NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Nightly News Full Broadcast (March 23rd)

Episode Date: March 24, 2024

Death toll rises and new details emerge from Moscow concert hall terror attack; Severe weather pummels the East Coast on the first weekend of spring; Family recalls fatal crash of bus carrying Texas preschool students; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

This is NBC Nightly News with Jose Diaz-Balart. Good evening. The United States tonight is condemning the terror attack in Moscow. The death toll there sits at 133 and is likely to grow even higher. It happened at a popular concert hall there. Gunmen storming the complex, killing civilians before setting the place on fire. Authorities have detained nearly a dozen people, including four people they say carried out the act of terrorism themselves. An offshoot of the terror group ISIS is taking credit.

It's the same group that has targeted Americans before, killing 13 U.S. troops during the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan three years ago. But when Vladimir Putin addressed the nation today, he placed the blame elsewhere. Matt Bradley is covering it all for us tonight. And a warning, the video you are about to see is disturbing. Tonight, Moscow still smolders as the death toll from Friday night's terror attack continues to climb. At least 133 people were killed and hundreds more injured after as many as four gunmen attacked a packed house at this concert hall.

Shooting automatic weapons, throwing bombs, and dousing the building in flammable chemicals. This video showing gunmen opening fire on victims even as they huddled on the ground. I honestly thought it was a firecracker, said this witness, but these crackles, they were... They weren't stopping. There was screaming, panic. At least some of the gunmen were able to flee, but Russian authorities say everyone has since been caught. Eleven people have been arrested so far, police said, including four who participated directly in the attack. Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility last night, and American Intelligence says they have no reason not to take the terror group at their word.

Russian State TV aired videos last night they said showed interrogations of two suspects. One is asked why he did it. I did it for money, he replies. But the ISIS claim doesn't stop Russian politicians from trying to blame a more familiar enemy, Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said today the perpetrators were caught as they fled toward Ukraine, where they had expected to be welcomed. Ukraine has denied any involvement. Tomorrow will officially be a day of national mourning in Russia. Now Russians are queuing at clinics trying to donate blood to stop their nation from bleeding. And Matt, we are getting a new on the record statement from

the White House. That's right, Jose. A new national security spokesperson said they shared information with Russia about a planned terror attack in Moscow. They also say that ISIS is solely responsible and Ukraine had no involvement. Jose. Matt Bradley, thank you. Back here in the U.S., the first weekend of spring is off to a dangerous start for tens of millions tonight. Rain and even snow barreling up the entire East Coast, bringing potential blizzard conditions in some parts. George Solis has the latest.

Tonight, dangerous and disastrous flooding taking Abe up and down the East Coast. Relentless downpours from Miami to the Northeast, transforming streets and putting lives at risk. Every time it rains, we got our heart is in our throat. In flood-prone Mamaroneck, New York, this latest rainmaker generating a familiar fatigue and fear. It's absolute real fear. It's not a worry of what might happen. It's a worry of what we know is going to happen and how it increases every time it does. Every time it rains. Flooding today, making clear why tools like pumps, hoses, and gloves are a way of life.

Every time it floods, this is not right. What do we got to do with this? Further upstate, this trooper car, rear-ended by gloves are a way of life. Every time it floods, this is not right. Why do we have to live with this? Further upstate, this trooper car, rear-ended by a tractor trailer on icy roads. In South Florida, officials say strong winds knocked this kite boarder off course, causing him to slam into the St. Pete Pier. Heavy rains leading to road closures and a multi-hour ground stop at Miami International. Across the country today, roughly 6,000 flights delayed, more than 300 canceled. We need all patrons to leave this area. On Friday in Miami, the rain, wind, and

lightning forced a temporary shutdown of the Ultra Music Festival on its opening night. Daniel Acosta says he rolled his ankle during the chaos of people trying to get to dry ground. How scared were you? I'll tell you, it was pretty scary. I don't think I've ever been in the middle of a rainstorm this bad in Miami. The dangerous deluge on the East Coast, not the only dilemma. A one-two punch of spring showers flexing serious muscle over the Great Lakes and into northern New England, where Maine could see its largest snowfall of the season, as this latest round of nature's fury appears far from finished. And George joins me now from just north of New York City. George,

we can see the flooded area there. Is the worst of it now behind us? Yeah, as a resident in this neighborhood certainly hopes so. They say even a little bit of rain here causes all of this flooding tonight. They are among the 37 million under those flood alerts. The good news, though, is that this storm, as you can see, does appear to be letting up. Jose? George Solis, thank you. Some good news from Washington after Congress averted a government shutdown. The Senate voted overnight to pass a sweeping $1.2 trillion funding bill after heated last-minute negotiations. Senators technically did breach the midnight deadline, but the lapse was very short, had no real impact. President Biden signed the bill today.

We are learning new details tonight about a tragedy in Texas after at least one student and one adult were killed in a school bus crash while the bus was carrying preschool students. Priscilla Thompson spoke to one child who survived. Tough, very tough. This is the moment Hector Campos held his five-year-old daughter, Kaliana, again after her first field trip ended in a deadly crash. Mom,ica was on the trip. Just the fact that I was there. I spent the day with all those kids. It's just heartbreaking. Callie, how are you feeling today? What do you remember?

We like rode on the bus. She closed her eyes when it happened so she wouldn't get glass in her in her eyes or anywhere. Say hi. Kaliana and more than 40 of her preschool classmates were on a bus home from the zoo Friday afternoon when officials say they were hit by a concrete truck. A young boy on board was killed, police say, along with a driver behind the bus. The crash occurred on Highway 21, just outside of Austin. Tonight, at least three staff and two students remain hospitalized. Alejandro Anaya ran outside to help. What I saw was all the kids covered in blood, crying, trying to get out. We brought all the towels

that we had to, you know, dress the kids, clean them up. Police say the driver of the concrete truck did not appear impaired and that the investigation is in its preliminary stages, leaving many unanswered questions for parents like Hector. Someone just needs to be held accountable. We need some kind of answers for the kids that are, kid that's passed away and for their families, they need answers. And the kids that are there fighting for their lives, we need answers as well. Families here now working to heal as a community grieves. Jose. Priscilla Thompson in Buda, Texas. Thank you. There are new concerns tonight about the highest paid star in baseball. The MLB has now launched an investigation into a betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter.

And there are questions tonight about whether it will impact Ohtani himself. David Noriega has the details. Tonight, the stakes are rising in the scandal surrounding star LA Dodgers pitcher Shohei Otani, with Major League Baseball launching an investigation after illegal gambling allegations involving Otani's interpreter and close friend Ipe Mizuhara. League officials say they learned about the allegations involving Otani and Mizuhara from the news media, adding, our Department of Investigations began their formal process investigating the matter. The big unanswered question, what was Otani's involvement? It's becoming a bigger story because this void has just not been filled with answers yet. And you're talking about a guy who

just signed $700 million contracts. The scandal broke when the LA Times reported that Otani's name came up in connection with a federal investigation into a sports betting ring in Orange County. A source telling NBC News that Mizuhara initially said Otani bailed him out of $4.5 million in gambling debts. But Otani's lawyer saying the pitcher was the victim of a massive theft. This is murky territory. What did Otani do? What did Otani know? Matthew Boyer is that alleged bookie under federal investigation, and his lawyer said he had no contact with the star pitcher. Boyer has not been charged with a crime. Mr. Boyer never met Shohei Ohtani, never spoke with Shohei Ohtani. The only person he dealt

with was Ipe. A scandal that, according to legendary sports agent Lee Steinberg, could engulf baseball itself. We're not talking about a marginal player. We're talking about the best player in all of baseball. We haven't seen a two-way phenomenon like this since Babe Ruth. All eyes will be on Otani again here at Dodger Stadium tomorrow when he takes the field against his former teammates on the Los Angeles Angels. And still ahead tonight, Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis. She is now the face of a troubling trend. More younger people diagnosed with the disease. We are back with Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis.

Her revelation all the more shocking because of her age, just 42 years old. She's part of a troubling rise in cancer rates in younger people. Megan Fitzgerald has more. Tonight, reality setting in after the world was shocked by the latest revelation from the British royal family. In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. In an emotional video message, the 42-year-old Princess of Wales saying she's now undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatments.

It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis. A devastating message that hits close to home for people like May Keane, who was 26 years old when she was diagnosed with stage four gastric cancer. What were your thoughts when you saw the Princess of Wales video message? I immediately thought cancer does not discriminate, whether you're rich, poor, young, old. The Princess of Wales and May, both part of a growing and disturbing trend that shows cancer on the rise for young people across the world. The term is called early-onset cancer and defined as people diagnosed under 50. A 2023 BMJ oncology analysis found that 29 different cancers had risen nearly 80 percent globally between 1990 and 2019.

Why are we seeing a rise in cancer in young people? There are a number of factors. First and foremost is access to screening and treatments, environmental risk factors, and then just your own family history. As for May, she considers herself among the lucky ones. The cancer is gone for now, but she still has five more years of tests and scans ahead. It's a very difficult and emotional journey that more and more young people are forced to take. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. Megan Fitzgerald, NBC News, Windsor. 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. This is what honor looks like. A sea of American flags as hundreds of probationary firefighters in New York City unite for their spirit run before graduating from the academy. How about a big round of applause for our FDNY probationary firefighters? Now, the newest members of New York's bravest.

And talk about lending a helping hand. 15-year-old Leobardo Dorado ran 26 miles at this week's L.A. Marathon before collapsing. LAPD Sergeant Jay Bahamino rushed in, but the teenager insisted on finishing. So the sergeant lifted him up, helping him walk. And then he carried him across the finish line. As a father, I would want my kids to have that mentality that you never give up. You know, that's part of the qualities of a hero, is never giving up.

And he never gave up. And when we talk about heroes, it's moments like this that live forever in our hearts. No, no, no, please, no! That's Sophie Milkuhi shaving her own head to support mom Tracey, who's battling stage four ovarian cancer. Sophie making sure her mom knows she will never fight alone. Oh, please. At the end of the day, our main goal

is to kick this cancer in the butt, and Sophie's there to support me, which is just amazing. the day our main goal is to kick this cancer in the butt. And Sophie's there to support me, which is just amazing. And here's a milestone Jennifer Duggan will never forget. Please stand so we can honor you. Please stand. There she is getting her master's degree at Tennessee Tech, when all of a sudden they played this message from her son, William, serving in the military far from home.

Hey, Mom. I know I'm not there for graduation, so I figured I'd make you a video and tell you I'm proud of you. Congratulations, and I love you. Keep pushing. I'll see you soon. So take me back to that day that you saw him on that screen. Oh my goodness, it was so emotional. My heart just exploded. I'm so proud of what he's doing. This is his second deployment within two years. Jennifer also serves as a proud member of the Tennessee Army National Guard. How does it make you feel as a parent to know and see that your son gets it? Well, when he decided to join the military, I said, Will, are you sure you want to do this? And he said, Mama, you did it.

I just want to be like you. That's NBC Nightly News for this Saturday. I'm Jose Diaz-Balart. Thank you for the privilege of your time and good night.