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. Trump Jr., Haley, Gaetz kick off the RNC
Unlike the Democratic Convention, which was largely held virtually throughout the US, most Republican Convention speakers took the podium at Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, to make the case for “four more years” of a Donald Trump presidency.
An outspoken father who lost his daughter in the Parkland school shooting said the country's children would be safer if President Trump is reelected than under a Joe Biden presidency.
You can see more highlights in the link above. Tonight's speakers include Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump and Melania Trump.
2. Gulf says goodbye to Marco as it prepares for Laura
The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for sections of the Gulf Coast as Louisiana and Texas prepares for a second tropical system this week.
Laura has already caused the deaths of at least 11 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, while knocking out power and causing flooding Sunday.
3. GoFundMe created for man shot by Kenosha police raises over $350K
A video circulating on social media shows Jacob Blake walking toward an SUV and attempting to get into it before being grabbed by an officer and being shot several times in the back.
Blake was taken to the hospital and now over $350K has been raised for his medical expenses.
Protests have continued as two officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
4. Judge rules Florida's order forcing brick-and-mortar schools to reopen unconstitutional
A judge in Leon County ruled in teachers' favor in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Education Association (FEA) against the state's emergency order that forces districts to physically reopen public schools five days a week.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Back to School
"Local school boards to make safety determinations for the reopening of schools without financial penalty," Judge Dodson said. "This is what the local school boards were elected to do."
5. Stretch of I-95 to be named after fallen FHP trooper
A stretch of Interstate 95 in Martin County could soon be designated in memory of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Bullock, who was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this year.
On February 5, Trooper Bullock was shot by a driver he had stopped to help near Mile Marker 107.
Governor Ron DeSantis approved a bill to name the stretch of I-95 where Bullock was killed the ‘Trooper Bullock Memorial Highway.'
Today's Forecast
Slightly drier over next couple of days, increasing rain chances through the weekend.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
After more than four years of Nazi occupation, Paris is liberated by the French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry Division on August 25, 1944. German resistance was light, and General Dietrich von Choltitz, commander of the German garrison, defied an order by Adolf Hitler to blow up Paris’ landmarks and burn the city to the ground before its liberation.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
