Patch Morning Briefing: Sessions And Russia; Snapchat Goes Public; Deadly Tornadoes

Happy Thursday, Patchers! Here's what you need to know before your day gets started.

Jeff Sessions Spoke With Russia During Presidential Campaign

The Washington Post reported late Wednesday night that Trump's attorney general spoke twice with Russia's ambassador during the presidential campaign. He did not disclose those discussions when he was asked during his confirmation hearing about the Trump campaign's communications with Russia. Sessions is in charge of the FBI, which is conducting a probe into Russian interference in the U.S. election. (Patch)

Snapchat Goes Public

Snap, Inc., which owns the massively popular photo- and video-sharing app Snapchat, begins public trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the richest public offering for a tech company since Facebook. The company priced its IPO at $17 per share for a total valuation of $23.6 billion. (Forbes)

Tornado Damage Coming Into Focus

Authorities are surveying the damage of deadly tornadoes that struck this week across the Midwest and Southern United States. At least three people died in the storms. A tornado touched down in Middle Tennessee on Wednesday. (Weather.com)

• Watch Live Stream: April The Giraffe Is About To Give Birth At A New York Petting Zoo
• Patch Picks: What to Watch on TV this Weekend
• What is YouTube TV? Company Promises Chance to Stream Your Favorite Programs
• Cherry Blossom Festival Peak Bloom 2017: Here Are the Dates

News Minute

Obama Aides Spread Russian Intel Before Inauguration Day

The aides wanted to make sure the incoming Trump administration couldn't cover up or destroy evidence related to the intelligence probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, The New York Times reported Wednesday night. (The New York Times)

Has Donald Trump Become The ‘Don’t Blame Me’ President?

Two of the Washington Post's top political reporters ask that question in a piece published online Wednesday night. The president has cast blame on his generals, the news media and federal judges but doesn't seem to take any himself. (The Washington Post)

Oscar Envelope Flub: The Loser Is...The Accountant

The two accountants behind Sunday night's Best Picture disaster won't be working the big awards show again. (Patch)

Beau Biden's Widow In Relationship With Brother-In-Law

Former Vice President Joe Biden told The New York Post that his younger son and late son's widow "have mine and Jill’s full and complete support and we are happy for them." (The New York Post)

Cute Animal Of The Day

A Few More

• Bail Set For Orlando Shooter’s Wife, Noor Salman
• CT Mom Pens Heartbreaking Note About Losing Her Son to Drug Overdose
• Trump Administration's Revised Immigration Ban Faces Unsure Future

Famous Birthdays

1904 — Dr. Seuss, author

1968 — Daniel Craig, actor

On This Day In History

1961 – President John F. Kennedy announces the creation of the Peace Corps

1933 — The movie "King Kong" debuts

Image: AP Photo/Alex Brandon