Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Virginia Shooter Had History of Workplace Problems
Vester Lee Flanagan, the man who shot two journalists and former colleagues live on air Wednesday, had a long and troubled career at local television stations around the country. In an apparent 23-page "suicide note," the former WBDJ-TV reporter claimed he suffered racial discrimination and bullying at work, and was attacked for being black and gay. Flanagan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Read more in NEWS.
2. Slain Reporter and Boyfriend Shared ‘Magical’ Love Story
The boyfriend of shooting victim Alison Parker said they had a "magical" nine months dating. WBDJ anchor Chris Hurst said they "fell hard for each other. We found our soulmates." The camerman killed, Adam Warner, was engaged to be married. Read more in NEWS.
3. Asia Stocks Surge After Wall Street Skyrockets
China's key stock market index surged early Thursday — its biggest gain in eight weeks — as markets across Asia rose following Wall Street's rebound on Wednesday. The U.S. markets open at 9:30 a.m. ET. Read more in BUSINESS.
4. Walmart to Stop Selling Semi-Automatic Rifles
The world's largest retailer said Wednesday it's removing semi-automatic rifles and similar sports firearms from its stores because not enough people are buying them — not because of increased attention to shootings like Wednesday's killings of the two journalists. Read more in BUSINESS.
5. Fund That Covers 9/11 Survivors Due to Expire
The stomach cancer that killed iconic 9/11 survivor Marcy Borders is one of dozens of illnesses covered by a federal fund for survivors of the attack and disaster. But the fund runs out of money next year, and one of the doctors who fought to get it established is worried. Read more in HEALTH.
6. Prep School Rape Defendant Denies Sex With Accuser
Owen Labrie, who is on trial for allegedly raping a freshman girl at a prestigious New England prep school in 2014, testified Wednesday that they had consensual sexual contact that never progressed into intercourse. After over a week of emotional testimony, closing arguments are set for Thursday. Read more in NEWS.
7. Fleeing Girl May Have Caused Motel Blast
An Aug. 18 explosion that leveled part of a Washington state motel may have been triggered after a stepfather stood on a gas pipe while helping his stepdaughter escape the building amid a family dispute, police said. Read more in NEWS.
Nightly Spotlight
Zion Harvey, the first child to ever get a double hand transplant, went home from the hospital Wednesday, his hands still bandaged but working well enough to let him play with action figures.