NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Friday, January 19, 2024

Episode Date: January 20, 2024

Nearly 60 dead as Arctic cold blankets the nation; Boeing cargo plane forced to make emergency landing after fire and "engine malfunction"; U.S. launches new strikes against Iran-backed militia; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight, the massive winter storm slamming the East Coast after leaving a deadly trail across the U.S. Nearly 60 dead all across the nation from winter weather from Oregon to New Hampshire. A hiker in New Hampshire dying in the frigid conditions. Dangerous driving, trucks and cars sliding all over the road. Outside Washington, D.C., a plane making a hard landing on a snowy highway. In Michigan, a man falling through the ice. How his hero dog helped save his life. And is there any relief from the cold in sight?

Also, the terrifying video of flames shooting out from an engine on a jumbo jet, leaving a trail of fire in the sky. What went wrong? After his charges were dropped last year, Alec Baldwin indicted again for involuntary manslaughter in the deadly Russ shooting. Just four days to the New Hampshire primary, former President Trump turning up his attacks on Nikki Haley and his new endorsement from a former rival. President Biden speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in nearly a month about that proposed two-state solution. Sports Illustrated laying off most of its staff. Is it game over for the iconic magazine?

And the TikTok teacher whose math lessons are adding up to a six-figure success. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening, everyone, and welcome on the heels of the latest winter storm right now making its exit from the northeast. Millions are bracing for the next round of bitter cold coming in right behind the snow. The weather certainly no help to the pilot of this small utility plane when it was forced to make an ultimately safe emergency landing on a snowy Virginia highway this afternoon. This stretch of extreme cold has proved especially dangerous, contributing to nearly 60 deaths around the country since January 12th, from car accidents to falling trees to snow shoveling mishaps, including in Buffalo, where lake effect snow has buried some neighborhoods and up to five feet of snow since Saturday.

Right now, 17 million across the south are under freeze alerts, wind chill alerts stretching back to Montana. Once again tonight, Emily Aketa leads us off. As freezing rain and blinding snow torment communities coast to coast. Tonight, a staggering death toll from this week's unrelenting weather now blamed for killing at least 59 people. Christopher Roma died hiking in New Hampshire after getting stranded in suddenly perilous conditions. The conditions became so bad that he couldn't, he became disoriented. He didn't know which way to go. The 37-year-old avid outdoorsman leaves behind a two-year-old son. He was just such an amazing brother and such an amazing father.

The barrage of bad weather making travel treacherous, leaving some drivers no choice but to abandon their cars. And as another storm trudges across the Northeast, officials offering this warning. Things that are bad now may get worse as we see this day unfold. Adding to the chaos, a plane made an emergency landing on a snowy Virginia roadway. They're saying that the pilot landed off of Route 50. The FAA and NTSB now investigating what went wrong, but remarkably, no reported injuries. Across the country, Oregon's governor

declaring a state of emergency with freezing rain coating roads and trees collapsing under the weight of ice. Tens of thousands there tonight without power in the cold. We're still out and I don't think it's going to come back on today either. Heart-stopping moments in Michigan where a 65-year-old man fell through ice. When officers couldn't reach him, they attached a rescue disc to the victim's dog. Caller! Caller! Who then ran to its owner. Keep pulling on that disc! Keep pulling on the disc!

Officers then pulling him to safety. Across the southeast, water pipes bursting as temperatures plunge by 20 to 40 degrees today. NBC's Kathy Park is in Tennessee. Knoxville typically receives roughly four inches of snow for the entire winter season, but parts of the area got buried in more than eight inches just this week. Digging out is a mounting task for residents in western New York, blasted by several feet of lake effect snow and more on the way. One nonprofit is helping lighten the load. How do you ignore

the fact that people have 70 inches of snow and you know the single moms, the widows, the elderly, they can't get out and even get to their mailbox. Emily Akere is in Buffalo at the airport. Emily, how is the weather impacting travel? Well Lester, across the country more than 1,000 flights have been canceled today and another 6,900 delayed. And for those who do manage to make it to their destination, some met by yet another travel headache upon arrival. Lester? Emily Akeda, thank you. And more bone-chilling temperatures are in store for millions this weekend.

Meteorologist Angie Lastman is with us. Angie, dare I ask, is there relief on the way? The good news is, Lester, yes. But first, we've got to get through the weekend. We've got this winter storm exiting, leaving us with the additional snow, but mainly along the lakes. That's where we'll see that bitter cold leaving us with additional snow falling up to six to even eight inches. Else, we'll see the snow kind of taper off. But again, western New York and Pennsylvania picking up some snow. There's those wind chill alerts with low 60s. 60 million people expected from Montana to Florida to be

under those. Teens are expected as far as temperatures, just seven degrees below is what it will feel like in Nashville tomorrow. There's today. But by the time we get into the end of the weekend and into next week, above average temperatures are expected. 40s, 50s and 60s are on tap, Lester. Angie, thanks so much. Well, turned out of that terrifying video out of Miami, a massive cargo plane leaving a trail of fire across the sky after one of its engines appeared to catch fire. Stephanie Goss now on what may have gone wrong.

A shocking sight in the night sky over Florida. Oh, my God, it's on fire. Engine trouble on an Atlas Air cargo flight minutes after takeoff. Mayday, mayday. The airline says the Boeing 747-8 on its way to Puerto Rico was forced to return to Miami Airport. Engine fire. It may be an uncontained engine failure where a rotating piece inside the engine got loose and then punctured out of the engine cowling. If you're flying that plane, you want to get it back on

the ground as quickly as possible. Absolutely. And the pilots appeared to do just that. It landed safely, the five people on board uninjured. The cargo and charter airline says safety is always our top priority. The FAA and NTSB are investigating. The incident happening just weeks after a door plug panel blew off a Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane during an Alaska Airlines flight. The FAA ordered a temporary grounding of 171 MAX 9s. The airplane manufacturer does not make engines, which appears to have been the issue on the Atlas Air flight. Boeing has no responsibility for the manufacturing of this engine. They only manufacture the airframe and the wings. The engine manufacturer GE says it is working with federal investigators.

The 747 has four engines. Even with one down, the crew could still get the plane back on the ground safely. Stephanie Gosk, NBC News. There are new troubles tonight for Alec Baldwin over the deadly 2021 shooting on the set of Rust. After charges against the actor were dropped last year, he's now been indicted again. Chloe Malas is here. Chloe, what's now happened? Lester, New Mexico prosecutors have now recharged actor Alec Baldwin with one count of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins on that Russ film set. Baldwin's attorneys say we look forward to our day in court. Baldwin was initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter last year,

but the charges were dismissed, citing new evidence that required further investigation. In a report released last summer, prosecutors claimed new forensic testing of the gun concluded that Baldwin had to have pulled the trigger, something the actor has repeatedly denied. Now, a trial date has not yet been set, but if convicted, he could face up to 18 months in jail. All right, Chloe, thank you. To the race for 2024 now, the Republican candidates entering the final weekend of campaigning before Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. Donald Trump and Nikki Haley ramping up attacks as the former president gets a boost from a one-time rival. Here's Kristen Welker. With four days until New Hampshire votes,

frontrunner Donald Trump is looking for a victory that could all but wrap up the nomination. Republicans have to get tougher. But Nikki would I know Nikki very well. She would not be able to handle the onslaught. A new poll showing him with a 17 point lead here over Nikki Haley. Trump arguing she's relying on independents allowed to vote in this GOP primary. She's not going to make it. She has no chance. She's got no way. arguing she's relying on independents allowed to vote in this GOP primary. She's not going to make it. She has no chance. She's got no way. Magan's not going to be with her.

How am I not conservative? I was a Tea Party governor. I passed voter ID. Haley focusing on age, warning Republicans against choosing a 77-year-old nominee to face off against an 81-year-old President Biden. Don't you think we need to have mental competency tests for anyone over the age of 75? I actually feel better now than I did 30 years ago. And I think cognitively I'm better than I was 20 years ago. I don't know why. The generational argument appealing to 23-year-old Haley supporter Nathan Seale. Nikki Haley says it's time for a new generation of leaders. Do you agree with her? I agree with her. It's time for a new generation of leaders. I really wouldn't

like a matchup between Trump and Biden again. But Augusta Patron says she's struggling with high prices and will vote for Trump. I admire his courage and guts And I accept the mouth. I think what he's accomplished is awesome. Then there's Doreen Pooler, who's still undecided between Haley and DeSantis. When will you make up your mind? Quite frankly, I'll probably not make it as I walk in to actually follow my ballot. And Kristen, what can you tell us about another big endorsement for former President Trump? That's right, Lester. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who dropped out of the presidential race, is set to endorse Trump at an event here tonight. It is a blow to Nikki Haley, who hails from South Carolina and who appointed Scott back in 2012. Lester. Kristen, thank you. And join Kristen for Sunday's Meet the Press from New Hampshire with guests including Ron DeSantis, Senator Maggie Hassan and Governor Chris Sununu.

Now to the tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. launching new strikes on Houthi rebels, President Biden holding a critical call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And as the war rages, a staggering number of Israeli troops are being killed by friendly fire. Raf Sanchez is in Tel Aviv. Tonight, the U.S. again taking out anti-ship missiles. The Pentagon says Iranian-backed Houthi militants were prepared to launch in the Red Sea. President Biden has acknowledged the U.S. strikes are not deterring Houthi attacks. The president today also speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for the first time in a month, downplaying Netanyahu's opposition to a Palestinian state. Do you think that Prime Minister Netanyahu will change his mind on an opposition to a two-state solution, sir?

Yes, give her the right one. For Israeli troops in Gaza, danger not just from Hamas, but also lethal rates of friendly fire. The latest IDF data shows 17% of all Israeli soldiers killed were mistakenly shot by their own or died in battlefield accidents. That is a high rate of friendly fire, even given that it's occurring in very dense urban terrain. We headed to central Gaza last week to see what the IDF said was a Hamas rocket factory. Israel's standard procedure, destroy facilities like this with a controlled explosion. But this time, disaster. The IDF says a tank shell aimed at Hamas fighters toppled an electricity pole, triggering the explosives early.

Six Israeli troops were killed. Among them, 26-year-old Captain Ron Efremi. His family, home and heartbroken. But his younger brother tells us he does not blame the Israeli tank crew. I will hug the men that make mistake because I can understand the pressure. What do you say to those... Tonight, we asked Israel's military spokesman, why has there been so much friendly fire? I think friendly fire is a horrible thing, but we are learning every event. Israel says one factor is its troops were under constant ambush from Hamas fighters bursting out of tunnels.

Lester. Raf, thank you. In just 60 seconds, President Biden announcing billions more in student debt relief. Who's eligible? And theash tonight. The Biden administration is canceling another five billion dollars in student loan debt for tens of thousands of Americans. It's all part of a new wave of loan forgiveness. But as Gabe Gutierrez reports, it is not without controversy. Diane Stuckey Bruce earned three of her degrees at South Carolina State University, and she'd been paying off student loans for almost 20 years.

It was really crushing because it was such a large debt that I know I incurred, but I thought it was necessary to get the education that I needed so that I can be successful. She says that debt had prevented her from buying a home well into her 50s, and she still owed more than $263,000. Until late 2021, when she was stunned to learn all that debt had been canceled because she works in public service. I knew my life was going to change at that moment, that my life goes another direction now. Despite a Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down a larger student debt relief plan, the Biden administration has been rolling out smaller, more targeted programs. So far, the White House says it's erased almost $137 billion for 3.7

million Americans. Announcing today, it's wiping out debt for tens of thousands of public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and firefighters. Still, many Republicans argue it's not fair for people who never went to college or who paid off their debts to subsidize those who didn't. Senator Bill Cassidy says the administration is essentially buying votes during an election year. But it's not really forgiven. It's transferred. It's transferred to those who paid back their student loans or who decided never to go to college. Now debt-free, Diane Stuckey-Bruce says she's finally been able to build her dream home. It was the biggest blessing I've ever received in my entire life. A weight that's now been lifted. Gabe Gutierrez, NBC News, the White House. Up next here tonight, what happened today at Sports Illustrated that could threaten the magazine's entire future?

It was once a required reading for anyone who loves sports, but tonight the future of Sports Illustrated is uncertain after its publisher laid off much of its entire staff. It comes after the publisher announced a reduction in its workforce to cut costs. Its covers brought glory and controversy, especially its swimsuit editions. But tonight, changing media habits are posing a serious threat to the iconic magazine. Right now, millions of high school seniors are grappling with one of the biggest decisions of their lives, where to go to college. And as Savannah Sellers reports, there's one factor that's taking on a growing role. School ranking, academics, tuition costs, all factors in the big decision of picking a college.

But for South Carolina high school senior Grace, add the state's abortion laws? I'm not comfortable with being in a state that doesn't value who I am or value my rights. Did that surprise you at all when your daughter brought that up? It did. I'm like, the weather, you know, what kind of campus, sports, what are the dorms like? You're not looking at lists of which campuses are in states that are more female friendly when it comes to reproductive rights. The family asked us not to use their last name, concerned this story could impact Grace's admissions chances. But they join a growing trend. A Gallup survey shows 73 percent of young adults say reproductive health laws are a factor in their decision on where to enroll in college. And a quarter of students ruled out institutions solely due to the political policies

in a state. I thought this child has no concept of money. Grace has offers for scholarships in conservative-leaning states. What was your thought when you did get that scholarship and into Alabama? I was happy about it, but it kind of made me a little bit anxious. I tried to, like, I started looking into politics in Alabama a little bit more. We argued about it quite a bit. Your dad's response was roll tide. And so I'm like, roll tide, Grace. Sarah Harbison is a college admissions counselor and says for some of her clients, changing state laws are a part of the discussion. I don't think we have more liberal students or more conservative students. I think we have a more vocal college-bound population. And when they say that

politics matters, state politics, I think they really mean it. She says finances are still most parents' top concern. Our plan at the moment is to wait until all of the decisions are in and we will discuss, you know, each point, the money. We will discuss how comfortable she feels in that state and then we'll just make a decision from there. An early lesson in higher education. Savannah Sellers, NBC News. When we come back here tonight, how one teacher turned a tough period in her life into a tough love for her students. Finally, tonight, one teacher's path from struggle to success now passing down her life lessons for the next generation. Here's Maya Eaglin. If you got 384, say, oh, yeah. Belo, yeah! Beloved third-grade math teacher Shelby Lattimore is always on the go.

I'm tutoring. I'm a science coordinator. I'm, you know, picking basketball. I'm coaching basketball. Let's go, let's go. Come on, hustle. And she's making sure kids in her Charlotte, North Carolina class are having candid conversations about money. A lot of my students of color, they see their parents living check to check. They see the money management of not thinking long term.

Ms. Lattimore is inflating your rent. No, come on. I sure am. Her lessons, real-world tough love combined with fun. You're charging third graders rent. I am. I sure am. Using fake money and a budget, students pay to use desks and chairs.

They even earn salaries for helping out. It gives you a life lesson how money is. Their financial exercises drawn from Ms. Lattimore's own life as an educator, struggling to make ends meet. I am going to take your money. Now, inspired by her students, she's posting her wildly popular lessons on TikTok, earning up to six figures a year. What keeps you waking up every day and excited to go to work? Wow, I'm sorry.

No, don't apologize. Take a beat, take a beat. Yeah. You got it. It's gonna sound so corny, but it's them. One teacher's empowering strategies for helping students succeed. Maya Eaglin, NBC News, Charlotte, North Carolina. Hi Cedric, how are you?

And that's nightly news for this Friday. Thank you for watching everyone. I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night.