5 things you need to know Monday

Editors

USA TODAY

Meryl Streep and Stevie Wonder are among the latest Americans tapped to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

1. Obama to award Medal of Freedom to Streep, Wonder, Brokaw

Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep and music legend Stevie Wonder are among this year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which President Obama will award at a ceremony Monday. Other honorees include retired anchorman Tom Brokaw, composer Stephen Sondheim, novelist Isabel Allende, actress Marlo Thomas and retiring congressman John Dingell. "The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," the White House said.

2. Iran nuclear deal deadline nears

Cameras stand in front of Palais Coburg as the media wait outside the location of closed-door nuclear talks with Iran that are taking place in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 23, 2014.

Monday evening is the deadline for a nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran. The country must decide whether it wants to remain in conflict or engage with the West. Negotiators remain deadlocked on the size of Iran's program for producing fuel that can be used in reactors or bombs, and on when to lift sanctions intended to force Iran to stop production and answer United Nations questions about suspected work on nuclear weapons.

3. Ferguson jury expected to reconvene

Residents remain on edge in Ferguson, Mo., as the city awaits word on whether a grand jury will indict officer Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown, 18. The St. Louis County grand jury is expected to reconvene Monday, according to a federal law enforcement official who spoke to USA TODAY on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter. The timing of a decision is still unclear, the official added. Ahead of that announcement, here's what we know.

4. More weather misery for Buffalo

First came the big storm, then the big dig. Now comes the big melt. Residents of flood-prone areas around Buffalo should move valuables up from the basement, pack a bag and prepare for the possibility of evacuation as up to 7 feet of melting snow posed the threat of flooding, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned. Buffalo could see 60 degrees on Monday.

5. Apple launches massive two-week (RED) campaign

Apple is glowing (RED) for the holidays. The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant launches an unprecedented two-week campaign Monday that involves its app store, retail locations and online store, yet another example of CEO Tim Cook's push to boost the company's corporate image. (RED), the charity started in 2006 by singer Bono with a mission to rid the world of HIV/AIDS, will turn the campaign's proceeds over to The Global Fund for use in providing antiretroviral treatment to AIDS sufferers primarily in Africa.

Apple's two-week Apps for (RED) initiative looks to donate all proceeds from 25 popular apps to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

And, the essentials:

Weather: The national weather forecast for Monday calls for a mix of rain and snow in the Midwest, even more rain in the Pacific Northwest and sunshine in the South.

Stocks: U.S. stock futures made gains Monday.

TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Gotham, Big Bang and Castle.

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Contributing: Associated Press

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