U.S. national debt tops $38 trillion as lawmakers face growing fiscal challenge
When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to pay down the national debt within eight years. Instead, the debt rose from around $19 trillion before his election to more than $27 trillion during his first term.
Your 2026 tax guide: All the changes to know before filing
New tax deductions have been enacted for many working Americans and seniors. Here’s what you need to know about the new laws that could impact your return.
Federal government freezes Minnesota child care funding amid fraud investigation
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it has frozen all child care payments to Minnesota amid the ongoing investigation and allegations of fraud. The equates to about $185 million per year.
Florida’s Canadian drug import program stalled after years and millions spent
Florida launched a program to import prescription drugs from Canada to save money for residents and state taxpayers. Prescription drugs in Canada are cheaper due to government price controls.
AI’s next disruption: Analysts say 2026 could bring widespread job shifts
After the rise of AI video tools in 2025, analysts warn 2026 could bring visible job losses—especially in lower-level white-collar roles.
Dexter’s Law among more than 100 laws in Florida taking effect January 1
After the champagne is popped to mark the start of 2026, a wave of new laws will take effect across Florida.
The government could shut down again in January: What we know
When Congress ended the longest government shutdown in history last month, lawmakers only approved federal funding through the end of January.
Local Ukrainians react as Trump, Zelenskyy prepare for meeting in Florida
As world leaders prepare for peace deal talks in Florida, the war in Ukraine feels anything but distant for members of the Ukrainian community in Tampa.
FBI permanently closing HQ at J. Edgar Hoover Building, Kash Patel announces
The FBI will be moving its headquarters to the Reagan Building, and permanently closing the J. Edgar Hoover Building.
Zelenskyy says he will meet with Trump 'before the New Year'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he will be meeting with President Donald Trump Sunday, likely to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
19 states sue HHS over push to ban transgender care for minors
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s push to limit gender-affirming care for young people is being challenged by 19 Democratic states and Washington, DC.
Ben Sasse, former GOP senator, reveals terminal cancer diagnosis
Former GOP Senator Ben Sasse, who served Nebraska for eight years as an outspoken critic of President Trump, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
U.S. Military strategy against drug traffickers sparks debate in Washington
The Trump administration is classifying certain Latin American drug traffickers as terrorists and enemy combatants, allowing potential military strikes.
Florida could lose billions if SNAP errors aren’t fixed
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is federally funded but administered by the state. Errors occur when payments are calculated incorrectly, either too high or too low.
Maryland congresswoman introduces two bills to overturn renaming of Kennedy Center
On Tuesday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney introduced two pieces of legislation to overturn the attempt to add President Donald Trump's name to the John F.
Stimulus payment December 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
'Let people celebrate in peace': Florida bishops ask for Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
Eight members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, including leaders from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, have signed a letter urging the federal government to temporarily halt immigration enforcement during the Christmas season.
DHS offers $3000 'holiday stipend' to migrants who self-deport by end of year
The expanded "holiday stipend" triples the original $1,000 offer.
Some Epstein files released Friday disappear from DOJ website
At least 16 files related to Jeffrey Epstein that were released Friday have disappeared from the DOJ website, including photos of President Trump, with no explanation.
Epstein files released by Justice Department: What's in them
The Justice Department has released more than 300,000 pages of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein case files.