IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

KNOW IT ALL: Thursday's Top 6 Stories at NBC News

From the NFL’s ongoing off-field problems to the Senate vote on arming Syrian rebels against ISIS, see the stories we're following.
Get more newsLiveon

Good morning, and happy Thursday. Here are some of the stories we're following today:

1. PR nightmare continues for embattled NFL

Just when the NFL thought things couldn’t get worse, Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was charged Wednesday night with assaulting his wife and child — the latest domestic violence case involving a player. In a statement, the Cardinals said they became aware of the July allegations only on Wednesday afternoon and have deactivated Dwyer from all team activities. The NFL said the allegations “will be reviewed” under its personal conduct policy. But ongoing scandals involving star players Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson continue to throw the NFL — a profitable juggernaut — into turmoil. The question remains: Will effective change come quickly? Read more in SPORTS.

2. Vote to arm Syrian rebels heads to Senate

The House voted Wednesday to back President Barack Obama to arm and train the “moderate” Syrian rebels against ISIS. But it came with trepidation: Some Republicans say Obama’s battle plan isn’t enough while Democrats want assurances that it won’t lead to another long Iraq War operation or even boots on the ground. Obama has promised it won’t. The Senate could take up the same measure as soon as Thursday — and it will assuredly come with more political wrangling. Read more in POLITICS.

3. Iranian president blasts U.S.’s ISIS plan

In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Ann Curry, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani both vilified ISIS for its desire to “kill humanity” and called the U.S.-led coalition “ridiculous.” Rouhani questioned why the U.S. plan to fight the terror group includes avoiding putting boots on the ground. “If they want to use planes and if they want to use unmanned planes so that nobody is injured from the Americans, is it really possible to fight terrorism without any hardship, without any sacrifice?” Rouhani asked. The Iranian president sat down with Curry again a year after she became the first American journalist to interview him following his election. Read more in NEWS.

4. Scots head to polls for independence vote

Should they stay or should they go? Scotland’s residents are voting Thursday to determine whether to remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation. Recent polls have shown a potentially close vote — some even tipping toward independence much to the dismay of many U.K. officials and the royals. Those taking part in the vote include tens of thousands of 16- and 17-year-olds who are getting to cast a ballot for the first time. “I want Scotland to have its own voice, even it is means being a bit smaller,” one 16-year-old who voted “yes” on independence told NBC News. Read more in NEWS.

5. Odile pummels Texas with flash flooding

The remnants of Hurricane Odile has brought heavy rains and flooding to the Southwest — hitting southern New Mexico and the edge of western Texas the hardest. Cars were swept away and prompted rescue efforts for trapped drivers in Austin. The system unexpectedly missed Tuscon, Arizona, but the worst-hit city was El Paso, Texas, and parts of Interstate 10 near the city were closed. The rain, however, isn’t over yet. Read more in NEWS.

6. Rob Ford diagnosed with rare cancer

The scandal-scarred Toronto mayor is battling his biggest fight yet: cancer. Doctors said Wednesday that Ford has been diagnosed with malignant liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer in his abdomen. Despite the difficulty of the disease, his doctors are optimistic about chemotherapy treatment and his recovery. Ford dropped out of the mayor’s race a few days ago, and his younger brother, Doug, announced he’ll run as his replacement. Read more in NEWS.

… What’s trending today?

Smile, you might be on the FBI’s facial recognition database. With a price tag of $1 billion, the database is compiling millions of faces every day, cataloging not only mugs, but facial scars and tattoos as well.