SUMMARY: The National Fire Academy (NFA) in Maryland, a vital training institution for firefighters and first responders, canceled all classes immediately due to funding freezes and staffing cuts imposed by the Trump administration. FEMA announced the cancellations as part of an evaluation of agency programs to align with federal priorities. The NFA, which was established to address rising fire fatalities and is regarded as essential for training, surprised many with last-minute notifications, impacting planned travel for participants. Critics, including experienced fire officials, expressed concern that shutting down such programs would hinder coordinated responses to emergencies, particularly in wildfire-prone regions.

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SUMMARY: South Florida will experience sunny, warm weather this weekend with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Daylight Saving Time starts tonight, pushing the sunset to 7:26 PM, and the sun will rise later at 7:35 AM. Tomorrow may see fog in inland areas, clearing by mid-morning, with temperatures near record highs. By Monday, a cold front will bring showers and potential storms, followed by a cool-down. Tuesday will be cooler, with temperatures dropping into the 50s, but another warming trend will return by Thursday. Enjoy the beautiful weather today and tomorrow before the cooler shift next week.

High temperatures will warm into the middle 80s across the coast with some upper 80s inland under a cloud-free sky today. Dry, clear conditions will continue into this evening, according to CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Meteorologist K.C. Sherman.

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SUMMARY: St. Petersburg Police are searching for Michelle Brandis in connection to the kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Miranda Corsete. Steven Gress, 35, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Police say Gress and Corsete met on a social media app, and after a dispute over missing jewelry, she was tortured and killed from February 20th to 24th. Her body was dismembered in Largo and dumped in a dumpster. Authorities are still searching for her remains, believed to be in a landfill, and warn anyone aiding Brandis could face charges. The investigation is ongoing.

St. Petersburg Police said a teenage girl missing since late February was murdered and dismembered. Steven Gress is facing numerous charges including kidnapping and first-degree homicide.

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