Florida’s food stamp program has gotten a 5.4-million-dollar check for having the most improved payment accuracy rate in the nation. Margie Menzel reports.

The Florida Supreme Court has denied Governor Charlie Crist's request for a rehearing in the Seminole tribal case. As James Call reports, the ruling makes final the high court’s July decision invalidating a gambling compact between the Governor’s office and the tribe.

The Legislative Budget Commission convenes today to authorize the transfer of 672-million-dollars from the state’s savings account to its checking account. As James Call reports the money is needed to fill a gap created by a downturn in tax revenue.

There is hope for the hundreds of people still unable to return to their homes in the Manna Christian and Saldivar Mobile Home parks in Bonita Springs. More than a thousand residents were forced out eleven days ago due to tropical storm Fay flood waters. Now, many of those people are eligible for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Governor Charlie Crist says he plans to tap reserves to cover part of a predicted 1-point-4-7 billion dollar state budget deficit. Margie Menzel has more.

Just running state government in Florida costs many, many millions of dollars. Now, faced with the likelihood of yet another billion-dollar budget cut, state officials are scrambling to pinch every penny possible. Tom Flanigan reports…

With Russia’s refusal to pull its armed forces out of Georgia, Florida’s senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Bill Nelson, says the situation could cause friction between the United States and Russia…which could bring serious consequences for the American Space program. NASA is retiring its entire fleet of shuttles in the next few years. Trimmel Gomes has more.

Lee County Commissioners voted Tuesday to launch an independent investigation into County Administrator Don Stillwell’s involvement in a land deal that some say posed a conflict of interest. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

State officials are trying to figure out how to handle the growing number of calls to the Department of Children & Families’ child abuse hotline with fewer people available to investigate them. Margie Menzel has more.

Yesterday President Bush lifted an executive ban on offshore drilling that had been in place since his father’s term. Bobbie O’Brien has reaction from two members of Florida’s Congressional delegation.