Good morning, and happy Wednesday! Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Edward Snowden exclusive: U.S. trapped me in Russia
The NSA contractor, currently stuck in Russia, told “Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams that he was in fact “trained as a spy” — defending his expertise against government officials who downplayed his role. He also told Williams that he never intended to wind up in Russia, but the State Department forced him there because they revoked his passport. The controversial leaker sat down for his first wide-ranging interview on American network television. The full interview airs 10 tonight ET on NBC. Read more in NEWS.
2. Obama plans to recast America’s foreign policy
The president will speak during West Point’s commencement exercises today and is expected to “turn the page” from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and present a “broader” foreign policy strategy. His speech comes on the heels of an announcement Tuesday that some 9,800 troops will be in Afghanistan to help train Afghan forces, but then, less than 1,000 will remain by the end of 2016. Read more in POLITICS.
3. ‘Not one more’: Isla Vista mourners demand change
Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, gathered for a memorial service Tuesday night to remember the six victims killed by another college student in a stabbing and shooting rampage. Among those in attendance was the father of victim Christopher Michaels-Martinez. Richard Martinez gave an impassioned plea calling for an end to gun violence. “Not one more!” he shouted to a standing ovation. Read more at NBC Los Angeles.
4. Donald Sterling strikes back at NBA’s charges
The embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner is reportedly fighting the league’s efforts that he force a sale of the team. In a response to NBA charges filed Tuesday, Sterling is claiming that the sale would require him to pay a large capital gains tax considered “egregious.” Even if Sterling puts up a fight, the NBA Board of Governors will meet on June 3 in New York City to vote on stripping him of his franchise ownership. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
5. Oldest congressman loses in Texas GOP primary
Rep. Ralph Hall, 91, first came to Congress in 1980. But after 17 terms, he suffered an unexpected loss to his little-known challenger John Ratcliffe during a runoff. Ratcliffe, 48, had the support of national conservative groups, and reportedly used modern analytics to better target voters. Read more in POLITICS.
6. Florida woman sets record as oldest to give IVF birth
An Orlando woman — at age 46 — is the oldest to give birth to a baby via in-vitro fertilization using her own eggs. Belinda Slaughter, now 47, gave birth to her first child in September, her doctor said in an interview Tuesday. But other doctors are exercising caution: Most IVF facilities don’t take women over 43 because of the low probability of success. Read more in HEALTH.
… What’s trending today?
Step aside Carly Rae Jepsen and Baba Booey, you’ve got company in the Worst Ceremonial First Pitch Hall of Fame.
Rapper 50 Cent made a terrible toss during Tuesday’s New York Mets game at Citi Field, somehow sending the ball way way off course.
The announcer described it as “just a bit outside.” That's an understatement.