Recreational marijuana could return to Florida ballot in 2026

In 2024, 56% of Florida voters supported legalizing recreational marijuana, but the measure fell short of the 60% needed to pass a constitutional amendment. 

Florida lawmakers prepare bold 2026 legislative session — here's what's on the agenda

Florida lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis are preparing for an unusually active legislative session in 2026. Top priorities include property tax relief, potential elimination of school vaccine mandates and reviewing state and congressional maps.

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.

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. 

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.

'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.