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

Our hot and humid weather continues into next week.  The Dog Days of Summer are here to stay. 

High temperatures will be in the low to mid 90s with the heat index 100 to 107 this afternoon.

A southeast wind is 5 to 10 mph then the sea breeze will develop early in the afternoon but won't go far inland.

Expect some scattered showers and thunderstorms with a few heavy downpours lasting into the evening.

Check in with Klystron 9 for live radar.

Highs: Low-Mid 90s Lows: Near 80 Rain Coverage: 30%

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

Today's Big Stories

1. White House announces $270M military package for Ukraine
The White House announced Friday that the U.S. is sending an additional $270 million in security assistance to Ukraine, a package that will include additional medium-range rocket systems and tactical drones.

2. Ukraine, Russia sign U.N. deal to export grain on Black Sea
Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements Friday with Turkey and the United Nations clearing the way for exporting millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain — as well as Russian grain and fertilizer — ending a wartime standoff that had threatened food security around the globe.

3. FEMA report: Flood insurance hikes will drive 1M from market
When questioned by members of Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said its new update to the nation’s flood insurance program will prompt more people to sign up for coverage, even though many will pay more for it.

4. Biden's COVID symptoms 'have improved,' had low-grade fever Thursday night, doctor says
In an update from his doctor Thursday morning, President Joe Biden's COVID-19 symptoms are improving and he is tolerating his treatment against the virus well, but he reached a low-grade fever of 99.4º Thursday evening.

5. Turning Point Summit, Democratic Caucus Summer Conference to take place in Florida                                           Two major political conferences are scheduled to take place in Florida this weekend.

6. Metropolitan Ministries in need of donations as food stocks are 'critically low'
Metropolitan Ministries’ food warehouse is “critically low” and may soon go empty without help from the community.

7. Florida's MEGA MILLIONS jackpot climbs to $660 million for tonight's drawing
Florida’s MEGA MILLIONS jackpot is now up to an estimated $660 million for Friday night’s drawing after rolling over 28 times since the drawing on April 19.

8. Democrats Crist, Fried battle it out during gubernatorial debate
Two Democrats vying to unseat Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis took to a South Florida stage Thursday night, in the first and only debate between gubernatorial candidates Congressman Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.

9. 'The president didn’t want to do anything': Jan. 6 panel details Trump's inaction as deadly riot unfolded
In its final primetime hearing of the summer, the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill detailed the 187 minutes between former President Donald Trump's speech at the Ellipse to his tweet urging supporters to go home, making the case that the commander in chief's inaction and his failure to call off the violent amounted to dereliction of duty.

NEW EPISODE!

On this episode of To The Point Already, Bay News 9 anchors Rick Elmhorst and Roy De Jesus take a closer look at a cold case about an 18-year-old woman named Lisa Anne Mowrey who disappeared in Tampa in 2004. Her remains were not found until 2010, and no one really knows exactly what happened to her.

Your Notes for Tonight and This Weekend

• RAYS VS. ROYALS: The Tampa Bay Rays seek a second win in a row as they travel to Kauffman Stadium to take on the Kansas City Royals tonight at 8:10 p.m. 

• PINELLAS COUNTY TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound Roosevelt Blvd (SR 686) will be closed nightly for the next two weeks from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. All commuters traveling westbound on Ulmerton Road will be detoured away from accessing Roosevelt Blvd. View our real time traffic map for alternate routes. 

• ART EXHIBITION: Creative Pinellas will be hosting the "DARKMATTER" exhibition happening tonight from 6-8 p.m. featuring sculptor and multi-disciplinary artist Jason Hackenwerth. Two massive sculptures made of latex balloons will anchor the show and will be accompanied by huge paintings and more than 50 drawings and images of Hackenwerth’s exhibitions from the past 20 years. To RSVP, click here. 

           NATIONAL NOTES:

            Saturday, July 23

• Turning Point USA Summit Tampa –former President Donald Trump to speak in the evening
• 74th Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards ceremony
• Vice President Harris discusses protection of abortion rights with Virginia legislators
• Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con celebration 2022 San Diego

In Case You Missed It:

Meet PJ, Central Florida Zoo's one-horned Indian rhinoceros

Stepping foot into the Central Florida Zoo transports visitors immediately to a world filled with exotic animals, not to mention the hands-on experiences that get you up close to some thrilling animals.