The father of the teenage suspect in a Georgia high school shooting has been arrested. Economists expect the latest U.S. jobs report to reflect a drop in employment. And Hunter Biden pleads guilty in his federal tax case.

Here’s what you need to know today.

Father of Georgia school shooting suspect gave son AR-15-style rifle, sources say

The day after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia left four people dead and nine others injured, more details emerged about the 14-year-old suspect and his father.

Two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation said Colin Gray, 54, had bought his son, Colt Gray, an AR-15-style rifle as a gift and that the elder Gray had given his son the gun after the two were questioned by the FBI in connection with the teen’s threats to carry out a school shooting last year.

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Colin Gray was arrested yesterday on charges that he allowed his son to possess a gun. He was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

Colt Gray is scheduled to make his first court appearance this morning, the Georgia Department of Corrections said. He is being charged as an adult.

Law enforcement officials also said the teenage suspect had shown interest in previous mass shootings, most notably the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The information came as a result of searches conducted during the investigation into the shooting.

Investigative documents also reveal more about the investigation into the suspect and his father in May 2023 and why the case was ultimately “cleared.”

Read the whole story here.

More coverage of the Apalachee High School shooting:

• What we know about the four murdered people.
• Students described the “tense moment” when gunfire broke out.
• A new panic alarm system Officials and advocates say the shooting saved countless lives.

The jobs report comes at a crucial time

The U.S. labor market is losing steam — and today Americans will find out by just how much. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will report jobs data, including the unemployment rate for August. Wall Street expects the report to show an increase of 161,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.2%, according to Dow Jones.

This month’s update is especially important. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates in the coming weeks. And economic issues dominate the conversation as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump battle for voter support.

Economists hope the US will see a “soft landing,” with the economy slowing but unemployment and inflation remaining relatively low. there have been mixed signals.

Hunter Biden pleads guilty in surprise twist in trial

The fate of Hunter Biden’s conviction now rests in the hands of a federal judge in Los Angeles after he pleaded guilty to all charges in the federal tax case against him. The move avoids a potentially embarrassing trial for Biden, the first member of a sitting president to face criminal charges.

Biden first attempted to enter a so-called Alford plea, in which a defendant pleads guilty based on the strength of the case against him while maintaining his innocence. But Biden ended up instead entering an open plea, in which a defendant pleads guilty to all charges without an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation from prosecutors. Read more about the unexpected development in the case.

Politics in brief

Elections 2024: In preparation for next week’s presidential debate, here’s an analysis of Kamala Harris’ previous debate performances shows how she prepares and how she handles criticism. On the campaign trail, both Harris and Donald Trump are investing their time, energy and money in the difficult task of winning a small portion of the voters who have not yet chosen a side.

Disputed purchase: President Joe Biden plans to announce that he will formally block Nippon Steel’s proposed $14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, two people familiar with the matter said. Meanwhile, political wrangling over the proposed sale pitting a group of Pennsylvania steelworkers against each other — some from the same union.

Do you want more political news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk and receive exclusive reports and analysis in your inbox every weekday evening. Subscribe here.

Staff choice: Ukrainians rush to flee impending Russian attack

As Russian troops advance just five miles from the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovosk, residents are saying goodbye to their homes, pets, and a lifetime of possessions, joining the millions already displaced by war. When it will be safe to return—or if there will be anything to return to—remains unclear. This sobering read from Richard Engel, Gabe Joselow, and Victor Sema sheds light on the human realities at the center of a conflict that shows no signs of resolution after two and a half years.

— Nick Duffy, platform editor

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Let’s talk about hair. If you’re the type who likes a low-maintenance buzzed cut, consider one of these wet/dry shaving heads recommended by hairdressers. Do you have long hair? An NBC Select reporter tried this new, sparkling leave-in conditioner and highly recommends it.

Sign up for The Selection newsletter for practical product reviews, expert shopping tips and a roundup of each week’s best deals and sales. 

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