Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Democrats to Face Off in First Debate
All eyes will be on frontrunner Hillary Clinton and insurgent superstar Bernie Sanders. When he steps on the stage in Las Vegas, Sanders will be a changed candidate from when he started his run back in April. The Vermont senator has shifted his positions and tone over the last several months, moving to the left on gun control, race and other issues. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Three Dead, More Than 20 Injured in Shootings, Stabbings in Israel
At least three people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a series of stabbing and shooting attacks in Israel on Tuesday, officials said. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat called on the Israeli government to take "drastic measures" to ensure the safety of the city's residents as the death toll from near-daily violence climbed. Read more in NEWS.
3. SCOTUS to Review Mandatory Life Sentences for Juveniles
The mandatory life sentences of a thousand inmates who committed their crimes as juveniles could be reduced, depending on the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court case the justices consider Tuesday. Read more in NEWS.
4. Two Firefighters Killed, Two Injured in Kansas City
Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett told NBC News firefighters responded to an apartment fire at around 7:30 p.m. and pulled two civilians out of the burning building before it collapsed. Four firefighters were hurt responding to the blaze — he said two succumbed to their injuries and the others were hospitalized in stable condition. Read more in NEWS.
5. Rebel Flag Fans Charged After Crashing Black Party
A group of white men and women who drove trucks flying huge rebel flags to a black child’s birthday party near Atlanta have been charged with terrorist threats and gang activity, prosecutors announced Monday. Read more in NEWS.
6. World's Two Biggest Brewers Move Closer to Merger
The agreement states that Belgium's Anheuser-Busch InBev would buy South Africa-based brewer SABMiller with the latter's shareholders being entitled to receive £44 per share ($67.60) in cash. Read more in BUSINESS.
7. Playboy Will No Longer Publish Nude Photos
Founder and editor-in-chief Hugh Hefner, 89, who in his trademark silk pajamas has embodied the Playboy lifestyle, agreed last month with a suggestion by top editor Cory Jones to stop publishing images of naked women, the New York Times reported on Monday in an article quoting Scott Flanders, the company's chief executive. Read more in POP CULTURE.
Nightly Spotlight: Football Returns to Alexander, North Dakota
After 27 years of not having enough kids to form a team, high school football is now a source of pride for everyone in a revitalizing oil boom town.