Comey Testifies; Trump's New Low; Humanity's Older Than We Thought: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Thursday, and we're looking at a busy news day. Here are some stories to catch you up and a few to prepare you for what's ahead.

James Comey Heads To The Senate

Former FBI Director James Comey appears before the Senate today to deliver highly anticipated testimony about his relationship with President Trump. Comey's prepared remarks, released Wednesday, describe interactions with the president that were unnerving and, in Comey's eyes, inappropriate. Readers can watch the testimony live on Patch. (Patch)

Trump's Approval Rating Falls To Its Lowest Point

With the president's approval rating at 34 percent, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll, Comey may be the least of Donald Trump's worries. "There is zero good news for President Donald Trump in this survey, just a continual slide into a chasm of doubt about his policies and his very fitness to serve," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Poll. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Toy Vending Machine Dispenses Cocaine To Child (Patch)

Teacher Who Labeled Student ‘Most Likely To Become a Terrorist’ No Longer With District (Patch)

Teen Stole Bike So He Wouldn't Be Late To School: Police (Patch)

Forbes’ Flub: 7 Cities No Longer Best For Young Professionals (Patch)

Will The GOP Actually Be Able To Pass Health Care Reform?

Republican senators sound more optimistic about passing a bill, but they are being secretive about what's in it. (Politico)

Humans Have Been Around Much Longer Than We Thought

A new study pushes back the start of humanity by around 150,000 years. (New Scientist)

Actor Stacy Keach Suffers Heart Attack Onstage During Goodman Opening

Although the actor is expected to make a full recovery, the Chicago theater has canceled its production of his one-man play, "Pamplona." (Patch)

Deaf Singer Wins Standing Ovation On 'America's Got Talent'

A contestant without the ability to hear stunned the audience with her singing ability. (Huffington Post)

Watch: Rat Pillages LA Area Cupcake Shop

A rat with a sweet tooth is causing major headaches for a popular Glendale cupcake shop after footage of the little critter pillaging the cupcake display case went national this week. (Patch)

Montana Congressman Apologizes For Attacking Journalist But Not For False Campaign Statement

Meanwhile, Across the Atlantic...

The British election appears much tighter than anyone — especially Prime Minister Theresa May — expected. Does the Labor Party have a chance at wresting control of Parliament? (AFP)

Dogs Know How To Calm Each Other

Research shows that dogs can send certain signals that will trigger calming behavior in their peers. (Psychology Today)

This Day In History

1949 — George Orwell's book "1984" was published.

1953 — The Supreme Court rules that Washington, D.C., restaurants must serve black customers.

Famous Birthdays

1867 — Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect known for the philosophy of "organic architecture."

1933 — Joan Rivers, American comedian famous for her self-deprecation and insult comedy.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images