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. Coronavirus deaths reach new one-day high in the US:
According to Johns Hopkins University data, 4,480 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in the US on Tuesday, marking the second time since the start of the pandemic that the US had more than 4,000 coronavirus deaths reported in a single day.
In the last 10 months, coronavirus deaths in the US have topped 380,000. The number of those hospitalized has nearly tripled from late October, as there are 130,000 coronavirus-related hospitalizations throughout the US, per the COVID Tracking project.
Florida was among 14 states posting triple-digit death increases. Florida's coronavirus cases rose by 14,896, passing 1.5 million six days after surpassing 1.4 million, as deaths increased by 156.
2. Will teachers be given vaccine priority?
The controversial topic of COVID-19 vaccines for teachers is expected to take center stage today when Palm Beach County School Board members meet for the first time in nearly a month.
Currently, teachers in Florida are not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they are 65 and older or have health conditions that make them "extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers."
The school board is also expected to approve an agreement between the Classroom Teachers Association and the school district which will result in teacher pay raises. That meeting will be at 2 p.m. and will be streamed on our website and Facebook page.
3. The latest on the inauguration: Local help on the way, military issues rare statement
The Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a rare memo condemning last week’s assault on the Capitol and saying "on January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief."
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder says he's sending deputies to Washington D.C. to assist with security during Biden's inauguration. This has been the plan for months, but some changes have been made including swearing in the officers as soon as they arrive.
The FBI has sent a memo to authorities across the country, warning of the possibility of armed protests at all 50 state capitols starting this week and lasting through Inauguration Day.
4. The latest on impeachment: Pence says no, 4 Republicans say yes
As Democratic members of the House are continued their push to remove outgoing President Trump from office prior to president-elect Joe Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, Vice President Mike Pence rebuffed the push to invoke the 25th Amendment.
Democrats have drawn up one article of impeachment accusing Trump of inciting an insurrection. Four Republican members of the US House (Reps. John Katko, R-N.Y., Liz Cheney, R-Wy., Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., and Fred Upton, R-Mich.,) said they will join Democrats in impeaching President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
A group of GOP members of Congress are proposing a censure of Trump as House Democrats prepare to impeach the president on Wednesday. The proposal would admonish Trump for “attempting to unlawfully overturn” the 2020 election, and for “violating his oath of office on January 6.”
5. New waterfront restaurant opens its doors in West Palm Beach
Big Time Restaurant group (which includes Rocco's Tacos, City Cellar, City Oyster and others) had the idea to open a waterfront restaurant before the pandemic.
"We [thought] would be out of [the pandemic] by now," said Summa.
But the partners stayed the course opening one of the few waterfront dining destinations in West Palm Beach at the corner of Flagler and Banyan. Elisabetta's Ristorante Bar and Pizzeria's second location has 150 seats on the patio must under cover away from the elements.
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On This Day In History
In the midst of depression and a steep decline in his musical career, legendary country singer Johnny Cash arrives to play for inmates at California's Folsom Prison on January 13, 1968. The concert and the subsequent live album launched him back into the charts and re-defined his career.
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."
