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.
1. Florida led the nation in coronavirus deaths on Thursday
Florida led the nation with a state-record 156 additional deaths and 13,965 cases, the second most ever in the state.
Florida represented 19.0 percent of the nation's cases and 16.2 percent of the deaths.
Palm Beach County is second in the state for deaths, increasing by 60 in one week.
2. Supreme Court ruling limits felons voting in Florida
The Supreme Court is allowing Florida to enforce a law that bars ex-felons from voting who still owe court fees or fines.
Amendment 4, passed by Florida voters in 2018, allowed most ex-felons to register to vote, with exceptions for those convicted of certain crimes.
In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law additions to Amendment 4 that required fines, fees and restitution be paid first before ex-felons could register to vote.
Cherry blossom trees bloom on the grounds of the U.S. Supreme Court.
3. Will there be football in the fall?
The NCAA released a set of guidelines member schools should follow as athletic teams prepare for fall sports — but in releasing the guidelines, President Mark Emmert seemed less than optimistic about the return of college athletics in the coming weeks.
"Today, sadly, the data point in the wrong direction," Emmert said. "If there is to be college sports in the fall, we need to get a much better handle on the pandemic."
4. Palm Beach County schools' start will be delayed and virtual
Parents, the school year in Palm Beach County will be delayed, but by how long is still unclear.
The superintendent said many factors need to be considered in planning a school calendar including union contracts, employee and parent schedules, and the number of days students need to take part in learning.
Fennoy said he'll present options to the school board at next week's meeting on July 22, and board members will officially vote on a start date then.
5. You won't be sailing away: 'No Sail Order' for cruise ships through September
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended its 'No Sail Order' for cruise ships through September due to ongoing coronavirus outbreaks.
The original order, placed on March 13, has since been extended twice. The latest order was due to expire on July 24.
According to CDC data, there was a total of 2,973 Covid-19 or COVID-like illness cases aboard cruise ships, in addition to 34 deaths, between March 1 and July 10.
Today's Forecast
Isolated morning showers and a few t-storms moving in from the coast.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
Disneyland, Walt Disney’s metropolis of nostalgia, fantasy and futurism, opens on July 17, 1955. The $17 million theme park was built on 160 acres of former orange groves in Anaheim, California, and soon brought in staggering profits. Today, Disneyland hosts more than 18 million visitors a year, who spend close to $3 billion.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
