The WMNF Song of the Day for July 8, 2026 is “Carolina Rain” by Rhiannon Giddens.

Rhiannon Giddens is a musical force of nature, gracefully blending a deep, historical reverence for American roots music with a completely modern vibe. Whether she’s picking up a fiddle or banjo, winning a Pulitzer and Grammy, composing the opera Omar, curating vibrant celebrations of Black culture and founding member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops her music always feels grounded, intentional, and deeply soulful. One would long run out of breath just listing her accomplishments. She has this incredible gift for pulling forgotten stories out of the margins of history and breathing fresh life into them, making her just as much a brilliant curator of our musical heritage as she is a world-class creator.

Her track “Carolina Rain”, originally written for the show Nashville and featured as a lead single on her album Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, is the perfect example of that comforting, down-home energy. It’s a sweet, acoustic ballad shared with her longtime collaborator Dirk Powell that gently tells you to slow down and forget about the endless hustle. Packed with rich Southern imagery, the song feels like a warm, porch-side breeze, reminding us that emotional wealth and staying connected to the ones we love will always outvalue chasing a dollar.

For more: https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/.

The post SOTD 7/8/26: Carolina Rain by Rhiannon Giddens appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

This week on The Big Gay Radio Show, Chris Gorman, Esmé Russell, and Bryan Hinkson were joined by South Tampa Democrats President Nathan Kuipers to talk about local politics, public service, and the Democratic Party’s priorities in the Tampa Bay area. Kuipers reflected on his experience running for public office and discussed campaign strategy, voter outreach, and the candidates representing the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.

The show also celebrated its latest giveaway by awarding a pair of tickets to RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World 2027 Tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

The team also discussed several stories making headlines across the country. Topics included a viral photo showing a Black woman surrounded by white supremacists on public transit, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s recent health concerns, a Florida woman caught with cocaine in her “jail purse,” and new charges filed against Paul Pelosi following a hit-and-run investigation.

On The Big Gay After Show

The conversation continued on The Big Gay After Show, where Chris, Esmé, and Bryan spoke further with Nathan Kuipers about national politics and the week’s biggest headlines.

The group discussed a man who became angry at their partner over a fecal issue, an Air Force major arrested after calling for President Trump’s impeachment, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to halt an $800-per-day fine imposed on a former Fox News reporter. Additional topics included President Trump suggesting he invite Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush to the White House to watch football, Iran and Egypt competing in a World Cup “Pride Match,” and questions surrounding Trump’s involvement in FIFA decisions.

The team also discussed Hungary’s first LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration since Viktor Orbán lost office, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoing a $2 million grant for St. Petersburg’s Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, 7-Eleven suing Nike over trademark infringement, and plans for a new White House helipad.

Check out the most recent episode of The Big Gay Radio Show here!

Check out The Big Gay After Show available at 5PM, July 7th, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

The post Former State House candidate Nathan Kuipers weighs in on South Tampa Democrats appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Florida hospitality organizations want more time for TPS workers from Haiti and Syria

Florida hospitality leaders are urging the federal government to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for workers from Haiti and Syria. They warn the change would help prevent labor shortages across the state tourism industry.

An audit in Manatee County reveals that EMS workers were underpaid

A Manatee County audit found payroll errors that left EMS workers underpaid. As a result, county officials are reviewing the issue and working to provide back pay to affected employees.

A Pinellas County rape kit provider is on probation over wait times

A Pinellas County provider has been placed on probation after missing required rape kit testing deadlines.

Taylor Hatch suddenly resigns as Florida’s DCF Secretary

Taylor Hatch has resigned as secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) ending the tenure unexpectedly. State officials have not announced a reason for the resignation or named a permanent replacement.

The Scoop, produced by Demaria Green

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli.
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Sofia Caballero, Daria Mironova, Megan Fair, Luiza Medeiros de Campos, Hanna Lau, Joeniyah Carter, Jaelin Diehl.
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

• information from News Service of Florida, the Associated Press and Florida Public Media was used in this report

The post The Scoop: Tues. July 7, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

FPREN | By Irene Sans

The eastern and central Caribbean are hot and dry! This is due to millions of dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. These particles have traveled thousands of miles from the Sahara Desert in Africa and will continue moving across the western Caribbean before ultimately reaching Florida this week. This could be the first notable Saharan dust plume of the season for Florida. While faint layers of dust have already reached the state, they haven’t been noticeable enough—or thick enough—to bring substantial changes to the weather.

South Florida is expected to see reduced chances of rain and thunderstorms as dust arrives beginning Wednesday. The dust will reach Central Florida by Thursday, also reducing rain chances. Remember that with fewer chances of rain, there will be plenty of sunshine (though not crisp blue skies), allowing temperatures to soar. There is also a chance of hazy conditions on Thursday and Friday across Northeast Florida. While the dust is present, temperatures could reach the mid- to upper 90s, and with the humidity, it could feel as hot as 110°F.

These tiny particles travel thousands of miles within the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), typically located between 0.5 and 3.5 miles above the surface. Saharan dust has been found in virtually every part of the globe—even atop glaciers near both poles.

On average, a new plume arrives in the Western Hemisphere about once a week or every other week, although its density can vary significantly.

NOAA began tracking these annual dust events about 20 years ago. According to the National Weather Service, July 2024 was nearly 60% to 70% dustier than usual, making conditions especially difficult for people with allergies. That plume was estimated to be roughly the size of the contiguous United States and was one of the largest Saharan dust events ever tracked.

Saharan dust can mean hotter temperatures, which can be problematic for people with respiratory conditions. However, it also suppresses tropical activity and delivers valuable nutrients to the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon. Let’s dust it all off!

The Bad: heat & nutrients for algae blooms

Most Saharan dust remains between 5,000 and 20,000 feet in the atmosphere. Eventually, however, some of the particles settle closer to the surface—the air we breathe—and that’s when respiratory issues can begin. Saharan dust can irritate the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. If you have allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, consider staying indoors when dust concentrations are high, and be sure to take any prescribed or recommended allergy medications.

When Saharan dust is present, temperatures often rise significantly. Dust particles absorb sunlight during the day, warming the atmosphere while also reducing radiational cooling at night. This can lead to higher overnight lows and warmer mornings. Because afternoon thunderstorms are often suppressed, there is less natural cooling, allowing the atmosphere to heat up even more.

Finally, the same nutrients that replenish the Amazon rainforest and nourish Caribbean beaches also settle into the ocean. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, these nutrients can feed algae that contribute to harmful algal blooms, including red tide.

The good: Saharan dust also brings nutrients to the forest & less chance of tropical activity

One major benefit of Saharan dust is that it suppresses tropical development. Strong, well-organized storms can often overcome the dry, dusty air, but weaker or poorly organized systems typically struggle to survive in the presence of Saharan dust.

The dust also delivers essential nutrients, including phosphorus, to the Amazon rainforest. These minerals, carried thousands of miles across the Atlantic, support plant growth on land and phytoplankton growth in the ocean, making them an important part of healthy marine ecosystems.

Finally, hazy skies filled with Saharan dust often produce spectacular sunrises and sunsets that can last for several weeks. So, while the weather may be hotter during these dust events, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the extra-vibrant colors at sunrise or sunset.

The post Saharan dust is on the way to Florida bringing some weather changes appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Double sevens for good luck! The WMNF Song of the Day for July 7, “Twenty Four” by former SOTDers Skinny McGee and the Handshakes.

“Twenty Four” is a song of a day, a woman, and a lot trouble around a number. It was recorded at Omnipop Studio by Josh Miller, Mixed by Shawn Gravitt.

Skinny McGee has been around WMNF for quite some time. Most recently on WMNF’s Live Music Showcase! (see below)

They perform constantly. Their next show is The Tipsy Hen Downtown Winter Haven, Florida. Find out more at https://skinnymcgee.rocks/.

Follow Skinny McGee on IG.

The post SOTD 7/7/26: Twenty Four by Skinny McGee and the Handshakes appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The Top 10 Spins on WMNF 88.5 FM highlights the most popular and influential tracks currently playing on the station. It showcases a curated list of the top 10 songs, representing a mix of genres from indie hits to emerging artists and chart-topping favorites. Updated weekly, this list brings you the freshest sounds and the latest music trends. Tune in to discover the best of what’s making waves on WMNF 88.5 FM, celebrated for its diverse and community-driven programming.

Top 10 Spins will return on July 13th!

1. Ratboys, “Anywhere”

2. Elizabeth Cook, “Razorwire Wall (feat. Evan Felker)”

3. Ibibio Sound Machine, “Return to Sender”

4. Allison Russell, “Cold April feat. Kara Jackson, Denitia, and Explore! Pop Choir”

5. Angelique Kidjo, “Oyaya feat. Nile Rodgers, IZA”

6. The Rolling Stones, “In The Stars”

7. Thee Sacred Souls, “Any Old Fool”

8. Arlo Parks, “Get Go”

9. Death Cab for Cutie, “Riptides”

10. Jesse Welles, “Won’t You Come Out Tonight”

Want to discover more of WMNF’s favorite new music? Check out our Hot Box on Spotify!

The post Top 10 Spins on WMNF 88.5 FM appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Monday, July 6th

Lakeland City Commission Meeting | 228 S. Massachussets Avenue, Lakeland | 9:00am

• City Commission proposes temporary AI data center moratorium in Lakeland
  • Proposal bans all development permits, development orders ‘and other approvals’ related to data centers.
  • There is no proposed end-date to the moratorium, but it is still called a ‘temporary’ moratorium.
• Commission expresses support for Florida DOT project development & environmental study for US 92
  • The study will gauge the potential impacts of reducing the number of lanes between Walker and Florida Avenue from six lanes to four lanes.
  • Included in the study is alternative transportation options to replace these lanes, including pedestrian and bike trails.

Tuesday, July 7th

Polk County Board of County Commissioners Meeting | 330 W. Church St., Bartow | 9:00am

• Commissioners approve $6.3 million construction agreement for County building
  • A study concluded the Eagle Lake Roads & Drainage Maintenance Facility building needed to be replaced, citing age, deterioration and its ‘inability to adequality support operational needs’.
  • The agreement, a Guaranteed Maximum Price agreement, will amount to $6.3 million. The County selected Strickland Construction Inc.
• County approves $60,000 for 12 new traffic-calming devices in County neighborhoods
  • The 12 devices will be placed in 4 different areas; One will be on Bay Boulevard North, three on Eastside Drive South, five on Pryor Road, and three on Sixth Streat East.
  • All of these traffic calming devices came after residents approached the County and requested them on these streets. County staff conducted feasibility studies, finding all of these requests reasonable.

Temple Terrace City Council Meeting | 11250 N 56th St., Temple Terrace | 6:00pm

• Council proposes new school speed zone enforcement program
  • The new program would allow for speed detection systems and would designate new school speed detection zones throughout the City.

The post Local government – What’s happening in Tampa Bay appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Manatee County enacts a burn ban

Manatee County enacts a countywide burn ban on account of continuing drought conditions.

Most Americans feel that democratic freedoms are in danger

A new survey reveals that seven in ten Americans believe democratic freedoms are in danger.

A new sixth division has been created in the 10th Judicial Court System in Polk County

It will consolidate family law cases into a new family law section. This is mean to consequently reduce wait time for hearings and take case load off judges.

Cindy Stuart will face Aileen Rodriguez in the Democratic primary for Hillsborough Commission, District 7

The winner will then face Republican Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal next month.

Local filmmakers will feature Ybor City music venue Crowbar

Independent Ybor music venue Crowbar is set to close at the end of July. Meanwhile, local filmmakers are currently creating a documentary about the venue titled “The Man Behind the Crowbar”.

The Scoop, produced by Maeleigh Fricke

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli.
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Sofia Caballero, Daria Mironova, Megan Fair, Luiza Medeiros de Campos, Hanna Lau, Joeniyah Carter, Jaelin Diehl.
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

• information from News Service of Florida, the Associated Press and Florida Public Media was used in this report

The post The Scoop: Mon. July 6, 2026 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Refresh this page for the latest updates.

Venezuela Earthquake Live Updates: July 6, 2026

Follow WMNF’s live coverage of the aftermath of Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes. This page is updated throughout the day with verified information on rescue operations, humanitarian aid, official announcements, road conditions, international assistance, and recovery efforts across the country.

2:00 p.m. ET — U.N. raises $274 million for Venezuela earthquake response

The United Nations says it has raised $274 million for its humanitarian response to Venezuela’s earthquake disaster but still needs $632 million to provide life-saving assistance to millions of people affected.

According to U.N. officials, the response plan aims to support 5.5 million vulnerable people. The organization said private donors have contributed an additional $32 million, along with in-kind donations of supplies and services.

The U.N. also reported that 79 temporary shelters are now housing displaced families, while humanitarian agencies continue expanding access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Source: United Nations / EFE.

1:00 p.m. ET — Signs of life reported beneath collapsed apartment building in La Guaira

Relatives and rescue workers searching the collapsed Mariana Mar apartment building in Tanaguarena, La Guaira, say they have detected possible signs of life beneath the rubble, 11 days after the June 24 earthquakes.

Despite the building being marked for demolition, families remain at the site hoping to find survivors. Officials estimate that at least 25 people may still be trapped.

“We’ve been here since the first day. Hope is the last thing we lose,” said Roberto Salazar, a police officer whose relatives are missing. He added that Colombian rescue teams have been assisting with the search but said more heavy machinery is urgently needed.

Source: VPItv.

12:00 p.m. ET — Families pay up to $1,200 a day for heavy equipment to recover loved ones

With limited access to government resources, some Venezuelan families are paying up to $1,200 per day to rent heavy machinery and rescue equipment to search for loved ones trapped beneath collapsed buildings in La Guaira.

One of the most notable cases is former Major League Baseball player Eliezer Alfonzo, who organized his own rescue operation with heavy equipment and dozens of volunteers to search for his wife and 16-year-old daughter. Both were later found dead after nearly two weeks beneath the rubble.

According to El País, many families have hired excavators, hydraulic hammers, generators, and crews to continue recovery efforts as official resources remain stretched.

Source: El País.

11:00 a.m. ET — Venezuela shifts from rescue to recovery as government reshuffles cabinet

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced a cabinet reshuffle as the country’s earthquake response enters a new phase focused on recovering victims and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

Rodríguez appointed Francisco Garcés as the new transport minister while assigning former minister Jacqueline Faría to lead reconstruction efforts through the newly created Gran Misión Venezuela Renace.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said coordination of search-and-rescue operations has now been transferred to Venezuela’s Civil Protection agency, as international teams gradually scale back their role.

Source: El Nacional (Venezuela).

10:30 a.m. ET — UCV holds candlelight vigil to honor earthquake victims

Students, faculty, and volunteers at Venezuela’s Central University (UCV) gathered Sunday for a candlelight vigil titled “A Light for Venezuela” to honor the more than 3,000 people who have died in the June 24 earthquakes.

The university, which operates one of the country’s largest humanitarian collection centers, has received more than 100 tons of donated aid, according to student leaders.

During the ceremony, participants remembered classmates, professors, and other victims while paying tribute to the thousands of volunteers supporting relief efforts across the country.

Source: El Nacional (Venezuela).

10:00 a.m. ET — U.S. lawmakers urge new TPS designation for Venezuelans after earthquakes

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is calling on the Trump administration to grant a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuelans already living in the United States following the devastating June 24 earthquakes.

Florida Reps. Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar, along with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, argue that the disaster makes it unsafe to return Venezuelans to their home country.

Lawmakers said the humanitarian crisis meets the legal criteria for TPS, which can be granted after major natural disasters that prevent the safe return of a country’s citizens. They are urging the White House to suspend deportations and redesignate Venezuela for the program.

Source: Maria Elvira Salazar X

9:00 a.m. ET — Four people rescued alive after 11 days beneath rubble in La Guaira

Rescue teams pulled four people alive from the rubble of the OPP Caribe residential complex in Caraballeda, La Guaira, 11 days after they were trapped by the June 24 earthquakes.

The survivors, a young man, a woman, and two small children, were located Sunday night after rescuers established voice contact. They received emergency medical treatment at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals.

The rescue comes as officials report the earthquakes have now claimed 3,342 lives and injured 16,700 people, while search operations continue in the hardest-hit areas.

Several organizations across the Tampa Bay area continue collecting emergency supplies including:

• Hygiene kits
• Baby supplies
• First aid items
• Non-perishable food
• Water
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags

Current collection sites include:

• Venezuela USA Foundation
• Boricuas de Corazón
• Arepas Maíta (Tampa & Clearwater)
• Venezuela To Go
• Pabellón Restaurant
• Stay in Step
• Matcon Construction
• Manco Space (Lutz & Wesley Chapel)
• Madrinas Insurance
• Floor Center of Tampa Bay

Additional locations continue to be added.

How to help

If you’d like to support relief efforts, consider donating through established humanitarian organizations including:

• Direct Relief
• World Central Kitchen
• Aid for Life International

Local donation drives are also accepting emergency supplies throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Previous Coverage

Read our full story:

How Tampa Bay Can Help After Venezuela’s Devastating Earthquake

About this Live Blog

This page is updated throughout the day as WMNF receives confirmed information from emergency officials, humanitarian organizations, international agencies and trusted news partners.

Refresh this page for the latest updates.

The post Venezuela Earthquake Live Updates: July 6, 2026 appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The WMNF Song of the Day for July 6, 2026 is “Getting Through” by Datura4.

Hailing from the port town of Fremantle in Western Australia, Datura4 has built a stellar reputation for channeling the ghost of rock & roll’s past and injecting it with a heavy dose of modern energy. Named after a poisonous flower, the band excels at taking equal parts vintage psychedelia, no-quarter boogie, classic hard driving rock and blues, and running it all through a massive bank of roaring amps. They first turned heads back in 2015 with their high-impact debut album Demon Blues, cementing a signature retro sound that pays deep respect to the golden era of ’70s rock while firmly living in the present.

That unmistakable, heavy retro-inspired charm is on full display in “Getting Through,” the groove-heavy second single from their album High on the Low Brow (released via Alive Naturalsound Records). The track builds an infectious, slow-burning momentum driven by thick fuzz riffs, pounding rhythms, and spacey keyboard flourishes that float beautifully over the gritty hard rock foundation. It’s a song that completely wraps you up in its psychedelic textures while smoothly exploring raw, relatable themes of unrequited love and mutual respect—making it the perfect track to put on, turn up, and just lean into the groove.

The post SOTD 7/6/26: Getting Through by Datura4 appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.