In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar —> Feel free to post events of interest to our community; its quite easy to do.

WEATHER 

Local News

— Ferg’s Named #1 Sports Bar in America by USA Today

Of Interest

— Solving a 1,500-Year Mystery: USF, FAU Link Plague to Ancient Pandemic

OMG!

— “It Wasn’t Cancer, Said ChatGPT — But It Was”

Medical News

— Common Painkillers May Be Fueling Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs, Study Finds

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
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Ferg’s Named #1 Sports Bar in America
by USA Today

The ranking, released Wednesday, excluded chains and franchises, relying on votes from readers and a panel of experts.

Described as “a juggernaut within the St. Pete drinking and dining scene,” Ferg’s stood out for its classic pub fare, community atmosphere, and over 90 TVs broadcasting live sports.

Opened in 1992 by Mark Ferguson in the Gas Plant District near Tropicana Field, the venue has since grown into a massive entertainment hub. Today, it features 11 event spaces and Ferg’s Backyard, which accommodates up to 3,000 guests for concerts, pep rallies, and other large gatherings.

As a longtime favorite for locals and Rays fans alike, Ferg’s combines food, sports, and community like few other places in the country — making its top spot well-earned.

Read More: fox13news.com

Solving a 1,500-Year Mystery: USF, FAU Link Plague to Ancient Pandemic

USF and FAU researchers have uncovered the first genetic evidence of the Plague of Justinian, a pandemic that ravaged the Byzantine Empire nearly 1,500 years ago. Excavations in Jerash, Jordan, revealed Yersinia pestis DNA from eight human teeth buried beneath the ancient Roman hippodrome, confirming the presence of plague at the pandemic’s epicenter for the first time.

While traces of the plague had been found in Western Europe, this is the first direct evidence in the Eastern Mediterranean, aligning with historical records from AD 541–750. The findings, published in two new studies, also show plague pandemics emerged independently across history, not from a single strain.

Researchers say this reshapes how we understand pandemic recurrence, evolution, and containment limits — a lesson still relevant today as Y. pestis remains active worldwide.

“This work gives voice to the long-silent victims of history,” said co-author Greg O’Corry-Crowe, FAU.

Read More: usf.edu

“It Wasn’t Cancer, Said ChatGPT — But It Was”

Warren Tierney, a 37-year-old father of two from Ireland, was diagnosed with stage-four oesophageal cancer after initially relying on ChatGPT for medical advice. Suffering from a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, he turned to the AI tool instead of his GP, influenced by what he called a “systemic male belief” to downplay symptoms.

ChatGPT assured him his symptoms were “highly unlikely” to indicate cancer. But when his condition worsened, he sought emergency care — only to receive a devastating diagnosis: adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus, a cancer with a bleak survival rate of just 5–10% over five years.

Tierney, a former psychologist, now warns others not to depend on AI for health advice, acknowledging the delay in diagnosis may have cost him precious time.

His wife Evelyn has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise €120,000 for treatment abroad, potentially in Germany or India, as Warren prepares for possible surgery.

Read More: mirror.co.uk

Common Painkillers May Be Fueling Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs, Study Finds

Common over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may contribute to deadly antibiotic resistance, according to a new study from the University of South Australia.

Researchers found that these medications, when combined with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, caused genetic mutations in E. coli, making it resistant to not just ciprofloxacin, but other antibiotics as well. The risk was even greater when both painkillers were used together.

“Antibiotic resistance isn’t just about antibiotics anymore,” said lead researcher Dr. Rietie Venter, highlighting the growing impact of non-antibiotic drugs on microbial evolution.

The World Health Organization has labeled antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the top public health threats. AMR-related deaths could reach 40 million globally by 2050 if trends continue.

Experts urge caution, especially in elder care settings where multiple medications are common. The takeaway: don’t stop taking these medications — but be mindful of drug interactions with antibiotics.

Read More: foxnews.com

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Things to do Around Pasco
8/28 - 9/3
Source: suncoastnews.com

🎭 Tonight in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa: Film & Arts Spotlight

• Stand-Up: Matt Bergman (Side Splitters – Wesley Chapel)
  Evening shows all weekend at the Grove location; pick your preferred set and seats online. Venue: 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Theater #7. Sidesplitters

• Paint & Sip: R&B All-White Party @ KRATE (Wesley Chapel)
  “Every Last Friday – Only R&B” summer finale kicks off at 7:00 pm—dress code: all white. Great vibe for artsy photos + social bites at the container park. Krate the Grove+1

• Hands-On Arts (Nearby option): Carrollwood Cultural Center
  Daytime ceramics class and gallery exhibits if you want to preview art before your night plans (short hop from New Tampa). Carrollwood Cultural Center+1

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre

Misc

- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

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