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. Today marks 4 years since the Pulse Nightclub Shooting
It has been four years since one of the most deadly mass shootings on American soil took place in Orlando.
On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen had forced his way inside the club with an AR-15-type assault rifle and a handgun and opened fire on the predominantly gay crowd.
The nearly 300 people inside were winding down their Latin-themed night of dancing. When the first shots rang out, many described not noticing, thinking the bangs were part of the songs, until people started to fall the floor and others ran in terror.
During the attack, Mateen called 911 to pledge allegiance to ISIS. Police exploded a hole through the wall into the bathroom and then shot and killed the Mateen.
In the end, 49 people were dead and dozens more injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. until one year later, when 58 people were murdered at a Las Vegas country music concert.
2. "Coronavirus is not contained in any way shape or form"
The director of the Palm Beach Co. Health Department Alina Alonso gave a tough update on the fight against coronavirus.
"It is still infecting many people. There is still community spread. What I mean is that the virus is spreading in the community, and it is not contained in any way shape or form," said Alonso.
Her announcement came on the same day as Gov. DeSantis' announcement of his plan to reopen K-12 schools in August.
3. It's official: Jacksonville to host Republican National Convention
The convention, set for Aug. 24-27, was supposed to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, but President Donald Trump expressed dismay at Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who was unsure whether such a large scale gathering would be possible because of the coronavirus pandemic.
4. Fort Pierce officers tried to ‘cover up’ patient beating, court records show
Court records show Officer Eckrode and Officer Frederick tried to make up a story to defend Eckrode’s beating of a patient. Records suggest Officer Eckrode also tried to have the patient arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer as a result of his fabricated story.
Their body cameras were not rolling, but surveillance video inside the hospital captured the interaction.
As a result, Fort Pierce City Commissioner Reggie Sessions is calling for a city ordinance to tighten up on body camera rules and oversight.
WPTV found between 2016 and 2018, nearly a dozen internal investigations surrounded the misuse of body-worn cameras. Eight had sustained findings.
5. NASCAR returns to Florida with a new rule
South Florida native Briana Smith has been tapped as grand marshal of Saturday's Hooters 250 -- one of four NASCAR events held this weekend.
These are the first events since NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from all events and properties.
There will be no fans in attendance during Saturday afternoon's Hooters 250 in Homestead, but up to 1,000 service members from Homestead Air Reserve Base and U.S. Southern Command in Doral will be in the grandstands for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400.
Today's Forecast
Rain chances increase over the weekend.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On June 12, 1987, in one of his most famous Cold War speeches, President Ronald Reagan challenges Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down” the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the repressive Communist era in a divided Germany.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
