Good morning, and happy (chilly) Thursday. Here are six of the top stories we are following this morning at NBC News:
1. Feds interview witnesses in N.J. mayor’s claim that Christie administration pressured her
Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer has accused embattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his administration of trying to strong-arm her to approve a redevelopment project if she wanted Superstorm Sandy relief funds for her city. The FBI is instructing key witnesses to preserve all documents. Read more in POLITICS.
2. U.S. creates evacuation plan in the event of terrorist strike at Russia’s Olympics
With threats of violence ahead of the Winter games in Sochi, U.S. military officials said they already have warships and planes on standby in Europe should anything go wrong. Ultimately, any cooperation for outside help in an attack will be up to Russia, analysts say. Read more in NEWS.
3. Justin Bieber busted for alledged drag racing, DUI in Miami
The party boy pop star’s was arrested early Thursday after cops say he drag racing on a Miami Beach street in a yellow Lamborghini and failed a sobriety test. Police in Opa-locka had already launched an unrelated investigation following Bieber’s night-out antics, which he’s been documenting on social media. Read more in NEWS.
NBC Miami posted a picture of the Lambo he was allegedly driving.
4. Hawaii closes North Shore beaches after reports of monster ‘super swell’
High surf warnings remain in effect until Friday along the island of Oahu, where 40- to 50-foot waves are forecasted to hit. Already, a surfing competition was called off Tuesday and swimmers were warned Wednesday to stay out of the water. Read more in NEWS.
5. Jerky treats for pets associated with animal deaths to return to store shelves
Brands of top-selling jerky treats from Nestle Purina and Del Monte Foods Corp. will be reintroduced to consumers in the next couple of months despite a nationwide recall last year because of pet deaths. But the FDA was unable to pinpoint what was sickening the animals. Read more in HEALTH.
6. Courtney Love in court in first ‘Twibel’ case of its kind
The former “Hole” frontwoman took the stand in Los Angeles in a libel case involving Twitter. A San Diego lawyer, whom Love had hired in 2008 in a fraud case, is now suing the singer for remarks she tweeted. Love claimed her lawyer had been “bought off.” Notably, Love has not tweeted anything in 12 days. Read more in POP CULTURE.
… What’s trending?
Fans of the beloved late 80s sitcom “Full House” can see the Tanner brothers reunite in a Super Bowl commercial teaser. John Stamos, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier team up for the ad, which is pitching the Greek yogurt brand Oikos.
You got it, dude. Watch the video here.