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!
1. The really scary thing this Halloween: Coronavirus
Zombies, mummies, vampires and other monsters aren't the real danger this Halloween. Many parents are worried about the coronavirus.
The Harvard Global Health Institute has an interactive map that indicates which Halloween activities are appropriate for each county in the United States. You can find that here.
Some events are going on as they ask people to wear facial coverings and adhere to social distancing. You can find a list of events in South Florida and the Treasure Coast here.
2. Fauci: If things do not change 'there’s gonna be a whole lot of pain'
Coronavirus cases are rising in almost every state and territory, and coronavirus-positive patients are overwhelming hospitals in some parts of the country.
A recent projection says more than half a million Americans could die of the coronavirus by March if there are no changes to our efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Florida's daily first-time positivity rate dropped from 5.42 percent to 4.9 though Palm Beach County rose from 5.04 percent to 5.76.
3. If you mail your ballot now, it might not make it by Election Day
Florida's postal delivery times are below the national average as Election Day approaches. Only 83.5% of first-class mail is being delivered within five days.
If you decide to go to the polls to vote instead of voting your Vote-by-Mail ballot, bring your Vote-by-Mail ballot (marked or not) with you. The Vote-by-Mail ballot will be canceled and you can vote a regular ballot.
4. How would Amendment One change Florida Constitution?
Amendment One is among the six amendments on the November election ballot in Florida, but some voters have been confused by what it will accomplish.
Article VI, Section II of Florida's Constitution currently reads, "Every citizen of the United States who is at least eighteen years of age and who is a permanent resident of the state, if registered as provided by law, shall be an elector of the county where registered." Amendment One would change the words "every citizen" to "only a citizen."
Proponents call the current wording a loophole for illegal citizens to vote, but others call the Amendment useless saying the current wording already protects against that.
5. Hurricane season isn't over yet: Eta could be lurking
Forecasters give some thunderstorms around the Lesser Antilles an 80% chance of development into our 28th named system this year.
If Eta were to form, we would tie 2005 for most hurricanes in a year on record.
This week, Hurricane Zeta killed three people and left nearly 2 million homes without power across several southern states.
BONUS: Ending on a positive note: Check out Ashleigh Walters' creative Halloween costume
Anchor Ashleigh Walters has won Halloween with her Zoom call costume. If you need a good laugh, check out the fun and topical costume in the video below!
Today's Forecast
An area of showers and thunderstorms around the Lesser Antilles will start to move west into the Caribbean Sea and has a high chance of development.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
“The War of the Worlds”—Orson Welles's realistic radio dramatization of a Martian invasion of Earth—is broadcast on the radio on October 30, 1938.
The radio play was extremely realistic and caused widespread panic in the vicinity of the "landing sites," with thousands desperately trying to flee.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m. And you can always watch the latest news from WPTV anytime on your favorite streaming device. Just search for "WPTV."
