Good evening, Central Florida. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

A chilly night tonight as lows push back into the 40s for a majority of the area. Some locations, especially in Marion and Sumter counties, may even find some upper 30s tonight. A clear sky and calm wind will allow those numbers to drop through daybreak Friday.

An expansive ridge will build on Friday afternoon, leading to ample sunshine throughout the day. Highs will rebound quickly, bouncing back into the lower 70s during our Friday afternoon. Highs push even further, into the mid and upper 70s throughout the weekend. A new front approaches Sunday with limited rain chances, but will cool us off once again by the new workweek.

Stay up to date on the forecast by downloading the Spectrum News app. 

Highs: Lower 70s

Lows: Lower 50s

Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Orange County Sheriff’s Office closes investigation into Epic Universe ride death
New documents reveal what employees told first responders on the scene.

2. House Bill 289 could expand wrongful death act to unborn children in the Sunshine State
As Florida lawmakers prepare for the legislative session to begin next month, some bills are already sparking debate, especially those that have to do with pregnant women.

3. Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans
Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts

4. Disney invests $1B in OpenAI in deal to bring characters like Mickey Mouse to Sora AI video tool
The OpenAI agreement makes the Walt Disney Co. the first major content licensing partner for Sora, which uses generative artificial intelligence to create short videos.

5. Florida sees sharp rise in release of exotic pets
Rescue centers are under strain, and native wildlife could be at risk.

Happening Around Town

Berry Bazaar | Tomorrow | Shop artisan made goods, artwork, body products, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, candles as gifts. Enjoy free music, 1000’s of lights, food trucks, Glass Guild exhibit in the Art House and an exhibit in the Art Center. It runs from 5 – 9 p.m., and entry is free.

Shipping Deadlines| Starting Dec. 15 | With the holiday season in full swing, gift givers who plan to send presents to their loved ones are running up against shippers’ deadlines to get them there on time. Get all the important dates here.

Look Up! | This Weekend | The Geminids can be viewed in the night sky as early as 9 p.m. The best time to view the Geminid meteor shower will be in the pre-dawn hours between 1 and 3 a.m.

There are places for grand gestures, but at the Lake Nona VA, it’s one man’s small gestures, the smiles, waves and thumbs up, before sunrise that have a way of casting a glow.