DeLand Sun News

150th Year	Wednesday, February 18, 2026	Internet Edition

West Volusia's Original Hometown Newspaper
By GUY MYSTERY Intrepid Reporter The DeLand Sun News was first published in 1876. After 115 years of operation, it was bought out by a competing paper in 1991. Publication was halted by 1992. This situation persisted until 2007, when the brand was revived online as a monument to this cherished local institution. Welcome to DeLand Sun News - the Internet Edition. Constantly updated DeLand area news, as well as US and World News, Sports and Lifestyle sections. News links appear below. This website makes use of automated links, it is not actively curated. If the links go bad, please send us an email and we will update the code.		If you love the DeLand Sun News, let everyone know! Buy some cool merchandise at our online store! Got a local scoop or a nice photo? Contact us. Other DSN Links DeLand Sun News - The Blog Answers to Reader Emails The DSN Store - Coffee Mugs, T-shirts and much more!

Spotlight: Historic Athens Theater

The Athens Theatre is one of the few existing examples of a classic American theatre in Central Florida. Once the centerpiece of DeLand, the Athens Theatre is a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture. This historic theatre was designed in 1921 by prominent Orlando architect Murray S. King and first opened its doors on January 6th, 1922. On January 5th, 1922, the eve of the theater's opening, the DeLand Daily News declared the Athens to be "Florida's Handsomest Theatre" and "a gem of architecture". The theatre's name was derived from the vision of DeLand's founder, Henry DeLand, who sought to create a city that would be the "Athens of Florida". Visit their website.

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DeLand Area News
For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Volusia County deputy saves woman from DeLand house fire, officials say

Bodycam video released by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office shows deputy Austin Graham pulling a woman to safety from a burning house.

DeLand man honored for stopping alleged attack on teen at bus stop

A DeLand man who intervened to stop an attack on a middle school student at a bus stop was honored this week for what city officials described as extraordinary bravery.

Judge delays trial again for Volusia County dog mauling case involving death of 8-year-old

A judge has again delayed the trial of the woman who owned the dogs that fatally mauled an 8-year-old boy in Volusia County last year.

SUV crashes into DeLand nursing home, no residents injured

A driver crashed an SUV into a DeLand nursing home Thursday afternoon, leaving a large hole in the building but causing no injuries to residents, authorities said.

Man who intervened in alleged knife attack on child: 'Fight or flight kicked in ... my body chose fight'

A man who intervened in an alleged attack on a 13-year-old boy at a school bus stop said he would do it again, despite being injured in the struggle.

Man released from jail days earlier accused of choking, attacking child with knife at DeLand bus stop

A man who had been released from jail just days earlier is back in custody after police say he attacked a child with a knife at a DeLand bus stop. Witnesses intervened, restraining the suspect until officers arrived, authorities said.

Police: 3 charged in NYE shooting for firing 30 rounds in midnight celebration, deputies say

Three people are facing potential charges after they allegedly celebrated the New Year by shooting more than 30 rounds in their backyard, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Driver rescues pilot, passenger after small plane crash in DeLand

New details are emerging about a small plane crash in DeLand after a woman who witnessed the incident rushed to help pull the occupants from the aircraft.

Small plane crash-lands on road in DeLand; 2 hurt, officials say

A small plane made an emergency landing on Monday afternoon at the intersection of Plymouth Avenue and Jacobs Road near DeLand High School, sending two people to the hospital, authorities said.

Intruder shot after forcing his way into DeLand home, police say

The police department said officers responded to a home invasion near the 100 block of Voorhis Street.

1 person in custody after DeLand Police investigate incident in Victoria Hills neighborhood

One suspect is in custody after an hours-long police investigation Tuesday night in the Victoria Hills neighborhood.

US News
For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Ilia Malinin reflects on Olympic experience: "You learn a lot more from failure"

Star figure skater Ilia Malinin stressed he was focused on moving forward and continuing to push the boundaries of the sport.

Americans paid nearly 90% of Trump tariffs in 2025, NY Fed report says

White House advisor Kevin Hassett slammed the New York Fed report, which found that Americans, not foreign exporters, bear most tariff costs.

Zuckerberg questioned on under-13 Instagram users in social media trial

The Meta CEO defended his company's efforts to keep kids under 13 off of Instagram, but noted that there are "people who lie" about their ages.

Dangerous conditions hinder search teams after deadly avalanche

Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California, officials said.

Lake Erie shipwreck identified in area where explorer died while diving

The wreck of the stone-hauling vessel is in the same area where the founder of the Cleveland Underwater Explorers died in 2024.

Les Wexner, longtime Epstein benefactor, tells Congress he was "duped"

Billionaire retail tycoon Les Wexner testified before a House committee Wednesday as part of the panel's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Democratic lawmakers ask watchdogs to probe ex-lobbyists serving in Trump admin.

Four congressional Democrats are asking inspectors general to probe whether ex-lobbyists in the administration broke ethics rules to benefit former clients.

Moderna says FDA to review its flu vaccine after reversing course

With the reversal from the FDA, Moderna said it is aiming to make the vaccine available for the 2026-27 flu season.

Bayer proposes $7.2 billion settlement to resolve weedkiller cases

Germany's Bayer has faced thousands of lawsuits after buying Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion.

Soldier goes on the run with teen after his wife's murder. Is she in danger?

After Cati Blauvelt, 22, was murdered in Simpsonville, South Carolina, her husband, former U.S. Army recruiter John Blauvelt, fled with his 17-year-old girlfriend Hannah Thompson. U.S. Marshals led the cross-country chase for the armed fugitive.

World News
For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Naval shipwreck emerges after being buried underwater for 400 years

A program dubbed "the Lost Navy" is underway to identify the large number of Swedish naval shipwrecks lying on the bottom of the Baltic.

Ukraine protests as Russians cleared to fly their flag at Paralympics

Ukraine calls a decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2026 Paralympics under their nations' flags, "disappointing and outrageous."

See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games

Here is a look at where the medal count stands for Team USA and other nations as the competition heats up at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

4th alleged rape victim testifies against Norway princess's son

Marius Borg Hoiby faces 38 charges, including raping four women while they were asleep or had passed out.

Mikaela Shiffrin wins gold in women's slalom, breaking Olympic drought

Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated skier of all time, last won a medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Zelenskyy says Putin playing for time as U.S.-brokered talks wrap up

U.S.-brokered Ukraine-Russia peace talks wrap up with little to show, and Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of playing for time

French far-left party linked to activist's killing reports bomb threat

The far-left France Unbowed party says it evacuated its Paris office due to a bomb threat as 2 more people were detained over the killing of a far-right activist.

What is ski mountaineering? More on the sport making its Olympic debut

Ski mountaineering is new to the Olympics, but it's actually one of the oldest forms of skiing. Here's more on the treacherous sport that pushes athletes to their limits.

American curler defends Canadian player accused of cheating at Winter Olympics

U.S. curler Korey Dropkin, who won a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defended Canadian curler Marc Kennedy amid cheating accusations at the Games, saying he's "one of the greatest curlers of all time and plays by the rules." Dropkin also opened up about sharing his love for the sport and its popularity during the Winter Games.

U.S. women figure skaters aim for individual medals as they compete in short program

Americans added two silver medals to their count Tuesday — in big air and the men's team speedskating final. Meanwhile, the U.S. women figure skaters competed in the short program, looking to claim an individual medal. Alysa Liu finished in third ahead of Thursday's free skate event.

Sports
For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (links are updated continually)

2026 MLB Odds: Baltimore Orioles Best Bet to Win AL East

Can the Orioles bounce back and win one of the most competitive divisions in MLB? Will Hill is betting that they can. See why.

Barcelona Presidential Candidate Uses Messi Banner In Campaign Bid

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has unfurled a huge banner featuring club legend Lionel Messi in the city centre as he continues his campaign to replace Joan Laporta.

Good News for Belgium and Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne Closing to Return From Injury

After a grueling period on the sidelines, Kevin De Bruyne is finally closing in on his return to Italy.

UEFA Opens Up Racism Investigation After Vinicius-Gianluca Prestianni Incident

UEFA has officially opened a disciplinary investigation into Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni following allegations of racist behavior during the first leg of their Champions League playoff clash against Real Madrid.

No To Real Madrid? Rodri Reportedly Not Keen On Move If He Leaves Man City

Real Madrid have been warned to not expect Rodri to join them if he chooses to leave Manchester City due to his preference for another Spanish club.

Ejections and Eruptions: Inside UCLA Head Coach Mick Cronin’s Bizarre Night

From sending his own player to the locker room to an intense exchange with a reporter, Mick Cronin’s emotions overshadowed another lopsided defeat for the Bruins.

College Basketball 2025-2026 Buzz: JT Toppin Exits With Injury; Steve Lavin Fired

We're tracking notable injuries, news and happenings across men's and women's college basketball during the 2025-2026 season.

A Super Bowl Sale: Seahawks Announce They've Begun Process of Selling Team

The defending Super Bowl champions are officially up for sale.

MLB Spring Training Buzz: Dodgers RHP Brusdar Graterol Not Yet Ready for 2026

It's time to dust off those ball bags — MLB spring training has commenced!

Dabble Promo Code FOX: $10 No Deposit Bonus for New Users

Use promo code 'FOX' on Dabble Fantasy to get a $10 No-Deposit Bonus. Sign up free, copy top picks, and start playing today — no payment needed.

Lifestyle
For Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Comb-Over No More: Why Men's Hair Transplants Are Flourishing

Via (often painful) surgical procedures costing up to $15,000, more men are using Covid-era downtime to “grow” new thatches.

Hudson Valley Weekend Trips: Where to Find the Region's Best New Restaurants, Hotels and Kombucha Sorbet

New York’s Hudson River Valley has been transformed by upstart boutiques, upcycling and handcrafted everything. These three weekend itineraries let you sample it all, from reimagined hotels to weirdly wonderful food.

Wines That Entertain as Well as Impress

At a time of year when people are looking for light wines, our wine columnist went out in search of the lighthearted. While these wines may have silly names, they’re no lightweights in terms of quality.

Humidifiers vs Dehumidifiers vs Purifiers: Which One Do I Actually Need?

Whether you’re prepping for wildfire season, trying to get your allergies under control or just looking for relief from dry skin, one of these devices can help.

Can Inflatable Outdoor Furniture Ever Be Chic?

Some design pros say today’s patio-ready bubble chairs and blow-up chaises are a fresh take on a pop classic. Others say they’re just too tween. We let them duke it out.