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. A Dark Day in Sunrise: 2 FBI agents killed, 3 wounded in shooting
Two FBI agents were killed and three others were wounded Tuesday morning while serving a search warrant at a Sunrise home.
Special agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger were killed in the shooting, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. The agents were shot while serving a search warrant as part of a criminal investigation into violent crimes against children, FBI spokesman Jim Marshall said.
George Piro, FBI special agent in charge of the Miami field office, said the suspect was dead. His name hasn't been released.
2. Here We Go Again: Another round of Publix vaccine appointments open
It's not Groundhog Day anymore, but it may feel like it because once again thousands are sitting at their computers hoping to get a vaccine appointment.
Publix made some adjustments to its system based on customer feedback. This time around, representatives tell us the scheduling button will be moved to the top of the page instead of the bottom.
The appointments booked today will be scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 4 to Sunday, Feb. 7. To book an appointment, click here.
3. What's going on with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Gov. Ron DeSantis was still hopeful Tuesday that a COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson will be key to expanding shots beyond Florida's seniors. That's despite new phase-three trial research showing lower than anticipated efficacy.
Released last weekend, the data suggested J&J's single shots were 72% effective in the U.S. and 66% effective globally. Versions from Pfizer and Moderna have near 95% efficacy, requiring two doses over several weeks. The upside is that researchers did find J&J's vaccine was very effective at preventing death and hospitalizations.
Johnson & Johnson was expecting to file for emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in the coming days. The review process will likely take weeks.
4. What else is on DeSantis' mind? Restricting social media
DeSantis has announced his support for legislation that says if a big tech company deplatforms a candidate for elected office in Florida, the company would face a daily fine of $100,000 until the candidate's access to the platform is restored.
This move seems inspired by former President Trump Donald being taken off most major social media outlets following the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
DeSantis called out Facebook, Twitter, Google, Apple and Amazon for being "nameless, faceless boards of censors." As private companies who are incorporated in a different state, it's unknown how effective this legislation would be if it passed.
5. Should pregnant women get the coronavirus vaccine?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says COVID-19 vaccinations should not be withheld from pregnant women, but the World Health Organization (WHO) says pregnant women should not receive the Moderna vaccine unless they are at high risk of exposure, such as health care workers.
What do we know for sure? Pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Why don't we know more? COVID-19 vaccines have so far not been tested in pregnant women. Evidence about safety and effectiveness is reassuring from data in studies that inadvertently included some pregnant women.
Dr. Kevin Taylor, the Emergency Room Director for Bethesda Hospital, spoke to WPTV and answered viewers' questions about the vaccine and pregnant women.
Today's Forecast
Colder than yesterday, but relief is on the way:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
Today is the day the music died. On Feb. 3, 1959, Rising American rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson are killed when their chartered Beechcraft Bonanza plane crashes in Iowa a few minutes after takeoff from Mason City on a flight headed for Moorhead, Minnesota. Investigators blamed the crash on bad weather and pilot error.
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."
