5 things you need to know Wednesday
Pence heads to the Hill to push the Trump agenda
Vice President-elect Mike Pence is headed to Capitol Hill on Wednesday with a message: “It’s time to get to work.” Pence said he would meet in Washington with members of the House and Senate about the incoming administration’s agenda. Pence also said he would have conversations about “repealing and replacing Obamacare,” along with plans to “roll back” regulations.
Charleston church shooter will represent himself in sentencing
Dylann Roof is expected to make an opening statement, but offer no defense, when the sentencing phase of his trial resumes Wednesday. The 22-year-old man convicted of gunning down nine black parishioners in June 2015 at a Charleston, S.C., church will serve as his own lawyer — a decision made against the advice of his defense team. A judge ruled Monday that Roof was competent to represent himself and allowed him an extra day to prepare for the sentencing phase, which had been slated to begin Tuesday. A jury will determine whether Roof should be sentenced to life in prison or face execution.
What were they thinking? Minutes may shed light on Fed's rate moves
The Federal Reserve tossed some cold water on the stock market rally last month when it not only raised interest rates (as expected) but forecast three rate hikes in 2017 instead of the two moves anticipated. The minutes of the Fed's Dec. 13-14 meeting, out Wednesday, should provide a detailed look at the debate among Fed officials and their reasoning for increasing the rate hike forecasts. At the time, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to beef up infrastructure spending and cut taxes “may have been a factor” for some policymakers concerned about inflation.
Samsung, Sony and LG to make announcements at CES
The annual Consumer Electronics Show hits Las Vegas, and with it up to 175,000 people and new gizmos spread out over 2.5 million square feet. Expect plenty of artificial intelligence-powered digital assistants that give Amazon's Echo a run for its money with features that make these bots look more like us. Big consumer tech companies including Samsung, Sony and LG hold news conferences Wednesday while doors open to attendees Thursday.
Final auto sales figures for 2016 will be a 'photo finish'
The auto industry is on the cusp of reporting another record number for 2016 — perhaps topping 17.5 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. — as annual sales figures are released Wednesday. Consumer optimism, a rising stock market and a healthy housing market are factors that have contributed to the blistering sales pace which have automakers optimistic for Wednesday’s final tally. Not all is rosy, however, as experts expressed concern whether the cycle can continue in 2017, pointing to rising interest rates, lower trade-in value and potentially tighter financing as possible deterrents.
And the essentials:
Weather: Another shot of arctic air will bring snow showers near the Great Lakes, while the Great Basin braces for a big storm.
Stocks: Global stocks traded mixed.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Lethal Weapon, ModernFamily and Star.
Be inspired: When this pilot is in the air, he no longer has a stutter.
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Contributing: The Associated Press.