5 things you need to know Thursday
New York state primary race heats up
Thursday marks a key point in the crucial New York state primary race, as all the major presidential candidates make high-profile appearances in New York City. Hillary Clinton will face off against Bernie Sanders, winner in seven of the past eight Democratic state contests, in a CNN debate in Brooklyn — Sanders' hometown. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich all are scheduled to appear at the state Republican gala in Manhattan. Cruz has been gaining in the delegate race against Trump, who has accused the GOP leadership of conspiring to stop him from winning the nomination.
Putin takes questions from Russian public
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take the hot seat Thursday for his annual marathon Q&A, and the Kremlin is sifting through more than a million queries from the Russian public. Some constituents might send in personal problems they hope Putin can solve, while others will ask about the country's ailing economy or the president's love life. Putin is also expected to address Russia's support mission in Syria and its relationship with the U.S., according to experts on Russia. The Direct Line with Vladimir Putin will air live on Russian TV channels starting at midday in Moscow.
If you can't look like Beyoncé, you can at least dress like her — sort of
Beyoncé fans can get in formation Thursday when Queen Bey's highly promoted line of activewear debuts in stores. The Ivy Park "athleisure" collection is modified sportswear that includes crop tops, sweatshirts and leggings. Although the line's name is obviously a nod to Beyoncé's 4-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, the singer explained that the name represents more: "I called it Ivy Park because a park is our commonality," she said. "We can all go there; we're all welcomed." Ivy Park will be available at Topshop, Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter.
NBA regular season is over, so let the coaching carousel begin
The NBA regular season wrapped up on quite a high note — goodbye, Kobe Bryant and wow, Golden State Warriors who notched an NBA-record 73rd win. But starting Thursday, the league is sure to be shaking up its coaching lineup. With several once-hopeful playoff teams missing out on the postseason, the ritual firings of coaches is expected to begin with the Sacramento Kings' George Karl, who was hired last February.
Juror statement may put police shooting conviction in jeopardy
A hearing Thursday could threaten the conviction of a former New York City officer in a controversial police shooting case. Former NYPD officer Peter Liang was convicted of manslaughter in February in the 2014 killing of an unarmed man, Akai Gurley. Liang testified that the shooting was accidental. A judge on Wednesday postponed the sentencing of Liang after he questioned a juror in the case. Liang’s attorneys argued last week that the juror, Michael Vargas, said during jury selection that no one in his family had been accused of a crime. But after the verdict, he told a newspaper that his father was sent to prison for accidentally shooting a friend to death. The hearing will continue Thursday.
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And the essentials:
Weather: A soggy Thursday is on tap for both the southeastern U.S. and the Pacific Northwest.
Stocks:Asia stocks saw strong gains; Wall Street stock futures were flat.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Bones, American Grit and Orphan Black.
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