Arctic cold blast, furloughed federal workers get paid, 'El Chapo' trial: 5 things to know Thursday
Deadly Arctic blast threatens Midwest, spreads East
The Midwest's Arctic misery spreads to New York on Thursday as bitter cold air throws more of the country into a life-threatening deep-freeze. Temperatures in the Big Apple are expected to fall to the lower single digits, but that's practically balmy compared to Minneapolis or Chicago. On Thursday, the Illinois city may approach its all-time record low of 27 degrees below zero, with the wind chill making it feel much colder. Wednesday's real-feel temperature in the truly Windy City was 51 below zero. At least eight deaths have been linked to the frigid weather.
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Furloughed federal workers finally getting paid
Most of the 800,000 federal workers furloughed in the partial government shutdown should receive their back pay by Thursday. Margaret Weichert of the Office of Management and Budget tweeted the news earlier this week, adding that workers "are getting paid in record time." President Donald Trump signed the deal Friday to end the 35-day shutdown — the longest on record — for three weeks. In the meantime, lawmakers and the White House will negotiate over Trump's demand for funding a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Employees missed two paychecks during the shutdown, some having to take out loans or seek help from creditors as a result.
El Chapo's lawyers give closing arguments
Jurors in the trial of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán hear his lawyers' arguments Thursday for acquitting the accused Mexican drug kingpin. Guzman faces life in prison on charges including selling drugs, laundering money and operating a continuing criminal enterprise. In closing arguments on Wednesday, federal prosecutor Andrea Goldbarg said the government presented a "mountain of evidence" in the 11-week trial. On the table beside her lay exhibits including an assault rifle, camouflage body armor and bricks of cocaine allegedly seized from cartel shipments. The jury, serving anonymously for security reasons, may start deliberations Friday.
Smollett released from hospital; 'Empire' scheduled to resume filming
Filming for Fox's "Empire" is expected to resume Thursday just days after actor Jussie Smollett was attacked in Chicago. According to Chicago Police Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi, Smollett, 36, says he was approached by two people who "gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him," adding that they punched him in the face, poured a chemical on him and wrapped a rope around his neck. On Wednesday, Chicago Police released several images of "potential persons of interest" in what Guglielmi calls a "possible hate crime." After the attack, Smollett went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital to have the cuts on his face and neck treated. He was described as being in good condition and "recovering well," his representative, Pamela Sharp, told Paste BN.
Get your popcorn ready! Billy Crystal will make his NBA (broadcasting) debut
Sure, he's played an NBA referee in "Forget Paris" but Billy Crystal's next role will be a completely new experience Thursday. The Hollywood legend joins longtime Los Angeles Clippers play-by-play man Ralph Lawler to call the game against the Lakers at Staples Center. Crystal, who has been a Clippers season-ticket holder since 1985 and their most recognizable fan, approached the team last year with the special request. Lawler is retiring at the end of the season after 40 years as the voice of the Clippers, and Crystal is one of many notable names joining him on broadcasts to pay tribute. "Ralph is a fantastic broadcaster and a wonderful man," Crystal told the Clippers’ team site. "I'm looking forward to calling a game with him. He's a Hall of Famer in my book."