Good evening, Tampa Bay. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.
Your Weather Planner
Look for areas of fog again tonight with low temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s.
After the fog lifts in the mid morning hours, the sky will become mostly sunny.
Highs in the afternoon should reach 80 degrees, but it will be cooler along the coast.
High: 80
Low: 62
Rain Coverage: 0%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. DeSantis announces special legislative session on redistricting
“Today, I announced that I will be convening a Special Session of the Legislature focused on redistricting to ensure that Florida’s congressional maps accurately reflect the population of our state. Every Florida resident deserves to be represented fairly and constitutionally,” DeSantis posted on X and Facebook.
2. ICE agent shoots and kills woman during Minneapolis immigration crackdown
A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist when she allegedly tried to run over law enforcement officers during an immigration crackdown in the city, authorities said Wednesday.
3. Florida now among states with ‘very high’ flu activity; Tampa doctors seeing more severe cases
Florida is now among more than 30 states reporting very high flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and Tampa Bay doctors say they are seeing it firsthand in emergency rooms.
4. ‘Eat real food’: Trump administration urges protein, whole grains, less sugar in new federal dietary guidelines
The Trump administration is urging Americans to prioritize protein and whole grains while avoiding highly processed foods and sugar as part of a fresh set of dietary recommendations unveiled Wednesday.
5. Weather looking good for afternoon Starlink launch
The weather is looking pretty good on Thursday for the second launch of the year from the Sunshine State. The Falcon 9 rocket will send up Starlink 6-96 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated SpaceX.
6. U.S. seeks to assert its control over Venezuelan oil with tanker seizures and sales worldwide
President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday sought to assert its control over Venezuelan oil, seizing a pair of sanctioned tankers transporting petroleum and announcing plans to relax some sanctions so the U.S. can oversee the sale of Venezuela’s petroleum worldwide.
7. Planned renovations coming soon for iconic 100-year-old train caboose at Inverness Trailhead
Dozens of people gathered at the Inverness Trailhead of the Withlacoochee State Trail on Monday, learning about revival plans for the historic train caboose.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC ALERT | Both southbound lanes of 34th Street between East 7th Avenue and East 5th Avenue are closed as the Tampa Water Department works to perform maintenance on the distribution system. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by 4 p.m., Friday, weather permitting.
LEVEL UP ARTS GRANT | The city of St. Petersburg has launched the Level Up Arts Grant for nonprofit arts and culture organizations with budgets of $50,000 or less. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 30, or until funds are depleted. View additional information about the Level Up Arts Grant.
ON THE TOWN | The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts “The Soldier’s Lens” exhibition is on display through Jan. 25. Alexis Muellner, the co-creator of the exhibition and chairperson of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, says the photos unlock a “rich history” of the U.S. military.
National Notes
Thursday, Jan 8
Former Puerto Rico governor sentenced after pleading guilty to campaign finance violation
NATO Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting
Golden Eve’ primetime special ahead of the Golden Globes
57th NAACP Image Awards nominations announced, honoring outstanding performances in film, television, theater, music, and literature
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
To many, it’s a place where humans are invited to observe Wild Florida. And if you are lucky, you’ll see nature observing you.