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. House of Representatives passes Democratic police reform bill
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a controversial Democratic police reform bill last night, sending the measure to the Senate despite opposition from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress.
According to a Congressional summary of the bill, the legislation would:
- Limit qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer or state correctional officer
- Authorize the Department of Justice to issue subpoenas in investigations of police departments for a pattern or practice of discrimination
- Lower the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution
2. Almost there: Disney World's Splash Mountain to be re-themed as ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride
One of the most iconic attractions at Walt Disney World in Florida is getting a major makeover in the wake of a racial controversy.
Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom will soon be "completely reimagined" using the theme of the award-winning animated Disney film, "The Princess and the Frog."
The major change comes just weeks after a petition on Change.org demanded Disney re-theme Splash Mountain, claiming the ride is "steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South."
3. DeSantis is trending again after he ignored calls for statewide mask order
As Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted calls from Florida Democrats to issue a statewide mask mandate amid a rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases, the hashtag #DeSantisResign has become a trending topic on Twitter.
Palm Beach County recently joined Miami-Dade and Broward counties in requiring masks, leading to much rancor from a large number of people who showed up at Tuesday's meeting vehemently opposed to a countywide order.
DeSantis has repeatedly said he didn't think a statewide order was necessary, which he reiterated during a news conference Tuesday in Orlando.
"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar," he said.
Instead, DeSantis said, he has encouraged communities to craft their own regulations regarding masks.
4. Ring video captures woman giving birth in Margate parking lot
A South Florida woman just couldn't wait to have her baby.
Susan Anderson and her husband, Joseph Anderson, had almost made it inside Natural BirthWorks in Margate last Friday when baby Julia decided to meet the world early.
Ring video shared by owner Gelena Hinkley showed the moment of birth.
5. Victims of Jeffrey Epstein can now apply for compensation
Victims who endured mental, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of wealthy Palm Beach hedge fund manager Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators can now start filing compensation claims against his estate.
Local attorney Spencer Kuvin, who represents four of Epstein's accusers, says the fund is only open for less than a year, and money will be distributed to victims based upon their allegations that can be proven. He said victims who have more evidence and more significant damages will receive more money.
Kuvin added that women who have been abused by Epstein can come forward with "merely their memories of what has occurred."
Today's Forecast
Hot and humid with feels like temperatures in the triple digits. Saharan dust will keep rain chances low and skies hazy.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
June 26, 2015 marks a major milestone for civil rights in the United States, as the Supreme Court announces its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. By one vote, the court rules that same-sex marriage cannot be banned in the United States and that all same-sex marriages must be recognized nationwide.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
