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. Another Flag Controversy: Should flags be lowered for Rush Limbaugh?
One day after a South Florida mayor called on other state leaders to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis on his intent to lower flags in honor of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said she would ask Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker the legality of DeSantis' directive.
Section 256.015 of the Florida statutes states that the governor "shall adopt a protocol on flag display" that provides guidelines for lowering the flag to half-staff "upon the death of high-ranking state officials, uniformed law enforcement and fire service personnel, and prominent citizens."
Meanwhile, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said she will tell state offices under her purview "to disregard the governor's forthcoming order to lower flags for Mr. Limbaugh, because we will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry and division."
2. If notice flags at half-staff now, it's for the 500,000 lost to COVID-19
As the US surpassed 500,000 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday, President Joe Biden directed that the US flag be flown at half-staff through sundown Friday.
Biden joined his wife Jill Biden along with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff for a moment of silence outside of the White House.
Earlier on Monday, the National Cathedral rang 500 church bells, one for every 1,000 Americans who died from the coronavirus since early last year.
3. Where are your stimulus checks? They just left the House Budget Committee
In a mostly party-line vote on Monday, the House Budget Committee approved President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, setting up a vote in the House later this week.
While the full House is expected to vote in favor of the bill later this week, its passage as is faces an uncertain future in the Senate, which could cause the bill to need to be amended.
The bill includes an increase to the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next four years, which several moderate Democrats in the Senate have been apprehensive about supporting.
4. What's up with Supreme Court? Trump's cases rejected, Georgia vs Florida still being decided
The Supreme Court declined a request from former President Donald Trump to halt a New York state prosecutor from obtaining his tax returns.
They also rejected Trump's handful of cases related to the 2020 election, including disputes from Pennsylvania that had deeply divided the justices just before the election.
Florida and Georgia argued in front of the Supreme Court in the long-running dispute over water that flows from the Atlanta suburbs to the Gulf of Mexico. A decision is expected by late June, but they seemed hesitant to side with Florida.
5. Palm Beach County elementary school doing 'acts of kindness' fundraiser amid pandemic
Palm Beach Gardens Elementary School has launched an "acts of kindness' "undraiser.
"The kids are asking for donations just as they would for a fun run or any other fundraiser and then through acts of kindness they are paying it forward to show gratitude," said PTA President Tracey Hafford.
The school has already surpassed its goal of raising $10,000 but students are not stopping now. The fundraiser officially runs through Wednesday, February 24. The money collected will go toward school-based needs like new books. If you'd like to help support the students, you can visit their donation page here.
Today's Forecast
Here's the latest South Florida WPTV First Alert forecast:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On Feb. 23, 1945, the U.S. flag was raised on Iwo Jima. During the bloody Battle for Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines from the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment of the 5th Division take the crest of Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest peak and most strategic position, and raise the U.S. flag.
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."
