Social Security benefits increase to 3.6% in 2027
Original reporting: Tori Hardnett
For those who receive social security, benefits will soon see a change in their monthly payments.
Due to a cost-of-living adjustment, the 3.6% increase will equate to about an additional $75 per month.
The increase will take effect in January 2027 for Social Security beneficiaries. Supplemental Security Income recipients will begin receiving the increased payments in late December 2026.
Recipients can log in to their My Social Security accounts in late November to view their exact benefit increase. The Social Security Administration expects to mail notices detailing the new payment amounts in December.
Moffitt brings lung cancer screenings to patients with mobile unit
Original reporting: Karley Haggerty
Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to the fight against lung cancer. Moffitt Cancer Center is helping in this fight, but in a new way.
The new screenings can take less than five minutes, thanks to Moffitt’s new mobile lung screening unit. Almost 300 patients have already been able to be scanned.
The mobile screening program’s manager, Michelle Smith, said all a patient has to do is schedule an appointment and the mobile unit will come to them.
“We launched the program with the expectation that we would lower the lung cancer burden throughout the state of Florida,” Smith said.
The mobile screening unit is now open to patients 50 years or older, and with a history of 20 years or more of smoking.
Through the mobile screening program, Moffitt hopes to reach more eligible patients across Florida and to encourage people at higher risk to take a proactive approach to their health.
Hillsborough County students are encouraged to vote early before Nov. 1
Original reporting: Bryan Mathias
Early voting is underway in Hillsborough County, encouraging college students to head to the polls. However, for them to vote, it may take more than just telling them to do so.
President of the Student Association for Voting Empowerment, Yarian Pagan-Matta, said getting college students involved starts with understanding their concerns and helping them see how they can make a difference.
“I think we need to take a better approach than just being like, you have to vote or go vote,” Pagan-Matta said. “Just be more friendly and converse with them, ask them how they’re feeling, ask them what issues they see and how they can change.”
These conversations can help students better understand how to turn their concerns into action and why the voices of students matter.
For those looking to vote near the University of South Florida, the USF training center is one early voting option. Near the University of Tampa, voters can visit the Fred B. Karl County Center, and near Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus, the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library is another option.
Early voting is open and will stay open until Nov. 1.