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 basketball star 'breathing on his own' after collapsing on court
After bringing you this story all week, we're happy to report a positive update.
Keyontae Johnson, the University of Florida men's basketball player who collapsed mid-game on Saturday, is now breathing on his own, talking with family and in stable condition. His parents say he was even able to FaceTime his team.
It is still not clear why Johnson collapsed during the game or the extent of his condition.
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 15, 2020
2. COVID-19 vaccine will come to Palm Beach County, but not the Pfizer one
Palm Beach County will receive 20,000 doses of the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna. However, there isn't a specific timeline for when that shipment will get here.
An advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will meet on Thursday to decide whether to recommend the Moderna vaccine for an emergency use authorization.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he expects full FDA approval by Friday, with the initial shipments of the Moderna vaccine arriving in Florida between Sunday and Tuesday of next week.
3. Ghislaine Maxwell proposes bizarre bail plan
Attorneys for Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite and heiress and longtime confidant of Jeffrey Epstein, are asking a judge to let her out on a multi-million bail package, court records show.
The bail proposal includes "a $22.5 million personal recognizance bond co-signed by Ms. Maxwell and her spouse," as well as five "additional bonds totaling approximately $5 million co-signed by seven of Ms. Maxwell's closest friends and family members."
Maxwell, the one-time girlfriend of disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, faces federal charges for her alleged role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple girls.
4. What's the president-elect up to?
- President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Pete Buttigieg to be his secretary of transportation and Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to run the Energy Department.
- In light of the pandemic, the Presidential Inaugural Committee is encouraging Americans to stay away from DC and watch the inauguration from home. While the organizers did not say the inauguration parade would be canceled, organizers said it would be “re-imagined.”
- Notably silent before, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Biden on his Electoral College victory.
5. Is the stimulus package coming? Congressional leaders say yes, but...
McConnell vowed on Tuesday that legislators wouldn't go home for the holidays without an approval of a stimulus bill.
A major sticking point is on whether companies should be protected from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
The White House and McConnell have said companies need this protection in order to stay open amid the pandemic. Pelosi and Democrats are against the proposal, citing concerns that businesses will not follow public health guidelines.
Today's Forecast
Cooler weather on the way.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On December 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred.
In Boston Harbor, a group of Massachusetts colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians board three British tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor.
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."
