Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Donald Trump Has a History of Questioning Others' Religion
The pattern looks to have begun with President Obama. In questioning Hillary Clinton’s religious convictions Tuesday, Trump added an attack of the president, saying “it’s going to be an extension of Obama, but it’s going to be worse.” But even before Trump launched his White House bid a year ago, he was known to regularly cast doubt on Obama’s Christianity. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Did Russian Hackers Strike Again Against Hillary Clinton?
Russian hackers are believed to have breached the computers of the Clinton Foundation — and appear to be the same cyber spies who swiped confidential files from the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton campaigns, officials familiar with the investigation told NBC News. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Big Cities Under Threat From Hail, Winds and Twisters
Millions of Americans across the Midwest were facing damaging winds, large hail, flooding and a possible tornado outbreak Wednesday. Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Columbus were all under the threat area for severe thunderstorms through the day, according to forecasters. Read more in NEWS.
4. North Korea Fires 2 More Ballistic Missiles: Officials
North Korea has fired two more powerful mid-range ballistic missiles, U.S. and South Korean officials said early Wednesday. The launches brought to six the number of missile test firings since April — which Western officials say are in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions. Read more in NEWS.
5. What Led Friend of Orlando Shooter to Tip Off FBI?
Omar Mateen didn't always fit the profile of a would-be radicalized killer, a friend told NBC News. In 2014, American-born Mateen was remarried to a second wife and had a new son — and his friend, Mohammad Malik, had never heard him express extremist views or say anything homophobic.But after a young man who went to their Florida mosque was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria that year, one thing did trouble Malik. Read more in NEWS.
6. Dad, 3 Teens Missing After Sailboat Vanishes Off Florida
The 29-foot vessel went missing near Englewood, on the Gulf of Mexico side of the state. It was last seen Sunday morning, according to the Coast Guard. By 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday, authorities said there was still no sign of the family. The missing included boys aged 13 and 15 and their 17-year-old sister. Read more in NEWS.
7. Rep. Chaka Fattah Guilty on All Counts in Corruption Trial
A jury has convicted veteran U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah in a racketeering case that largely centered on various efforts to repay an illegal $1 million campaign loan. Read more at NBC PHILADELPHIA.
8. The First Lady Joins Snapchat as 'MichelleObama'
The wait is over. On National Selfie Day, FLOTUS has joined "The Snap," the official app of selfie-lovers everywhere. Read more in NEWS.
