Here are the 10 things you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.
TODAY'S TOP STORY
Trump Abruptly Axes FBI's-Comey in Midst of Russia Probe: President Donald Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey Tuesday, dramatically ousting the nation's top law enforcement official in the midst of an FBI investigation into whether Trump's campaign had ties to Russia's meddling in the election that sent him to the White House. In a letter to Comey, Trump said the firing was necessary to restore "public trust and confidence" in the FBI. Comey has come under intense scrutiny in recent months for his public comments on an investigation into Democrat Hillary Clinton's email practices, including a pair of letters he sent to Congress on the matter in the closing days of last year's campaign. Trump made no mention of Comey's role in the Clinton investigation, which she has blamed in part for the election result. But in announcing the firing, the White House circulated a scathing memo, written by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, criticizing Comey's handling of the Clinton probe, including the director's decision to hold a news conference announcing its findings and releasing "derogatory information" about Clinton. This is only the second firing of an FBI director in history. President Bill Clinton dismissed William Sessions amid allegations of ethical lapses in 1993.
YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST
Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s. There is a chance of showers on Friday and Saturday and Sunday are also expected to see rain. High Temp: 65 degrees. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.
WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY
Philly DA Accused of Misusing PAC Funds, Gov't Vehicles: Philadelphia's top prosecutor was indicted Tuesday on additional fraud charges after he was accused of using political action committee (PAC) funds and official government vehicles for his own personal benefit. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, 50, is now charged with using campaign funds to support a lifestyle that included expensive dinners, facials and massages and health club costs. The new indictment Tuesday also says he regularly used city vehicles for his family's personal use. Williams was initially charged in a 23-count indictment in March for bribery. His superseding indictment now contains 29 counts.
AROUND THE WORLD
Democrats Question Probe of Trump-Russia Ties: Democratic members of Congress sounded off on Tuesday after President Donald Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey for what the White House suggested was due to his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. Because the FBI was also investigating possible ties between President Donald Trump and Russia, the Democrats questioned the state of the probe and made impassioned calls to have a special prosecutor on the case. "This investigation must be run as far away as possible" from the president, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who called on the deputy attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor. Schumer, according to NBC News, even called on all Senate Democrats to "be on the floor in their seats" at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to hear how, if at all, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will address Comey's firing. A special caucus meeting will then take place at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the next steps.
TODAY'S TALKER
Bill Protects Bus Drivers from Lawsuits Over EpiPens: Pennsylvania lawmakers want to make it easier for school bus drivers and crossing guards to administer potentially life-saving medications without fear of being sued. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 224 Tuesday. The bill amends "the Public School Code to provide civil immunity to school bus drivers and crossing guards who administer an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to a student who experiences an allergic reaction," Bill sponsor Rep. Justin Simmons, R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton, said in a news release.
SPORTS SPOT
Ruiz Returns: Former Phillie Carlos Ruiz returned to Philadelphia as a member of the Seattle Mariners for a two-game series against the Phillies. Get your full sports news at CSNPhilly.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
See more Top News Photos here.
THROUGH IGER'S EYES
@ray.dng captured this cool photo of the Philadelphia skyline at night.
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TODAY'S VIRAL VIDEO
Check out these hot dog dippers. Watch more here.
A LITTLE SWEETENER
Help Name the PSPCA's New Baby Donkey: What name would you choose for a donkey? It's not just about cats and dogs, the PSPCA has a new baby donkey and they want you to help name him. The Pennsylvania SPCA announced Tuesday the arrival of this new baby foal. He was born in the early hours of Sunday. Sadie, the proud donkey mom was rescued by Humane Law Enforcement officers alongside another mini-donkey, Romeo, from a farm in Huntington County in January after her owners seemingly vanished. Along with a cow, a goat, chickens, roosters and two beagles, Sadie and Romeo had been left, starving, to fend for themselves. Concerned neighbors called the cruelty hotline, and officers came to the rescue. Read more.
That's what you need to know. We've got more stories worthy of your time in the Breakfast Buzz section. Click here to check them out.
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