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. Florida moratorium on evictions and foreclosures extended
Gov. Ron DeSantis extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures Tuesday night, just hours before it was set to expire.
The executive order extends the moratorium, which was set to expire Wednesday, until Aug. 1 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
DeSantis, who initially ordered the moratorium on April 2, has twice extended it already.
Once the moratorium has expired, Florida courts will be able to again begin processing eviction and foreclosure cases. Tenants who face eviction, in most cases, have just five days to pay the back rent they owe for their cases to be heard.
2. At least one Fourth of July tradition will go on
Many fireworks shows may be canceled and beaches are closed, but one hallowed tradition remains.
RELATED: What's canceled and what will go on? 2020 South Florida Fireworks Guide
The gluttony known as the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will go on this Saturday, but like many events being held this year, will not feature a live audience.
While the event will be held at a private location in NYC, it’s unclear if all of the competitors will be able to make it.
Last week, New York began requiring visitors from states with large numbers of COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine for 14 days.
3. Lawsuit seeks to overturn Palm Beach County Mask order
A lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County court seeks to overturn the county's mask order.
The 37-page lawsuit, filed by the Coconut Creek-based Florida Civil Rights Coalition, argues that the plaintiffs and other residents are having their "well-settled constitutionally protected freedoms" violated.
It goes on to say the order "discriminates against anyone over the age of 2 years old, and countless citizens" who don't meet the "unlawful order's vague and ambiguous exceptions."
4. Heading to the Keys this weekend? You might want to reschedule
Vacationers may want to think twice about headed to the Florida Keys this Fourth of July weekend. Much of the popular island chain will be closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Monroe County and several municipalities, including Key West, announced that all public parks and beaches will be closed for the holiday weekend.
Marathon, Islamorada and Key Colony Beach will also be closed. State parks in the Keys will also be closed Friday through Sunday.
Key West is also prohibiting vehicle traffic on most of Duval Street for the Fourth of July weekend. Mallory Square will also be closed.
5. Human remains found in search for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen
Guillen, a 20-year-old private first class in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, was last seen April 22, at a Fort Hood parking lot.
Her car and barracks room keys, identification card and wallet were found in the armory room where she was working the day she disappeared, Fort Hood officials have said.
Information on when she was last seen is based on interviews with people, however no camera video exists, which the family and their attorney said they found odd.
Guillen's family has said they have been frustrated with how the military responded to their concerns when they could not reach her that night and with the investigation since then.
Today's Forecast
Another hot and humid day with a chance for isolated to scattered afternoon showers and storms.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
American Independence Day is Saturday, but today Canada celebrates. The autonomous Dominion of Canada, a confederation of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the future provinces of Ontario and Quebec, is officially recognized by Great Britain with the passage of the British North America Act on July 01, 1867. July 1 becomes known as Canada Day.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
