5 things you need to know Thursday
1. Just when you thought we couldn't get colder
Break out the earmuffs and parkas because it's about to get cold and snowy, yet again. Two punishing blasts of arctic air are bringing the coldest temperatures of this winter to the eastern half of the USA. The first plunge is moving into the Midwest and Ohio Valley early Thursday and will reach the East Coast by late in the day. Did we mention the earmuffs? Because howling winds are only going to add to the misery.
2. Chicago's auto show has car companies revving their engines
Vroom vroom, indeed. Just ahead of its big open, the Chicago Auto Show gives press a sneak peek at all the action before it opens its doors. What can we expect this year? Ford brings its Police Interceptor SUV for drivers to drool over, while Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Nissan, to name just a few, also show off their latest vehicles. For all things Chicago Auto Show, be sure to follow Paste BN Cars.
3. You can now leave your Facebook profile to someone
Death may take your body, but it doesn't have to extinguish your online persona. Now, you can designate a friend or family member to be your Facebook estate executor and manage your account when you're dead. Starting Thursday, Facebook users in the United States can choose a "legacy contact" to make one last post on your behalf when you die. That contact can respond to new friend requests, update the cover photo and profile, and archive your Facebook posts and photos.
4. For some gay couples in Alabama, the fight to marry continues
As Alabama's governor told judges who issue marriage licenses to follow their consciences concerning gay couples, the confusion heads Thursday toward a showdown in U.S. District Court in Mobile. That's where same-sex couples — who filed the initial suit to overturn the state's law and constitutional amendment banning gay marriage — have been waiting for three days to get their marriage licenses even as judges in other counties allow gays to wed. On Monday, the Supreme Court did not grant the state's stay to stop the marriages.
5. First look: Daniel Craig kicks 'Spectre' butt
Daniel Craig is back as James Bond in Spectre. Sony Pictures released a first image of Craig as James Bond early Thursday morning, along with behind-the-scenes footage from the Austrian mountain shoot. Craig appeared at the very end of the behind-the-scenes video and quickly dispatched a foe as cameras rolled.in the Sam Mendes-directed film. Associate producer Gregg Wilson promises the Bond action in the mountains will be "a jewel in the crown so to speak. It's going to be spectacular."
And, the essentials:
Weather: Fierce cold will invade the eastern U.S. while near-record warmth continues in the West.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures gained Thursday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Allegiance, How to Get Away With Murder and Elementary.
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