Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Did Tom Brady’s Image Take a Hit After Deflate-Gate?
Tom Brady may not have lost any endorsement deals — but the Deflate-Gate scandal certainly didn't help his image. A new poll finds that 34 percent of the public has an unfavorable opinion of the Super Bowl MVP, who will lead the New England Patriots into their season opener on Thursday night. That compares with just 21 percent who view Brady favorably. Read more in SPORTS.
2. New Species of Human Relative Discovered in Africa
Hello, Homo naledi. A newly discovered early human ancestor could have used tools and may have even figured out how to bury its dead, scientists said Thursday — a find they said was "unlike anything that we have seen" in the fossil record. Read more in SCIENCE.
3. Charleston Shooting Survivors Recount Attack
Felicia Sanders and another survivor, Polly Sheppard, told NBC News that they want those killed in the shooting at a historically black church to be remembered as heroes — not as victims. They also recounted how they were ambushed by the shooter during a quiet moment of prayer. Read more in NEWS.
4. Fiorina Responds After Trump Insults Her Looks
GOP candidate Donald Trump's sharp tongue drew more attention Wednesday after he insulted rival Carly Fiorina's physical appearance in a Rolling Stone magazine profile. "Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?" Trump is quoted as saying. Read more in POLITICS.
5. Pilot Who Saved Burning Flight Is ‘Finished Flying’
Chris Henkey, the pilot credited with saving the lives of dozens of passengers on a burning British Airways plane, said it was the first time in 42 years of flying that he had ever faced a life-threatening emergency — and it happened on one of his last runs before retirement. Read more in NEWS.
6. 10th Freeway Shooting Leaves Phoenix on Edge
A day after Arizona authorities used the word "terrorism" to describe a series of shootings along Interstate 10 in the Phoenix area, a 10th shooting in 12 days was reported Wednesday. It remains unclear whether all of the incidents are related, officials said. Read more in NEWS.
7. Russian Ships Are Heading to Syria: U.S.
A pair of Russian military ships believed to be carrying equipment and supplies are headed to Syria, defense officials told NBC News on Wednesday. Moscow has previously sent humanitarian assistance to the Syrians, but another U.S. official said analysis suggests Moscow is trying to help President Bashar Assad's regime with airstrikes. Read more in NEWS.
Nightly Spotlight
Apple announced its new versions of the iPhone, Apple TV and the iPad Pro, which comes with something Steve Jobs once mocked — a stylus.