Democratic debate 2019, Iran-U.S. tensions, Supreme Court terms ends: 5 things to know Thursday
Night two of high-stakes Democratic debates
Ten more Democratic presidential hopefuls take the stage Thursday to conclude the first round of the 2020 debates (NBC, 9 p.m. ET). On Wednesday, the two-hour debate allowed a chance for voters to get acquainted with 10 candidates, with some answering questions in Spanish and while others put the spotlight on immigration and abortion. As for Thursday, Former Vice President Joe Biden will lead the night's lineup, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. While Biden leads in the polls, his challengers are expected to target him and highlight the former Delaware senator’s long legislative record. Sanders will look to present his democratic socialist approach as superior to Biden’s centrism, while Buttigieg could contrast his youth and countercultural approach.
Iran may break terms of nuclear deal amid US tensions
Iran is poised to break terms of a nuclear deal with world powers by Thursday. The Middle East nation plans to speed up enrichment of uranium, a move that could bring additional sanctions or military strikes by the United States. President Donald Trump aborted a strike just last week in the wake of Iran's downing of a U.S. drone. The spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said the move follows a two-month ultimatum given to European signatories to the deal to help Iran navigate U.S. sanctions that have harmed its economy. The Trump administration abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal last year.
Supreme Court to rule on census, gerrymandering
The Supreme Court completes its term Thursday with major decisions expected on partisan gerrymandering and the Trump administration's plan to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Also up for grabs: Oklahoma's authority over former Indian territory and a Wisconsin law authorizing blood draws from unconscious motorists. The court likely will issue final orders for the term on Friday, including whether to hear President Donald Trump's effort to eliminate the DACA program.
Paul Manafort to be arraigned in New York on fraud charges, reports say
Paul Manafort, the former chairman for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, will be arraigned Thursday in New York City on state fraud charges, according to CNN and Reuters. Manafort is serving seven and a half years in federal prison on charges related to his foreign lobbying efforts as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The state of New York has unsealed a 16-count indictment alleging Manafort committed fraud on mortgage applications. Reports surfaced earlier this month that the 70-year-old would not be transferred to New York's infamous Rikers Island jail after the Department of Justice cited health concerns. During Manafort's federal trial, his lawyers said he had gout.
Amazon, Rite Aid team up for package pick up
Amazon shoppers can pick up their packages inside more than one hundred Rite Aid stores starting Thursday. The service, which will be available at over 1,500 Rite Aids by the end of the year, is the latest salvo in the battle for shoppers. Amazon transformed the retail landscape when it enabled customers to buy everything from books to mattresses online. But now that e-commerce has become commonplace, speedy, convenient delivery and pick up has become a key way Amazon and its rivals are competing.
Contributing: Associated Press
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