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
Thursday will be humid with some isolated showers and storms near the coast in the morning, then pushing inland later in the day.
Highs will be in the mid 80s at the coast and near 90 inland.
Low temperatures stay warm as humidity will be high. Overnight lows fall to the mid 70s.
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High: 89 Low: 76 Rain Coverage: 30% |
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Today's Big Stories
1. 'I can taste the air': Canadian wildfire smoke spreads hazardous haze at home and in U.S.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires poured into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest on Wednesday, covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze, holding up flights at major airports and prompting people to fish out pandemic-era face masks.
2. Messi says he will join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami
After months of speculation, Messi revealed his decision in interviews with Spanish news outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport. He noted in the interview with Sport that some details still need to be worked out but that he has made his choice.
3. Tampa police searching for woman in stolen parrots case
According to authorities, two Blue-fronted Amazon parrots, Tito (15 years old) and Mama (20 years old), were stolen on March 18 from the porch of a house near Epps Park in Seminole Heights.
4. Summer Break Spot to offer free food to children during school break
The federally-funded program aims to close the hunger gap by providing nutritious food at no cost to children under 18 while school is out.
5. 'We need new leadership for our changing economy': North Dakota Gov. Burgum announces run for president
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is the latest Republican to join the race for president in 2024, announcing his candidacy in a Wall Street Journal op-ed Tuesday evening and then a speech Wednesday morning in Fargo, North Dakota.
6. Florida Politics: Harsher punishments coming for drug distributors in Florida overdose cases
Starting July 1, a drug will only have to be a 'substantial factor' in a fatal overdose for someone to be eligible for the death penalty.
7. Pro wrestling legend The Iron Sheik dies at 81
Born in Iran, he rose to prominence in the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s and was arguably best known for his rivalry with fellow wrestling star Hulk Hogan.
Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
- RAYS UP: The Tampa Bay Rays will play the Minnesota Twins tonight, hoping for another win after last night's 7-0 game. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field.
- US 19 RAMPS CLOSED AT GANDY BLVD: The US 19 entrance ramps to Gandy Boulevard will temporarily close beginning Thursday, June 8, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, June 9, for crews to perform roadway lighting improvements. Drivers needing access to Gandy Boulevard will travel around the work zone using 70th Avenue North and 34th Street North. For more information, visit the FDOT Tampa Bay website.
- CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE TRAIL CLOSURES: The Marsh Rabbit Run Trail and a portion of Alligator Alley are temporarily closed until further notice, Polk County's Parks and Natural Resources Division announced. For a location map and additional information, visit the Polk County Environmental lands website.
- GAS PRICES: AAA confirmed today that while Florida's average gas prices saw a small dip, there is no change in the nation's. Florida's average gas prices today are at $3.33 per gallon, 1 cent down from the day before. View the cheapest gas prices in the Tampa Bay area.
NATIONAL NOTES
Thursday, June 8
- President Biden hosts UK PM at the White House
- Vice President Harris attends U.S.-Caribbean Leaders meeting.
- CMA Fest in Nashville
- Forbes Global 2000 published.
- Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
- Court hearing for Buffalo, NY, supermarket shooter on federal hate crime charges
- SpaceX rocket launch, carrying Transporter-8 rideshare mission.
Chef's Kitchen:
Prickly Pear Fruit is the star of the quail dish at Barbara's Kitchen
Barbara’s Kitchen is having a game night. We’re not talking about Jenga or Charades — we mean wild game. Chef Dwight Hudgins offers a quail recipe, along with Chef Sharon Young from Barbara’s.