Pearl Harbor, Dylann Roof, Starbucks and more: 5 things you need to know Wednesday
75 years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor
On Dec. 7, 1941, the United States changed forever. Japanese bombers screamed into Hawaii's Pearl Harbor and launched an attack that would propel the U.S. into World War II. It's a day that, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, lives in infamy. All told, more than 2,300 U.S. military personnel died in the attack, which took place 75 years ago Wednesday. Paste BN is remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor with exclusive essays, personal recollections from survivors, historical photos and virtual reality video.
• Pearl Harbor survivors: War is hell, even 75 years later
• Catalysts of war: The history that led to Pearl Harbor attack
• Exclusive essay: George H.W. Bush: 75 years after Pearl Harbor, strength renewed
Opening statements expected in Dylann Roof trial
Opening statements from prosecutors are expected Wednesday in the trial of Dylann Roof, charged in the shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., that left eight parishioners and their minister dead in 2015. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Roof, who had asked to represent himself, will now use defense lawyers during the guilt part of his trial after a ruling Monday. Roof will represent himself in the penalty phase if convicted.
Gatlinburg, Tenn., residents can officially return to home
Officials estimate 1,684 homes, businesses and other structures were damaged or destroyed by the firestorm near the Great Smoky Mountains last week. Hurricane-force winds sent unpredictable fires racing through the Gatlinburg area, claiming 14 lives and displacing residents. Starting Wednesday, residents will be able to return to their properties for good. Steady rain helped drown the last of the wildfires, but the scorched ground is less likely to soak it up, leaving residents faced with the possibility of flooding.
Starbucks hosts investor day after announcement of Schultz's departure
Starbucks will host its 2016 investor day at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, nearly a week after the company announced Howard Schultz would be stepping down as CEO. Schultz will become the company’s executive chairman, concentrating on ramping up Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, a new premium experience that the company is betting on to boost growth worldwide, as well as the company’s well-known forays into community activism. Kevin Johnson, the company’s current president and COO will become the CEO, retaining the title of president. The event will feature a Q&A with Schultz and Johnson.
'Hairspray Live!' arrives as a timely balm after a divisive election
Hairspray, the popular Broadway hit that offers soft lessons about segregation, body positivity and acceptance, is the latest classic to get the live musical treatment Wednesday (NBC, 8 ET/PT) amid tumultuous times across the U.S. Hairspray tells the story of a plump teenager named Tracy (Maddie Baillio), who tries to land a coveted spot on a teen dancing show and campaigns to end segregation in the heavily white program. A bevy of stars, including Jennifer Hudson (Motormouth Maybelle), Martin Short (Wilbur Turnblad), Ariana Grande (Penny Pingleton) and Harvey Fierstein (Edna Turnblad), will spearhead the large-scale production that includes 500 audience members. s.
And the essentials:
Weather: Cold air will spill across the Northern Rockies and the Plain states Wednesday, while snow showers are expected to hit the Great Lakes.
Stocks: Markets were trading higher.
Be inspired: After 30 years of searching, woman finds lost father
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Shut Eye (Hulu) and Lethal Weapon (Fox).
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