Good morning. Here are some of the stories we’re following today:
1. China Blasts U.S. Over Data Breach Accusations
China accused the United States of making "groundless accusations" and being "irresponsible" Friday in blaming Chinese hackers for a vast data breach that could be the biggest cyberattack in American history. Four million federal workers may have had their personal information compromised in the attack, which officials said could affect every agency of the U.S. government. Read more in NEWS.
2. Mourners Pay Respects to Beau Biden
The oldest son of Vice President Joe Biden was laid in honor Thursday at the Delaware State Capitol during an emotional ceremony. Biden died last weekend of brain cancer at age 46, and will be memorialized during a funeral Saturday. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Family Denies Boston Terror Suspect Had ISIS Links
Usaamah Abdullah Rahim, the terrorism suspect who was fatally shot by Boston police this week, had no connections to ISIS and was under suspicion simply because he was a Muslim, his aunt said Thursday. Police said Rahim, 26, was killed Tuesday morning after he was stopped for questioning and brandished a large military-style knife at officers and FBI agents. Read more in NEWS.
4. FIFA Paid Ireland Millions Not to Sue in Secret Deal
Scandal-ridden FIFA confirmed Thursday that it paid Irish soccer authorities more than $7 million in a secret agreement not to go to court over Ireland's elimination from the 2010 World Cup thanks to a missed call by one of its referees. The disclosure is merely the latest of many charges surrounding the world soccer's governing body — beset by the indictments of nine current and former senior officials and the resignation of its president, Sepp Blatter. Read more in SPORTS.
5. Taliban Convicted in Malala Shooting Freed
Eight of the 10 Taliban militants who were convicted for their roles in the attempted assassination of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai have been freed within weeks of being jailed. One official in Pakistan's Swat Valley where the teen was shot in the head in 2012 told NBC News that "eight people have been freed due to lack of proper proof and evidence against them." Read more in NEWS.
6. Third Shooting Victim Raises Serial Sniper Fear
The overnight killing of a man on a sidewalk in northern Colorado has raised fears that a serial shooter might be trolling roads after a bicyclist was recently gunned down and a driver was wounded. Police and the FBI have refused to comment on the possibility of a serial shooter, but they have offered a $10,000 reward for information on the first two unsolved shootings that authorities say are related. Read more in NEWS.
7. American Pharoah Suit Tossed Ahead of Belmont Stakes
A judge has thrown out a lawsuit over $1.65 million in gambling debts against the owner of racehorse American Pharoah. The dismissal of the lawsuit against Ahmed Zayat comes during horse racing's biggest week, as American Pharoah chases the first Triple Crown in 37 years. Coverage of the Belmont Stakes — the final race needed for the thoroughbred to win the Crown — starts at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday on NBC. Read more in SPORTS.
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