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! You can watch the latest LIVE on WPTV here from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.
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1. Time to stock up on masks: Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend
Your back to school shopping may look a little different this year, but there are still ways to save money.
Qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
The state also confirms face masks will tax free as well this year, considered a part of clothing.
2. Could DeSantis help save Florida-Florida State rivalry? He's trying to
There could be hope for the annual football game between the University of Florida and Florida State University in 2020.
Florida and Florida State have played each other every year since 1958, but the rivalry is on hiatus headed into the 2020 season after the Southeastern Conference announced its intentions to play a 10-game, league-only schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Atlantic Coast Conference opted for a similar schedule, but with one extra game to play out of conference.
"It's an epic rivalry and if you're able to play, you're able to play, and so let's give the fans what they want," DeSantis said, adding that his office "may be working on that over the next couple weeks."
3. Sorry, Gen. Z: Trump signed an order banning TikTok.
President Donald Trump said that he has signed an executive order to shut down the use of Chinese-based social media applications TikTok and WeChat in 45 days.
Trump cited privacy concerns for taking the action against the social media networks.
Trump said earlier this week he is open to changing his mind if TikTok is sold to an American company.
4. After 9 named storms, NOAA says we could see 19 to 25 named storms this year
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its outlook for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season on Thursday and now says we could be in for an "extremely active" season.
NOAA is now predicting:
- 19 to 25 named storms
- 7 to 11 hurricanes
- 3 to 6 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater)
We've already had a record-setting nine named storms this season, and according to NOAA, it has "the potential to be one of the busiest on record."
5. Trump vs Biden debate won't be moved up
After the Trump Campaign requested the presidential debates be moved closer to the election because some states will begin mail-in voting while the debates are being held, the Commission on Presidential Debates denied the campaign’s request.
In a letter addressed to Trump campaign surrogate Rudolph Giuliani, the commission said it will stick with its planned three presidential debates – the first being held on September 29, and final one on October 22.
Trump is now asking to add a fourth debate earlier than the scheduled one.
Today's Forecast
Heat Index around 100 degrees and light easterly winds
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On Aug. 7, 1912, Teddy Roosevelt was nominated as the Bull Moose candidate. The Bull Moose Party was a group of Republicans dissatisfied with the renomination of President William Howard Taft. Their Progressive platform called for the direct election of U.S. senators, woman suffrage, reduction of the tariff and many social reforms.
