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. Hurricane Laura makes landfall with 'devastating winds' and 'unsurvivable storm surge'
Laura was downgraded from a Category 4 hurricane to a Category 3 hurricane as it made landfall, but the storm is still delivering maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, and "unsurvivable storm surge." Laura is the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana in at least 60 years, according to the National Weather Service.
Laura will continue to deliver hurricane-force winds to central and northern Louisiana throughout the day on Thursday. More than 300,000 are already without power.
The storm will then move to the northeast, bringing heavy rain to the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley regions on Friday and through the weekend.
2. Pence promises coronavirus vaccine by end of the year as he accepts nomination
Vice President Mike Pence formally accepted the Republican nomination for vice president on Wednesday with coronavirus vaccine promises and praise for Susan B. Anthony.
Former NFL star Jack Brewer delivered an RNC speech despite being charged with insider trading earlier in the month. Brewer’s charges are civil and not criminal in nature.
Republicans offered a full-throated backing of police officers as demonstrations continue for the officer who shot Jacob Blake 7 times in the back.
3. 17-year-old arrested after shooting 3 protesters, killing 2
Kyle Rittenhouse as been arrested after the killing of two people during a third night of protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake.
Officials say Rittenhouse, described as an admirer of police, crossed state lines wearing gloves with an AR-15.
Rittenhouse was caught on cellphone video opening fire in the middle of the street with a semi-automatic rifle.
4. NBA, MLB and MLS players postpone games in honor of Jacob Blake
The NBA has postponed all of its Wednesday playoff games as players boycott in wake of Jacob Blake being shot.
Shortly after the NBA postponed Wednesday's playoff games amid players protesting, several Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer teams postponed their amid players protest of racial injustice.
After the news broke that the games had been postponed, several players called for a meeting to determine next steps.
Well, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania things turned ugly with the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers voting to boycott the season.
5. NFL player arrested on battery charge after father disappears in Okeechobee County
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander has been arrested in Florida on the same day that he left the team while authorities were searching for his missing father.
According to the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office, his father was on a prairie when his companion left him behind.
NFL.com reported Wednesday that Alexander confronted the man who left his father, leading to his arrest.
Today's Forecast
Partly sunny with off and on showers this morning, transitioning inland in the afternoon. Highs in the low 90s.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
The most powerful volcanic eruption in recorded history occurs on Krakatoa, a small, uninhabited volcanic island located west of Sumatra in Indonesia, on August 27, 1883.
Heard 3,000 miles away, the explosions threw five cubic miles of earth 50 miles into the air, created 120-foot tsunamis and killed 36,000 people.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.