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5 Things To Know On Friday, December 4, 2020

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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. Three U.S. Marshals injured in shootout with suspect in New York
Three U.S. marshals were wounded and a suspected gunman is dead after a shootout in the Bronx early Friday, law enforcement sources told PIX11.

According to officials, the deputies appeared to be in stable condition. One was hit in the arm and the other two were hit in the leg.

Authorities say Andre Sterling was wanted for shooting a Massachussetts State Trooper during a traffic stop about a week ago.

2. U.S. hits another coronavirus daily death record
U.S. deaths from the outbreak eclipsed 3,100 in a single day, obliterating the record set last spring. That’s more than the number of people killed on 9/11 and shattered the old mark of 2,603, set on April 15.

The number of Americans in the hospital with the coronavirus likewise hit an all-time high Wednesday at more than 100,000, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The figure has more than doubled over the past month.

Florida's new coronavirus cases rose by 10,870, the most since July, as deaths increased by 98, the highest in more than one month.

U.S. hits another coronavirus daily death record

3. West Palm Beach Fire Department sees 475% increase in cases
Contact 5 obtained a department memo from Chief Diana Matty dated Nov. 16 in which she writes there "has been a 475% increase in the number of positive West Palm Beach firefighters since Oct. 1, 2020."

In a department of 230 firefighters and first responders, Matty calls the number of infections "alarming." The spike in infections is costing city taxpayers.

"When these people are out sick with their COVID diagnosis, we have to pay overtime to fill the firefighter positions, because someone has to answer the 911 calls," Matty said.

West Palm Beach Fire Department sees spike in COVID-19 cases

4. What's president-elect Biden's plan for coronavirus?
President-elect Joe Biden says the day he is sworn in as president, he will ask all Americans to wear a mask for 100 days.

"Just 100 days to mask, not forever. 100 days. And I think we'll see a significant reduction," said Biden.

A scientific model released in October predicted 500,000 American deaths from coronavirus by March if there is no change to mask wearing and social distancing. The study found that if even 85 percent of Americans wore a mask routinely, almost 100,000 lives could be saved between now and March.

He also has asked Dr. Anthony Fauci to remain in his role at the National Institutes of Health, and to become a chief medical adviser to the Biden administration.

Biden plans to ask America for '100 days to mask' on Inauguration Day

5. What's Congress' plan for coronavirus? What's in the new $900 billion stimulus plan::
The proposal would provide $300 in additional unemployment benefits for up to 18 weeks. The legislation also would replenish funds for the Paycheck Protection Program and for small businesses. The current proposal calls for $288 billion to go toward support for small businesses.

There would also be $160 billion earmarked for state and local governments, which have seen a drop in tax revenue due to the pandemic. There is in additional $45 billion allocated toward the transportation industry, most notably for airlines, which have seen an over 50% reduction in business since March.

However for Americans hoping to see a second stimulus check, this bill comes short on that aspect.

Support coalescing around $900 billion coronavirus stimulus plan

Today's Forecast
After warm weekend, another cold front moves in

Latest Weather Forecast: Friday 5 a.m.

Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.

On This Day In History
On December 4, 1991, Islamic militants in Lebanon release kidnapped American journalist Terry Anderson after 2,454 days in captivity.

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."