LOCAL NEWS

The State of Mental Health in America
What is the state of America's mental health in 2025, and where is it headed?

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, May 19 2025

Full Episode: Hope Florida faces a formal investigation, and Trump makes his budget push personal
Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.

Source: Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Asher Wildman, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Ax-4 mission will launch a diverse crew from India, Hungary, and Poland
Each country is returning to spaceflight after more than four decades, and it will be their first trip to the orbiting outpost.

Source: Greg Pallone
Tuesday, May 20 2025

5 (more) things to know about Epic Universe
Opening day approaches for Epic Universe's historical opening.

Source: Allison Walker
Tuesday, May 13 2025

Rezoning may allow housing development on rural property in St. Cloud
A meeting on Tuesday was the first step in the process to rezone this property.

Source: Jordan Mead
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Volusia County Council discusses drainage analysis projects in DeLand
Officials say the goal is to develop construction plans to prevent future flooding, which is what residents in some areas experienced in recent years

Source: Devin Martin
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Rubio spars with Democrats in first Senate appearance as secretary of state
Sen. Chris Van Hollen condemned Rubio for the cancellation of international students’ legal status and Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation.

Source: Christina Santucci
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Trump unveils plans for $175 billion 'Golden Dome' missile defense system
The president said the defense system would ultimately be capable of intercepting missiles launched from across the globe and even space.

Source: Maddie Gannon
Tuesday, May 20 2025

U.S. immigration authorities appear to have begun deporting migrants to South Sudan, attorneys say
Immigration authorities appear to have begun deporting migrants from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan, attorneys for the migrants said.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

New Trump vaccine policy limits access to COVID shots
Federal health officials will no longer routinely approve annual COVID-19 shots for younger adults and children who are healthy.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Elon Musk says he has 'done enough' political spending
He said he doesn't currently see a reason to do more.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Tuesday, May 20 2025

'It’s forever changed our relationship': Canadian rebellion hurting U.S. tourism
A growing number of Canadians are turning their backs on U.S. travel as recent data show the number of visitors from Canada has plummeted.

Source: Evan Koslof
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Strikes on Gaza kill at least 60 people, local officials say, as criticism against Israel mounts
Israel launched another major offensive in recent days, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

U.K. suspends free trade talks with Israel and announces sanctions over West Bank settlers
Tuesday's actions came a day after the U.K, France and Canada condemned Israel's handling of the war in Gaza and its actions in the West Bank.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Spruce Creek Elementary teacher says seeing students learn to read is magical
Katie Shaw teaches reading intervention and says every minute counts when students are learning how to read.

Source: Tammie Fields
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Released Israeli-American hostage's parents say the small things bring bliss as he recovers
Hamas portrayed the release of Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, as a gesture to President Donald Trump.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Slow progress and no major breakthroughs dampen hopes for Russia-Ukraine peace deal
Ukraine has offered a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, which Moscow has effectively rejected by imposing far-reaching conditions.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Full Episode: Fiscal conservatives call for smaller 'beautiful bill,' and questions resurface after Biden's diagnosis
Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.

Source: Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Asher Wildman, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

Pride's Abello gets call-up to U.S. Women's National Team
The defender will be part of the 24-player training camp for upcoming matches against China PR and Jamaica.

Source: Spectrum Sports Staff
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Democratic Rep. McIver charged with assault after skirmish at ICE center, N.J. top federal prosecutor says
Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with assault after a skirmish with federal officers who arrested the Newark mayor outside an immigration facility.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

Orange County Schools faces budget shortfalls due to shrinking student body
The district says they hope to see an increase in enrollment by the end of the decade.

Source: Devin Martin
Monday, May 19 2025

Resident says uneven sidewalks cause major tripping hazards in Ocoee’s Neuman Village
Ebony Germain says the sidewalks have been an issue for years.

Source: Jerry Hume
Monday, May 19 2025

Big3 basketball league to bring its Summer in the City championship game to UCF on Aug. 24
The game will be the league's first in the Orlando area.

Source: Spectrum Sports Staff
Monday, May 19 2025

More severe weather pummels the central U.S. as thousands recover from deadly tornadoes
Another round of tornadoes has struck the central U.S. after four days of tornadoes, thunderstorms and heavy rain killed more than two dozen people.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Clearwater florist feeling the squeeze as some flowers double in price
Lu Cushing has been a florist for 53 years and says over the last few months they have seen an 11%-30% increase in costs.

Source: Angie Angers
Monday, May 19 2025

JD Vance gives Pope Leo XIV an invitation from Trump to visit U.S.
Vance gave the first American pope a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump and the first lady inviting him.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

'Just amazed': Hidden stairwell puts a spotlight on secrets inside U.S. Capitol
The stairwell is located off the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, down a hallway from the Lincoln Room in the Majority Whip’s Office, in a nondescript alcove.

Source: Reuben Jones
Monday, May 19 2025

Volunteer helping survivors of abuse find independence
Shakthi-US helps survivors of domestic violence with resources to help them and their families during times of need.

Source: Curtis McCloud
Monday, May 19 2025

Buccaneers to induct Rice into their Ring of Honor on Nov. 30
The elite pass rusher will become the 16th person to receive the recognition from the Tampa Bay franchise.

Source: Jeff Butera
Monday, May 19 2025

Orlando City shuts out rival Inter Miami 3-0
Luis Muriel scored a goal just before halftime, Marco Pašalić added a goal early in the second half and Orlando City beat Inter Miami

Source: Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

Scheffler pulls away to win PGA Championship for 3rd major title
The victory puts Scheffler halfway home to the career Grand Slam and leaves no doubt about his status in the game.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, May 18 2025

Jennifer Lawrence stirs Oscar talk in Cannes for 'Die, My Love'
For Lawrence, the 34-year-old mother of two, making “Die, My Love” was an intensely personal experience.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ tops box office while The Weeknd’s movie falters
Its sixth installment, “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” drew big crowds to movie theaters this weekend and easily topped the domestic charts.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, May 18 2025

Trump's big bill teeters as House conservatives demand more changes
Republicans advanced the sprawling package from a key House committee during a rare Sunday night vote, but stark divisions remain.

Source: Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

Stocks, bonds and the dollar drift after latest downgrade to U.S. government's credit rating
Stocks and U.S. government bond prices at first fell sharply early in Monday’s trading, but they trimmed their losses as the day progressed.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, May 19 2025

Seminole County nonprofit supports water safety, donates free door alarms to county
Libby Baity says she started the organization after losing her grandson to drowning to prevent the tragedy from happening to other families.

Source: Emma Delamo
Sunday, May 18 2025

Redevelopment pilot program up for renewal by Orlando City Council this week
City of Orlando staff say the goal is to encourage private investment in under-utilized areas in the city or on International Drive.

Source: Emma Delamo
Monday, May 19 2025

Multiple factors converge to keep Florida's real estate market evolving
Florida’s real estate market is currently experiencing a shake up: There is more inventory, meaning more homes for sale, but fewer motivated buyers.

Source: Amber Gerard
Sunday, May 18 2025

Zelenskyy meets U.S., European officials in Rome ahead of Trump-Putin call
The talks came as Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, firing 273 drones overnight into Sunday.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, May 18 2025

Federal officials launch investigation into Mexican ship that struck Brooklyn Bridge
The vessel could be seen in multiple eyewitness videos traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, May 18 2025

Lake County looks for new elections office as population grows
Officials are looking to move into a closing fabric store in the short term.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Saturday, May 17 2025

Lifesaving flotation ring stations installed in Flagler Beach
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach installed the stations as part of its Drown Zero Initiative.

Source: Devin Martin
Saturday, May 17 2025

Israel launches a new military operation in Gaza a day after Trump leaves the Middle East
Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with "great force."

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, May 17 2025

Severe weather leaves at least 27 dead, including 18 in Kentucky
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said there were 18 weather-related deaths in his state. Ten others in the state were hospitalized in critical condition.

Source: Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Sunday, May 18 2025

10 escape from New Orleans jail through hole in cell wall while lone guard left to get food
Seven of the escapees, including suspects charged with murder, remain on the lam following the breakout.

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, May 17 2025

Comey interviewed by the Secret Service over '86 47' social media post
The interview was part of an ongoing Trump administration investigation and was expected to help authorities assess the purpose and intent of the post

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, May 17 2025

Grief counselors available at Lake Nona High after student's body recovered from Lake Whippoorwill
A group of six teenagers went paddle boarding and kayaking at Lake Whippoorwill, when one of them went underwater and did not resurface.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, May 16 2025

Orlando mulls midnight alcohol cutoff, Florida bans random boat searches, and Universal makes affordable housing progress
Here's your daily wrap-up and a look-ahead to tomorrow.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, May 19 2025

Lake Nona teen's death ruled drowning after body recovered from Lake Whippoorwill
After a Lake Nona teen drowned on Wednesday, swimming safety advocates speak out about importance of education and swimming precautions,

Source: Jordan Mead
Friday, May 16 2025

Conservatives block Trump's big bill in stunning setback
The hard-right lawmakers are insisting on steeper spending cuts to Medicaid and the Biden-era green energy tax breaks, among other changes.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

Trump says his team will begin setting new tariff rates for countries, sending letters within next few weeks
Since the pause, the Trump administration has announced two trade deals, one of which is a temporary.

Source: Maddie Gannon
Friday, May 16 2025

U.S. consumer sentiment slides to 3-year lows as trade war raises inflation anxiety
Americans have largely taken a sour view about where the economy is headed in the wake of the Trump administration's imposition of huge import duties.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

U.S. claim of state secrets privilege in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is 'inadequate,' judge says
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered Abrego Garcia's return from El Salvador in April.

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, May 17 2025

Kennedy assures Congress funding for Head Start will not be cut
Sen. Baldwin pressed Kennedy on why the federal government delayed sending funding to a Head Start operation outside Milwaukee, forcing it to close.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

FDA to review nutritional requirements for baby formula
The initiative, dubbed Operation Stork Speed, involves evaluating nutrients, increasing testing for foreign substances and requiring clearer labeling.

Source: Jenna Enoch
Friday, May 16 2025

Israeli strikes kill at least 82 people in Gaza as Trump wraps up his Middle East visit
The widespread attacks across come as Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states but not Israel.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours with deal to swap POWs
But the two sides clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

5 things to know about Origami in the Garden at Leu Gardens
Japanese paper art becomes larger-than-life metallic installations.

Source: Allison Walker
Friday, May 16 2025

Ranchers work to preserve Florida's cattle industry amid statewide growth
Farmers and ranchers say they want to make sure agricultural land isn't all turned into housing and retail developments.

Source: Jordan Mead
Thursday, May 15 2025

City of Orlando celebrates Valkyries' Pro Volleyball Federation championship
The team received a key to the city, and Thursday was declared Orlando Valkyries Celebration Day.

Source: Brandon Green
Thursday, May 15 2025

Full Episode: Florida lawmakers told to stay home, and Supreme Court hears case on power of judges
Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.

Source: Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Asher Wildman, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Hadi Matar sentenced to 25 years for stabbing author Salman Rushdie in 2022
Rushdie did not return to court to the western New York courtroom for his assailant’s sentencing but submitted a victim impact statement.

Source: Mark Goshgarian, Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

Trump says Iran has a proposal from the U.S. on its rapidly advancing nuclear program
"They have a proposal," Trump said. "But most importantly, they know they have to move quickly, or something bad is going to happen."

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

WNBA set for new season with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese leading the way
The league is coming off a thrilling finals that saw the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx in a decisive Game 5.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, May 16 2025

Welcome to Rockville Returns to Daytona Beach for the fifth year
More than 220,000 people will be in attendance.

Source: Devin Martin
Thursday, May 15 2025

Trump renews call for U.S. to take Gaza, make it a 'freedom zone'
The comments brought back into the spotlight Trump’s desire for Gaza, which has not been a focus publicly during his four-day Middle East trip.

Source: Maddie Gannon
Thursday, May 15 2025

Trump says U.S. and Iran have 'sort of' agreed on terms for a nuclear deal
Trump described the talks as "very serious negotiations" for "long-term peace."

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

At ceremony for fallen officers, Trump says police are the thin blue line between civilization and chaos
Trump made the comments in a prerecorded video message, and Vice President JD Vance gave the keynote address.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Thursday, May 15 2025

Full Episode: DeSantis declines invite to discuss budget deadlock, and first lady defends Hope Florida
Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.

Source: Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Asher Wildman, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Fewer people buying homes despite increased inventory, Zillow analysis finds
There were 20% more homes for sale in April compared with a year earlier.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Thursday, May 15 2025

FWC releases guidelines for proposed Florida black bear hunt
To participate in this bear hunt, people will need to apply for a bear harvest permit and pay a non-refundable fee.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Thursday, May 15 2025

More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas go on strike to protest new dress code
Starbucks Workers United said the dress code should be subject to bargaining.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Netflix acquires award-winning Selena Quintanilla documentary ‘Selena y Los Dinos’
Netflix will release the film globally later this winter.

Source: Christine Sanchez
Thursday, May 15 2025

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says officials fingerprinting him second time tried to 'humiliate' him
Baraka said federal prosecutors made him give his fingerprints and take a mug shot for a second time after a court appearance Thursday.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

NFL releases regular season schedule
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released their 2025 schedule along with the rest of the NFL.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, May 15 2025

Ojeda scores again, Orlando City beats Charlotte 3-1
Orlando City stretched its unbeaten run to 11 matches.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Brevard deputies continue search for shooters after baby injured outside Cocoa store
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office has released images of the individuals they believe were involved in the shooting.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, May 14 2025

FBI says man was planning a mass shooting at Army site in suburban Detroit
A 19-year-old man was arrested after spending months planning an attack, the FBI said.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

White scores 34 to help Celtics stave off elimination with 127-102 Game 5 win over Knicks
The Knicks will try again to win the series Friday in New York.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary will be 'best birthday ever'
The anniversary celebration will run until summer 2026.

Source: Joseph Pimentel
Thursday, May 15 2025

Harvard thought it had a cheap copy of the Magna Carta. It turned out to be extremely rare
Two researchers have concluded it has something much more valuable — a rare version from 1300 issued by Britain's King Edward I.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Gators' Coach Golden is having so much fun, why not do it again
The Florida Gators' celebration tour continued at the Dick Vitale Gala.

Source: Katherine Smith
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Oyster Farmer shares concerns about Deering Park Innovation Center project
For Sam Walsh, he worries this project will impact his bottom line.

Source: Devin Martin
Wednesday, May 14 2025

U.S. applications for jobless benefits hold firm as layoffs remain low despite tariff uncertainty
The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid was unchanged at 229,000 for the week ending May 10, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

54 people killed in overnight airstrikes on southern Gaza city, hospital says
The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East, visiting Gulf states but not Israel.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Putin spurns Zelenskyy meeting but lower-level Ukraine-Russia talks are still on
Zelenskyy said he's sending a team to Istanbul to meet a Russian delegation.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Students mourn a classmate's death, Republicans block Trump's 'big bill', and prescribed burns replace bans
Here's your daily wrap-up and a look-ahead to tomorrow.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, May 16 2025

Dick's Sporting Goods to buy struggling shoe chain Foot Locker for $2.4 billion
Dick's said Thursday that it expects to run Foot Locker as a standalone unit and keep the Foot Locker brands.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

Newark problems and recent crashes put focus on air traffic controller shortage and aging equipment
The FAA is working on a short-term fix to the problems at the Newark airport that includes technical repairs and cutting flights.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

U.S. overdose deaths fell 27% last year but remain above prepandemic levels
There were 30,000 fewer U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024 than the year before.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Study reveals potential cause of mysterious odor in Mount Dora
City of Mount Dora points to a local landfill as the likely source of the odor.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Wednesday, May 14 2025

EPA announces rollback for some Biden-era limits on so-called forever chemicals in drinking water
The agency, however, said it will maintain standards for two common forever chemicals.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 20 2025

Trump tells Gulf leaders Iran must cease support of proxy groups as part of any nuclear deal
Trump made the remarks at a meeting of leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi capital.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie testifies at his trial about abuse and 'freak offs'
Cassie told the jury Tuesday that her relationship with Combs ran the gamut from good times to arguments and physical altercations.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, May 13 2025

Sponsorships available to become Brevard County firefighter
About 25,700 firefighter-paramedic positions were expected to open annually each year from 2023 to 2033, the U.S. Labor Department reported.

Source: Greg Pallone
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Trump meets with Syria's interim president, a first between the nations' leaders in 25 years
The meeting marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year, iron-gripped rule of the Assad family.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

As WNBA popularity soars, player salaries remain a big hurdle for the league to address
As the league booms, players are looking for a larger piece of the pie - players currently earn only a small fraction of the league’s revenue share.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Candee Lee's Soul House in Kissimmee serves up fried chicken and million-dollar mac
Kissimmee man pays homage to his mom in his first restaurant opening.

Source: Allison Walker
Wednesday, May 14 2025

Judge orders accused Florida State shooter held without bond after hospital release
Phoenix Ikner made his first court appearance Tuesday morning, weeks after the April 17 FSU campus shooting.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, May 13 2025