Jayme Closs kidnapper to be sentenced, Brexit drama, 'Aladdin': 5 things to know Friday
Kidnapper of of Jayme Closs to be sentenced
The man who kidnapped 13-year-old Jayme Closs from her Wisconsin home last October after killing her parents is scheduled to be sentenced Friday. Jake Patterson, 21, pleaded guilty in March to charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. His sentence will hinge in part on the testimony of Jayme's family, who are expected to share the impact Patterson's actions had on them. Patterson held Jayme Closs captive in rural Douglas County for 88 days before she broke free and escaped. Why he did what he did has remained a mystery since his arrest. Friday's sentencing may offer the last opportunity for Patterson or his attorneys to shine light on his motivations.
Three more guilty pleas expected in 'Varsity Blues' case
The long list of defendants who have pleaded guilty in the sweeping college admissions cheating case dubbed "Varsity Blues" is expected to grow by three Friday. Guilty pleas that started in March with that of scheme mastermind Rick Singer have been declared by 16 defendants to date. They also include Singer's associates and high-profile parents, including actress Felicity Huffman, who paid them off to get their kids get into prominent schools. Those slated to enter guilty pleas Friday come from the parent side: Jane Buckingham, Robert Flaxman and Marjorie Klapper, California entrepreneurs behind marketing, real estate and jewelry businesses, respectively.
Britain's leader Theresa May resigns amid Brexit deadlock
Britain's embattled leader Theresa May resigned her premiership Friday, although she will stay on as caretaker prime minister for now. It came amid a barrage of criticism and mounting pressure over her failed efforts to steer the nation out of the European Union in a manner acceptable to increasingly rebellious lawmakers. May said she will resign as leader of the ruling Conservative Party - and therefore as prime minister - on June 7. The 62-year-old lasted three years in office. Rivals and former allies of the beleaguered prime minister had renewed calls for her removal from office as her attempts to lead Britain out of the European Union appeared to be headed for another dead end. British lawmakers have rejected May's plans three times since British voters opted to leave the European Union nearly three years ago.
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Live-action "Aladdin" starring Will Smith opens
Despite a less-than-enthusiastic reaction to a trailer released earlier this year, Disney's re-imagining of "Aladdin" opens Friday to rave reviews. Starring Will Smith as Genie, "Aladdin" is the latest live-action adaption from the House of Mouse. Directed by film veteran Guy Ritchie, the new "Aladdin" keeps the same beats of the previous film, but with considerably more story, and more length as the new movie is over two hours long. In his three-star review, USA TODAY critic Brian Truitt said the movie, "razzles and dazzles with huge dance sequences and impressive production design, but it’s definitely a more grown-up tale than the original 1992 animated classic."
WNBA season tips off with two games
The WNBA tips off its 23rd season with two games on Friday. The defending league champion Seattle Storm – who open their season Saturday – will be hard-pressed to repeat. Last season's MVP, Breanna Stewart, will miss the season with an Achilles injury and veteran point guard Sue Bird will be sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. With the Storm short-handed, the Washington Mystics, Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks are the preseason favorites to win the title. Thanks to the additions of league leading scorer and MVP runner-up Liz Cambage in a trade and No. 1 draft pick Jackie Young, the Aces went from missing the playoffs last season to instant title contenders for 2019.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jayme Closs kidnapper to be sentenced, Brexit drama, 'Aladdin': 5 things to know Friday
