5 things you need to know Thursday
Authorities piece together NYC suspect's radicalization
Investigators will continue to piece together Thursday the weeks leading up to the New York terror attack that left eight people dead and a dozen injured after a truck plowed through a bike path near the World Trade Center. Officials filed a criminal complaint Wednesday alleging the suspected terrorist meticulously planned the assault and left a note in his vehicle proclaiming that the "Islamic State would endure forever." In the complaint, law enforcement authorities also said Sayfullo Saipov, a 29-year-old truck driver from Uzbekistan, told investigators that he rented the vehicle more than a week before the attack, and chose Oct. 31 for the actual attack date “because he believed there would be more civilians on the street for the holiday." The Argentine consul in New York said relatives of three of the five Argentine victims will travel to the U.S. also on Thursday.
House GOP to (finally) unveil tax bill
House Republicans are expected to release the text of its sweeping tax overhaul bill Thursday, a day later than planned. The rollout was originally set for Wednesday, but the bill was delayed a day to give lawmakers more time to decide what should be in it. Some GOP lawmakers have objected to plans to eliminate deductions for local property and income taxes, as well as proposals to limit pre-tax contributions to 401(k) retirement plans. President Trump has said the bill will primarily benefit the middle class, but the definition of "middle class" is tough to pin down. Here are five things to look for when the bill finally is unveiled.
Trump to announce pick for Fed chief
President Trump on Thursday will announce his pick for the next head of the Federal Reserve. His leading choice is Federal Reserve Gov. Jerome Powell, 64, a former Treasury official who appears inclined to continue the central bank's strategy of gradual interest rate hikes. He may also be open to easing some regulations on banks. If nominated, Powell would replace Janet Yellen, 71, who would become the first Fed chief in nearly seven decades to serve a full term without being nominated for a second term.
Democrats hold 'solidarity' event for Puerto Rico
Congressional Democrats plan to stage a "solidarity'' event Thursday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to problems still plaguing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands after a brutal hurricane season ripped through the Caribbean. Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Maria, 70% of Puerto Rico remains without power, and the storm is projected to cost $15 billion in lost economic productivity on top of $22 billion in physical damages. On Wednesday, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz blasted President Trump about the hurricane-recovery effort in Puerto Rico calling it "inadequate'' and ''insufficient." The administration has defended its actions in Puerto Rico, saying logistics on the island have made its response particularly challenging.
Closing arguments begin in Menendez trial
Jurors are set to hear closing arguments Thursday in the trial for Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., in the first major corruption case to go to a jury since a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the conviction of former Virginia governor Robert McDonnell and redefined bribery law. Menendez is accused of pressing officials in the Obama administration to promote the business and personal interests of his longtime friend — and now co-defendant — Salomon Melgen, who allegedly paid bribes in the form of more than $700,000 in political contributions and free trips on his private jet and lodging at hotels and his home in a Caribbean resort. Attorneys argued Wednesday over the wording of the judge's instructions to jurors about how to consider the case.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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