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. You've gotta fight...for your right... to party? Gov. DeSantis proposes college 'bill of rights' to party
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he would seek a “bill of rights” for college students following crackdowns on parties and other social gatherings that some blame for a surge in COVID-19 cases on campuses around the country.
“I personally think it’s dramatically draconian that a student could get potentially expelled for going to a party. That’s what college kids do,” said DeSantis.
The Republican governor also said he would move to block local governments from closing restaurants again.
2. Speaking of partying, bars to reopen Oct. 5 in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County Commissioners revised their Phase Two businesses reopening plan Thursday. Staff modified the timeline to reopen venues earlier than initially planned.
All restrictions related to hours open for business will be lifted today. Auditoriums, bingo parlors, comedy clubs to playhouses can open at half-capacity on Monday. Bars, hookah, and cigar bars can reopen at 50% capacity on Oct. 5.
3. Speaking of college, the last Power 5 conference is in
The Pac-12 Conference will kick off Nov. 6 and no fans will be allowed "at any sporting competition taking place on Pac-12 campus."
The NCAA announced on Thursday that college football bowl games can commence this season on December 1.
In the past, teams needed to have a 6-6 (.500) record at a minimum in order to qualify for a bowl game. But with most teams playing a truncated schedule, the NCAA is lifting its minimum requirement to qualify for bowl games.
4. Not a party, but local concerts are starting back up
If you are looking for some fun, but socially distant things to do this weekend, there are a few possibilities.
Kane Brown is in town and a free weekly concert series is kicking off.
Concerts, drive-in movies and more: You can find five fun things to do this weekend at the link above.
5. Blast on the Turnpike: Gas line explosion rattles homes and forces school evacuation
All lanes of Florida's Turnpike have reopened following an 18-inch natural gas line explosion Thursday morning near Lake Worth Road.
The scene from morning to the afternoon was tense at times as the blast was followed by a discolored cloud that rose up from the gas pipeline rupture.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue called the emergency a "main gas line failure," adding that the cause of the explosion is unknown.
Today's Forecast
Rounds of rain expected today.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
Escorted by troops, the Little Rock Nine attended their first full day of classes on September 25, 1957.
Three weeks earlier, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus had surrounded the school with National Guard troops to prevent its federal court-ordered racial integration. After a tense standoff, President Dwight D. Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent 1,000 army paratroopers to Little Rock to enforce the court order.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.