Good morning. Here are some of the headlines we're following this morning:
1. Ted Cruz Reopens Party Wounds at Raucous RNC
Donald Trump paid a steep price for his brutal insults and outrageous innuendo against his Republican primary rivals Wednesday when Sen. Cruz, who placed second behind Trump in the delegate count, refused to endorse the GOP nominee — prompting boos, chants and jeers from the crowd. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Trump’s VP: We’ll Win America’s ‘Hearts and Minds’
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence introduced himself at the RNC and offered the first taste of the pitch he'll make with Trump. But as he sought to heal GOP divisions, earlier events on the convention floor served as a stark reminder of how deep those rifts remain. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Is Trump Trying to Quiet Ghostwriter?
Tony Schwartz, ghostwriter of Trump's book "The Art of the Deal," told MSNBC on Wednesday that the Trump campaign sent him a cease and desist letter in response to his comments about the Republican candidate. Read more in POLITICS.
4. ‘Heat Dome’ Will Make Parts of U.S. Feel Like 115 Degrees
A heat alert grew Wednesday to include parts of 21 states as a "heat dome" is expected hover over much of the nation later this week, with some places forecast to reach up to a dangerous 115 degrees. Read more in NEWS.
5. We May Have Been Looking in Wrong Place for MH370: Firm
Experts at the company leading the underwater hunt for the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner say they believe the plane may have glided down rather than dived in the final moments, meaning they may have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for two years. Read more in NEWS.
6. Russian Track Athletes Won’t Compete at Rio: Court
A total ban on Russian participation at the Summer Olympics in Rio moved a step closer Thursday when the country's track and field athletes lost a legal bid seeking the right to compete at next month's event. Read more in SPORTS.
7. Navy Vet Held Captive in Motel Room
A New York man held an 81-year-old Navy veteran captive for four years, starving and beating him, in order to steal his pension checks for drugs, authorities said. Read more at NBC NEW YORK.
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