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

We'll see a few passing showers and storms on Saturday, but even where it rains, most of the day will be dry.

Highs will be in the low to mid 90s with heat index values in the low 100s.

Winds will be out of the west at 5 to 15 mph. 

Lows temperatures fall to the low 80s at night. 

High: 93

Low: 81

Rain Coverage: 30% 

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Today's Big Stories

1. Judge sets May 2024 trial date for Trump classified documents case
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon set a trial date of May 20, 2024, for former President Donald Trump's classified documents case, according to court documents released today.

2. DeSantis calls for investigation after Bud Light stock drop affects Florida pensions
Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for an investigation into Anheuser-Busch InBev’s actions regarding their Bud Light marketing campaign and falling stock prices.

3. Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96
Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" graced a decadeslong career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died today. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.

4. Disgraced former professional guardian sentenced to probation
Former professional guardian Rebecca Fierle avoided a potential prison sentence, as part of a plea deal that stems from the 2019 death of one of her wards, Steven Stryker.

5. Jury awards Florida girl burned by McDonald's Chicken McNugget $800,000 in damages
A South Florida jury awarded $800,000 in damages to a little girl who received second-degree burns when a hot Chicken McNugget fell on her leg as her mother pulled away from the drive-thru of a McDonald's restaurant.

6. Kennels full at Pasco County Animal Services
Officials with Pasco County Animal Services say that kennels are full, and they are having trouble accepting additional dogs into the shelter.

7. PTC student wins gold at national plumber championship
Pinellas Technical College student Chris Hayes won gold at the SkillsUSA National Championship competition for plumbers last month in Atlanta for the second year in a row.

8. Florida Politics: Get ready for Florida spiny lobster season
Florida’s 2023 spiny lobster season opens July 26 with a two-day recreational mini-season. The regular commercial and recreational season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2024.

 

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

  • RAYS vs. ORIOLES, GAME 2: The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles continue their big four-game series with a matchup tonight at the Trop. The Orioles took sole possession of first place with last night's 10-inning win. Zach Efflin gets the ball for Tampa Bay in search of his 11th win. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.
  • TRAFFIC HOT SPOTS: Spectrum Bay News 9's Tim Wronka identifies this weekend's traffic "hot spots" as: Rays games (Saturday 4:10 p.m. and Sunday at 1:40 p.m.); SR 60 CSX closure in Hillsborough (both days); Downtown St. Pete construction until 8 p.m. (Saturday); Major 275 closure overnight in Tampa, both directions between MLK and Hillsborough Ave., 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. (midnight into Monday).
  • BIER FEST RETURNS: A slice of Bavaria returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the park celebrates its fan-favorite Bier Fest event, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 21 through Sept. 4, including Labor Day. It includes 15 newly created menu items inspired by classic German flavors and 60 brews from regions near and far. View additional details about Bier Fest.
  • CHRISTMAS IN JULY: Christmas in July is tomorrow at Keel Farms (5202 Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL). With Christmas-themed games and activities, delicious food and drink specials, unique vendors, and more for the whole family to enjoy. View Christmas in July details and hours.

           
           NATIONAL NOTES        

Saturday 7/22

  • U.S. begin FIFA Women's World Cup defense against Vietnam
  • Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards ceremony
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
  • World Fencing Championships
  • Jill Biden delivers remarks at Biden Victory Fund event in Massachusetts
  • Doug Emhoff continues New Zealand trip
  • UK's Prince George celebrates 10th birthday
  • 20th anniversary of Iraq invasion POW returning home
  • 20th anniversary of Saddam Hussein sons killed
  • 90th anniversary of first solo flight around the world
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 39th annual Cultural Festival
  • Marianne Williamson on campaign trail in Georgia
  • Vivek Ramaswamy attends WRW 5th Annual Boots & BBQ fundraiser and on campaign trail in Nevada

Sunday 7/23

  • National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inducted
  • Tour de France finishes on Paris' Champs-Elysees
  • Tour de France Femmes begins
  • 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament group stage continues: Netherlands vs. Portugal in Group E at Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin (7:30 PM NZST); France vs. Jamaica in Group F at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney (8:00 PM AEST); Sweden vs. South Africa in Group G at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington (5:00 PM NZST)
  • Jill Biden begins France trip
  • Doug Emhoff concludes New Zealand trip
  • NYC Bodypainting Day
  • 20th anniversary of report investigating sexual abuse in Boston Archdiocese
  • Egypt Revolution Day

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