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.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
1. Minneapolis police station set on fire, National Guard called in
Three straight days of protests in Minneapolis have followed the death of George Floyd, a black Minnesota man who died in police custody.
Derek Chauvin, a now fired Minneapolis police officer, held a knee against Floyd’s neck for several minutes, despite pleas from Floyd and bystanders. Floyd died moments later. No charges have been brought against Chauvin.
The protests have grown more tense each day.
2. Twitter adds warning to Trump tweet about Minneapolis for "glorifying violence," one day after social media executive order
President Donald Trump tweeted late on Thursday, blaming local politicians for the unrest.
"I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis," Trump said. "A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right."
The second tweet which comes with a warning and can't be retweeted, liked or responded to reads:
"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"
Trump appeared to quote former Miami Police Chief Walter Headley, who in December 1967, said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Headley was police chief during racially charged protests in Miami in 1967 and was known for his "stop and frisk" tactics.
3. 7 protesters shot in Kentucky amid protests for not just George Floyd, but another tragic case as well
As many across the country protested the death of George Floyd, a black Minnesota man who died in police custody, protesters in Louisville also had the death of Breonna Taylor in mind.
Taylor was a 26-year-old Louisville woman who was killed by police on March 13.
Taylor, who was employed as an EMT, was inside of her home when police conducted a “no-knock raid” on her home, which turned out to be an incorrect address. Thinking the police officers were intruders, Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, allegedly shot at police.
Louisville Metro Police officers returned fire, striking and killing Taylor. Walker was originally arrested for firing at police, but later was released.
The FBI announced last week that it was investigating the matter. No charges have been filed against any of the officers involved in the March incident.
4. Time to stock up! Hurricane prep tax 'holiday' begins today
We've already seen two named storms and hurricane season doesn't start until June 1. NOAA has predicted a busy hurricane season and now is the time to get prepared.
Shoppers in Florida emerging from coronavirus stay-at-home orders can avoid paying sales taxes while putting together disaster-preparation stockpiles for the 2020 hurricane season.
What do you need to buy? Check out the link above.
5. Second time's the charm? Historic SpaceX launch could be postponed again
Bad weather postponed Wednesday's first launch of NASA astronauts from Florida in nine years.
The next attempt will be Saturday at 3:22 p.m, but the weather doesn't look promising then either.
#Space #launch #Forecast doesn't look great for this weekend's launch. Another update coming out today. @WPTV @FOX29WFLX pic.twitter.com/5vfr1Rq4ue
— Kahtia Hall (@KahtiaHall) May 29, 2020
Veteran astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are set to take the Crew Dragon spacecraft on its first manned and final test flight to the International Space Station. The U.S. has been paying Russia to fly personnel there since the termination of its shuttle program in 2011.
A successful flight could be a giant leap forward for the future of American space travel.
Today's Forecast
Some coastal rainfall and fog this morning, inland storms this afternoon.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
The summit of Mount Everest is climbed for the first time on May 29, 1953.
Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, become the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth.
Queen Elizabeth II learned of the achievement on June 1, the eve of her coronation.
