5 things you need to know Thursday
Trial for third officer in Freddie Gray death set to begin
The trial for Caesar Goodson, the Baltimore police officer facing the most serious charges in the death of Freddie Gray, will begin Thursday. Goodson's trial is the third of six cases brought against officers in the death of Gray, a black man who suffered a spinal injury while being driven in a police van and later died. Goodson, who drove the van, faces multiple charges, including second-degree "depraved heart" murder. Gray's death last April sparked riots that tore Baltimore apart and eventually led to the dismissal of the police chief. Judge Barry Williams, who acquitted the second officer on trial two weeks ago, will decide the case.
Obama, Sanders to meet at the White House
President Obama is scheduled to meet with Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday, ostensibly to discuss issues at stake in the election for working families. Some Democrats are urging Sanders to exit the race in the name of party unity, noting that Hillary Clinton locked up enough convention delegates to clinch the nomination after a series of wins this week. President Obama, who has held off on a formal endorsement of Hillary Clinton, has said he won't announce an endorsement before the private meeting.
Big changes in California as new laws take effect
New laws go into effect in California on Thursday that regulate tobacco and allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with a doctor's help. The right-to-die legislation, which was inspired by Brittany Maynard, allows terminally ill patients to legally end their lives with a prescription for a lethal dose of medication. California on Thursday becomes the second state to raise the smoking age to 21 after Hawaii — as part of a group of anti-tobacco laws that also forbid the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking has been banned. A medical study predicts 223,000 fewer premature deaths if the smoking age were increased to 21 nationally.
Spy satellite set to launch from Cape Canaveral
The most powerful rocket available is needed to launch what's speculated to be a large eavesdropping satellite into space Thursday at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Standing 236 feet tall, the United Launch Alliance rocket will generate more than 2 million pounds of thrust lifting off. The mission from the National Reconnaissance Office is classified, but amateur spacecraft observers believe the rocket is carrying a roughly 15,000-pound spy satellite. The launch attempt is scheduled for 1:59 p.m. ET.
Penguins shoot for Pittsburgh's first title win at home since 1960
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one victory away from capturing the franchise's fourth Stanley Cup, and they hope to seal the deal on their home ice in Game 5 Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks (8 p.m. ET, NBC). If they can pull it off, they will become the first Pittsburgh team to win a major championship at home since the Pirate's Bill Mazeroski hit his celebrated World Series-ending homer against the New York Yankees in 1960.
And the essentials:
Weather: Most of the nation will see high heat on Thursday while a few areas will see some relief with showers.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Thursday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Lip Sync Battle and movie classics
Be inspired: Brave girl with cerebral palsy finally finds her voice
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