Good morning, and happy Tuesday! Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Las Vegas cop killers described as anti-government ideologists
The couple accused of fatally shooting two police officers Sunday while they had lunch were likely motivated by their anti-police views, investigators said. Ex-con Jerad Miller and his wife, Amanda, acted alone when they gunned down officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo at a pizzeria. Authorities, however, are looking at any possible link between the pair and militants who associated with rancher Cliven Bundy. As part of the slayings, the couple left a swastika, a “Don’t Tread On Me” Revolutionary flag and a note that read, “The revolution is beginning,” pinned to the officers. The couple also killed another person before their lives ended in “some kind of suicide pact” as cops closed in, officials said. Read more in NEWS.
2. Hillary Clinton tells NBC News she wants Benghazi do-over
The former secretary of state — whose new book, “Hard Choices,” is released today — said she would want a do-over with how the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was handled. In speaking with NBC News’ Cynthia McFadden, Clinton said she took a lot of notes during her tenure as secretary of state, and she’s able to revisit some of the tougher decisions she has had to make. Clinton was mum on whether she will run for president in 2016, but said that if she does, she would released her health records. Read more in POLITICS.
Clinton’s interview will air on “NBC Nightly News” at 6:30 p.m. ET:
3. Crash involving Tracy Morgan highlights trucking danger
Police said the Walmart driver accused of causing Saturday’s accident that nearly killed the comedian had not slept for 24 hours. The allegation has created fresh scrutiny aimed at the U.S. trucking industry. Federal regulations now limit commercial drivers to 14-hour workdays — part of a series of moves meant to give truckers more down time and inject more safety into the nation’s highways. Read more in BUSINESS.
4. Donald Sterling no longer wants to sell Los Angeles Clippers
He’s not giving up without a fight. Despite a statement from Sterling’s wife, Shelly, saying they were selling the team for $2 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Donald Sterling has apparently changed his mind. He also isn’t planning to drop his lawsuit against the NBA, according to reports. The entire episode — born out of racist comments Donald Sterling made to his gal pal — appears far from over. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
5. Senate committee to be briefed on Bowe Bergdahl rescue
The Senate Armed Services committee will get the details today surrounding the swap between the U.S. and Afghan Taliban for missing Army Sgt. Bergdahl in exchange for five Gitmo detainees. The controversial deal has been criticized by GOP members of Congress, who demanded to know Monday why they weren’t told about the plan before it happened last month. Bergdahl remains in recovery at a military hospital in Germany and is reportedly “not ready psychologically” to return home to the U.S. Read more in POLITICS.
6. Trial begins for crew in deadly South Korean ferry sinking
Fifteen crew members, including the captain, appeared in court today to answer to charges ranging from negligence to homicide in the April accident that claimed more than 300 lives. The sight of Capt. Lee Joon-seok prompted cries of “murderer” from the audience. One relative held up a sign that read, “You are not human. You are beneath animals.” Read more in NEWS.
7. Final countdown: Is Brazil ready for the World Cup?
With the start of the World Cup just days away, gang violence, protests and city-wide strikes threaten to disrupt Brazil's preparations. The host nation opens the month-long tournament on Thursday, facing off with Croatia in Sao Paulo. Watch more in NEWS.
… What’s trending today?
One town isn’t big enough for two people with tight white pants.
“Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon faced off with Jennifer Lopez during Monday night’s show over who can wear their hip-huggers better. It was an easy win for one of them.