Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Hillary Clinton to Testify Before Benghazi Committee
The 2012 attack on a U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, killed four Americans and caused a slew of political fallout. On Thursday, Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, will testify about the attack in front of a Republican-led House committee — and what she says about it could have major implications for her White House bid. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Why Joe Biden Decided Not to Run for President
For more than 80 days, Vice President Joe Biden kept America guessing about his next steps. But in the end, Biden's aides and allies echoed the vice president, acknowledging, as he did on Wednesday, "we're out of time" for him to run. Read more in POLITICS.
3. ISIS Attacks Soar in Past Three Months, Data Suggests
The number of average daily attacks carried out by ISIS worldwide jumped 42 percent over the past three months, according to data published Thursday. Notably, the rate of attacks rose during a time period when the terror group did not manage to expand much in terms of territory. Read more in NEWS.
4. Paul Ryan Gets Major Backing for Speaker Race
A large majority of the House Freedom Caucus has thrown its support behind Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin to be the next House speaker — not enough of them to win the influential conservative faction's endorsement, but enough for him to declare that Republicans are unified. Read more in POLITICS.
5. Sword Attack at School Kills Teacher, Injures Kids
At least one teacher was killed and two students were injured at the Kronan School in western Sweden by a sword-wielding masked man. A police spokesman told NBC News that there was no information to suggest the attack was terror-related. Read more in NEWS.
6. Suspect Held in Road Rage Killing of Young Girl
Police in New Mexico arrested a 32-year-old man on Wednesday in connection with the killing of a 4-year-old girl in a shooting on an interstate that investigators believe was motivated by road rage. Read more in NEWS.
7. Mets Sweep Cubs to Advance to World Series
The New York Mets are heading to the Fall Classic to hunt for their first World Series title since 1986 after clobbering the Chicago Cubs in four games. After Wednesday night's victory, they'll take on the winner of the series between the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays. See more in SPORTS.
Nightly Spotlight
Meet Julia, the newest character on "Sesame Street" who is part of an online program aimed at giving kids with autism a friend to whom they can relate.
