5 things you need to know Wednesday
1. Greek officials to decide on more bailout measures
The Greek parliament votes Wednesday on a second set of measures linked to the $94 billion bailout the country reached last week with its European creditors. The vote opens the door to negotiations on the the terms — like tax increases, debt restructuring or reducing debt — that could begin in two weeks. But negotiations remain complicated, as the creditors, led by Germany, have refused to consider shrinking Greece's $300 billion debt. "This is a very tricky moment for Greece because the government is selling the public on the idea that the worst of the crisis has passed, but there are some very dangerous obstacles that remain," said Antonio Trusardi, an economist for private banking firm Hildebrandt and Ferrar in Milan.
2. Expedition 44 astronauts launch into space, join ISS crew
American Kjell Lindgren launches Wednesday from Kazakhstan to join the team on the International Space Station. Lindgren — a 42-year-old flight surgeon and father of three — will travel with two other Expedition 44 astronauts from Japan and Russia. Scott Kelly, twin brother of retired astronaut Mark Kelly, currently lives on the ISS with two other astronauts. Those three will remain on the station until March 2016 as part of a year-long experiment studying the effects of living in space. Lindgren and crew planned to launch in May, but an investigation into the failed launch of spacecraft Progress in April delayed them.
3. Colorado shooting trial enters sentencing phase
The jury in the Aurora, Colo., shooting trial will start the sentencing phase Wednesday after finding James Holmes guilty on July 16. During this phase — which could last at least a month — the jury will hear arguments from the prosecution and defense on the sentence they should impose — life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Jurors will hear prosecutors argue the heinous and deplorable levels of Holmes' actions on the night of July 20, 2012, and that he deserves death. From defense attorneys, they will hear stories of a normal childhood, friends in college and awards won.
4. Journalist imprisoned in Iran for a year
Jason Rezaian has spent one year in an Iranian prison as of Wednesday for practicing journalism in the country. In an effort to keep the spotlight on the Washington Post correspondent's plight, his brother Ali and Post executive editor Martin Baron will appear at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to discuss the case Wednesday. Rezaian was arrested in July 2014 along with his wife, also a journalist, who was later released. Rezaian, who could face 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted, has been given limited access to his lawyer during the past year. Nuclear talks with Iran did not include discussion of Rezaian's situation. "It's important to talk about the fact that Jason has been held for a year, three times longer than any Western journalist has been held in Iran," Ali Rezaian said in a telephone interview Tuesday.
5. Prince George turns two
Prince George — the first child of Prince William and Duchess Kate — turns two on Wednesday. In celebration of the milestone, Kensington Palace released an exclusive shot from the British royal family's photo session at his sister Princess Charlotte's christening July 5. George is third in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth II, his great grandmother. The British Monarchy Facebook page posted the photo and wished the prince a happy day. "Look who's turning two tomorrow! #HappyBirthdayPrinceGeorge."
And, the essentials:
Weather: The Southeast will continue to see hot conditions Wednesday while pleasant weather spreads across the north-central U.S. and Northeast.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Wednesday, after U.S. earnings fell short of expectations.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco previews one of his favorite Modern Family episodes for Wednesday.
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