Good morning, and happy Tuesday. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. NFL suspends Ray Rice amid ‘knockout’ uproar
The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday they were dropping Rice after new video surfaced showing him knocking out his now-wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. In addition, the NFL said it was indefinitely suspending the 27-year-old running back. Previously, Rice was suspended for two games for a domestic violence offense after the initial video only showed him dragging his now-wife — who was unconscious at the time — out of the elevator. The NFL’s and the Ravens’ decision is being criticized by people who think officials didn’t do a thorough enough investigation. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
2. Flight MH17 broke apart after ‘high-energy’ impact: report
Almost two months after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, a preliminary report has found the airplane broke up midair by “high-energy objects.” But the investigation stopped short of saying a missile downed the plane, although U.S. intelligence is blaming a ground-to-air missile used by pro-Russian separatists. Moscow has denied the claim. The region itself remains mired in new shelling despite a cease-fire agreed between Ukrainian forces and the separatists. Read more in NEWS.
3. What to iWatch for in Apple’s unveiling
It’s that time of year again. The Silicon Valley tech giant is expected to show off its latest gadgets: the iPhone 6 and the iWatch. This year, it is strongly rumored Apple will also announce two flagship phones: a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch, both markedly bigger than the current 4-inch screen. The 5.5-inch "phablet" (phone + tablet) will feature a one-handed mode option, according to the New York Times. But it’s the iWatch that may end up stealing the show. The unveiling takes place at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). Read more in TECH.
4. Fourth Ebola patient transferred to U.S. hospital
A fourth person infected with the virus in West Africa will head to the U.S. for treatment, Emory University Hospital said Monday. The hospital previously treated two Americans, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, and helped them make a full recovery. The latest patient’s identity has not been revealed. Another American — missionary Dr. Rick Sacra — who was also infected in Liberia, is now being treated at a Nebraska hospital. Meanwhile, various reports are highlighting the disparities driving the epidemic in West Africa, where there’s almost no medical system structure. Read more in HEALTH.
5. Remains ID’d as missing Tennessee nursing student
Holly Bobo’s mysterious disappearance in April 2011 has left investigators with few clues, although two men have been arrested as suspects in her death. But on Monday, officials announced a breakthrough: Two hunters found a skull on Sunday that has been identified as the remains of 20-year-old Bobo. “It was my prayer, as well as the prayers of many others, that Holly Bobo would be found,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Mark Gwyn. He added that the investigation is not over. Read more in NEWS.
6. Croatian Marin Cilic clinches U.S. Open title
Cilic took home his first Grand Slam title on Monday night after sweeping Japan’s Kei Nishikori in three sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. The 14th-seeded Cilic and 10th-seeded Nishikori earned their first career Grand Slam finals berths by ousting favorites Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semifinals Saturday. Cilic had missed last year’s U.S. Open because of a doping ban for taking a banned stimulant, so this year was a sweet comeback. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
… What’s trending today?
Republicans aren't the only ones unimpressed by the president these days.
A photo showing a young tot face-planting in the couch while his parents met President Barack Obama in June is making the rounds online.
The picture was posted by the White House on Flickr with the caption: “President Barack Obama visits with a departing United States Secret Service agent and his wife as their son dives into a couch in the Oval Office, June 23, 2014.”