DeLand Sun News

150th Year	Tuesday, February 24, 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 Tuesday, February 24, 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 Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Friend of U.S. citizen killed by ICE agent disputed official account of shooting

The close friend and passenger of a 23-year-old American citizen who was killed by an ICE agent in Texas last year disputed officials' account of the fatal shooting.

3 charts highlight the affordability issues Americans worry about most

President Trump is expected to tout his administration's economic record in his State of the Union address, even as affordability remains front and center.

Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline

The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.

Full interview: House Speaker Mike Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson discusses what to expect from President Trump's State of the Union address, and weighs in on the administration's trade policy, immigration crackdown, U.S. tensions with Iran and more in an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.

U.S. men's hockey team coming to State of the Union, Johnson says

The U.S. men's hockey team also visited the White House on Tuesday following their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics.

Texts show Rep. Gonzales sent explicit messages to staffer who later died by suicide

A newly revealed text exchange appears to show Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales encouraging an aide who later died by setting herself on fire to send him an explicit photo.

U.S. women's hockey team declines State of the Union invitation

The U.S. women's ice hockey team said Monday they will not be attending President Trump's State of the Union address, citing scheduling conflicts.

Passenger jet forced to turn around after battery pack catches fire

The passenger received medical attention after the plane returned to Wichita, Kansas, Alaska Airlines and the FAA said.

Utah judge in Charlie Kirk shooting case rejects bid to disqualify prosecutors

State District Judge Tony Graf decided in a Tuesday ruling to keep the Utah County Attorney's Office on the case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

World News
For Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (links are updated continually)

Photographer on capturing Jack Hughes' toothless grin after Olympic gold

Getty Images photographer Elsa Garrison shares how she managed to capture a "pretty iconic" image of Team USA's Jack Hughes.

12th century Crusader sword discovered by student off coast of Israel

A student made the discovery "by chance" while swimming, according to the University of Haifa.

Scalise says Iran isn't done "trying to create a nuclear weapon" amid potential U.S. strike

House Majority leader Steve Scalise told "CBS Mornings" Iran isn't done "trying to create a nuclear weapon" amid reports that congressional leaders are expected at the White House Tuesday for a briefing on Iran. Scalise also spoke about President Trump's State of the Union address, saying Mr. Trump will focus on what the administration has done regarding affordability, adding "we have more work to do."

Russell Brand pleads not guilty to new rape and sexual assault charges

Once a left-leaning political campaigner, Brand has rebranded himself as a conservative guru to millions of social media followers

Romantic partner helped lead to deadly capture of top cartel leader

A trusted associate of one of the cartel leader's romantic partners escorted the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, for a meeting with the drug lord, officials said.

France to punish U.S. ambassador after "surprise" no-show to diplomatic meeting

U.S. envoy Charles Kushner will be denied access to French government ministers due to his lack of attendance after comments about the death of a far-right activist

As Ukraine war enters year 5, Zelenskyy, Kremlin agree: Russia falling short

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russia has failed to achieve its goals — and the Kremlin agreed.

Trump growing frustrated with limits of Iran military options, sources say

Military planners are advising President Trump that any strike on Tehran's assets would almost certainly not be a singular, decisive blow.

Nuclear talks hang in the balance as Iran warns it's ready to fight

The U.S. and Iran are set to resume nuclear talks in Geneva in what could be the last best chance for a deal. Meanwhile, U.S. warships loom offshore and Iran warns it's ready to defend itself. Charlie D'Agata has more.

Sports
For Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (links are updated continually)

NFL Combine: Chiefs GM Brett Veach Hopeful That Travis Kelce Returns in 2026

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach said he's had continued dialogue with tight end Travis Kelce with the hope of him returning to the fold.

USA World Cup Spotlight: Big News On The Injury Front As Tyler Adams Returns

A trio of USA players who could be pivotal at the World Cup returned to action from various injuries.

2026 NCAA Tournament Projections: How the Big Ten Can Become an 11-Bid Conference

FOX Sports' bracket forecaster Mike DeCourcy offers up his latest men's NCAA Tournament projections.

2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder, Nuggets Hold Steady; Spurs Surge

Which NBA team is favored to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of the season? See the latest odds.

USA's Best World Baseball Classic Lineup: Assembling A Historic Squad

How might USA deploy its best roster ever? Breaking down the lineup, arms and decisions for manager Mark DeRosa.

World Baseball Classic Preview: Team Breakdowns, Top Players, Predictions

Previewing all 20 teams at the World Baseball Classic and predicting which teams will advance to the knockout round.

NFL Combine: Ahead of Fernando Mendoza Meeting, Raiders GM Wants Next QB to be 'Tough as Hell'

Raiders GM John Spytek didn't mention Fernando Mendoza by name, but he listed some of the qualities the Indiana QB seems to have when asked what he wants in a franchise QB.

NASCAR Power Rankings: Who Else but Tyler Reddick at No. 1?

Tyler Reddick has won the first two races of the 2026 season, so it's a little bit of a no-brainer to put him atop the power rankings.

Tom Brady on 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup: 'Incredibly Exciting' for USA

Tom Brady discussed what the United States hosting the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup means for the country and the growth of soccer.

AP College Basketball Players of the Week: Arkansas' Acuff, Iowa's Heiden

Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. and Iowa sophomore Ava Heiden are the Associated Press men’s and women's college basketball national players of the week.

Lifestyle
For Tuesday, February 24, 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.