Republicans who control Congress are struggling to come up with a must-pass measure to avoid a government shutdown this weekend.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Local Fort Walton Beach author Nick Smith donated half of his book sales over the weekend to the SOCKS Animal Shelter.Last Saturday, Smith spent the day at the Pet Supermarket in Fort Walton Beach, advertising his newest book "Milk Treading." Smith, though, wasn't alone.The SOCKS (Save our Cats and Kittens) Animal Shelter brought along two adoptable kittens for guests to play with while they got their books signed by Smith.Smith said he chose [...]

The vote was 224-201 and came hours after the Senate's early morning passage along party-lines.

“It’s also just that time of year where people are thinking about Santa and his reindeer and things like that, so it’s extra special.”

These Florida lotteries were drawn Sunday:Fantasy 5: 05-09-14-17-19Pick 2 Evening: 6-2Pick 2 Midday: 6-5Pick 3 Evening: 1-7-3Pick 3 Midday: 2-0-6Pick 4 Evening: 6-3-1-0Pick 4 Midday: 6-5-2-7Pick 5 Evening: 4-0-6-4-7Pick 5 Midday: 5-0-5-9-1Powerball: [...]

Federal officials confirmed an Amtrak train was hurtling 50 mph over the speed limit when it careened off an overpass south of Seattle, spilling cars onto the highway below and killing at least three people.

Sen. Bill Nelson and the Santa Rosa County Commission appear to have reached an impasse over Navarre Pass.Commissioners say they would never vote to build a Navarre Pass without the full support of the U.S. military, but they’d like to have the option to consider constructing one if Eglin Air Force Base ever decided to go along with the idea.Nelson, however, has taken a stand against the pass and has used the issue to block passage of a federal bill that would allow [...]

The massive $1.5 trillion package would touch every American taxpayer and every corner of the U.S. economy

DESTIN — The Destin City Council on Monday approved the adoption of an ordinance to establish an idle-speed/no-wake boating safety zone immediately next to the city-owned Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area Boat Ramp and Kayak Launch.City officials say the bayou during the warmer months is often congested with vessels, with many of them being driven too fast, increasing the likelihood of boating accidents. [...]

A study commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the athletes' group Protect Our Winters found that the 23 million people who participate in winter sports added an estimated $12.2 billion each year to the U.S. economy.