5 stories to follow: Jan. 14

Here's your daily look at five stories we're following:

1. Christie in the spotlight: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is in the spotlight on a number of fronts today. Federal auditors are examining whether he improperly used Superstorm Sandy relief funds by airing television ads that featured himself and his family during his gubernatorial reelection campaign. The state legislature is ramping up its investigation into the George Washington Bridge lane closures, as reports surfaced that Christie learned about gridlock-causing closures as early as Sept. 19. And, the governor is giving his State of the State address today, in which he will propose extending the public school year and lengthening school days.

2. Mob jury: The jurors deciding the fate of reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joe Ligambi and his nephew, George Borgesi, told U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno on Monday that they had taken two votes and were at an impasse, after three days of deliberations. Robreno told the jurors to continue deliberations, which will resume today.

3. Race for Gerlach seat: Malvern businessman Michael Parrish is set to announce plans today to run for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Jim Gerlach. Parrish plans to run as a Democrat, but was a Republican until December.

4. Guilty plea for council consultant: A former campaign consultant for Philadelphia Councilman Bobby Henon is scheduled to plead guilty today to stealing $50,000 from the campaign for gambling. Richard North is slated to admit to felony theft charges, acknowledging that he used a campaign credit card to get cash from an ATM at SugarHouse casino.

5. Winter outlook: After last week's wild weather, what's in store for the rest of the winter? John Bolaris' updated outlook for the season says there's "significantly above average" potential for snow and major storms.