NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Nightly News Full Broadcast (July 29th)

Episode Date: July 30, 2024

Nation's biggest wildfire consumes more ground in Northern California; Deadline looms for Harris to choose a running mate; Middle East waits anxiously for Israel's next move after deadly rocket attack; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight, the emergency in California as the state's largest wildfire of the year explodes to nearly 400,000 acres. The new images of the Park Fire. It's now bigger than the city of Los Angeles and the sixth largest in the state's history. More than 100 homes and buildings destroyed. Thousands under evacuation orders. Now the smoke triggering air quality alerts in multiple other states. Also tonight, 99 days to Election Day and Kamala Harris's veep stakes heating up. Two of the top contenders campaigning together.

It comes as President Biden proposes sweeping reforms to the Supreme Court. But can it go anywhere in Congress? Former President Donald Trump agreeing to sit with the FBI for an interview about the attempt on his life as we learn new details about the shooter. The horror in the UK, the stabbing rampage at a dance class during a Taylor Swift themed event. Two children killed, nine injured and the teen in custody tonight. Plus day three of the Olympic competition here in Paris. The U.S. men's gymnastics team pulling off something it hasn't done in 16 years. And with all eyes on the women's team

ahead of tomorrow's final, we talked to their biggest fans, their parents. And the American water polo star making a splash in Paris with support from her husband as he faces the fight of his life. This is NBC Nightly News, reporting tonight from the Olympics in Paris. Here is Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome from Paris. Behind me, the Arc de Triomphe, an enduring symbol of France and this city, which is our headquarters for the next two weeks. We have a lot to report from the

Olympics coming up, but we want to begin with the unfolding fire disaster in Northern California. What officials have labeled the Park Fire is still tonight driving widespread evacuations across areas that include Paradise. That's a city decimated by fire in 2018, leaving scores dead. At more than 370,000 acres, the Park Fire, the largest fire burning now in the West, is defying efforts to contain it as it rapidly becomes one of California's largest wildfires ever. Steve Patterson is there and tells us there is a reason why these fires are intensifying. Tonight, the nation's largest wildfire, brazen and boundless. Firefighters spread thin over the park fire, a threat zone now sprawling across four counties.

In less than a week, growing into California's sixth largest wildfire ever. According to Cal Fire, the biggest in state history are all from the last six years, an era of climate-driven fire seasons that scientists say start sooner and last longer. Seems to be just a continuous cycle of these and it wears on our community. Thousands under evacuation alerts, dozens of homes destroyed, along with countless other close calls. I'm just very emotionally drained and I'm grateful, grateful that you have our house. The Park Fire is just one of more than 100 large active wildfires burning across the American West and Canada. Today, new evacuations in Colorado, all of it sending plumes of smoke as far east as Minneapolis.

In central California, one blaze leveling this historic mining town. Back in northern California, much of the burn zone covers areas repeatedly impacted by fire, including the 2018 campfire that claimed the lives of 85 people in Paradise, California. Rick Perro lost his home in Paradise and thought this time his family was finally safe. His cat survived the first fire only to perish here. Seeing this was horrible again. It was sad because we weren't here. We couldn't help him.

Two homes, six years, a lifetime of mementos and memories turned to ash. The third time is the charm. And I'm not sure what exactly that's going to look like. And Steve, the arson suspect behind this park fire is expected in court. And Lester, we've reached out to that suspect, Ron Eastout II, in front of a judge this afternoon. We'll learn what charges he's facing later today. Meanwhile, it's expected to get a whole lot hotter on this fire over the next few days, further raising the fire danger in an already dangerous fight. Lester.

All right, Steve Patterson, thank you. Tonight, with less than 100 days to go until the election, Vice President Harris is zeroing in on her big decision on a running mate, plus a controversial new plan from the president about the Supreme Court. Kelly O'Donnell with late details. A 99-day sprint to November 5th. Prominent Democratic governors and potential VP picks, Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, on the trail for Kamala Harris. Let's wake up in November and say the words, Madam President. Their messages provide a window

into the running mate's search, with about 10 days left for the vice president to make her decision. Kamala Harris's name is gonna be on that ballot. And I, for one, I'm gonna be pushing that button for Kamala Harris, I know you will too. Yay, go abortion! Her team calling for a week of action

on the Supreme Court and abortion rights. As Iowa's restriction on abortion after about six weeks goes into effect today, Harris on social media tied the law to former President Trump. Which makes Iowa the 22nd state in our country to have a Trump abortion ban. In Minnesota Saturday, former President Trump

called out Harris on immigration. I will terminate every single open border policy of the Biden-Harris administration. And we will seal the border. Both Harris and President Biden say dramatic change is needed at the Supreme Court. We need these reforms to ensure trust in the courts. The president calling for a constitutional amendment to hold presidents accountable for crimes committed in office after Mr. Trump's win on immunity. Term limits to cap justices at 18 years on the court. A binding code of ethics.

Supreme Court's current ethics code is weak and even more frightening, voluntary. Getting necessary congressional approval would be hard. President Biden and his leftist allies don't like the current composition of the court, so they want to shred the Constitution to change it. And meanwhile, Kelly, there are some new developments into the investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Trump.

That's right. Congress announced a new bipartisan task force to investigate the assassination attempt. Today, the FBI says it has still not determined motive, but has evidence of complex planning by the gunman. The bureau has done more than 450 interviews and says former President Trump agreed to participate in what they call a victim interview. Lester. Kelly O'Donnell tonight. Thank you. In northern England today, a horrifying attack at a school event. Police say a teen with a knife went on a stabbing rampage, killing two children, injuring nine others and wounding two adults. Richard Engel has late details. When parents worry about a senseless attack, this is what they fear. Around noon today in Southport in northern England near Liverpool,

an assailant walked into a dance and yoga studio and began stabbing children. It was during a sold-out Taylor Swift-themed class for 6 to 11-year-olds. Witnesses saw bloody children being taken out. One describing it like a horror movie. Two children have died as a result of the injuries sustained in this morning's knife attack. Nine other children have been injured and six of them are in a critical condition. The suspect was only identified by police as a 17-year-old male from a nearby town. I'm still shaking. I still can't just, I don't think what is happening because I think it's

shocking everyone. No motive was given. It's not being investigated as terrorism. No other suspects are being sought. Our thoughts and condolences with the victims, their families, their friends, and the wider community. And it's almost impossible to imagine the grief that they're going through and the trauma that they're going through. King Charles tonight said in a statement, my wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident. Lester. All right, Richard, thank you. The Mideast on edge tonight as Israel vows a major response following a deadly rocket attack on Drew's children at a playground. Raf Sanchez has the late details. Tonight, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the soccer field where 12 children were killed in a rocket blast Saturday.

Israel and the U.S. say the strike was carried out by Iranian-backed Hezbollah from Lebanon, which denies responsibility. Israel says it's the worst assault on its civilians since the Hamas terror attack of October 7th. Our response will come and it will be severe, Netanyahu says. That's raising fears of an all-out war. While in the mountain village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, anguish over so many young lives lost. This was a normal Saturday night.

It was a little after 6 p.m. Kids playing on this soccer field when the sirens started blaring. And just seconds later, that rocket came crashing down right here, bringing death and destruction to this community. Among the dead, 13-year-old John Ibrahim. We met his cousin, Nia. All of my family is feeling bad and crying. But there's also anger. This crowd calling Netanyahu a killer, saying he should have done more to keep their children safe.

And the White House saying tonight predictions of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah are, quote, exaggerated. Lester? All right, Raph, thank you. Let's turn out of the Paris Olympics, the U.S. men's gymnastics team winning their first team medal in 16 years and the U.S. women's basketball team off to a dominant start. Tom Yamas is with us. Tom, a big day for Americans. Yeah, Lester, I was there at gymnastics and that arena was so electric. It was unclear if Team USA would medal. And then in the second rotation, something happened. It all clicked. Each of them were in the zone, contributing in a major way.

Let's go, Asher. They delivered on electrifying routine. After routine. Fans here at Bercy Arena cheering on Team USA. They promised redemption, and they delivered. Important passage to get through there. Steven Nedorosic's clutch performance on the pommel horse, clinching the bronze for the American men.

Dismount, that's it. How does it feel? Unbelievable. Unreal. Went up there, did my job, and as soon as I landed, I was like, I think we might have just met a baby. The 16 year medal drought for the men of Team USA, now officially over. I think about all the people behind me. I knew I had the whole U.S. behind me.

One more big score. Redemption also in the air at skateboarding. This is what can be the difference maker. Where Nyjah Houston won bronze after missing the podium in Tokyo. His teammate Jagger Eaton won silver with this monster trick. He can't believe he landed it. We can't believe he landed it. We had to bring it. And in L.A., you bet we're going to bring it again.

Over at the pool, the U.S. picking up four more medals tonight. Ryan Murphy won bronze, then found out the gender of his baby on the way in a sign held up by his wife. United States control it. While Team USA women's basketball made their Paris debut, easily putting away Japan. Their 56th straight win at the Olympics. The last time they lost? 1992.

And a blockbuster match up at Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic knocking out Rafael Nadal in singles. It could be the last time the two tennis giants play each other at a major tournament. Let's see this. This ought to be sweet. But the best celebration of the day has to go to American fencer Nick Itkin. This is why we love fencing, even when we're not sure exactly what's going on. Tom Yamas, NBC News, Paris.

And you can watch all of the coverage of the Olympics at 8 p.m. Eastern tonight. Ryan Murphy and Lilly King lead Team USA in swimming. Plus, it's the dramatic conclusion of the men's gymnastics team event. In 60 seconds, they were key to the outcome in 2020. How do black men see the rapidly changing presidential race now? Turns out it's complicated. Stay with us. Back with the race for the White House and a critical block of voters who could make all the difference. Yamiche Alcindor is in Georgia

talking with black men about how the shakeup in the race impacts their vote. In Battleground, Georgia, black men voters will be critical in the race to the White House. I like RFK. Justin Samuels and Dorian Griffin are both 32-year-old small business owners. Samuels is an independent. How has Vice President Harris being the top of the ticket impacted the way that you see this election? Her being the top of the ticket really made me think about creating another historic moment, not just for the country, but for also the Black community as a whole, too. I think there's a lot that she has to prove.

There are a lot of men in this country who need to be okay with a woman leading the country. Griffin is a Republican. He says he's still voting for Trump. And tell me what appeals to you about Trump. His business acumen. When Donald Trump was president, we were all doing a lot better financially. He's always been a business icon. So why wouldn't we want that business icon to be president? And he had this to say about Harris. I think she hasn't done anything worth mentioning. What would you have wanted to see Vice President Harris accomplish that she has not?

I would have liked her to kind of bring a calm to the border. The border crisis has gotten out of hand. In 2020, President Biden narrowly flipped Georgia blue, winning by just under 12,000 votes. Democrat Darius Rawlins says he's excited for Harris. I've never seen enthusiasm like this, this fast. And you had concerns about Vice President Harris's background as a prosecutor. What got you over them? When I started doing the research, when you see those type of things that aren't often

talked about, that resonates with me. And now all three men are waiting for November's election results. Yamiche Alcindor, NBC News, Atlanta. Still ahead, if you think it's tough being a top Olympic gymnast, just ask their parents. I did just that. Next. Some of the hardest moments in these Olympics are not on the field of play, but rather in the stands. Tonight, my conversations with parents of Team USA's gymnasts about what it's like. Henry, your little girl is an Olympian. What is that like?

Wow. So exciting, man. Nobody could ever take that away from her. Henry Rivera is the father of Hesley Rivera. Nobody's had a better time tonight in the stands than her parents. At 16, the youngest member of the USA women's gymnastics team. This viral video of her dad barely able to look during her routine at the world championships, reminding the pressure of these moments can be a shared experience. I usually get out of this arena and just pace myself praying. That was just nerves, you know, it's just my little daughter's there. And whether your daughter is 16 or 27, like say Simone Biles.

How stressful is it watching her and does it get easier over time? It does not, not for me. Nights like last night reinforcing that for Ronnie and Nellie Biles after Simone briefly appeared to be in pain during the qualifying sessions. I said, what is she doing? Is she hurt? Please don't let her be hurt. They are kids when they start chasing this dream to fly above the rest. But Simone Biles, the senior member of the USA team,

still takes assurance from mom and dad's presence, just like she always has. Does Simone feel better having you guys in the stands and when you're right there? She definitely does. She knows where we're sitting, and that's the main thing for her. And they plan to be right there on Tuesday when Simone writes her comeback story in Paris. You have so many reasons to be proud of Simone. Do you think back to those days when you were watching her as a kid? I never thought that this would be what I would be experiencing. And not only have we end up with one Olympics, this is her third.

So this is incredible. And regarding Simone Biles and her leg, her mom tells me she is fine and that the doctor told them there was really nothing for them to worry about. Coming up, she dominates the pool and water polo. He swam the English Channel. Next, how their biggest challenge yet came out of the water. The U.S. women's water polo team is chasing its fourth straight gold medal here in Paris, and one teammate is fighting inspiration in her husband, who's facing a tough fight of his own. Morgan Chesky now with their Olympic love story.

Fight it! Fight it! Amid the controlled chaos of an Olympic water polo workout, you'll find Maddie Musselman, cool, calm, and clutch. I just love it. I mean, I love playing. I just show up every day just, like, thankful that I get to play this sport. The 26-year-old, a crucial part of the USA women's team, is going for a record fourth gold medal in Paris. She's one of the very few people who lives her values literally every day.

Values tested more than any match this past fall when Maddie and her husband Pat got a phone call following a CT scan for Pat's nagging cough. They let us know it was cancer. It's a very rare aggressive cancer. Only like 200 people a year get it. Doctors called it nut carcinoma, sharing it spread from Pat's lungs to his bones. He just swam across the English Channel for his 30th birthday. Now, the couple that bonded over a shared faith and water polo were told the cancer was stage four. When we first found out, I didn't know if I wanted to come back and play.

Just, I obviously, like, he's my priority. What we're doing, you know, living your life and have a challenge like this, like water polo seems really small. The two decided to move their wedding up that week, then tackle treatment with Olympic dedication. Maddie's supporting Pat through intense chemo before heading to team workouts. There are these humans that took on this huge thing and they've done it with grace

and it's been amazing to watch them. You're there in a grueling practice, you know, your body is hurting and you think of Pat. Yeah, and then I tell myself I can do it. Dreams of going to Paris, fueling them both. You think about that whenever you're getting treatment, whenever you're having a rough day. Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Now, almost a year later, they're at the Olympics, and Pat's treatments are finally offering hope. And to know that you have a gold medalist who has your back no matter what. It's pretty special. Tough to beat. Tough to beat. I'm certainly, I feel the luckiest man alive, so, yeah. Two fighters inspiring each other every step of the way. Morgan Chesky, NBC News, Long Beach, California.

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