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Daily editionThursday, October 8th, 2026

Good morning, St. Petersburg.

The 5AM St. Petersburg Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of October.

Community

  1. New SNAP rules may make it harder for recipients, causing local food banks to face rising demand as grocery prices climb.

    Community groups are preparing to help more families in the coming weeks + officials monitor the changes.

    WUSFRead more

Culture

  1. A new book titled Tampa Bay Forward spotlights the successes of the Black community with essays and data on economic growth, and it is available in St. Pete at the Urban League of the Florida Suncoast; a gathering of leaders on Future Focused Strategies for Inclusive Growth occurred Wednesday morning.

    WUSFRead more

  2. The Florida Holocaust Museum is hosting “We Are Living Lessons: The Wiesel Symposium” on Nov. 15 and 16 at the Vinoy Resort to feature speakers from Eckerd College and the Wiesel Foundation — the event is part of the museum’s plans to expand its collection with The Wiesel Experience set for 2028.

    WUSFRead more

Government

  1. WMNF is offering candidates free air time to record 60-second messages that will air during Community Speaks on Mondays from 12:06 p.m. to 1:01 p.m.—messages must be submitted by Oct. 29 and only candidates may use this line.

    Creative Loafing Tampa BayRead more

Sports

  1. The Rays used five starting pitchers — a twist on the expected three — to sweep the Yankees.

    Manager Kevin Cash said the team will adjust its rotation for Monday's AL Championship Series at Tropicana Field ahead of further postseason action.

    MLB.comRead more

  2. Victor Mesa Jr. hit a two-run homer last night at Yankee Stadium in Game 3 of the ALDS to lift the Rays to a 4-3 win and a spot in the ALCS, with his decisive swing coming in his third at-bat against pitcher Max Fried.

    MLB.comRead more

  3. Rays right fielder Ryan Vilade hit his first postseason home run in Game 3 of the ALDS Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium — his 97.1 mph hit put his team ahead two to one.

    MLB.comRead more

  4. Victor Mesa Jr. hit a winning home run in Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium by using Junior Caminero’s bat, giving the Rays a 4-3 victory and a series sweep.

    MLB.comRead more