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. You can now schedule your COVID vaccine, if you meet a few criteria:
Cleveland Clinic Florida region announced Tuesday it will begin to scheduled COVID-19 vaccines to eligible individuals today.
Vaccinations will be by appointment only for those who meet the following criteria:
- Cleveland Clinic patients over 65 years
- Cleveland Clinic patients with certain high-risk medical conditions at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes patients with obesity, cancer, COPD, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised state, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, pregnancy, and Type 2 diabetes
- Hospitalized patients who meet criteria and are being discharged from the hospital
- Community health care providers and first-responders
Patients at Cleveland Clinic locations in Broward, Palm Beach, and Indian River counties can call 954.659.5950 to schedule. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health patients can schedule their vaccination by calling 772.419.3308.
2. Can you schedule an appt. with the county to get your vaccine? Not at the moment:
Palm Beach County and Martin County announced that residents 65 years old and older can call to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, however the numbers were not working midday.
Health officials said they were encouraged by the high demand for the vaccine, but there are limited doses available. The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County said they are expanding their infrastructure to handle the high demand.
A Martin County health department spokesperson said they are at capacity for next week and not taking any more new appointments for now. The health department is updating its voicemail to reflect the change.
3. What happened with the stimulus checks? Check your bank account:
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that some Americans will begin receiving $600 stimulus checks from the federal government by the end of the night.
The amount might come as a disappointment for some. On Monday, the House voted to increase the payments by $1,400 to $2,000.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, said that he will not put that bill up for an immediate vote. McConnell is hoping to leverage a repeal to Section 230 into the legislation. Section 230 was a 1996 federal code that gives websites legal protection for materials posted by users.
4. More help is on the way in Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County commissioners announced Tuesday they have approved an additional $500 for families approved for assistance through CARES Act food applications.
Below is the new amounts, including the additional funds:
- One to two household members: $900
- Three to four household members: $1,300
- Five or more household members: $1,500
Call (561) 355-4792 if you have questions about the program or click here to learn more about services provided by Palm Beach County through the CARES Act.
5. Have you seen this woman and baby?
The West Palm Beach Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating a 1-week-old boy who is believed to be in the care of his mother Tatiana Bailey.
Baby boy Bailey is described as Black with brown eyes and Tatiana is described as a 5 foot, 2 inches tall Black woman with brown eyes. Bailey could be driving a 2011 black Mazda with Florida tag PVFR62.
Help us locate this newborn & Tatiana Bailey #missing from #westpalmbeach #florida pic.twitter.com/DHq33FjqAH
— West Palm Beach PD (@WestPalmPD) December 30, 2020
Police said in a tweet that the infant needs to be located for his safety and well being and to be turned over to the Department of Children and Families.
Today's Forecast
Windy and warmer conditions expected:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
Sometime over the course of the night and the early morning of December 29-30, 1916, Grigory Efimovich Rasputin, a self-proclaimed holy man, is murdered by Russian nobles eager to end his influence over the royal family.
First, Rasputin’s would-be killers gave the monk food and wine laced with cyanide. When he failed to react to the poison, they shot him at close range, leaving him for dead. A short time later, however, Rasputin revived and attempted to escape from the palace grounds, whereupon his assailants shot him again and beat him viciously. Finally, they bound Rasputin, still miraculously alive, and tossed him into a freezing river. His body was discovered several days later and the two main conspirators, Youssupov and Pavlovich were exiled.
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."
