Gov. DeSantis signs $117.6B Florida budget with tax relief, debt reduction and record reserves

Gov. DeSantis highlighted a fourth consecutive year of reduced state spending while also discussing tax relief, debt reduction, education funding and infrastructure investments.

Survey shows gas-price pain rising even as economic confidence stabilizes

Rising gas prices are dealing a major hit to household budgets, with most Americans admitting that high gas prices are severely squeezing their finances, according to a new poll.

These states have the most million-dollar 'starter homes'

More than half U.S. states now have at least one city with million-dollar starter homes, according to a new study. 

More young adults living with parents, even after finding a job, new report shows

A new report shows that nearly a third of young adults still live at home, despite the fact that many of them, especially those between 25 and 34, are employed.

Government regulations add nearly $132K to cost of new home, builders say

Government regulations now add roughly $132,000 to the cost of a typical newly built home, according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as industry leaders warn that mounting costs are worsening the nation's housing affordability challenges.

New ranking shows America's best and worst run cities

Which U.S. cities get the most value from taxpayer dollars? A new study is ranking the nation’s best-run cities.

Pizza Hut sold by Yum Brands for $2.7 billion

Pizza Hut, whose famous red roofs dotted cities across the country before changes in the restaurant industry cut into its popularity, was sold for $2.7 billion.

Americans expected to pay more to cool homes this summer, new research finds

Staying cool this summer is about to become an expensive necessity for Americans with residential cooling expenses soaring for the average family to use their air conditioning units, according to a new report.

More than 40 insurers lower Florida home and auto insurance rates

Florida’s auto and home insurance markets are stabilizing, delivering much-needed relief to drivers and homeowners across the state as insurance prices come down. The downward trend stems directly from changes passed by state lawmakers in 2023, which helped reduce insurance claim costs and lawsuit abuse.

Gas prices won’t drop anytime soon despite Strait of Hormuz reopening, EIA says

Ships will soon be sailing through the Strait of Hormuz again, and drivers across the country are all wondering when gas prices may return to where they were before the conflict with Iran began. 

Cattle herd ‘fix’ is taking years longer than predicted, CEO warns amid historic beef shortage

America’s historic beef shortage may not ease anytime soon as the U.S. cattle herd remains at its lowest level in more than seven decades, keeping pressure on prices even as consumers continue to buy beef at elevated levels.

Manatee County's Piney Point funding gap reaches $23.4M as commissioners clash 

A funding rift has divided Manatee County commissioners as they work to handle an unexpected $23.4 million shortfall stemming from the prolonged cleanup of the Piney Point phosphate plant.

Retired Lakeland police officers push for annual pension increases amid rising inflation

Retired Lakeland police officers say a lack of pension adjustments has left them struggling to afford basic necessities like food and medicine amid rising inflation.

Solar energy passes coal power on list of largest U.S. electricity sources for first time

The United States hit a clean energy milestone last month as the amount of electricity generated through solar power topped what was made by coal for the first time ever. 

Rise in gas prices from Iran war could have helped inflation hit a 3-year high

U.S. inflation surged to a three-year high in part because of skyrocketing gas prices as consumer prices exceeded 4% in May’s overall inflationary spike.

St. Pete mayoral debate: Candidates clash over affordability, hurricane prep, future of Gas Plant District

St. Petersburg mayoral candidates went head-to-head on Tuesday night, clashing over some of the city’s biggest challenges during a debate hosted by the St. Pete NAACP at the Obama Main Library.