SUMMARY: Leonardo Ayala, a former TD Bank employee in Florida, was arrested for allegedly facilitating money laundering for drug cartels. Ayala used his position to help launder millions of dollars, including over $1 million to Colombia via ATM withdrawals. This follows TD Bank’s $3 billion fine for inadequate anti-money laundering measures, which allowed cartels to transfer over $670 million. Ayala faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The arrest reflects increasing concerns over cartels’ use of U.S. banks for laundering proceeds from drugs like fentanyl. TD Bank has pledged to improve its monitoring procedures.

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SUMMARY: Florida state representative Susan Valdez has switched from the Democratic to Republican Party, citing a desire to better serve her community and participate in the Republican supermajority in the legislature. Valdez, reelected just last month, expressed frustration over being overlooked by her former party’s leadership. While most constituents seem indifferent to her party change, some criticize it as political opportunism, arguing that she should have consulted her community first. Valdez, who previously served on the Hillsborough County School Board, aims to focus on addressing real issues, aligning with House Speaker’s vision for empowering members.

Constituents are divided over Representative Susan Valdes’ surprise political party switch from the Democratic party to the Republican.

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SUMMARY: The storm problem is not going away, with flooding becoming more frequent and severe. Homeowners, like one who has flooded four times, are struggling with FEMA’s slow process for assistance, including home elevation or second-story construction. Florida has limited participation in FEMA’s flood mitigation assistance (FMA) program, and many cities lack the manpower to manage it. One homeowner’s experience includes being told to stop emailing FEMA while feeling helpless. Despite the challenges, the program does work for some. In St. Petersburg, 12,000 homes were affected by flooding, and 6,000 in Milton by wind, with residents fearing future storms.

FEMA lift money is a process that can be difficult for homeowners. @abcactionnews@abcactionnews reporter Michael Paluska discussed the process with a homeowner and the city floodplain manager who oversees the process.

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