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The FIFA World Cup’s final match is set to explode with a Super Bowl-level halftime show, headlined by Chris Martin of Coldplay and featuring global superstars like Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Joined by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, and even Sesame Street’s Kermit and Miss Piggy, this historic spectacle supports the FIFA Global Citizen Educatio...

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is backing two Democratic candidates in Florida’s congressional primaries—Darren McAuley and Leela Gray—praising their military backgrounds and focus on everyday struggles like housing, healthcare, and rising costs. McAuley, a doctor and combat veteran, champions veteran benefits and affordability; Gray, a retired general and small business owner, hig...

Clearwater Beach erupted in chaos as a “teen takeover” spiraled into a violent brawl and shooting, leading police to issue arrest warrants for six suspects — five minors, including the 17-year-old who was shot but still charged for participating. The only adult, 18-year-old Nigel Carleston, is also targeted. Two teens are already in custody, with authorities hunting the remaining four across count...

Two book buses are cruising Pinellas County, stopping 85 times over three weeks to let kids pick out—and take home for free—two books each, fighting summer learning loss and sparking reading joy. Partnering with Pinellas County Schools and the Juvenile Welfare Board, this 10-year-old initiative combats the 20% literacy drop kids face over summer break. Kids are choosing space adventures and graphi...

The Yankees are in a historic slump, striking out 34 times across their first two games against the Rays — the first time in MLB history any team has whiffed 17+ times in back-to-back contests. With Aaron Judge sidelined, New York’s offense is floundering, while Tampa’s pitching staff, led by Griffin Jax’s 10 and Ian Seymour’s career-high 12 strikeouts, has been absolutely dominant. Can the Rays k...

Seniors in Lakeland are struggling as grocery prices soar, straining fixed incomes and forcing many to rely on VISTE for survival. With record-breaking demand for aid—over 100 applications last month—community support is stepping in big time. A recent “Red, White and Kaboom” event delivered 900 pounds of canned goods directly to VISTE, helping seniors like Mary Jackson stay nourished. Beyond food,...

A new K-8 private school, Apex Academy, just got the green light in Lutz — set to serve 1,000 students on 24 acres once zoned for farms. While some applaud the developers for addressing concerns and managing growth, others are furious, warning of traffic chaos and emergency response delays. The school’s rollout is already underway, with permits to follow — and the debate isn’t over. Listen in comf...

Five new cases of cyclosporiasis have popped up in Tampa Bay, with 36 across Florida since May—linked to contaminated berries and greens. Symptoms? Watery diarrhea. Not person-to-person spread, but summer’s fresh produce risk is real. Raspberries, cilantro, basil: high-risk due to surface texture. Cooking kills the parasite. If symptoms linger, see a doctor—antibiotics work. Stay vigilant, wash pr...

A deadly confrontation erupted in New Port Richey in March when neighbor Aaron Rodriguez opened fire on Michele Violette and her ex-husband Bruce Parks during a land-clearing project. Parks, on the phone with 911, was fatally shot; Violette was also wounded but survived with help from neighbors. Rodriguez was arrested after a shootout with deputies and now faces murder and attempted murder charges...

The GOP governor’s race is heating up fast—candidates are trading barbs, going mano a mano, and even hitting the courtroom. With Congressman Byron Donalds in the lead, the field is turning into a full-blown circus. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on publ...

In Dunedin, Florida, Progressive Arts Theater is turning the stage into a sanctuary for inclusion, uniting neurodiverse and neurotypical performers in a powerful, heartwarming ensemble. Rehearsing for “Willy Wonka Jr.” and “Mean Girls Jr.” this summer, they’re proving that every role—no matter how small—is vital. Founded by Stiff-Walker, inspired by her daughter, the theater fosters deep connectio...

A tragic shooting in Sarasota claimed the life of an 18-year-old man early Tuesday, but justice moved swiftly—less than 48 hours later, police arrested a 17-year-old suspect in Manatee County on second-degree murder charges. Police Chief Rex Troche praised his team for their rapid response and relentless dedication to protecting the community. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: ht...

The Tampa Bay Rays are flying high this season with a 53-36 record, leading the American League by four games. Their pitching staff is the unsung hero — from Ian Seymour’s career-high 12 strikeouts against the Yankees to veteran Bryan Baker heading to his first All-Star Game with the league’s second-most saves. Even international import Nick Martinez, bouncing between teams, is posting a stellar 2...

Clearwater police are cracking down hard after the chaotic “Teen Takeover” beach incident, charging six suspects—including the teen who was shot—after weeks of cross-county investigations. With five juveniles and one adult, 18-year-old Nigel Carleston, already in custody, authorities vow no one escapes consequences. Chief Gandy warns troublemakers: Clearwater won’t tolerate chaos. Teams from Pasco...

Gary Buchanan, a 65-year-old Florida man battling stage four metastatic prostate cancer, finds his lifeline on the pickleball court. Diagnosed in April 2024 after hospitalization for severe back pain, Gary’s cancer has spread to his vertebrae, chest, skull, and hips. Despite chemotherapy and ongoing treatments through January, he plays pickleball nearly every day at Mouratoglou Academy — a sanctua...

Madeira Beach is set to transform John’s Pass with a $150 million Marriott hotel, bringing retail, dining, and events — plus 93 new public parking spots — to revitalize the area, boost local businesses, and tackle parking woes, with construction slated for fall 2028. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This i...

Tampa restaurant erupts in flames early Tuesday as deputies arrive to find a man brandishing knives—then calmly surrendering—while a propane tank burns outside. Fire crews and officers swiftly contain the blaze, arrest the suspect, and prevent injuries. First responders’ quick action averts disaster in this high-stakes, movie-like scene. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://s...

A beloved Wesley Chapel father and community pillar, Mark Godsey, was tragically killed when a massive tree crashed into his home during severe storms. Remembered for his generosity and warm spirit, Mark’s sudden loss has left his family heartbroken. As investigators probe whether weather alone caused the collapse, neighbors and volunteers are stepping up to support his grieving wife, clear debris...

A Kansas City man, Vinol Wilson, 52, has pleaded guilty to running a brutal dog fighting ring, admitting he used the animals for profit and entertainment while also illegally possessing a firearm — a deadly combo for someone with a felony record. Operation “Mayhem Madness 2025” revealed dogs flown in from across states, with Wilson handing out trophies for “Best in Show” and “Gamest in Show.” Auth...

Tasty Home Cookin, Sarasota’s beloved 36-year-old family-run diner, is closing its doors for good on July 18th after Shelly Timms, the owner, made the heart-wrenching decision to shutter the landmark eatery due to soaring costs and pandemic fallout. She refused to hike prices to unsustainable levels, even dipping into her own savings to keep it afloat — a sacrifice she couldn’t justify. For genera...

A Tampa pain clinic paid $115,000 to settle a discrimination case after denying a disabled veteran care because he had his service animal with him — a dog critical for managing his PTSD, seizures, and rescue duties. The clinic’s “no pets” policy ignored federal law, triggering a medical crisis for the veteran. The U.S. Attorney’s office made it clear: service animals are not pets — they’re lifelin...

A Florida caregiver, Bryan Keith Fain, 41, was arrested after authorities responded to a distress call from a disabled double amputee patient—finding the home in horrific condition, covered in human and dog feces, with the victim reportedly uncleaned for weeks and left in soiled diapers. Medical reports confirmed severe bed sores and rashes linked to neglect, leading to charges of second-degree ne...

A woman from Wisconsin is facing two felony charges after allegedly ramming a security guard at a Florida Airbnb resort on July Fourth, pinning him between her car and his patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene. The 32-year-old, Tayquanna Butler, who was registered as a guest, was later detained at Orlando International Airport and charged with aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon....

A Florida restaurant erupted into flames after a man walked in carrying a lit propane tank—then was caught wielding two knives inside. Deputies arrested 53-year-old Rubiel Maceo Castillo after he refused to drop the weapons, as smoke and fire engulfed the building. Surveillance and body cam footage captured the chilling scene, leading to charges of first-degree arson and more. Listen in comfort: G...

Sarasota PD just made a major arrest — a 17-year-old in Manatee County is now facing second-degree murder charges tied to a fatal stabbing that occurred the day before, July 7. The victim died en route to the hospital, and investigators are still piecing together the details. If you have any info, even a small clue, contact SPD’s Criminal Investigation Division or Sarasota Crime Stoppers — your ti...