NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Episode Date: April 25, 2024

New pro-Palestinian protests on campuses across the country; Supreme Court hears arguments on highly restrictive Idaho abortion law; Hamas releases video of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight, the violent clashes and new arrests as pro-Palestinian protests spread to more U.S. campuses. Police in riot gear and horseback moving in on students at the University of Texas after hundreds walked out of class. At USC, the massive crowd, officers entering the encampment, forcefully making arrests, House Speaker Mike Johnson visiting Columbia University calling for the school's president to resign, saying she can't keep Jewish students safe, a report from campus. Also tonight, the GOP-controlled Arizona House voting to repeal the state's 1864 abortion ban, as the Supreme Court hears a major case on emergency abortion access.

What the justices signaled. President Biden signing that foreign aid for Ukraine and a provision that could ban TikTok in the U.S. The defiant message from TikTok's CEO. Hamas releasing the first video of American hostage, Hersh Goldberg, Poland, since he was gravely injured and kidnapped 200 days ago. And at the White House, the president meeting for the first time with a freed American hostage, four-year-old Abigail Idan. The severe weather threat across the central U.S., new rules on airline refunds and so-called junk fees.

This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome. Tonight, new arrests as demonstrations over the conflict in Gaza spread to more college campuses across the country, testing the boundaries of free speech, tolerance, and the ability to protect students from threatening behavior. The protests in support of Gaza increasingly symbolized by tent encampments, some becoming flashpoints for confrontations with police. The movement energized recently by a crackdown in New York at Columbia University where scores were arrested. And tonight, a powerful figure adding his voice to the debate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson visiting the Columbia campus today, hearing the accounts of Jewish students who feel threatened by the protests and laying down a challenge to the university's president. Stephanie Gosk is at the campus for us tonight. Throw Palestinian demonstrators clashing today with riot police at the University of Texas in Austin. Students attempting to occupy space on campus were stopped by police and forced back. UT, the latest school, caught in a wave of protests on college campuses in solidarity with students at Columbia University who demand their school cut financial ties to Israel. In California, a rally at USC that turned tense.

Officials closing the gates to the campus. At Harvard, students raced to set up tents. There was a walkout today at the University of Illinois, and the encampment at the University of Michigan is growing. The movement's never been bigger than it is right now, not only at the University of Michigan, but across the country, as we're seeing. Columbia grad student Sueda Polat was up all night negotiating with the leadership of her school over the encampment that has now been in the center of campus for nearly a week.

SUEDA POLAT, Columbia grad student. Last night, the university president said you had until midnight, but you are still here. SUEDA POLAT, We have been in negotiations with the university since Friday. AMNA NAWAZ The school giving the students another 48 hours after they agreed to a number of conditions, including dismantling tents and stopping harassment. It's part of our commitment to being in this space, keeping it nonviolent, free of harassment and open to people, regardless of any political belief.

Shut it down! As the school grapples with finding a balance between freedom of speech and student safety, a visit today from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who was booed by the crowd. MIKE JOHNSON, Speaker of the House of crowd. I am here today joining my colleagues and calling on President Shafiq to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this chaos. Mr. Speaker, if you were the president of Columbia University today, what would you do about this tent encampment? I would immediately bring order to the chaos. If necessary, I would call in the NYPD. I would ask the governor to send in the National Guard. How should people on this campus, students or faculty, protest the war in Gaza? How is it appropriate? Have a public debate. In the free marketplace of ideas,

everybody's views are welcome. You don't censor in silence and shout down, which is what's happening here, viewpoints you disagree with. That's not the respect for free speech. Freshman Noah Kronsberg was one of a number of Jewish students who met with Speaker Johnson. I appreciate that Congress is showing up. I think that for many Jewish students on campus, we feel unsafe, including myself. Is it constructive to have the Speaker of the House on campus calling for the president's ouster? Absolutely not. Debbie Becker is a Jewish professor who ate Passover dinner in the encampment with protesters. Most of those Congress members have an agenda that is about taking down our higher education institutions that they think of as places of woke indoctrination.

Becker and other faculty in the sociology department signed a letter voicing their alarm over the NYPD's arrests on campus. They need to vow not to be using the security forces and discipline as a way to handle conflicts over complex, challenging speech. Stephanie joins us now from Columbia University. You've said they've given the encampment 48 more hours. What happens then, Stephanie? Yeah, well, you know, Lester, they said they would dismantle some tents and stop harassment. given the encampment 48 more hours. What happens then, Stephanie? Yeah, well, you know, Lester, they said they would dismantle some tents and stop harassment.

But the organizer I spoke with today said they are willing to stay there until their demands are met, even if it means weeks, even if it means through graduation, Lester. Stephanie Gosk here in Manhattan tonight. Thank you. In Arizona, lawmakers voted today to overturn the 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a near total abortion ban in Idaho violates federal law. Laura Jarrett is at the Supreme Court. Laura, where do things go next in Arizona? Well, Lester, the repeal of that 1864 law now appears on track to pass the Senate as well. And then it would go to the governor for her signature, which means as soon as next week, Lester, this law could be officially off the table. But today, all eyes on Idaho, a different state band facing growing scrutiny.

Baby losses is so common. It happens to so many families, and we're just one of them. When Jennifer Adkins learned she was pregnant and due on Halloween, she and her husband playfully nicknamed the baby Spooky. But when she went to a routine doctor's appointment at 12 weeks, her doctors said the baby likely had Turner syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition often fatal and likely to put Jennifer's own health in jeopardy. They said, we're surprised that you're still pregnant. Given the severity of what we're seeing on the ultrasound, most people would have miscarried by now. I was just

in total, total shock. When she asked about her options. They said, well, because we're in Idaho, there really aren't any for you. Because your baby has a heartbeat, we can't terminate the pregnancy. The scope of Idaho's near-total abortion ban in front of the U.S. Supreme Court today. The ban went into effect after the court overturned Roe v. Wade. The state now allows abortions only when a mother's life is at risk, not her health. Doctors say that puts them in a dangerous bind. It makes no sense that we're just going to wait until you're on death's door. Are you worried someone's going to die? That's what I worry about

the most. That's what keeps me up at night. In court today, the Biden administration argued Idaho's law directly conflicts with a federal law that requires hospitals to provide patients in an emergency whatever treatment necessary to stabilize them. The liberal justices appearing concerned. Her life is not in peril, but she's going to lose her reproductive organs. And yet Idaho says, sorry, no abortion here. And the result is that these patients are now helicoptered out of state. But Idaho's Republican attorney general says the federal government shouldn't get to dictate state laws on abortion.

The U.S. Supreme Court needs to make it clear that when they decided on Dobbs, that they meant that it's up to the states to decide whether they can have life-affirming legislation or not. Having been warned her health could be at risk, Jennifer and her husband John drove six hours to Oregon for an abortion. We were angry that not only did we have to go through the trauma and grief of losing a very wanted baby, but then we had to have this emotional trauma of, you know, traveling to get the procedure. Jennifer sued the state in a different lawsuit, asking a judge to clarify the abortion ban's medical exemption. And now she's pregnant again. It's scary. And it continues to get scarier just knowing what the state of maternal care is

in our state right now. It's like walking on eggshells. And Laura, it's another big day at the court tomorrow. Yes, Lester, the justices are expected to take up this key question about whether the former president is immune from prosecution in the case where he's been accused of trying to overturn the last election. They will hear that case when they take the bench at 10 a.m. Lester. Laura Jarrett, thank you. Shocked today as video showed American hostage Hirsch Goldberg Poland alive after his abduction more than six months ago. It comes as President Biden means for the

first time with an American who was held by Hamas, a four-year-old girl. Here's Raf Sanchez. Tonight, this undated Hamas video giving a first glimpse of American-Israeli hostage Hirsch Goldberg Polen in captivity. The fact he survived October 7th is almost miraculous. This video shows him being kidnapped from the Supernova Music Festival, his left arm badly damaged by a grenade. Today's video shows the 23-year-old's hand is gone, but he appears otherwise uninjured. He's one of five Americans believed to be alive in Hamas captivity. Mom, dad, Libby and Orly, I love you so much and miss you so much. And I think of you every day

that I'm here, he says. His parents, Rachel and John, tonight calling on Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement. We're relieved to see him alive. But we are also concerned about his health and well-being. We heard your voice today for the first time in 201 days. And if you can hear us, I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you. Stay strong. Survive. In the Oval Office, President Biden today also meeting for the first time with a freed U.S. hostage. Four-year-old Abigail Idan, the youngest American kidnapped by Hamas, was released last year. But Israel says 133 hostages are still in Gaza. At least 36 of them confirmed dead. And Hersh Goldberg Poland's parents have been passionate advocates for their release. What do you feel? Speaking to Lester

several times since October 7th. How do you walk through a nightmare that you cannot wake up from ever? A family in agony, but not despair. One line that we say every single day in our house, and someone gave it to us in a sticker because we say it so much, hope is mandatory. Raf Sanchez, NBC News, Tel Aviv. Also at the White House, President Biden signed that bill today, providing almost $100 billion in new aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, and raising questions about the future of TikTok. Peter Alexander is at the White House with more. Tonight, with Ukraine struggling to fend off Russia's relentless military assault, new American weapons are finally on the way

after President Biden signed that nearly $100 billion foreign aid package. It's a good day for world peace. It's going to make America safer. It's going to make the world safer. The announcement comes after a six-month-long White House effort to approve more aid, the delay caused by conservative Republicans who threatened to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson if he supported it. Multiple officials tell NBC News the president broke the logjam by directing aides to court Johnson, privately making clear to him the consequences of inaction. Still, the delay, officials here acknowledge acknowledge has put Ukraine at a disadvantage.

The final package that the Senate passed easily overnight includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $8 billion to support allies like Taiwan, and more than $26 billion for Israel, some of it for humanitarian aid for Palestinians facing famine. Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay. The president's signature also triggers a countdown clock for TikTok, giving its Chinese parent company nine months to sell the social media platform or face a ban in the U.S. Tonight, TikTok is already vowing legal challenges. We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts.S. Tonight, TikTok is already vowing legal challenges. We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and the Constitution are on our side.

Even though the president today signed that bill declaring TikTok a national security threat, his campaign says it plans to keep using the app, at least through the election, before any possible ban could take effect. Lester. Peter Alexander at the White House tonight. Thank you. The chance of severe thunderstorms are high over parts of the U.S. through the weekend. Tomorrow, 5 million from Texas to Nebraska could see severe storms and large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. The risk expands to include 23 million people on Friday and continues in the Plains and Midwest over the weekend. In 60 seconds, the new rules airlines will have to follow on refunds and disclosing all those

extra fees. What do you need to know coming up? Tonight, the White House announcing new regulations requiring airlines to make quick refunds in cash if flights are disrupted and pull back the curtain on so-called junk fees too. Tom Costello with what you need to know before you book. The new rules will make refunds automatic when airlines owe passengers money for flights that are significantly delayed or canceled. It's stressful and it's a lot of money that you don't get refunded. Right now every airline handles refunds differently. Soon, they'll be required to issue credit card refunds within seven days if passengers decline alternative

transportation or travel credits for domestic flights delayed more than three hours and not taken, six-hour delays on international flights, refunds if a checked bag is not delivered within 12 hours. Or if you pay for something you don't get, like Wi-Fi or a better seat. Cash refunds, not vouchers. We hear again and again from passengers who describe how hard they have to push just to get the refunds that are owed to them. The White House also targeting so-called junk fees. Requiring airlines to disclose upfront baggage and reservation change fees, assure passengers that buying a ticket guarantees a seat. You don't have to pay more to select a seat. And no more advertising misleading promotional discount fares that don't include

mandatory fees. The airlines say consumers are already given the choice of refundable ticket options with terms and conditions that best fit their needs at first search results. The new rules take effect in October, just before the end-of-year rush. The Biden administration also working on a proposed rule allowing families to sit together without being charged extra. Right now, only four airlines guarantee families won't be charged more. Lester? Okay, Tom Cost, only four airlines. Guarantee families won't be charged more. Luster? Okay, Tom Costello, thank you.

And next, why some patients using game-changing but expensive weight loss drugs are resorting to desperate measures as insurers drop coverage. We're back now with popular and pricey weight loss drugs and the growing number of insurers saying they won't cover them. Here's Erin McLaughlin. All right, man, we're going to come into this room. This Duke Health Clinic changed the life of state employee Skylar Hackney. Within a year of starting the weight loss drug, WeGoV,

she lost 50 pounds and she's no longer pre-diabetic. It has really helped with my energy level and how I feel on a daily basis. But this month, a huge setback. How are you feeling about coming off the medication? I'm a little nervous it's going to make me sick. When the state employee health insurance plan stopped covering the new GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, but not diabetes. I don't expect to pay nothing, but I can't pay $1,293 for it a month. That's crazy. That's a mortgage. I'm going to have to go off of it like cold turkey, and then it's going to make me become a diabetic.

North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Falwell says the state had no choice. This drug had the potential last year of costing over $100 million. That's more than we spend, for example, on cancer treatment. Across the state, demand for the drug surged by 730 percent between 2021 and 2023, quickly taking up 10 percent of the plan's total spending on prescription drugs. Falwell says the real problem is the price charged by manufacturers Eli Lilly and Denmark-based Novo Nordisk, averaging more than $1,000 per month. We're under siege. Something is wrong when a drug can sell for over $1,000 in this state and in the home country where this company is headquartered can sell for less than $300. You've referred to the drug companies as a cartel.

Right. What do you mean by that? Cartel is defined in the Webster's Dictionary as an association which is formed to restrict competition or raise prices. I mean, that's what's happening in the prescription drug industry and the hospital drug industry. In statements to NBC News, both companies stressed the importance of expanded coverage, with Novo Nordisk saying the state rejected multiple workable options and chose to abandon its obligation to employees living with obesity. Other employee plans, including the University of Texas and the Mayo Clinic, have already eliminated coverage or scaled it back, as well as some states. Meanwhile, providers like Leanne Owens and her patients are scrambling with the fallout. I'm almost done with the Wagobe, the last dose of Wagobe. What are they telling you?

That they're scared about regaining their weight. Specifically, a lot of my patients that have been able to come off blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medicines, have fears about having to restart those medicines. Like Skylar Hackney, many will quit the drugs and see what happens. Erin McLaughlin, NBC News, Hillsborough, North Carolina. And that is nightly news for this Wednesday. Thank you for watching. I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other.

Good night.