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5 Things To Know On Friday, October 9, 2020

Posted at 6:55 AM, Oct 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-09 07:02:34-04

While you were sleeping, we compiled the biggest stories of the day in one place. Each story has a quick and easy summary, so you're prepared for whatever the day brings. Just click on the links if you want to know more!

1. President Trump is ready to rally.
President Donald Trump seems to be feeling better.

A few days after being released from the hospital to be treated for his COVID-19 diagnosis, the president is ready to take his campaign on the road. His first stop? Florida, naturally, perhaps as early as this weekend.

This comes after Trump said he wouldn't participate in a virtual debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Presidential candidates pass on Miami debate

2. Michigan governor's kidnapping plot foiled.
Speaking of Trump, some Democrats are pointing the finger at him for an alleged plot by 13 men to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

"There is a throughline from President Trump's dog whistles and tolerance of hate, vengeance, and lawlessness to plots such as this one," Biden said in a statement. "He is giving oxygen to the bigotry and hate we see on the march in our country."

The Democratic governor seemed to agree.

"When our leaders speak, their words matter," Whitmer said. "They carry weight."

The FBI says it has thwarted a group's plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
In a pool photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Mich., Friday, May 1, 2020. The governor said Michigan's stay-at-home order remains in effect despite Republicans' refusal to extend her underlying coronavirus emergency declaration, as she amended it to allow construction, real estate and outdoor work to resume next week. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, Pool)

3. Moving political signs? Watch out for booby traps.
Staying in the state of Michigan, a county employee there was injured while removing a political sign that was incorrectly placed in the road right-of-way.

It seems someone anticipated that very move, attaching razor blades to the bottom of the sign.

Ouch!

4. Shoo, fly, don't bother me.
By now you know all about the fly that stole the show at Wednesday night's vice presidential debate.

But did you know that the Biden camp capitalized on the moment, selling "Truth Over Flies" swatters on the Internet?

Well, if you wanted to buy one, you're out of luck. These novelty items are all sold out.

Fly lands on Pence's head, distracting internet
Vice President Mike Pence listens to Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., during the vice presidential debate Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at Kingsbury Hall on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

5. Fish out of water.
It was fun while it lasted.

The Miami Marlins, reaching the playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2003, obviously overachieved during this abnormal season. Not only did they make it to the playoffs, but they actually won the wild-card round and advanced to the National League Division Series to take on a familiar foes.

Alas, it wasn't meant to be, Marlins fans. They were swept by the Atlanta Braves. Bummer.

Ozzie Albies and Jorge Alfaro
Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies (1) dives in to score on a hit by Dansby Swanson as Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro (38) waits for the throw during the fifth inning in Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Houston.

Today's Forecast
It's going to be another warm day in South Florida. So what else is new?

First Alert Forecast for Friday morning, Oct. 9

Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.

On This Day In History
John Lennon, who went on to achieve worldwide fame as a member of the Beatles and a propagator of peace, was born on this day in 1940 in Liverpool, England. Lennon, who would have turned 80 today, was fatally shot in December 1980 by crazed fan Mark David Chapman outside the musician's New York City apartment building.

John Lennon circa 1971
In this 1971 file photo, singer John Lennon appears during a news conference.

Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m. And you can always watch the latest news from WPTV anytime on your favorite streaming device. Just search for "WPTV."