5 things you need to know Wednesday
America gets what it wanted all along: A Game 7!
The riveting World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians heads to a dramatic, must-see Game 7 on Wednesday night (8 p.m. ET, Fox) after the Cubs routed the Indians 9-3 Tuesday to force a winner-take-all showdown. Game 7, one of the greatest words spoken in sports, will be one of the most anticipated baseball games in recent memory; believe it or not, tickets are already selling for as much as $20,000 apiece. While the Indians seek their first World Series title in 68 years, the Cubs haven't won it all since 1908. Wednesday's clash will feature Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks going up against Cleveland ace Corey Kluber — who will be vying to become the first starting pitcher since 1968 to win three World Series games.
RNC deadline to explain "ballot security" efforts
The Republican National Committee has until 5 p.m. Wednesday to explain any agreements it has made with Donald Trump’s campaign in an attempt to ensure “ballot security,” a federal judge ruled. The order is in response to a motion filed by the Democratic National Committee to hold the RNC in contempt for alleged violation of a 1982 consent decree, in which the RNC had agreed to stop vote-watching after Democrats alleged the RNC was intimidating minority voters. Last week, Democrats accused Republicans of violating the decree, and the judge ordered Republicans provide details about its efforts to stop voter fraud.
Facebook counting on video strides ahead of third quarter results
Facebook, the company behind the nation's most popular social network, is expected to report its profit Wednesday with signs pointing to another blowout. The company is gaining traction with advertisers and finding success in encouraging people to make, view and share more video, which brings more ad dollars. If Facebook delivers as expected, — analysts are projecting big gains in profit and revenue — Wednesday's result will mark the fourth straight quarter the Silicon Valley company has grown sales by more than 50% year over the previous year. The company’s revenue is expected to jump 54% to $6.9 billion, says S&P Global Market Intelligence. Adjusted profit per share at the company is estimated to jump 70% to 97 cents a share.
A milestone year for the Country Music Awards
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host the 50th annual Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, ABC). The two-hour awards show will feature big-name country performers like Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert and Trisha Yearwood. The competition is friendly but fierce, and we have some thoughts on who will take home the night’s top prizes — and the performers who also deserve the recognition.
Rolling Stone defamation case heads to jury
Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Wednesday in a defamation trial against Rolling Stone magazine for its tale of a gruesome gang rape at the University of Virginia. Former university administrator Nicole Eramo sued the magazine for $7.5 million, claiming the 2014 story entitled "A Rape on Campus" painted her as insensitive to the needs of sexual assault victims. The story — eventually debunked and fully retracted in 2015 — ignited a national conversation about sexual assault on U.S. campuses. A police investigation later found no credible evidence of a crime, and an independent investigation by the Columbia School of Journalism found journalistic failure that "encompassed reporting, editing, editorial supervision and fact-checking."
And the essentials:
Weather: Showers will dampen the central U.S. on Wednesday while the East sees another warm day.
Stocks: Shares fell in Asia on Wednesday as jitters over the U.S. presidential election and weaker oil prices shook investor confidence.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Lethal Weapon and Empire.
Be inspired: Make-A-Wish transforms little boy's backyard into Fenway Park.
Most popular: See our top stories in one nightly digest on Facebook Messenger.
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Contributing: Associated Press
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