causing confusion for airport staff and passengers with lost luggage. Arca said its decision was based on an analysis of two factors: passenger numbers and online searches for lost and found services. Arca has adjusted its data…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Millions of bags are mishandled at airports each year, but Miami International Airport is the “worst baggage handling hub,” according to a study by California-based packaging company Arca. According to research by Arca, MIA loses approximately 306 bags per million flights, or 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers. Travel and Leisure said around 1,000 flights pass through MIA each day, causing confusion for airport staff and passengers with lost luggage. Arca said its decision was based on an analysis of two factors: passenger numbers and online searches for lost and found services. Arca has adjusted its data…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Attorney General James Usmeyer on Monday issued a subpoena to the popular online gaming platform Roblox, demanding information about how the platform sets age verification requirements, moderates chat rooms, and markets itself to children. The subpoena also requires Roblox to turn over documents related to its collection and processing of children’s data. In a release, the Attorney General’s Office said numerous reports have been filed of children being exposed to graphic and harmful material on gaming platforms due to the ability of predatory adults to freely send messages to minors on apps. In 2024, Roblox will…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida city has been named one of the “unsafe” cities in the United States, according to a recent report. WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities on three key dimensions: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and economic security to determine where Americans “can feel most protected from life hazards, including non-physical forms of danger.” According to the report, Fort Lauderdale ranks as the sixth least safe city in America. Florida could lose SNAP benefit funds due to high error rate Fort Lauderdale residents have one of the worst percentages of households with emergency…

(NEXSTAR) – States are receiving warnings. Stop making too many mistakes. Otherwise, we will lose funding for food assistance. Starting in fiscal year 2028, states with a margin of error greater than 6% will begin losing federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the reform went into effect immediately, only eight states would make the reduction and receive the full amount of funding. The national average error rate last year was nearly 11%. If a state is unable to reduce the error rate below the 6% threshold within the deadline, the state must cover between 5% and…