NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Nightly News Full Broadcast (April 27th)

Episode Date: April 27, 2024

Massive tornado outbreak reduced areas to rubble across multiple states; Hamas releases new hostage video, includes American captive; College campus protests over war in Gaza show no sign of slowing, new crackdowns on demonstrators; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Breaking news tonight, the devastating tornado outbreak across the middle of the country and the new forecast, the worst may be yet to come. Brand new twisters on the ground late today in Oklahoma and terrifying moments when tornadoes ripped across highways in Nebraska, sweeping through cities. New videos from above, entire neighborhoods wiped away, dozens of workers trapped for hours inside this building. Homes torn from their foundations. I don't know where we go from here. Plus, we're tracking more severe weather and tornadoes. 40 million in the crosshairs. The new video just released another American hostage held by Hamas.

His family's reaction tonight. Campus protests crackdown. Protesters detained today at colleges from Arizona to Indiana to Boston. Will other colleges follow? A third American tourist arrested in the Caribbean, also for accidentally carrying bullets in his luggage. We talked to two who are facing 12 years in prison. My heart just, it sunk. I had no words. And the cicada invasion has begun, trillions emerging in a phenomena that hasn't happened since Thomas Jefferson was president.

The noise so loud, residents are calling 911. This is NBC Nightly News with Jose Diaz-Balart. Good evening, a weekend of already devastating weather may be about to get even worse. This is NBC Nightly News with Jose Diaz-Balart. Good evening. A weekend of already devastating weather may be about to get even worse. Residents in the Midwest bracing for a brutal second round after a massive tornado outbreak on Friday. Take a look at this video. A tornado tearing across a highway in Lincoln, Nebraska. And just as terrifying as seeing it, hearing it. Tornadoes tore through parts of Iowa and Nebraska, leaving massive damage in their wake.

This is the view from above. Much of the neighborhood in Omaha totally leveled. And from the ground, you can see just how powerful they were. Only foundations stand where entire houses were just hours ago. All in all, as many as 80 possible tornadoes touched down on Friday. And the next wave has already begun. This is a twister on the ground in Oklahoma late today. As forecasters fear there may be even more tonight. We are covering it all tonight. And we begin with Jesse Kirsch in hard-hit Iowa. Violent twisters shooting debris into the sky. Violent tornado, guys, violent!

In all, dozens of tornado reports across multiple states since Friday. And tonight, one area after another has been reduced to rubble. I don't know where we go from here. In Iowa, the city of Minden was gutted. The house is gone, foundation is the only thing left. From the air, you can see block after block of devastation. Here in Minden, officials say this ravaged home is in the middle of a street. It's supposed to be yards away on this foundation. And you can see it is hardly the only building badly damaged. About 180 homes were impacted. About 40% are probably destroyed.

Eric Johnson lost part of his business. All the rest of this stuff can be rebuilt. I mean, you can't get a life back. The city's mayor says it's been decades since they saw damage like this. 1976. 1976. Okay. What, what, yeah.

What scale is it? Easy. Sorry. That was the last time. Neighboring Nebraska also hit hard. Oh, somebody got hit. This twister tearing across an interstate Friday with drivers still on the road. This semi flipped on its side. About 70 people were inside this building when officials say a tornado hit. The structure collapsed, but everyone was evacuated. And in Elkhorn, Nebraska, in this neighborhood, homes wiped off the map. This bedroom now open air with a mattress and dresser still there. Only one wall remains in this room, but items still sit on the shelves inside. Volunteers already stepping in to rebuild. We will come together. Yeah,

this is what we do here. The devastation stretching all the way south to Texas. When I drove up, I lost, I mean, my stomach went down. And now I know how other people feel. And I feel bad for them, too. And back here in Minden, Iowa, clearly still a good amount of cleanup to be done. But this is one of the already hard hit areas that is back in the threat zone for more potential severe weather tonight. Jose. Jesse Kirsch, thank you. And the dangerous weather threat isn't over. Let's get right to meteorologist Angie Lassman for the latest. Angie. Jose, that threat far from over, as you mentioned, and continuing across a large area of the country, 39 million people still included in this threat

well into this evening. The hail, the strong tornadoes, as well as those damaging winds on the table. The strongest of the tornadoes from Kansas City to Wichita Falls into Dallas. This goes after dark into the overnight period. We know how dangerous those nocturnal tornadoes are. So we're quite concerned here as we get into the overnight period. Into tomorrow morning, more of the same. We've got another line of strong thunderstorms that will build right along that front. The heavy rain draped across parts of the Midwest. And by the way, flash flooding concern as well. Hourly rainfall rates anywhere from two to four inches with the highest amounts centered across parts of Oklahoma and Texas. We could see upwards of isolated amounts five inches or higher across this region. Jose. Angie Lassman, thank you. To breaking news

now out of the Middle East and another video just released of two hostages held by Hamas, including one American. Tonight, his family now sending their own message. Megan Fitzgerald reports. Tonight, Hamas releasing another video showing two hostages, 47-year-old Amri Miron. Shmi Amri Miron. And American-Israeli, 64-year-old Amri Miron and American-Israeli 64-year-old

Keith Siegel. This undated video is the first time the two have been seen during their 204 days in captivity. Keith, who works for a pharmaceutical company, and Aviva, a kindergarten teacher, have lived in Kibbutz Kefar Aza for 40 years. They were both taken by Hamas on October 7th. Aviva, a kindergarten teacher, have lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza for 40 years. They were both taken by Hamas on October 7. But Aviva was released during the last deal 51 days into the war. Aviva, with their two daughters, releasing this video tonight.

AVIVA, AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE DEAL, RELEASED THE VIDEO, SAYS, SEEING MY FATHER TODAY ONLY EMPHASIZES TO ALL OF US HOW MUCH WE MUST REACH A DEAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SHE SAYS. to all of us how much we must reach a deal as soon as possible, she says. Aviva saying, Keith, I love you. We will fight until you return. This latest hostage video coming just days after Hamas published this footage of American-Israeli 23-year-old Hirsch Polin Goldberg. NBC's Raf Sanchez speaking to his parents on Thursday. Initially, you know, we were just crying. This was a tremendous validation. And on the other hand, we see him. He's in captivity. Many more families tonight desperate for a sign of life and pressure on Netanyahu mounting. Megan, where do hostage talks stand right now? Jose, so far there's been little movement on a deal, but Hamas saying today

it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Jose. Megan Fitzgerald, thank you. Back in this country, new clashes today between police and pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses. Hundreds detained across three different universities. George Solis has the latest. Tonight, new crackdowns on pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college campuses across the country. Free Palestine! 69 arrested over an unauthorized encampment at Arizona State University early this morning, according to a university spokesperson.

At the University of Indiana in Bloomington this afternoon, police forcibly detaining demonstrators and arresting 23 after dismantling tents set up on campus and in Boston. Now it's time to live forever! Police detained more than 100 demonstrators at Northeastern University after an unauthorized encampment was infiltrated by professional organizers, according to university officials. Meanwhile, at New York's Columbia University, a surreal juxtaposition.

Some preparing for graduation set for mid-May, while others refused to leave a tent city firmly established on campus. Earlier this week, the university barred a student leader of the protest from campus after a video surfaced of the individual calling for the death of Zionists. The student has since apologized for the remarks. A few miles downtown at NYU, a new encampment set up just days after NYPD cleared one from campus. Protest leaders unsure of what repercussions they may face. Are you prepared to not graduate because of what's been unfolding here?

Honestly, yes. Like to me, Palestine is that important to me that I'm willing to go that far. Etta, an NYU senior, is among the demonstrators that have been arrested. She says she'll continue with the protest. My parents are very proud of me and that's all I need is their trust. George Solis joins me now from Columbia University. George, is there any talk of bringing the police back on campus there? Jose, late last night, university officials making their stance clear,

saying they have no plans to bring back the police, saying it would not only be counterproductive, but it would also draw far too much attention. Jose? George Solis in New York, thank you. On the Caribbean island of Turks and Caicos, another vacation in paradise has turned into a nightmare. A third American is now detained, arrested for allegedly carrying bullets into the country. Each could now spend more than a decade in prison. Priya Shrether reports. Tonight, a third American tourist has been arrested in three months in Turks and Caicos after allegedly bringing ammunition onto the

islands, a crime that carries a minimum 12-year sentence. It was an accident. He does have a concealed carry license. The particular bag he took on the trip had all of his emergency equipment. He's a paramedic. Tyler Scott Wenrick's wife says authorities found two bullets in his suitcase at a security checkpoint while he was on vacation there. He now sits in jail trying to raise bail money. If we can't get this changed and it ruins our lives, it ruins my son's life because he'll grow up without a dad. Brian Hagrick and Ryan Watson were arrested within months of each other after they both say they accidentally left ammo in their luggage from previous hunting trips. After posting bail, they're now sharing an Airbnb as they wait for their court dates.

The penalty for this crime has a minimum 12-year sentence. Is that something that scares you guys? Oh my goodness, yes. When I first heard that, my heart just, it sunk. I had no words. It's impossible to comprehend. According to the Turks and Caicos government, eight American tourists have been arrested since firearm and ammunition laws were tightened in 2022. The State Department warning American travelers. In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to the country's laws. 65% of Turks and Caicos' economy is based on tourism. The majority of visitors from the U.S. For Wenrick, Hagrick, and Watson, what should have been a dream vacation,

now a living nightmare. Every matter and aspect of our lives has just been completely flipped upside down. Priya Shrether, NBC News. When we come back, cicada getting the historic cicada invasion already starting in the south. So bad, people are calling 911. Where the bugs are heading next? Also, the wait to see a doctor just hit an all-time high. Why getting an appointment takes so long and what you can do about it? You may have heard about the historic invasion of cicadas set for parts of this country coming this spring. The last time we saw an emergence like this, Aaron Burr was a year

away from dueling with Alexander Hamilton. Tonight, Kathy Park reports from Georgia, where the invasion is already underway. It's set to be the biggest invasion in hundreds of years, not millions, not billions, but likely trillions of these pesky, incredibly loud cicadas. And right here in Georgia, the invasion has begun. It is shocking to see this many. And they're already coming out in South Carolina, where they're taking over Sarah Weinberg's backyard. Did you think he was going to be this bad? No, no. I really wasn't prepared because I've never seen this before.

This is my first invasion. They moved in and they have stayed. Stayed mostly under her gazebo, clinging onto every corner and crevice. They think this is a safe spot. It's already getting so loud in Newberry County, people are calling the sheriff to complain. We had a leap year. We had an eclipse. Now we've got cicadas everywhere. Why so many this year? One set of cicadas comes out every 17 years, another every 13 years. This year, there's an emergence of both broods. That hasn't happened since 1803. They're coming out from Alabama to Missouri. And where they may overlap the most, Illinois.

They're talking, you know, epic numbers, biblical kind of numbers of them in that area. So something historic potentially is brewing in the Midwest. It definitely is historic for sure. Augusta, Georgia, agriculture agent Campbell Vaughn says cicadas are harmless, but very loud. The males are making the noise, and it's a little bitty buzz. I wonder if you can hear that. So we have the sound level meter here. So let's pause and just see how loud they really are.

Getting about 60 decibels right here. But at their peak, that could skyrocket to 100 decibels, about the same as a lawnmower. Enjoy the noise. It's really a neat thing. So don't get too creeped out by them. She gets creeped out by them. Kathy Park, NBC News.

Not a pleasant feeling. Augusta, Georgia. Still ahead, why does it take so long to get a doctor's appointment these days? The extreme things some patients are doing to get seen sooner. And the surprise of a lifetime that had this medical school grad jumping for joy. And now to the big delays to see a doctor. These days it takes longer than ever to get an appointment, sometimes a month or more. Dana Griffin explains why it's happening and how you can book your next visit.

Is that your favorite? When four-year-old Charlie Reese got sick with a rare and potentially fatal auto-inflammatory condition years ago. Her mom, Megan, said the wait to see a specialist near their home in Colorado was six to nine months. That must have been agonizing as a mom who just wants her daughter to survive. Yes, it was terrifying. It's a treatable condition if you can get a diagnosis, but you can't get in to see a specialist to get that diagnosis. But Megan wasn't taking no for an answer and finally got an appointment some 2,000 miles away in Boston.

I was desperate. I didn't, I wasn't going to lose my daughter. She's not alone. Delays for most doctor appointments are at an all-time high and only getting worse. The latest data shows in the nation's 15 biggest cities, it takes about 26 days for a new patient to see a physician. Same to see a heart doctor. And for an OBGYN appointment, a month or more. Dr. Ilana Yerkowitz at Stanford Medical Center calls it a national crisis. Why are patients waiting so

long to get an appointment with their doctor? So this is a trend that we're seeing in every clinic, primary care, specialty clinics across the country. Doctors' time is being sucked up by administrative tasks. Doctors' time is being spent on electronic medical records, paperwork, dealing with insurance companies. That burnout, part of a perfect storm. Why so many doctors are leaving? By 2036, it's estimated the U.S. will be short by 86,000 physicians, while an aging population means there will be more patients to treat. So what do you do if you need medical care but can't wait? Experts say try another

medical professional in your doctor's group, like a nurse practitioner. Ask to be put on a wait list in case of cancellations or go to an urgent care clinic. Is this what you signed up for? This is not what I signed up for. I think I didn't fully know the extent of it before I went into medicine. And it is a reality that I have adapted to because I love the work. I'll get a pair of power steps. A struggle for patients as doctors try desperately to meet the demand. Dana Griffin, NBC News. When we come back, there's good news tonight.

The life-saving gift that brought these two strangers together. There's good news tonight. You know, so often the good news doesn't get as much attention as the bad. So every Saturday we highlight the many people who spread joy and love. These are just some of those stories this week. Four, three, two, one. This is what joy looks like. That's medical student Norman Harris II, now one step closer to making his dreams come true.

That letter he opened? A notice that he'd matched with his first pick, Texas Children's Hospital, where he plans to start his residency to become a pediatrician and help care for underserved kids. And there was love in Louisville for Alyssa Grimes. Cheered on by staff at U of L Jewish Hospital after donating her kidney to a stranger who had posted signs in her neighborhood asking for help. That stranger is Kayla Dottie, the two now sharing an unbreakable bond. There was a sense of wonder in South Carolina. Wow.

Oh my gosh, there it is. See that woman? It's Alicia Delgadillo from Oklahoma, there with her uncle, breaking down scored a grand slam for what they did off the field. Hi. Got a baseball for you. Seniors from the squad signed baseballs with messages of thanks. Oh, you're going to make me cry. Oh, I'll be there. thanks. Giving them to the teachers and staff who changed their lives. Senior JJ Flores gave his to auto shop teacher Robert Griffin. It read, thank you for always being there for me when I needed someone to talk anytime through the day. It was kind of emotional because I've never had anything quite like that.

I loved it. You know, small things can have the biggest impact on people. I know he's always there to listen and talk to me through whatever I need. For staff here. Aw, this is so squeaky. Thank you. It was a home run from the heart. Oh, I love it. I didn't invite you to the game on Tuesday.

No, the power of small gestures. A small handwritten on baseball. Didn't only make my day, made my week, made my month. And the Maybank Panthers just finished their season and earned a spot in the Texas High School State Playoffs. Good luck to them. That's NBC Nightly News for this Saturday. Hallie Jackson will be here with you tomorrow. I'm Jose Diaz-Balart reporting from Washington, D.C. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Good night.