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. Publix cancels COVID-19 vaccine appointment window for third time
Covid-19 vaccine shipments to Florida are still delayed due to the winter weather. Publix will not make new appointments this morning as planned.
Walmart is in a similar situation. Many locations had to pause scheduling new appointments until the supply comes in.
When you do log onto Publix’s vaccine appointment website, you’ll notice the information provided in Spanish language as well. This addition comes after a lot of criticism from Latino advocates who say it was difficult for older adults who don’t speak English to navigate the appointment system
2. U.S. projected to reach 500,000 coronavirus deaths today
The United States is within hours of a once-unthinkable tally: 500,000 people lost to the coronavirus.
Florida was among four states to post triple-digit deaths increases Sunday as U.S. fatalities rose by 1,231. The number of increased deaths over seven days is 1,127, with an average of 161.
Despite efforts to administer coronavirus vaccines, a widely cited model by the University of Washington projects the U.S. death toll will surpass 589,000 by June 1.
3. Another round of PPP loans targeted to small businesses
President Joe Biden is targeting federal pandemic assistance to the nation’s smallest businesses and taking steps to further equity in what is known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
The administration is establishing a two-week window, starting on Wednesday, in which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for the forgivable loans. They are also carving out $1 billion to direct toward sole proprietors, such as home contractors and beauticians.
If you have questions about PPP loans, Congresswoman Lois Frankel will host a Zoom webinar for nonprofit organizations and houses of worship to learn more about the federal resources that are available. You can register for the event by sending an email to morgan.routman@mail.house.gov
4. Students seeing learning gaps from "COVID slide"
The School District of Palm Beach County says the so-called "COVID Slide" is leading to learning gaps that will take years to overcome.
The school district has launched a new Student Academic Support Plan that's identified 51,600 students who will need extra help to catch up.
Depending on each student's age and situation, that assistance could involve in-class tutorials, before and after-school lessons, and more
5. United Airlines grounding some Boeing 777 airplanes after engine failure
United Airlines announced Sunday they will be grounding 24 Boeing 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines, the same engine involved in an incident Saturday that lead to an emergency landing at the Denver airport.
The Boeing 777-200, departing Denver for Honolulu Saturday, experienced a right-engine failure shortly after takeoff. The plane turned around and returned to Denver International Airport, landing safely.
Debris from the engine fell onto a wide area of Broomfield, affecting homes and property in the Denver suburb. Nobody on the plane or on the ground was injured.
Today's Forecast
Rough beach and boating conditions:
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On This Day In History
On Feb. 22, 1980, the Miracle on Ice occurred. In one of the most dramatic upsets in Olympic history, the underdog U.S. hockey team, made up of college players, defeats the four-time defending gold-medal winning Soviet team at the XIII Olympic Winter Games.
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