5 things you need to know Thursday
1. Election in U.K. is tight, historic and probably inconclusive
Polls suggest the United Kingdom's first general election in five years should be one of the closest in British history. Some say it's the most breathless and consequential in years. Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party is likely to win the most seats Thursday. His chief rival, Labor Party leader Ed Miliband, will probably finish a close second. However, neither party is expected to win a majority. So the party with the most seats may not form the next government. It's confusing, so here's a breakdown of how it works. Luckily, Britain's "special relationship" with the U.S. is not likely to change no matter who forms a new government.
2. Brady scheduled for first public appearance in wake of Deflategate report
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is scheduled to speak Thursday night to a sold-out crowd at Salem State University, located just outside Boston. The appearance comes in the wake of a report that said he "was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities" that led to balls being deflated below the allowable level for January's AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Deflategate scandal, as it has come to be known, has created a great deal of debate about what Brady was "at least generally aware of" and when was he "at least generally aware of it." The new report has led to calls for the NFL to take serious action against Brady and the Patriots. Will Brady talk about the report at Thursday's event? It seems that is the big question for Emmy-winning sportscaster Jim Gray, who will moderate the event.
3. Michael Brown's friend expected to face charges after arrest
Dorian Johnson, who was with Michael Brown on the day the unarmed teen was fatally shot by a white police officer in an incident that led to violent protests and sparked a national debate, was arrested Wednesday in St. Louis. Police say Johnson tried to keep an officer from making an arrest in response to a call about a group of people who were reported to be armed with guns. Police also allege Johnson threw away suspected narcotics. Charges are expected to be filed Thursday, KSDK-TV St. Louis reports.
4. 'Vanity Fair' unveils new 'Star Wars' secrets
If you're into news from "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," you're going to want to check out Vanity Fair on Thursday. Pages of stunning photos from the new Star Wars film — including shots by Annie Leibovitz of some never-before-seen characters — in addition to an interview with director J.J. Abrams and a behind the scenes video, make this an edition sure to delight Jedi masters and Sith lords alike.
5. Tiger Woods looks to rebound at The Players Championship
The golf pro is struggling with the end of his three-year relationship with Lindsey Vonn and the anniversary of the death of his father and mentor, Earl Woods. But he needs to regain focus for The Players Championship, his return to the PGA Tour for the first time since finishing 17th in the Masters. "This three-day window is really hard," Woods said Tuesday. "I haven't slept. These three days, May 3rd through the 5th, is just brutal on me. And then with obviously (the breakup) on Sunday, it just adds to it." Get it together, Tiger. The Players Championship features a winner's share of $1.8 million and a total purse of $10 million.
And, the essentials:
Weather: Another stormy day is likely Thursday in the central U.S. while the East swelters and some snow flies in the western mountains.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Thursday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Big Bang Theory and Bones.
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