Good morning, and happy Memorial Day weekend! Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Edward Snowden sits down exclusively with NBC News
The elusive NSA whistleblower will appear in his first American broadcast interview with “NBC Nightly News” anchor and managing editor Brian Williams. The taped interview will air Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. Snowden, who was granted temporary asylum in Russia, will talk about his role in uncovering the NSA’s wiretapping and spying program. Read more in NEWS.
2. Thailand’s military junta wants face time with ousted leaders
A day after the military said it was taking control of the government to restore order, its new leaders have summoned 155 political figures to appear before them — or face arrest. Among the leaders who’ll have to answer to the junta is former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who stepped down this month after she was found guilty of abuse of power. Read more in NEWS.
3. Is Boko Haram eyeing U.S. targets in Nigeria?
The Islamic militants menacing Nigeria may be planning an attack on American interests in the West African nation, NBC News has learned. While there’s no specific threat, the possibility has prompted U.S. officials to locate the terrorist group’s “military assets” and identify other senior leaders beyond Abubakar Shekau. Read more in INVESTIGATIONS.
4. Tennessee brings back electric chair for executions
A shortage of lethal drugs has further muddied executions in the United States. As an alternative method, Tennessee’s governor on Thursday signed a law allowing for the use of the electric chair, although Old Sparky has fallen out of favor in most states. The Tennessee Federal Public Defender’s Office told NBC News it would challenge the new law in court. Read more in NEWS.
5. Mark Cuban apologizes to family of Trayvon Martin
The Dallas Mavericks owner caught flak for an interview with Inc. magazine in which he said everyone has “prejudices and bigotries.” He ended up putting his foot in his mouth when he alluded to slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin. “If I see a black kid in a hoodie and it’s late at night, I’m walking to the other side of the street,” Cuban said, adding that he would also be frightened by a white guy with a bald head and tattoos. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
Cuban’s comments, which come on the heels of the Donald Sterling scandal, created a social media firestorm:
6. Voluntary meat recall expands to at least a dozen states
Add North Dakota, Georgia and Virginia to the states where retail meat distributors are being asked to recall ground beef from the Wolverine Packing Co. of Detroit. On Monday, Wolverine officials announced a voluntary recall of about 1.8 million pounds of Angus Steak burgers and ground beef patties produced between March 31 and April 18 after they were linked to at least 11 E. coli illnesses in four states. Federal health officials say they’re dealing with a rare bug. Read more in HEALTH.
… What’s trending today?
Fans of the “Tonight Show” might have thought they were seeing double.
Celebrity lookalikes Will Ferrell and Chad Smith battled for the title of greatest drummer on Thursday night’s show. And they ended their drum-off with a surprise appearance from Smith’s Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmates.
