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5 Things To Know On Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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Posted at 7:03 AM, Sep 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-09-01 07:09:20-04

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. What's Roe v Wade? Texas 6-week abortion takes effect:
A Texas law banning most abortions went into effect at midnight after the Supreme Court did not respond to an emergency appeal to block its enforcement.

The law would be the most dramatic restriction on abortion rights in the United States since Roe v. Wade and would prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks and before most women even know they’re pregnant.

What makes the Texas law different is its unusual enforcement scheme. Rather than have officials responsible for enforcing the law, private citizens are authorized to sue abortion providers and anyone involved in facilitating abortions. Among other situations, that would include anyone who drives a woman to a clinic to get an abortion. Under the law, anyone who successfully sues another person would be entitled to at least $10,000.

Texas 6-week abortion ban takes effect, with high court mum

2. South Florida serial killer identified, but can't be arrested:
A Brazilian national who died in a plane crash 16 years ago has been identified as a serial killer linked to the deaths of at least three women in South Florida two decades ago.

Roberto Fernades was identified Tuesday as the suspect in the previously unsolved homicides of Kimberly Dietz-Livesey, Sia Demas and Jessica Good.

Fernandes, who had been accused of killing his wife in Brazil in 1996 and later acquitted at trial, was a suspect in "several investigations in Brazil as well," BSO Detective Zack Scott said.

Brazilian man killed in plane crash identified as serial killer linked to deaths of at least 3 South Florida women

3. Second Indian River County school closes because of COVID-19
Just three weeks into the new academic year, and already a second Indian River County school is being forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A spokeswoman for the School District of Indian River County confirmed that Treasure Coast Elementary School near Sebastian will be closed starting Wednesday until Sept. 13. Students attended school there on Tuesday.

At least 38 students and 10 employees at the school have tested positive for COVID-19 since the 2021/22 academic year started on Aug. 10, the spokeswoman said.

Second Indian River County school closes because of COVID-19

4. Urban Meyer under investigation after vaccination status comments:
The NFL Players Association has launched an investigation following Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer’s admission that vaccination status factored into the team’s roster decisions.

The NFL hasn’t mandated COVID-19 vaccines but has incorporated strict protocols for players who aren’t fully vaccinated.

Meyer pointed to defensive end Josh Allen missing one week because of protocols. Allen, who is not vaccinated, was activated from the COVID-19 list Monday.

“Well, Josh Allen’s never had (COVID),” Meyer said. “He’s not played in two weeks. So he’s never had COVID. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but he’s never had COVID. So that’s pretty punitive.”

NFLPA investigating Urban Meyer's comments on vaccine status

5. Larry forms, Kate downgrades, Ida still creating flooding risk:
The remnants of Ida are moving in the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast where there is a risk for flooding and tornadoes. This system will move out to sea by Friday.

Kate is now a Tropical Depression and should dissipate over the next couple of days.

Tropical Storm Larry has formed. Larry is expected to then strengthen into a category 3 hurricane as it move out into the open Atlantic. Both the latest GFS and Euro keep TD12 away from the U.S.

Tropical Storm Larry forms, remnants of Ida create flood risk in Northeast

Today's Forecast
Near-record heat with highs reaching the low-mid 90s

Latest Weather Forecast: Wednesday 5 a.m.

Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.

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On This Day In History
On Sept. 1, 1807, former U.S. vice president Aaron Burr is acquitted of plotting to annex parts of Louisiana and Spanish territory in Mexico to be used toward the establishment of an independent republic. He was acquitted on the grounds that, though he had conspired against the United States, he was not guilty of treason because he had not engaged in an “overt act,” a requirement of the law governing treason.

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."