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. Gov. Ron DeSantis tells Florida education officials that reopening schools is safe
Gov. Ron DeSantis stressed to Florida education leaders on Wednesday morning that he believes it's safe to reopen brick and mortar schools in Florida at the start of the 2020-21 academic year.
"I am really amazed at the extent to which people under 18 are low risk for this," DeSantis said. "Fortunately, our school children are at less risk."
Earlier this month, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said all public school districts must "open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week for all students."
2. Back to school? School districts make their decisions on what fall will look like
The Palm Beach County School Board voted 7-0 early Thursday morning in favor of the superintendent's recommendation to begin the school year with virtual learning. However, they were unable to decide on a start date.
In addition to online classes, the plan includes reopening school campuses with a staggered approach as COVID-19 conditions improve.
You can see other local districts' decisions in the graphic below.
3. Florida DOH confirms missing negative coronavirus test results in state's infection rate
The Florida Department of Health confirms it is missing negative test results from small, private labs across the state.
That data is needed to give the most accurate depiction of the positive COVID-19 infection rates in Florida. The data would not change the number of positive cases or deaths.
More than 460 labs reported 100 percent positivity rates. Dozens of labs reported just one positive case and zero negatives, potentially indicating minimal involvement in testing.
4. Hackers were able to access high-profile Twitter accounts
Hackers who were able to take control of at least a dozen high-profile Twitter accounts and tweet messages calling for Bitcoin solicitations gained access to the accounts by targeting Twitter employees.
Among those hacked were former President Barack Obama, Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden, Jeff Bezos, Mike Bloomberg, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Kanye West. Companies like Apple and Uber were also compromised.
While Twitter was investigating, it "limited functionality" for all verified Twitter accounts.
5. Get on up! There will still be GameDay, if there is college football
"GameDay" just won't look like the traveling circus fans have grown accustomed to over almost three decades, broadcasting from the site of a big game in front of thousands of pumped-up, signing-waving fans.
Lee Corso's signature selection at the end of the show could end up being done from his home in central Florida, with the 84-year-old former coach donning a baseball cap instead of a mascot head.
Today's Forecast
Morning fog and coastal showers possible.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr.; his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy; and her sister, Lauren Bessette, die when the single-engine plane that Kennedy was piloting crashes into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
