5 things you need to know Thursday

Editors

USA TODAY

Stephen Colbert of "The Colbert Report."

1. Stephen Colbert files his final 'Report' (America weeps)

Nation, the end is here. We've laughed with him for nine years, and tonight Comedy Central's The Colbert Report ends its run. Tonight's guest? His final guest will be his "colleague and lifelong friend, Grimmy," otherwise known as the Grim Reaper, apparently to mark the death of his blowhard character (11:30 p.m. ET/PT). But don't despair, Colbert (the person) will be back in September as host of CBS' Late Show, succeeding David Letterman.

2. U.S. government could speak on North Korea's involvement in the Sony hacks

Playing out like a movie itself, the Sony hacking drama added a new character Wednesday: North Korea. Up until now, there hasn't been any public confirmation from the U.S. government. On Thursday, we may get that chance, as officials could make an announcement. Caught in the crosshairs lays The Interview, which has been shelved. And trust us, people in Hollywood aren't happy.

3. Marathon bombing suspect to make first court appearance in more than a year

The last time Dzhokhar Tsarnaev appeared in public, his face was still battered and his arm in a cast over a month after his confrontation with Boston police. That was in July 2013 when the Boston Marathon bombing suspect was in court for his arraignment. He is expected to be in court again Thursday, when lawyers will likely discuss the jury selection process. Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty to the bombing, which killed three and left more than 260 injured. If convicted, Tsarnaev could face the death penalty.

Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

4. Execution numbers are at their lowest in 20 years

The Death Penalty Information Center releases its annual end-of-year report on Thursday, showing that the 35 executions this year marked the lowest number in 20 years. As controversial cases in Missouri and Georgia came to light earlier this year, this number continues an ongoing decline since 1999. Additionally, the 72 death sentences issued this year represent the lowest number in 40 years.

An arm restraint on the gurney in the execution chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

5. Woman who stopped for ducks faces life in prison

It's a story that started back in 2010. A Canadian woman parked her car on a Montreal-area highway to herd ducklings. Almost four years to the day later, Emma Czornobaj was found guilty of causing the deaths of a motorcyclist and his passenger daughter who smashed into her car because she stopped. Thursday, Czornobaj is due to be sentenced. She was convicted of two counts of criminal negligence causing death, a charge that carries a maximum life sentence, and two counts of dangerous driving causing death, which comes with a maximum of 14 years in jail.

Emma Czornobaj is pictured at the Montreal Courthouse in Montreal on June 3.

And, the essentials:

Weather: Some of the worst weather Thursday will be in the Plains, where heavy rain and a wintry mix is likely. Snow will also fly in the Northeast and Rockies.

Stocks: U.S. stock futures are higher Thursday.

TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at The iHeartradio Jingle Ball, Mom and Two and a Half Men.

If you missed Wednesday's news, we've got you covered here.

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