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. Another Publix vaccine window on hold as severe winter weather continues
For the second time this week, Publix is canceling its COVID-19 vaccine appointment window because of punishing winter storms around the country.
Winter storms stretching from Texas to Pennsylvania have shut down roads, grounded airplanes, and snarled national delivery systems.
Publix will announce future appointment windows when the company gets its vaccine allotment.
2. Speaking of vaccines: School District of Palm Beach County preparing to vaccinate employees
For the past few weeks, the School District of Palm Beach County has been reaching out to roughly 1,500 employees who are 65 years old or older. The district asked employees if they would like assistance in securing a COVID-19 appointment.
"Approximately 250 employees in that age group indicated that they would. These employees are teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and other members who play a pivotal role in the daily operation of the school district.," Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy said.
The employees who signed up will be vaccinated in a closed pod by the health department this coming Saturday.
3. Speaking of severe winter weather: Biden offers federal support, Ted Cruz returns from Cacun
The Biden administration has sent generators, blankets and other supplies to Texas to help address mass power outages amid a rare bout of extreme winter weather.
On Sunday, Texas' Gov. Abbott announced that the White House had issued a Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has returned to the US after he traveled to Mexico for a family vacation as his home state grapples with a weather crisis.
After he returned home, Cruz told reporters that he "made a mistake" and that he started having "second thoughts" as soon as he boarded the plane on Wednesday.
4. Help is on the way from Florida!
Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves will load up trucks with supplies Friday, and prepare to drive into Texas to bring back many dogs and cats stuck in the cold.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue is asking for your help. If you have extra blankets at home or dog and cat food, you can drop them off at the rescue at 14444 Okeechobee Boulevard in Loxahatchee Groves from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you'd like to help Texas in other ways, click here for a list of organizations looking for help.
5. Palm Beach County mask mandate challengers hope Florida Supreme Court will hear case
A group of five residents continue to maintain that the county mask mandate is unconstitutional and they want the Florida Supreme Court to hear their case.
Those residents are trying to appeal a decision last month in the 4th District of Florida which upheld a judge's previous decision that rules against them.
There's no word if or when the Florida Supreme Court will take up the case. To read the filing, click here.
Today's Forecast
Cool down coming to South Florida:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, initiating a controversial World War II policy with lasting consequences for Japanese Americans.
Japanese immigrants and their descendants, regardless of American citizenship status or length of residence, were systematically rounded up and placed in detention centers.
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."
