5 things you need to know Thursday
1. FCC to vote on net-neutrality plan
Federal Communication commissioners will vote on new net-neutrality rules that aim to ensure a high-quality Internet experience. Most observers expect the rules to be approved along party lines, with two Democratic commissioners joining Chairman Tom Wheeler in voting for approval, and two Republican commissioners voting against it. Net neutrality, or open Internet, is the principle that Internet service providers should give consumers access to content on an equal basis, without favoring or blocking sources. It also prohibits Internet service providers from charging for speedier delivery in "fast lanes."
2. GOP presidential hopefuls pitch their conservative bona fides at CPAC
All the big names in the hunt for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination will be on hand for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, which kicks off Thursday in Washington. The potential candidates will face a new wrinkle at this year's conference: Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie and others will have to answer questions from the audience, comprised of the GOP's most conservative and libertarian activists.
3. Want to own a piece of space history? Now's your chance
An out-of-this-world collection of more than 600 vintage, rare NASA photos — including the very first photograph ever captured from space — goes up for auction Thursday in London. The prints, from a private collection, show NASA's groundbreaking astronauts in scenes in space and on the moon. Rare photos include what's purported to be the only clear photograph of Neil Armstrong on the moon from July 20, 1969, as well as Buzz Aldrin's first "selfie." The collection could go for up to $1 million.
4. Department of Homeland Security hits the Senate floor
Pressure is mounting on the House to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded as the Senate moves to a vote Thursday to pass a $40 billion spending bill aimed at preventing a partial shutdown of the agency. Funding for the department will expire at midnight Friday, and it's possible lawmakers may have to work through the weekend to complete work on the spending bill.
5. The nation's capital lights up – legally
As of Thursday, recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Washington, D.C., months after residents voted to legalize it despite major objections from some House Republicans. So what exactly does that mean? People 21 and older can legally possess two ounces or less of marijuana, share one ounce or less with another person of age (as long as no money, goods or services change hands), cultivate up to six plants and use it on private property. What can't you do? Well, it's not available to purchase legally in the district.
And, the essentials:
Weather: Wintry weather will continue to plague much of the country Thursday, with snow likely in the East and the mountain West.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures made gains Thursday.
TV Tonight: Can't decide what to watch tonight? TV Critic Robert Bianco looks at How to Get Away With Murder's finale, Mom and a Victoria's Secret special.
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