Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.

Your Weather Planner

The morning will start out mild. A few showers may still be around, mainly south of Tampa Bay early.

The cold front will move south and away.

Get the full forecast here. 

Highs: 77

Lows: 53

Rain Coverage: 20% 

Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

Around Tampa Bay

1. Contractor faces charges related to unfinished hurricane home repairs
Bradenton Police officials announced they arrested Brian Michaud in relation to an investigation into unfinished hurricane repair work for seniors. 

2. Ingoglia proposes bills that he says will make local government more accountable
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia on Thursday announced a proposed series of bills aimed at what he said would make “local governments more accountable” and to create standardized transparency throughout the state.

3. Citrus County woman charged after 2 ex-husbands found dead
A Citrus County woman was arrested Wednesday night after being accused of shooting and killing one ex-husband, and potentially another, Manatee County Sheriff’s officials said.

4. New Goodwill location in Longboat Key
Goodwill Manasota is expanding its footprint into Longboat Key. The nonprofit opened its first location on the barrier island on Thursday. The store is creating new jobs, while the organization hopes it will become a major donation hub.

Around the Nation

1. Police investigating link between Brown shooting and killing of MIT professor, sources say

2. U.S. consumer prices decelerated unexpectedly in November, rising 2.7% from a year earlier

3. U.S. announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, angering China

4. House Democrats release ‘concerning’ records from Epstein’s estate as DOJ’s deadline approaches

Quote of the Day

Across the country, small groups are working to rebuild social connection amid rising loneliness in their own modest ways.

By many measures, Americans are socially disconnected at historic levels.

They’re joining civic groups, clubs and unions at lower rates than in generations. Recent polling shows that membership rates in religious congregations are around the lowest in nearly a century. Americans have fewer close friends than they used to. They trust each other less. They’re hanging out less in shared public places like coffee shops and parks.