ESPN Layoffs; United's Dead Rabbit Problem; Bernie Fights For 15: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Thursday, and you're one day closer to the weekend. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

ESPN Layoffs Begin For Big-Name Talent

A plethora of on-air personalities at ESPN will officially be shown the door, according to a Wednesday memo from network president John Skipper. The pink slips will begin to get handed out this week, he said in the memo, though one personality said Wednesday he already received his notice. "A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions," he said. (Patch)

Dead Giant Rabbit On United Flight Creates New Problem For Airline

When it comes to public relations disasters, United Airlines appears to be subscribing to the philosophy of "go big or go home." Even as officials continue to investigate an incident involving a United passenger who was violently dragged from a flight at O'Hare International Airport earlier this month, the Chicago-based airline finds itself caught in another awkward and potentially damaging media fiasco following the death of a rabbit poised to be the world's largest aboard a trans-Atlantic flight. (Patch)

Bernie Sanders Pushes $15 Minimum Wage Bill

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Patty Murray are pushing a bill with the support of 20 Democrats that would raise the national minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024, an issue that has gained tremendous momentum among left-of-center activists. On Wednesday, Sanders and some of his Democratic colleagues joined a rally of striking workers in front of the Capitol to raise support for the bill and the cause. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Ted Cruz Thinks 'El Chapo' Should Pay For Wall — Or At Least Part Of It (Patch)

Former Wayne Substitute Teacher Charged With Heroin Possession (Patch)

Air Force Conducts Midnight Missile Test Off California Central Coast (Patch)

Win A Free Baby: NYC Doctor Holding 'IVF Lottery' For 30 Lucky Ladies (Patch)

Donald Trump's Summer White House May Be In New Jersey

New Jersey may become the new summer retreat for the president of the United States. But it won't come without high costs and controversy. (Patch)

Trump Tax Plans Announced But Few Details On Offer

Though billed as the unveiling of a "plan," the proposal contained few details, only broad principles that have been previously discussed. (Patch)

'Silence Of The Lambs' Director Jonathan Demme Dies In New York At 73

"Jonathan passed away early this morning in his Manhattan apartment, surrounded by his wife, Joanne Howard, and three children," his publicist said in a statement. (Patch)

Houston's Female Doctors Are Grossly Underpaid Compared To Male Counterparts

"It is exactly the same job whether you are a man or a woman. Why is there a $50,000 difference?" (Patch)

Cleanup Efforts Underway In Oklahoma After 19,000-Gallon Oil Spill

The rupture of a Plains All American Pipeline has affected some 70 acres of farmland and reached a small creek, according to the Associated Press. The site of the spill is in the rural town of Loyal, about 60 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The 450-barrel spill actually was reported Friday, but it's unclear when it started. (Patch)

Kids With Cancer Get Back Stolen Toys

A Facebook post helped police find the thieves who allegedly stole a trailer filled with $5,000 worth of toys intended for kids with cancer. (Patch)

This Day In History

2006 — Construction begins on the One World Trade Center tower on the lot of the fallen Twin Towers

Famous Birthdays

1927 — Coretta Scott King, American activist, author and wife of Martin Luther King Jr.

1944 — Cuba Gooding Sr., American singer and father of actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

Photo credit: The Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America Project, Library of Congress