5 things you need to know Thursday
Jared Fogle to be sentenced for child-sex and child-porn convictions
Former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle is due in a federal court in Indianapolis on Thursday morning to be sentenced for his child-porn and child-sex convictions. In August, Fogle agreed to plead guilty to one count of possessing or distributing child pornography and another of traveling across state lines to engage in sex with a minor. The pleas were part of a deal in which prosecutors agreed to cap their request for prison time at 12 1/2 years. Fogle is asking for five years. In handing out the sentence, federal Judge Tanya Walton Pratt — widely regarded as the toughest in Indiana's southern district — is bound only by guidelines of between five and 50 years.
Bernie Sanders explains what Democratic socialism is
Many have wondered what Bernie Sanders means when he describes himself as a "Democratic socialist." Now, in a speech on Thursday at Georgetown University, the presidential candidate will attempt to explain his political label, which, with its echoes of communism, he has acknowledged could be a liability for his campaign. The Vermont senator, who is second in most polls after Hillary Clinton, told reporters in Iowa last month he understands that many people get "very, very nervous" when they hear the word "socialist" and that he prefers to dwell on the "democratic" part. He'll also offer specific details on foreign policy, including defeating the Islamic State, according to his campaign.
History-making septuplets turn 18
"It's just like any other family. … It's just that there's a lot of people in it," says Iowa septuplet Joel McCaughey. No kidding. And now the McCaughey septuplets, who were the first in the world to all survive beyond infancy, are turning 18 on Thursday and getting ready to leave the nest. Joel, Nathan, Kenny, Natalie, Alexis and Kelsey, all high schoolers in Carlisle, a suburb of Des Moines, are headed to college next year while Brandon is joining the Army, a goal he announced at age 3. Already out of the house: Older sister, Mikayla, who married in June.
Latin Grammys handed out in Vegas
Did you know that Colombian singer Shakira ranked No. 1 among recording artists in social media and online engagement (beating out Taylor Swift) last year? Then you'll know why the Latin Grammys, now in their 16th year, have exploded in importance. More than 30 performers will take the stage, including Will Smith and Ricky Martin. The show, taking place in Las Vegas, airs Thursday on the Univision Network from 8-11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).
Controversial cancer doc goes on trial
Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, a Texas doctor described as a hero by some in the alternative medicine world but as a snake-oil salesman by most cancer doctors, goes on trial Thursday at a proceeding that could cost him his medical license. Texas' state medical board says Burzynski — the subject of a major Paste BN investigation in 2013 — misled patients, gave them dangerous drug combinations and let unlicensed assistants treat them. And that's not his only problem — Burzynski is now reported to be in debt for more than $1 million and his former attorney is trying to force him into involuntary bankruptcy, claiming his ex-client hasn't told the court about money owed to patients and insurance companies.
And, the essentials:
Weather: A soggy Thursday is on tap for the East Coast and much of the Pacific Northwest while the central U.S. sees a dry day.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures pointed higher Thursday, after minutes from the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting appeared to pave the way for an interest rate hike in December.
TV tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Heroes Reborn, Sleepy Hollow and How to Get Away with Murder.
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