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. The moment we've all been waiting for...
Tonight is the first of three debates between Trump and Biden and you can watch it on WPTV at 9 p.m.
The 90-minute event will be moderated by Fox News host Chris Wallace. Wallace selected the following topics: Trump's and Biden's records, the Supreme Court, COVID-19, the economy, race and violence in U.S. cities and the integrity of the election.
Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate, will also debate in October.
2. Florida is open, but are we ready for business? Fauci is concerned
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, called Florida's full reopening of bars and restaurants "very concerning."
West Palm Beach infectious disease specialist Dr. David Dodson agrees saying Florida is still one of the worst states in the country for managing the pandemic with more than 700,000 cases of COVID-19.
Some improvement have been seen as Florida reported 5 additional coronavirus deaths and 738 cases, statistics that are the lowest in nearly four months.
3. How is the fight against coronavirus going nationally? Globally?
Pres. Trump says 150 million rapid coronavirus tests will be distributed across the country "in the coming weeks" that will provide results in minutes.
There have been more than seven million confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. and 205,000 deaths as of Monday.
In yet another distressing milestone amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1 million people globally have now died of the virus, according to a database kept by Johns Hopkins.
4. Another great day for Florida sports
The NHL suspended its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. After a nearly four-month hiatus, the NHL resumed action with a 24-team playoff held in two “hub” cities – Edmonton and Toronto.
Nearly a full year after the season started, the 2020-21 NHL season finally came to a close with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning its first Stanley Cup in 16 years by defeating the Dallas Stars on Monday.
The Lightning won the best-of-seven series 4-2 after winning Monday’s Game 6 contest by a 2-0 ledger.
5. Make sure you count! Census deadlines moves up by more than three weeks
There is a new target date to end the 2020 census data collection period, through door-knocking efforts and self-reporting, from Oct. 31 to Oct. 5.
Right now with participation, Martin County has about 67.7%, Palm Beach County has about 64%, St Lucie County has 65.9% and Indian River County has 68.3%. Florida has less than the national self-response average of 66.4%, with 63.2% self-response.
Every 10% of participation accounts for about $25 million in federal money, Martin County Commissioner Stacey Hetherington explained.
Today's Forecast
Showers and storms firing up along the sea breeze like yesterday.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On September 29, 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller is released from a federal detention center after agreeing to testify in the investigation into the leaking of the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame.
Miller had been behind bars since July 6, 2005, for refusing to reveal a confidential source and testify before a grand jury that was looking into the so-called Plame Affair. She decided to testify after the source she had been protecting, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, signed a waiver giving her permission to speak.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.