NEWS

5 things you need to know Thursday

Editors
USA TODAY
A bronze chest statue of late Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres is taken at the gardens of the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

Israel mourns one of its founding fathers

The body of Israeli statesman Shimon Peres will lie in state at the Knesset in Jerusalem on Thursday as Israel mourns the former leader, who died Wednesday. A former soldier who fought in Israel's war of independence, Peres went on to serve as prime minister and president. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 jointly with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for forging the Oslo Accords, a peace deal that also called for a Palestinian state. World leaders — possibly including President Obama — will attend the state funeral for Peres on Friday.

Wells Fargo CEO to testify following $41M 'clawback'

John Stumpf will appear before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday, days after the Wells Fargo CEO agreed to give up $41 million in unvested stock awards following the board of directors' investigation into the bank's sales practices. Both Stumpf and another executive were responsible at a time when hundreds of thousands of accounts were secretly opened for customers by employees, allegedly done to meet sales targets and earn bonuses. Wells Fargo says more than 5,000 were fired for opening the accounts, but until Tuesday, only lower-level employees had been punished.

Police violence against unarmed black men has chilling effect

A study  set to publish Thursday in the American Sociological Review reveals that residents in predominantly black neighborhoods are less likely to call 911 in the months after police violence against unarmed black men. In the study, researchers examined several high-profile incidents, including the beating of Frank Jude Jr. 12-years-ago by off-duty Milwaukee police officers. Controlling for crime and other factors, researchers found that 911 calls dropped by more than 22,000 in Milwaukee following Jude Jr.'s horrific beating, with the effect much higher in black neighborhoods. The report comes at a time when high-profile cases of police-involved shootings have caused unrest across the nation.

Miami Marlins say their final goodbyes as José Fernández is laid to rest

After days of mourning and emotional tributes across the city, Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández will be buried Thursday. . Fernández, the 24-year-old pitching sensation, and two of his friends, Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero, died early Sunday when their boat crashed off the shores of Miami Beach. Details regarding Fernádez's last night emerged earlier this week, with reports stating the Cuban-born star organized a late-night boating expedition following an argument with his girlfriend.  Miami Marlins players, coaches and team executives are expected to attend Thursday's service — a day off for the baseball club.

Sentencing for N.J. cop who killed ex-wife in front of daughter

Philip Seidle, the former police sergeant who shot and killed his wife last year on a New Jersey street while his 7-year-old daughter watched from his car, will be sentenced Thursday. In a plea deal in March, Seidle admitted he fired 12 shots at Tamara Wilson-Seidle on June 16, 2015, less than three weeks before their divorce became final after he learned that a man had moved in with her. The killing raised questions about how authorities handled prior domestic violence calls —  seven in all —  to the Seidles’ home. A report by the Monmouth County prosecutor's office found that police had acted properly and that the killing "was simply a crime of passion that could not be anticipated." The prosecutor's office said it will seek a 30-year sentence.

Bonus item: Celebrate #NationalCoffeeDay with a cup of Joe!

Thursday is National Coffee Day, which means you can get a great deal on a cup of coffee at many restaurants and chains. Plan your day accordingly with our deal guide.

And the essentials:

Weather: Drenching rain will soak the Mid-Atlantic, where flash flooding is possible. The central U.S. will enjoy a clear and dry day.

Stocks: Energy companies led a global stock market rally Thursday as investors welcomed news that OPEC nations planned to cut oil production for the first time in eight years.

TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Pitch and How to Get Away with Murder.

Be inspired: Teen keeps friend's memory alive on his Air Jordans.

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