5 Things to Know This Morning
5 Things to Know This Morning
— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.
1. 3 Dead in North Carolina Shooting, Man Arrested
Three young adults were shot to death in a North Carolina condominium Tuesday, and a man was later arrested and charged with their murders, police said.
Gunshots were reported after 5 p.m. in the Finley Forest condominiums in Chapel Hill, east of the University of North Carolina campus.
The victims were identified as Deah Barakat, 23, a second-year student in UNC’s School of Dentistry; his wife Yusor Mohammad, 21, who planned to begin her dental studies in the fall; and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, a student at N.C. State University.
2. Officials: Kayla Mueller May Have Been Given to ISIS Commander
With the confirmed death of Kayla Mueller, new details have emerged about the American hostage’s experience in ISIS captivity, including the belief by some officials that she had been given over to a commander in the jihadi group.
"ISIS didn't see her as a hostage or a bargaining chip," a counter-terrorism official told ABC News.
"Reflections" in the limited collection of intelligence in Syria -- like indirect indications of a person's presence somewhere, such as ISIS fighters referring to her in calls or spotted guarding a sensitive site where she might have been held -- indicated Kayla was still alive and sometimes in the company of an ISIS leader being actively tracked who had custody over her, possibly by forced marriage, officials told ABC News.
3. Trial Opens for Ex-Marine Accused in 'American Sniper' Death
A Texas rodeo store has temporarily run out of baseball caps honoring Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL depicted in the blockbuster movie "American Sniper." A roadside sign outside Grumps Burgers next door proclaims support for the families of Kyle and friend Chad Littlefield, who were slain two years ago at a gun range.
With opening statements set to begin Wednesday in the trial of the former Marine accused of capital murder in their deaths, many residents in this small community have been captivated by the case.
But the Oscar-nominated film has brought national attention too, prompting lawyers for defendant Eddie Ray Routh to unsuccessfully argue that the trial should be moved or put on hold until the publicity fades.
4. Kevin Costner Asking God for a Miracle for Bobbi Kristina Brown
Kevin Costner is asking God for a miracle as Bobbi Kristina Brown remains hospitalized on the eve of the anniversary of her mother Whitney Houston’s death.
“I hope that God opens her eyes and lets her breathe and lets her brain work, and she gets a second chance,” Costner said in an interview with “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang last Friday at the W Hotel in Hollywood.
5. Jon Stewart Says He's Stepping Down From 'The Daily Show'
Jon Stewart is stepping down from "The Daily Show," he announced during the taping of Tuesday's episode.
"It's been an incredible opportunity to pilot this wonderful franchise," Stewart said at the close of the episode. "Seventeen years is the longest I have ever in my life held a job, by 16 years and five months ... In my heart, I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity."
The announcement drew gasps from the audience, as well as applause, as Stewart fought back his emotions. He called his role with the show "the honor of my professional life."
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