We find it interesting even when we are back home.

• FEMA faces major changes, candidate backs out of Tampa council race and the 'Buck Moon' rises tonight  
  Here's what you need to know to start your evening.
  
  
• Noem reiterates plan to eliminate FEMA in its current form as Trump defers on topic amid floods  
  Asked shortly after the floods about his plans for the agency, Trump said he wanted to “talk about it later" and deferred on the topic again Tuesday.
  
  
• Rays acquire relief pitcher Bryan Baker from O's for draft pick  
  Baker is having a solid season, posting a 3.52 ERA, striking out 49 batters and posting a 1.096 WHIP in 38 1/3 innings.
  
  
• Whistleblower releases emails, texts as he warns Justice Department is ignoring courts, due-process rights  
  A former DOJ lawyer shared texts and emails to bolster his claim that Emil Bove discussed ignoring court orders to carry out Trump's deportation plans
  
  
• Largo residents with tornado damage may qualify for disaster loan  
  Homeowners, renters, nonprofits and business owners who had storm-related damage or financial hardship may be eligible for the loans.
  
  
• Texas officials are trying to figure out who's really missing from the floods  
  Confusion can take hold after a disaster, and it can be difficult to pin down how many people reported missing are actually unaccounted for.
  
  
• The new college sports agency is rejecting some athlete NIL deals with donor-backed collectives  
  Since July, schools can now pay players directly under the $2.8 billion House settlement.
  
  
• New Hampshire judge to pause Trump’s birthright citizenship order  
  The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a pregnant woman, two parents and their infants, is among numerous cases challenging Trump's January order.
  
  
• 'Very troublesome': Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles speaks out on Musk feud  
  Wiles lamented that she didn’t know why the Trump-Musk relationship ended so poorly but still had positive things to say about the billionaire.
  
  
• For Moffitt Cancer Center, storm preparation is year-round  
  Medical facilities face unique challenges before, during and after hurricanes. At Moffitt, storm preparation is a year-round effort.
  
  
• Polk group calls for action after new data reveals teen gun possession  
  Members of the League of Women Voters say parents need to take the necessary steps to keep firearms secure and out of children's reach.
  
  
• Pedestrian deaths fall for second straight year, report says  
  Pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in 2022.
  
  
• Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks  
  Rubio added that President Donald Trump has been "disappointed and frustrated that there's not been more flexibility on the Russian side."
  
  
• Some residents unconvinced Treasure Island beach renourishment project will work  
  The project is still missing signed easements by homeowners who are unconvinced the beach renourishment will actually work.
  
  
• U.S. applications for jobless benefits fall to 227,000 last week, remain at historically healthy level  
  The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims for the week ending July 5 fell by 5,000 to 227,000.
  
  
• Trump picks Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator  
  Sean Duffy is the U.S. Transportation secretary.
  
  
• Selmon Expressway to relieve congestion with new work plan  
  Several improvements are coming to the Selmon Expressway that will help with growing traffic congestion in downtown Tampa.
  
  
• A Pinellas County transportation service that several seniors depend on needs volunteers  
  Neighborly said it needs more volunteers as its demand is increasing.
  
  
• Tampa rents backup generators for storm pumps  
  The city of Tampa announced on Monday it will rent eight backup generators this hurricane season.
  
  
• Polk State secures $10 million for Haines City-Davenport campus  
  Polk State President Dr. Angela Falconetti says thanks to the funds, they are closer to completing construction.
  
  
• Trump cheers on Justice Department investigations into former CIA head John Brennan, ex-FBI Director James Comey  
  “I believe they are truly bad people and dishonest people, so whatever happens, happens,” Trump said of the criminal investigations.
  
  
• Senators press weather agency nominee on ways to improve after deadly flash floods in Texas, New Mexico  
  Neil Jacobs previously served as acting NOAA administrator from 2019 until Trump’s first presidential term concluded.
  
  
• Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs likely to miss start of season  
  The team announced Wednesday that Wirfs will probably be placed on the "physically unable to perform" list and is expected to miss the preseason.
  
  
• Rays get third All-Star as Junior Caminero is added to roster; will take part in Home Run Derby  
  Caminero replaces Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman on the active roster.
  
  
• U.S. having its worst year for measles in more than three decades  
  The U.S. has had 1,288 reported cases this year, with another six months to go in 2025.
  
  
• Trump tariffs goods from Brazil at 50%, citing 'witch hunt' trial against Bolsonaro  
  The announcement Wednesday shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are driving the U.S. leader's use of tariffs.
  
  
• Texas inspectors approved Camp Mystic’s disaster plan 2 days before deadly flood, records show  
  Here's what we know about the 48 hours before, during and after the deadly flash flood.
  
  
• 40 Palestinians killed in Gaza as Netanyahu and Trump meet over a ceasefire  
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a second meeting in two days with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday evening.
  
  
• Full Episode: Proposed NOAA budget cuts concern local forecasters, and Trump administration says 'no amnesty' for farmworkers  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Army will end most of its ceremonial horse programs and adopt out the animals  
  The Army will keep operating the Old Guard ceremonial caisson units at Joint Base San Antonio and Arlington National Cemetery for burial honors.
  
  
• Trump's tariffs may overshadow Rubio's first official trip to Asia  
  Senior officials from at least eight countries targeted for tariffs will be represented at the forum.
  
  
• Son of 'El Chapo' expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago  
  Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez and his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.
  
  
• Harrowing stories of rescue emerge from Texas floods as crews search for over 160 reported missing  
  Officials have been seeking more information about those who were in the popular tourist destination during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
  
  
• Republicans push to remove undocumented immigrants from Census count   
  Some say the efforts could run into constitutional challenges.
  
  
• Travelers no longer have to remove their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports  
  It puts an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago.
  
  
• Heritage Oaks nears completion, kicking off Rainbow Village redevelopment in Largo  
  The new Heritage Oaks senior housing complex will include 80 affordable one-bedroom apartments.
  
  
• 10 held in Texas immigration detention center shooting that was 'planned ambush,' U.S. attorney says  
  A police officer was shot in the neck after reporting to the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado.
  
  
• Amazon extends Prime Day discounts to 4 days as retailers weigh tariff-related price increases  
  Amazon executives declined to comment on the potential impact of tariffs on Prime Day deals.
  
  
• Experts warn that accuracy and speed of hurricane forecasting will likely be affected by proposed NOAA cuts  
  The Trump administration has asked for a $2 billion cut to NOAA's budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
  
  
• East Tampa advocate Fran Tate enters Tampa City Council District 5 race  
  Tate describes herself as a military widow but says her proudest accomplishments come from her community work.
  
  
• Impostor uses AI to impersonate Rubio and contact foreign and U.S. officials  
  The State Department is warning U.S. diplomats of attempts to impersonate the secretary of state and possibly other officials.
  
  
• ICC issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over persecution of women and girls  
  The warrants name Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhunzada and Afghanistan's Supreme Court head Abdul Hakim Haqqani.
  
  
• Tampa to hold series of flood resilience meetings  
  Mayor Jane Castor says the city's biggest concerns are extreme rain events and inland flooding.
  
  
• Jeff Tambellini returns to Bolts as assistant general manager  
  Bolts GM Julien BriseBois made the announcement Monday.
  
  
• Drivers frustrated with U.S. 301 congestion in Pasco County  
  US 301 is a two-lane road in that area that many use to commute between Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
  
  
• Trump begins announcing new tariffs on trading partners, including Japan and South Korea  
  The new tariffs are slated to be implemented by Aug. 1, Trump wrote.
  
  
• Trump and Netanyahu take a victory lap to mark strikes on Iran nuclear facilities  
  Netanyahu said during a White House dinner that he is nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
  
  
• 'Off the rails': Trump blasts Elon Musk's pledge to create third political party as Treasury Secretary Bessent wades into feud  
  Musk pledged to start a new political party over his opposition to the mega tax and spending Trump signed last week.
  
  
• U.S. Air Force and Space Force meet recruiting goal months early  
  The recruiting goal of 30,000 was met months before the October deadline.
  
  
• Pinellas to gather input on $125M beach renourishment plan  
  Public meetings will be held starting Wednesday.
  
  
• Rays' Aranda, Lowe get All-Star nods  
  It is the first All-Star selection for Aranda, and second for Lowe.
  
  
• Risk of further floods in Texas during desperate search for missing as death toll tops 80  
  Gov. Greg Abbott said 41 people were unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing.
  
  
• Pinellas deputies investigate threat on Allegiant flight at St. Pete-Clearwater  
  A suspect is in custody and no passengers were hurt.
  
  
• Pressure from Trump for trade deals before Wednesday deadline, but hints of more time for talks  
  The U.S. plans to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug. 1.
  
  
• Musk forms new political party after split with Trump over president's signature law  
  The formation of new political parties is not uncommon, but they typically struggle to pull any significant support away from the Democrats and GOP.
  
  
• ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ bites off $318 million at the global box office  
  The dinosaur movie opened worldwide on Wednesday. It earned $91.5 million over the traditional three-day weekend.
  
  
• New details emerge on Gaza ceasefire proposal as Netanyahu heads to the White House  
  In Gaza, hospital officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians.
  
  
• Dalai Lama, a global symbol of Tibetan culture and resistance, turns 90  
  The Buddhist monk said this week he plans to reincarnate after death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role.
  
  
• Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, dies at 44  
  Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason.
  
  
• What's in the tax and spending bill that Trump has signed into law  
  Democrats united against the legislation, but were powerless to stop it as long as Republicans stayed united.
  
  
• Trump signs his tax and spending cut bill at the White House July 4 picnic  
  The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the regular Fourth of July festivities.
  
  
• Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base as Russia sent hundreds of drones into Ukraine  
  Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russia's military capability and demonstrate Ukraine's capability to hit high-value targets in Russia.
  
  
• EPA says Trump's bill should help in its fight to take back billions in green bank funds  
  The bill that passed Congress would rescind money that hadn't already been obligated to its recipients.
  
  
• Authorities: Girl, 17, taken to hospital after St. Pete Beach lightning strike  
  According to officials, the 17-year-old girl was taken Tampa General Hospital after a lightning strike near her and her family just before 12:30 p.m.
  
  
• California's largest blaze grows to over 79,000 acres as dry, hot weather raises wildfire risk statewide  
  Over 1,000 personnel, 10 helicopters, 23 water tenders, 65 engines and more were assigned to the fire Sunday.
  
  
• Israeli airstrikes kill 14 Palestinians in Gaza and another 10 die seeking food  
  Two American aid workers were injured on Saturday morning when assailants threw grenades at a distribution site, the GHF said.
  
  
• 24 fatalities reported as search-and-rescue continues in South-Central Texas  
  Authorities are reporting twenty-four fatalities after heavy rain caused flash flooding in Kerr County.
  
  
• Bader walks off Rays with 2nd home run of game for Twins  
  Bader walks off Rays with 2nd home run of game for Twins
  
  
• Some fireworks could be more expensive due to Chinese tariffs  
  The initial tariff on China had gotten as high as 145 percent, now it's down to 30 for fireworks, but price changes have occurred as a result.
  
  
• Hamas says it has given 'positive' response to latest ceasefire proposal in Gaza  
  It was not clear if Hamas' statement meant it had accepted the proposal from President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire
  
  
• Judge blocks immigrants' deportation to South Sudan one day after Supreme Court clears the way  
  District Judge Randolph Moss granted his administrative stay to lawyers for the immigrants who raised new objections to their removal.
  
  
• St. Pete-born ‘no wake law’ goes into effect statewide  
  The law went into effect on July 1, allowing police to start ticketing drivers who create an excessive wake on a flooded road.
  
  
• What's in Trump's big bill that passed Congress and will soon become law  
  The legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for deportations.
  
  
• U.S. labor market continues to surprise as unemployment rate, against the odds, is falling  
  Hiring rose modestly from a revised 144,000 in May and beat economists expectations of fewer than 118,000 new jobs.
  
  
• How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill  
  Children’s safety groups and Republican state lawmakers, governors and attorneys general all weighed in against the AI moratorium.
  
  
• Tampa ranked first for top U.S. cities for international business  
  The city of Tampa has earned a first place ranking in the Financial Times annual list of top-ranked cities in the U.S. for international business.
  
  
• Ford recalls more than 200,000 vehicles over malfunctioning rearview camera  
  Dealerships will eventually update the camera software free of charge.
  
  
• Neighbors band together following Largo tornado  
  Neighbors in the Ranchero Village manufactured home community started a donation drive in the wake of EF1 tornado.
  
  
• FDOT orders new parts to replace failed St. Pete Beach pipe  
  FDOT hopes to install the new device later this week.
  
  
• Local faith leaders meet with emergency management officials to prepare for storm response  
  After coming off a turbulent storm season in 2024, faith leaders gathered in St. Pete to build emergency management plans for this year.
  
  
• The Gateway Expressway is reducing traffic congestion in Pinellas  
  A new traffic study shows that a year later, the Gateway Expressway in Pinellas County is doing exactly what engineers hoped it would.
  
  
• Water quality advisory issued for Davis Island Beach in Tampa  
  The department advised against any water-related activities there until testing shows that bacteria levels are below the accepted standard.
  
  
• Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border and gives administration two weeks to appeal  
  The decision could throw into doubt one of the key pillars of the president's plans to crack down on immigration at the southern border.
  
  
• Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murder in stabbings of 4 Idaho students to avoid death penalty  
  Kohberger admitted to killing the four friends who appeared to have no connection with him. Prosecutors did not reveal a motive behind the slayings.
  
  
• Rays hit three homers, avoid ninth-innning collapse in win over Athletics  
  Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the sixth, the Rays batted around and scored five runs to avoid a three-game sweep.
  
  
• State funding expected to help Pasco Fire Station 4 project get started  
  Pasco County Fire Rescue's chief said $3.4 million was included in the new state budget for the long in-the-works project.
  
  
• Microsoft announces another mass layoff, thousands of workers affected  
  The company said Wednesday that its latest layoffs would cut close to 4% of that workforce, which would be about 9,000 people.
  
  
• Redington Beach storm prepper offers flood barrier design to public  
  Jeff Fuller says anyone can build it for much cheaper than commercial products.
  
  
• Bay scallop season gets underway in Citrus, Hernando counties  
  Fishing charter captains are expecting a bountiful scalloping season.
  
  
• New condo law makes getting grant funding more attainable  
  The My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program is going into its second year, and a new bill lowers tricky owner approval requirements.
  
  
• Full Episode: DeSantis takes Trump on 'Alligator Alcatraz' tour, and Vance breaks a 'big, beautiful' tie  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• July 4 gas prices lowest since 2021; AAA predicts nearly 61.6 million Americans on road  
  GasBuddy predicts that prices at the pump will average between $3.10 and $3.15 nationwide later this week.
  
  
• New law aims to help firefighter health and safety  
  A law that went into effect Tuesday requires fire departments to buy gear free of hazardous chemicals, and limit the number of work hours.
  
  
• Fed Chair Powell says interest rates remain 'on hold' as central bank monitors for impact of tariffs  
  The Fed chair said any effects of tariffs have not yet been apparent in economic data.
  
  
• Department of Defense set to stop providing some weather satellite data  
  The department is now walking back its announcement after pushback from meteorologists nationwide, but it's only temporary.
  
  
• SpaceX launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites  
  This is the 29th mission for the Falcon 9's first-stage booster B1067.
  
  
• Details on Florida’s Python Challenge, Sean 'Diddy' Combs convicted on lesser charges and AAA predicts record 4th of July travel  
  Here's what you need to know to start your evening.
  
  
• Ahead of expected heavy rain, Pasco County reminds of sandbag sites  
  In anticipation of heavy rain this week, Pasco County says sandbag stations are available to help protect property in low-lying areas.
  
  
• Year-round hurricane supply kit tax-exempt status begins today  
  Florida has removed its two-week hurricane tax holiday and replaced it with year-round tax exempt items.
  
  
• BTS will return in spring 2026 with a new album and world tour  
  Six of the group's seven members were serv in South Korea's army while another fulfilled his duty through an alternative to military service.