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. Florida and the U.S. shatter coronavirus records
Florida's coronavirus cases rose by a one-day record of 19,816, shattering the mark one day earlier of 17,783. Deaths increased by 164, the most since 178 on Oct. 11, the Florida Department of Health announced Thursday afternoon.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, more than 4,000 Americans died from the coronavirus on Thursday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
More than 132,000 Americans remained hospitalized with the virus on Thursday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Of those, 23,281 are in an intensive care unit.
2. West Palm Beach nursing home offered COVID-19 vaccine to wealthy donors as thousands backlogged
The Washington Post reports MorseLife Health System in West Palm Beach made the COVID-19 vaccine available to wealthy donors who donated to the facility, as well as board members. The New York Post reported similar allegations as well.
At a news conference Thursday in Vero Beach, Gov. Ron DeSantis said an investigation was underway into the allegations.
Palm Beach County's top health official admitted on Thursday there is a backlog of thousands of people who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and it could take months before they even get an appointment.
You can find the COVID-19 vaccine information county by county here.
3. 'Tempers must be cooled:' Trump condemns violence at Capitol, cabinet files out
One day after President Donald Trump’s Twitter account was suspended amid violent protests at the Capitol, the president decried the violence that took place during the counting of the Electoral College.
Trump added that his administration will conduct a orderly transition with the "new administration." He does not mention Biden by name.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in leaving the cabinet. Chao and DeVos were among just a handful of senior officials who remained in their post for nearly the entire four-year term of Trump’s administration.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
4. The Fallout: 1 Capitol officer has died, dozens injured
A US Capitol police officer died on Thursday, one day after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the center of US democracy on Wednesday to demand Congress not accept the results of November’s presidential election, police said in a statement.
Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee previously stated that dozens of officers sustained injuries during Wednesday's melee.
Earlier on Thursday, the head of the Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned after he turned down assistance from the federal government to defend the Capitol, the AP reported. Both the House and Senate sergeants at arms have also resigned.
5. How will the Capitol attack affect Florida, local counties? New bill proposed:
Florida's governor used the riots in Washington, D.C. to spur approval of his bill targeting violent demonstrations Thursday. Gov. Ron DeSantis said rioting won't be tolerated in the Sunshine State.
The bill has been in the works for months but was officially filed in the Florida House and Senate Wednesday evening. It came only hours after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building.
Trump officially changed his residency to Palm Beach last year, using his Mar-a-Lago address, and State Attorney Dave Aronberg said local law enforcement "will be ready" for disruptions from the public should Trump move here permanently when his presidency is over.
Today's Forecast
Chilly, but sunny weekend ahead:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On January 8, 1867, African American men gain the right to vote in the District of Columbia despite the veto of its most powerful resident, President Andrew Johnson.
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