5 things you need to know Tuesday
1. Storms to deliver a wet, not white, Christmas in the East
Much of the eastern United States will be hit by rain, severe thunderstorms and howling winds over the next few days. That could lead to major flight delays out of Northeast city hubs, as well as Charlotte, Atlanta and Florida's main airports. Snow will be a travel issue across Michigan, Illinois, eastern Missouri and northwestern Indiana.
2. New York congressman expected to plead guilty
Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., is expected to appear Tuesday in federal court over charges that he failed to report more than $1 million in restaurant sales and wages as a former owner of a fast-food business in Manhattan. Sources said the former FBI agent and Marine is expected to plead guilty to one charge of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Grimm, who was first elected in 2010 to a seat that covers part of Brooklyn and all of Staten Island, was named in a 20-count indictment earlier this year.
3. Smarter. Faster. More Colorful.
As the year ends, Paste BN recognizes people in the news who embody these qualities. Meet Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank, the reluctant billionaire. Started 18 years ago in a basement, Under Armour sales are expected to surpass $3 billion for 2014 making it the second largest domestic sportswear company behind only Nike. Stay tuned for Tech, Life, Sports and News.
4. Satanist group's holiday display on its way out
Michigan's "Snaketivity Scene" has its last day on the state's Capitol grounds Tuesday as the permit for Detroit's chapter of the Satanic Temple wraps up its display. The group does not worship Satan, but promotes individuality and views outside Christian beliefs, says Jex Blackmore, the Satanic Temple's spokeswoman. State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, set up his Christian nativity scene on the opposite side of the front Capitol lawn.
5. One Direction to croon on NBC
The British vocal group will get its first U.S. network TV special as a part of its partnership with NBCUniversal. The network will broadcast One Direction: The TV Special at 8 p.m. ET. 1D began working with NBCUniversal in September.
Short on time? Listen to the series in the audio version of this story below:
And, the essentials:
Weather: A few strong severe thunderstorms are possible from the southern parts of the lower Mississippi valley through the Gulf Coast states.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures made slight gains Tuesday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at the One Direction special and Shrek the Halls.
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Contributing: The Associated Press