5 things you need to know Wednesday
1. Jordan hangs two al-Qaeda prisoners after ISIL kills pilot
Jordan executed two prisoners with links to al-Qaeda by hanging early Wednesday in response to the Islamic State's release of a video purportedly depicting the killing of Jordanian pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, who had been captured by the militants when his F-16 was shot down in December. Some experts say the gruesome video, which shows al-Kaseasbeh being burned alive in a cage, will backfire and strengthen the resolve of Muslim nations fighting Islamic State extremists. Jordan had previously offered to release one of the prisoners, an Iraqi woman named Sajida al-Rishawi who played a role in a 2005 triple hotel bombing, in exchange for al-Kaseasbeh's freedom.
2. Ashton Carter moves closer to Defense secretary confirmation
With Chuck Hagel on his way out, his potential Defense secretary replacement Ashton Carter inches closer to securing the position. On Wednesday, Carter, who has worked under 11 Defense secretaries, is expected to win the approval of the Armed Services Committee after support from its chair, John McCain, and former secretary Robert Gates. If confirmed by the Senate – which is still up in the air – Carter will face automatic budget cuts to gouge the Pentagon's proposed $561 billion budget and Islamic State militants menacing Iraq and Syria, among other issues.
3. Americans are feeling more chill these days unless you're old, young, poor or have children
A national survey released Wednesday, called Stress in America, finds that overall, Americans are experiencing less stress ... unless they are parents with children under 18, women, the poor or Millennials. Using a 10-point scale where 1 is "little to no stress" and 10 is "a great deal of stress," the average stress level in 2014 went down to 4.9 from 5.1 in 2013. What's still stressing everyone out? It seems to be money and finances.
4. National signing day costs schools a pretty penny
Wednesday is national signing day, where students across the country commit their athletic ability to a college or university. It's expected to be a frenzy and, as a Paste BN study finds, the gulf between the Football Bowl Subdivision's haves and have-nots is growing substantially. Spending on football recruiting has increased by more than $8.9 million, or about 30%, among FBS public schools – slightly more than the rate at which all operational spending on athletics rose.
5. For Boston, its all about celebrating the Patriots
Not even snow can stop Patriots nation. Boston will host a celebratory parade for its Super Bowl-winning home team Wednesday after postponing the event because of weather. Most of the players, who arrived in Boston on Monday evening, will ride in the city's famed Duck Boats and drive through the streets surrounded by crowds of screaming fans.
Bonus: Imagine Dragons answers your questions
Ahead of their second album release Feb. 17, the alt rock band is answering your burning questions at 6 p.m. E.T. on Paste BN Life's Facebook page. Don't miss out!
And, the essentials:
Weather: Most of the weather action Wednesday will be in the eastern half of the country, with a stripe of snow from the central Plains to the Northeast and some rain in the South.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures dropped Wednesday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at The Middle, Earth: A New Wild and Nashville.
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