Good morning. Here are some of the headlines we're following this morning:
1. Unforced Errors: Trump Misses on Two Clinton Stories
Hillary Clinton's campaign should be reeling from two unflattering news stories this week that play right in Donald Trump's hands. But instead, the GOP candidate missed an opportunity by diverting attention away from the Democrat with another unforced error about himself. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Disgraced Congressman Sits Behind Trump at Rally
Trump on Wednesday night admonished Clinton for having the father of the Orlando shooter seated behind her at a recent campaign rally. But as he said those words, disgraced former Congressman Mark Foley, who was forced to resign in 2006 after allegations that he sent sexually suggestive messages to former House pages, smiled up at him from behind the stage. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Rio Highlights From Day 5
Anchored by superstar Katie Ledecky, the U.S. women's 4x200m freestyle team won its fourth gold Wednesday since 1996 to highlight another strong night from American swimmers, including a 200m breaststroke silver for Josh Prenot. Read more in SPORTS.
4. Up to 7 Missing After Apartment Explosion
Thirty residents were taken to the hospital and up to seven more were missing early Thursday after an explosion ripped through an apartment building in Silver Spring, Maryland. Read more in NEWS.
5. Trump Tower Climber Wanted to Meet Candidate
A man captured after attempting to scale Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan Wednesday apparently made the climb to deliver a message to Trump himself. In a YouTube video posted Tuesday, a man who resembles the climber said he wanted to "seek an audience with Mr. Trump" about "an important matter." Read more in NEWS.
6. Russia Hails Cease-Fire as Aleppo Battle Rages
Fighting continued in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Thursday more than an hour into a three-hour cease-fire proposed by Russia, according to rebel groups and a witness in the city. Read more in NEWS.
7. Now You Can Send Obama a Facebook Message
The White House unveiled a Facebook Messenger bot Wednesday that allows users to send a note to the president online. Through the bot, citizens can share their thoughts with the administration as easily as they could message their close friends on Facebook. Read more in TECH.
8. Perseid Meteor Shower to Light Up Night Sky
The annual Perseid Meteor shower peaks Thursday night and lasts through Friday morning. If you want to take in the show, you'll want to stay up late or wake up extra early. Read more at NBC LOS ANGELES.