1. U.S., Cuba talk about reopening embassies
If all goes well on Thursday, an American flag may soon be raised on Cuban soil — and vice-versa. Diplomats from both countries will be meeting in Washington to try and finalize a deal to reopen embassies in each other's capital after 54 years of diplomatic isolation. What does this mean? Well, each country could appoint ambassadors, diplomats could have more ability to travel the country and the new relationship envisioned by President Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro could proceed as planned.
2. Gyrocopter pilot in D.C. for court appearance; arrives by car this time
Doug Hughes, the indicted Florida postal worker who landed a gyrocopter on the U.S. Capitol grounds last month and set off alarms about airspace security, is due in court Thursday. He told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview that he'll use his notoriety to reform campaign finance. The stunt was "absolutely" worth it, he said from the back seat of a car headed toward Washington on Wednesday. "Overall, Congress is in it for the money. They are in it for themselves. They are doing what special interests tell them to do, and we've been cut out of the political process."
Doug Hughes, who landed a gyrocopter on the U.S. Capitol lawn April 15, heading back to Washington via car. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
3. Aaron Hernandez arraignment for witness intimidation
Even a life sentence for murder can't seem to keep former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez out of trouble. Hernandez is set to be arraigned on a chargehe tried to silence a witness in a double murder case by shooting him in the face. The former star tight end also faces two murder counts in Boston in a 2012 double slaying that prosecutors say happened after a drink was spilled in a nightclub. Prosecutors say Hernandez shot the witness, who lost an eye, after he made a remark about the killings. Prosecutors haven't identified the man, but it's clear from earlier court proceedings it's his former friend, Alexander Bradley.
4. Super-sized protest planned for McDonald's shareholders meeting
When newly-installed CEO Steve Easterbrook makes his first address at the McDonald's annual shareholders meeting Thursday, thousands of protesters will be nearby calling for a $15 minimum wage and a union. Police estimated 2,000 protesters from around the country took part in a pre-meeting rally Wednesday, and organizers predict an even bigger turnout Thursday. Earlier this year, McDonald's announced it would raise its starting pay for workers to $1 above the local minimum wage but organizers say the raise doesn't go far enough toward giving workers a wage needed to live above the poverty line.
Hundreds of protesters calling for $15 an hour marched to McDonald's headquarters in Oak Brook, IL ahead of the company's annual shareholder meeting. (May 20) AP
5. Pretty much every celebrity ever will be in New York on Thursday
NBC is hosting the Red Nose Day fundraiser, a three-hour charity event which has been popular in the U.K. for decades. The NBC show will feature comedy and musical performances and videos produced by Funny or Die, along with short appeals films featuring stars traveling around the U.S. and the world to highlight children in need. More than 70 celebrities are participating, including Julia Roberts, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Jodie Foster, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Aguilera and Pharrell.
And, the essentials:
Weather: Showers and storms will be widespreadagain in the West and southern Plains while a sunny day is on tap in the Midwest.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Thursday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Red Nose Day, theSimpsons' Treehouse of Horror Marathon andWayward Pines.
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Contributing: The Associated Press
