Louisiana Legislature opened window for sex abuse survivors to sue, but state's high court shut it
Advocates for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse say they will ask Louisianaโs Supreme Court to reconsider a ruling that wiped out 2021 legislation giving them a renewed opportunity to file damage lawsuits.
D-SNAP third phase opening for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian
The Department of Children and Families announced on Sunday that the third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, will open on Monday, Oct. 24 for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian.
Florida hires LexisNexis government security to stop international D-SNAP thieves
Floridaโs Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been shored up with a state-of-the-art security control system implemented by LexisNexis Special Services Inc. to block a potential surge of international imposters expected to attempt to steal benefits meant for victims of Hurricane Ian.
Orange County extends state of emergency amid recovery efforts in wake of Hurricane Ian
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said as of Monday, the county has extended its state of emergency as the area deals with its first hurricane-related death, ongoing debris cleanup and an increased demand for affordable and emergency housing in the wake of Ian.
Hereโs how the latest COVID-19 relief package could benefit nonprofit organizations
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Monday nightโs deal reached in Congress for a new stimulus package will be showing some strong support for small business owners and for nonprofit organizations. Funding from the new round of COVID-19 relief will go toward small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, nonprofits, and food assistance programs to help them recover from the pandemic. โIn that package, there is some funding for food assistance programs, much like SNAP, which is formerly known as food stamps. Essentially, what happens in the bill is that theyโve allocated $13 billion for SNAP and other food assistance programs.โAccording to the organization, the current bill would provide them funding through the SNAP federal food assistance program. The much-anticipated federal relief funding also includes $15 billions to help independent movie theaters, cultural institutions and live venues like the Amway Center and Camping World Stadium, which werenโt included in the first round of COVID-19 relief funding.
Shop local at these popular Orlando area farmers markets
There is no reason to spend a weekend freezing in air-conditioned grocery stores when Central Florida offers a huge selection of year-round farmers markets. There are open air markets across the greater Orlando area, many that accept SNAP benefits and support local farmers, food markers and artisans. Check out the list below of popular outdoor markets offering local handmade goods, live music and fresh produce. Did I miss your neighborhood weekend market? Let me know at especk@wkmg.com.
Asian stocks follow Wall Street lower on lack of US aid plan
Stocks are mostly lower in Asia after pandemic concerns snapped a four-day winning streak on Wall Street. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)TOKYO โ Asian stocks followed Wall Street lower on Thursday as investors watched Washington for signs of whether political leaders can agree on an economic aid plan in the two weeks before the Nov. 3 presidential election. On Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500 index lost 0.2% on Wednesday as U.S. political leaders wrangled over economic aid following the expiration of extra unemployment benefits that propped up consumer spending. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 declined to 3,435.56. Industrial and health care stocks declined.
With more people utilizing government assistance amid pandemic, grocery stores brace for rush of shoppers
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Wednesday is the first of the month, when people who depend on government assistance like WIC or SNAP, start receiving money for food. "We start filling out the shelves every hour we can fill it out, but sometimes the line outside is full. WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children that meet the eligibility requirements. Jim and Debbie Crum plan to add themselves to that list when they plan on filing for unemployment and food assistance later today. To enroll in food assistance, click here