Good morning, and happy Thursday. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Obama pleads with Congress to approve border funding
President Obama is asking Washington lawmakers to approve $3.7 billion to help stem the influx of migrants at the border, and struck back at critics for turning the issue into political theater. “This isn’t theater, this is a problem,” he said after going to Texas on Wednesday. He also addressed criticism about why he has been to Texas to fundraise but not visit the border: “I’m not interested in photo ops.” Texas Gov. Rick Perry has urged the president to act, even without Congress’ approval if he has to. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Where is Hamas getting its rockets?
The militant group has turned to smuggled Syrian-made rockets as its firepower against Israel. While Hamas has “about 10,000 rockets” in its arsenal, a former national security adviser said none of them are any kind of “game-changing Doomsday weapon.” Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed eight members of a family, including five children, on Thursday, marking the deadliest single bombing raid since the offensive in Gaza began. Read more in NEWS.
3. Argentina to take on Germany in World Cup finals
Argentina eliminated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during Wednesday’s semifinal game, securing its place in the finals against Germany on Sunday. Both Germany and Argentina have played one another twice before in the finals, each winning once. The Dutch, meanwhile, will play Brazil — which loss in stunning fashion against Germany — for third place on Saturday. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
4. Online posts could shed light on hot-car dad
Investigators are looking into the Internet history of Georgia dad Justin Ross Harris to better understand why he allegedly left his 22-month-old son to die in a scorching SUV for seven hours. One motive, according to prosecutors, is that Harris was unhappy in his marriage and no longer wanted a family. Detectives revealed last week that Harris was even sexting with multiple women in the weeks leading up to his son’s death last month. Read more in NEWS.
5. Four kids among six shot dead in domestic dispute
Texas police have detained a suspect in the fatal shooting Wednesday of four children and two adults. The suspect, identified as Ron Lee Haskell, had a domestic argument involving a divorce, which may have sparked the shocking slayings. A 15-year-old girl was also critically wounded in the rampage, but was able to identify the shooter to authorities. Read more in NEWS.
6. Donald Sterling in court vows to ‘never ever’ sell Clippers
The domestic drama continued Wednesday when Sterling took the stand again, this time referring to wife, Shelly, as “a pig” after wrapping up testimony. Sterling is making a play to keep the Los Angeles Clippers, while his wife’s attorneys are arguing that she should be able to sell the basketball team for $2 billion. Sterling’s mental health has been in question after audio leaked of the embattled billionaire making racist comments. He defended himself on Wednesday: “I’m not a racist. I love all people, but I was the poster boy!” Read more at NBC LOS ANGELES.
… What’s trending today?
Gossip sites are buzzing that Ryan Gosling and girlfriend Eva Mendes are expecting their first child. The two starred together in “The Place Beyond the Pines,” and if the rumors are true, Mendes is already about seven months along.
The actress hasn’t made a public appearance since March 18 — further stoking stories that the Hollywood A-listers have a baby on the way.
But not everyone’s completely happy for the pair: