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President Obama in Phoenix.(Photo: Ross D. Franklin, AP)
1. Obama prepares big community college announcement
In Tennessee today, President Obama will propose two years of free community college for American workers as part of his three-state tour this week to preview his State of the Union Address. Obama teased his community college proposal in a video uploaded to Facebook on Thursday. "Put simply, what I'd like to do is to see the first two years of community college free for anybody who's willing to work for it," he said.
President Obama speaks at Central High School on Thursday, Jan. 8, in Phoenix about the recovering housing sector.(Photo: Carolyn Kaster, AP)
2. Gay marriage returns to the high court — sort of
No, the Supreme Court is not hearing a case on gay marriage. Instead, justices will hold a private conference today. They could agree to decide one or more cases from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisiana, which would pave the way for a court showdown this spring and a ruling by early summer. Or, they could do nothing. The five cases arrayed for the Supreme Court's consideration at Friday's conference represent nearly all aspects of the same-sex marriage debate. Some couples seek the right to marry, others to have marriages performed in states where it is legal recognized in their home state. Some of the cases combine both challenges.
3. In Selma, residents can see 'Selma' for free
Today, Selma, the Golden Globe-nominated Martin Luther King Jr. film, has its national release. To mark the release, Paramount Pictures announced that residents of the Alabama city will receive free screenings at the Selma Walton Theater beginning today and running through the end of the month. The film is up for four Golden Globe awards, including best director, and already receiving considerable Oscar buzz. Haven't caught the trailer? Preview the film below.
'Selma' is based on the true story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights marches of Selma, Alabama. David Oyelowo stars as Martin Luther King, Jr. VPC
4. AirAsia jet's black boxes could be raised
The search for AirAsia wreckage is focusing on the aircraft's black boxes.Teams hunting for the black box recorder have detected pings, according to news reports Friday. Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo said efforts will be intensified to lift up the tail of the plane with balloons or a crane. Ping-emitting beacons in the black boxes still have about 20 days of battery life.
5. 'Glee' sings its swan song
Gleeks, theater kids and choir nerds, the day you've dreaded is upon us. The musical comedy begins its final season tonight after six years on air. The show turned plot lines into teachable moments, and it is touted as an iconic LGBT show, helmed by television creator Ryan Murphy. Where will the gang end up? Tune in on Fox at 9 p.m. ET to find out.
They just couldn't stay away: Sam (Chord Overstreet), left, Rachel (Lea Michele) and Puck (Mark Salling) return to McKinley for the Season 6 premiere.(Photo: Jennifer Clasen, Fox)
Bonus: Happy 33rd birthday, Duchess Kate!
Duchess Catherine of Cambridge turns 33 today, so it's time for the annual review of what's great about Kate.
And the essentials:
Weather: The national weather forecast for today calls for fresh arctic air in the Plains, snow showers in the Northeast and rain showers in Southern Florida.
The national weather forecast for Friday, January 9th calls for fresh arctic air in the Plains, snow showers in the Northeast and rain shoers in Southern Florida. VPC
Stocks: U.S. stock futures fell Friday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch this weekend? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Glee's premiere and the Golden Globes.
USA TODAY's Robert Bianco previews the television lineup for this weekend with 'Glee, 'The 'Golden Globes' hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and 'Togetherness.' VPC
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