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. What happened at the first presidential debate?
A lot. More than we can discuss even it was all five things to know, but you can watch the full debate here. We can quickly cover the topics that stuck out for each candidate.
Biden said he is not in favor of the so-called “Green New Deal,” and instead prefers the “Biden Plan.” But on Biden’s website, he says, “Biden believes the Green New Deal is a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face.”
Trump danced around a question about whether he was willing to condemn white supremacists and military groups.
“Proud Boys — Stand back, stand by, but I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not right-wing problem..... This is a left wing problem," Trump responded.
2. Many local voters didn't wait to watch the debate
Voters seem to be wasting no time in filling out ballots and returning them in person at the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office on Military Trail.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 12,428 ballots have been returned out of 410,000 that have already gone out to voters.
Voters may submit requests for ballots online at under the "Vote-by-Mail" tab or call the Supervisor of Elections office at (561) 656-6200. The deadline for voters to request a ballot to be delivered by mail is Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.
3. Speaking of voting, time to choose the chunkiest of them all
Many beloved events and activities have been canceled this year, but one has weathered the pandemic: Fat Bear Week.
The annual competition, held by the Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska, crowns the winner the fattest bear of the state's Brooks River, with the help of online voters like you.
You can watch the bears on video cams, thenvote here.
4. Back to school: Judge says it's not his call
Six school district employees and the husband of a teacher were suing the School District of Palm Beach County.
The lawsuit demanded that no one be allowed to return to schools "until competent, independent health officials say it is safe to do so."
On Tuesday, Judge Glenn Kelley officially denied the request, saying elected officials, not the court system, must determine "how and when businesses and government institutions will reopen and function."
5. Speaking of schools, FDOH releases school COVID-19 numbers
The department confirmed just more than 4,300 cases of COVID-19 in primary and secondary schools statewide between Sept. 6 and Sept. 26, 2020.
That number includes the combined cases for teachers, students, and staff members. It also indicates whether they showed symptoms.
A spokesperson for the department of health said there is no indication in the data as to whether or not students, staff, or teachers actually contracted the virus in school.
Today's Forecast
Front moving across the area - don't expect much of a cool down.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On Sept. 30, 1962, a riot ensued over desegregation at Ole Miss. Two men were killed before the racial violence was quelled by more than 3,000 federal soldiers.
The next day, James H. Meredith, an African American student, successfully enrolled and began to attend classes amid continuing disruption.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.
