Orlando shooting investigation continues as Pulse regulars say gunman patronized club
The investigation into what led Omar Mateen to kill 49 people in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history was continuing Tuesday. Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Mateen sounded "cool and calm" in negotiations with police before officers stormed the Pulse club in a brutal firefight that ended the siege early Sunday. Several regulars at the nightspot said Mateen had patronized the club before the attack. One recalled seeing him drink at the bar and another said he had used a gay dating and chat app.
Hillary will 'Feel the Bern' face to face
Bernie Sanders will meet with Hillary Clinton on Tuesday to urge her to fight for a progressive platform at the Democratic convention — and in her presidency if she wins the White House.
Sanders said he wants higher taxes on large corporations and billionaires, tuition-free public colleges, a stronger effort to combat climate change and a massive jobs program on the table. Clinton has secured a majority of Democratic delegates, but Sanders wanted to wait until after the final primary in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday before talking to her about how he can help her beat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Lance Armstrong riding for Kalamazoo tragedy
Lance Armstrong on Tuesday will honor the cyclists killed last week in a crash near Kalamazoo, Mich., by joining other cyclists to finish the ride their friends and loved ones started. Five cyclists died and four others were injured when they were struck from behind by a pickup truck last week. Armstrong said he was "in complete disbelief" when he heard of the crash and called it “by far the worst I’ve ever seen.” A 50-year-old man, Charles Edward Pickett Jr., is facing second-degree murder charges in connection with the incident. Armstrong won seven consecutive Tour de France races from 1999 to 2005, but in 2012 was stripped of his victories after doping charges.
Rally at Capitol shows Confederate flag debate isn't over
Nearly a year after alleged gunman Dylann Roof claimed the lives of nine people at a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., the debate surrounding the Confederate battle flag rages on. Since the attack, Confederate imagery has been removed at many institutions across the U.S., while some states continue to display and commemorate the emblems. On Tuesday, which is also Flag Day, the “Take It Down America” rally outside the U.S. Capitol will protest the Confederate battle emblem’s presence in the state flag of Mississippi. The rally is slated for 11 a.m. ET.
Race to dominate virtual reality speeds up at E3
Video game junkies rejoice: E3 is here! E3 — short for Electronic Entertainment Expo — is an annual trade show for video game industry heavyweights to showcase their innovative technologies and game-related products. Much of the talk this year has centered on virtual reality and its place in the multibillion-dollar industry, with Microsoft taking the early headlines after unveiling its new VR, 4K friendly Xbox One consoles. Make sure to follow USA TODAY's Brett Molina for minute-to-minute updates from the Los Angeles extravaganza starting Tuesday.
And the essentials:
Weather: A few severe thunderstorms are forecast to pelt portions of the central U.S. Tuesday while the East stays mild and the Northwest is cool and showery.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Tuesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at To Tell the Truth, Uncle Buck and Animal Kingdom.
Be inspired: Son sacrifices college to help mother fight cancer.
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