Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, December 29, 2023

Episode Date: December 30, 2023

Tonight's Top Story has the latest breaking news, political headlines, news from overseas and the best NBC News reporting from across the country and around the world.

Tonight, chaos on the California coast on the final days of 23. Shocking new video shows a massive wave bursting over a seawall in Ventura, sweeping people underwater as they tried to run away. One seaside restaurant flooding as waves burst through gates overtaking the dining area. Massive waves and high surf battering the coastline. Evacuation orders underway as the water floods communities along the shore, just how long the high surf is expected to last. Also tonight, a look at the dangerous journey.

Thousands of migrants are making to get to the United States. Crowds of people captured on camera clinging to the top of speeding trains. A five-year-old girl critically injured while trying to get on board and the heartbroken wife speaking out after she watched her husband drown in the Rio Grande days before Christmas. But border officials in the U.S. telling migrants not to come as they struggle to house those already here. Folds from the rubble, Palestinians in Gaza digging through debris from an Israeli

airstrike when a 10-month-old baby is found alive. The incredible moment her father discovers she survived at the hospital. Cyber truck crash, a dash cam showing the crumpled wreckage of a Toyota after it was involved in what could be the first crash with Tesla's new futuristic cyber trucks. The Tesla unscathed what we're learning about the driver. Plus, fired over porn. A Wisconsin University Chancellor pushed out of his post after his porn career came to life. For years, making videos with his wife, even publishing

books about adult videos. The debate over free expression and its impact on careers and cities around the world preparing to ring in 2024. But with beefed up security, we have a live report from Times Square with a look at the plans in place for the iconic ball drop. Top story begins right now. Good evening. It's good to be with you. I'm Zinclaeus and why in for Tom Yamas. We begin tonight with Those massive waves pounding the West Coast from San Diego up to San Francisco. Just take a look at this video. A rogue wave barreling past barriers, knocking people down as they tried to flee. At least eight people hurt.

The water moving blocks into the community's submerging streets and sidewalks. In Pacifica, waves as high as 40 feet battering the coastline, knocking over groups of people standing near the surf. Onlookers and Santa Cruz lining up to watch the rough water, but authorities are warning people to stay away from the ocean. The barrage of water completely overtaking beaches in Ventura, pushing deep into neighborhoods, quickly flooding low-lying areas like this one, where residents could even paddleboard on the street. So let's get right to it with NBC's Steve Patterson, who leaves us off tonight in Southern California.

Tonight. Terrifying, massive monster waves. Oh, no. Blashing the West Coast. Look at the walls of water, some as high as 30 feet, exploding over sea walls, sparking widespread flooding, evacuations, and harrowing ocean rescues. The high surf causing at least eight injuries in Ventura County, California alone, with crews racing to rescue 15 people swept into the sea. This is supposed to protect us. Colin Ho was there filming that heart-pounding moment.

People were running and screaming. It was like an apocalyptic movie. I saw people being dragged down the street in the mud. The water leaving streets soaked, and the area's battered beaches shut down. And crews now racing to build this massive, mile-long, seven-foot-high berm with the eye of the storm now focused on the north. The waves, part of a storm system stirring up surf from the Bay Area all the way up to Washington. And in North Dakota, a state of emergency as freezing temperatures turn roads into rinks. This is a street in front of my house. Look at him go.

Back in California, where the rough seas are a huge attraction for surfers, officials are worried. We're asking people to stay away and stay out of the area for their safety and for ours. A warning ahead of the next wave. Stay clear of the coast. Steve Patterson joins me now from Ventura, California, right beside that seawall that was battered by the massive wave. Steve, the storm system is on the move, but still hitting the coast, right? Yeah, Zinclair, we are definitely not out of the woods yet, with the storms could still bring surf and waves as tall as 30 feet along the coasts to some places, making structures like this being put to the absolute test, the last line of defense between that dangerous surf in a community like this. St. heightened terror threats around the world.

Erin McLaughlin has the details from New York's Times Square. Two, one. Tonight, Times Square, just about ready to ring in the new year. City officials insist security is all set to handle a crowd in the hundreds of thousands. There are no specific threats to the city. Even so, with thousands of officers deployed, they say they're expanding the zone to be blocked off. We will be out here with our canines, our horseback. our drones, our helicopters, our boats.

This year's ball drop amidst increasing tension over the Israel Hamas War. Protesters taking aim at New York's holiday season. Having already interrupted the city's Christmas celebrations and Thanksgiving parade. We're prepared for them at any number. Tonight overseas, the FBI revealing they've arrested a man from New Jersey. Following the October 7th terror attack in Israel, they alleged the 23-year-old tried to join a known foreign terror organization to attack the United States. This following last year's Times Square machete attack, targeting two police on New Year's Eve.

Tonight, law enforcement especially wary of the so-called lone wolf. Someone that's sitting alone in their basement, watching videos, getting filled with hate, and just decides, today's the day I'm going to do something. Across the country in Las Vegas, a low-altitude helicopter buzzing over the strip, checking for radioactive contamination. Tonight, America's largest cities taking no chances, with that delicate balance between security and celebration. And Aaron McLaughlin joins me now from Times Square. Aaron, do we know of any planned protests expected in New York City on Sunday? There is a plan pro-Palestinian protest for Sunday afternoon, which is one of the reasons why

officials have expanded that security zone. They want that expanded zone to create a kind of a buffer between any protests and that evening celebrations. They also hope that it will help them respond to any security incidents that might happen that night as well. Erin, clearly, people are already gathered behind you. I know it's unseasonably warm right now, but for those heading two-time square, should they be packing their parka or their raincoat? Well, it's going to be around 40 degrees, so it's a little chilly. They'll have to wear a coat. Cloud cover is expected, though no rain. So some good news there, especially considering that for the celebrations, umbrellas are on the laundry list of items that are not allowed in this space. We'll take some good news to end the year. Aaron McLaughlin, thank you. We head now to the southern border where a new legal battle is brewing between the federal government and Texas.

The Department of Justice threatening to sue the state if Texas enforces a new law that will allow local authorities to arrest migrants. But it comes as thousands of migrants are making the treacherous and sometimes deadly journey up north. NBC's Morgan Chesky has this report. Tonight, as thousands of migrants pursue their treacherous journey north, new dangers emerging at every turn. In central Mexico, a five-year-old girl from Colombia losing her leg when she tried to board a moving train with her family and fell. beneath one of its cars. Migrants who've been walking for days and weeks seen here desperately clinging on top of speeding trains, finding any means possible to carry on the perilous track.

This woman, bloodied and bruised, says she fell trying to get on a train with her family, traveling for the past three months. We're getting to this moment and we're seeing water and we're not expectative of when we're

because with the sentiments of those immigrants they're going. One thing they say or later we say another

more ahead they're they're they're and this Venezuelan family mourning the

loss of their father who drowned in the Rio Grande just days before Christmas the

heartbreaking cries of his wife and sons after they witnessed the tragedy my

And I mean, he says that needs his papi, that I need a brazo of him. Promising to keep traveling to the U.S. border in his honor. We have to continue to come in this country, because that was what he wanted. And for those who do survive, many have no place to sleep. As migrant camps, such as this one in Matamoros, get torn down and flattened to rubble. It's one of the motives for that they decide that area, that area,

despecated, for to have a better control and a better vigilance of the area. With the cold winter months setting in, migrants huddling by makeshift bonfires to stay warm,

preparing for yet another day of unforgiving desert terrain. And as the humanitarian toll grows, a new legal battle heating up between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the federal government. The Department of Justice

threatening to sue. If Texas enforces a new controversial law known as SB4, which gives state officials the ability to arrest and deport migrants on criminal charges on a state level. A law the DOJ says violates the U.S. Constitution. And tonight, in response to that threat from the Department of Justice, Texas Governor Greg Abbott posting the following to social media, saying the Biden administration not only refuses to enforce current U.S. immigration laws,

they now want to stop Texas from enforcing laws against illegal immigration, going on to say that President Biden is. destroying America. Again, this law wouldn't go into effect until March of 2024, but that deadline, January 3rd, just days away. This could be the latest element pitting Texas against the federal government yet again. Zinclai? Morgan Chesky, thank you. Heading overseas now to the major attack in Ukraine. Russia launching more than 150 missiles, striking numerous buildings in Ukraine, including a school and hospital. At least 30 people killed, but dozens more hurt. Matt Bradley has the latest.

Tonight, Ukraine is reeling from what it says is Russia's biggest aerial attack yet. Ukraine's president saying 158 missiles and drones swarmed out across the country this morning, leaving dozens dead, more than 100 injured, and reminding Ukrainians that not even the holiday season is sacred. The joy of the holidays is what it is, said this woman in Kiev. Joy on the face, but tears and pain inside. In Kharkiv, rescuers pulled an elderly man out from under rubble. He was alive.

Russia announced today that it had launched one massive attack, striking military and industrial facilities and ammunition storage sites. But many of today's strikes hit civilian targets. An apartment building in Odessa, a huge shopping center in Nipro, and a kitchen in key, fresh from holiday cooking. No one was killed or injured at this maternity hospital in Nipro. These nurses said they were able to rush mothers and babies to a shelter. But as Russia's invasion approaches the two-year mark, the U.S. Congress just sent its last

$250 million to help Ukraine. Some Republican lawmakers have resisted giving more aid. The Biden administration today urged Congress to step up, as the U.S. Embassy in Kiev warned Russia may increase its airstrikes over the New Year's holiday, keeping more nightmares on a holiday season already spoiled by war. Matt Bradley, NBC News. Staying overseas now with the latest on the war in the Middle East. The United Nations now calling on Israel to cease what it called unlawful killings in the occupied West Bank

where hundreds of Palestinians have died. Some of those deaths happening at the hands of Israeli settlers. I want to bring in Jay Gray in Tel Aviv tonight. Jay, can you tell us more about just what's happening in the West Bank? Yeah, and Zinclair, our team has spent some time in the West Bank this week. I can tell you that there is fear. is tension there and a lot of concern about what may be coming U.N. saying that the violence in Gaza is now, quote, spilling into the West Bank and that this has been the deadliest year ever

for Palestinians in that region. 130 kids have died in the West Bank. 124 of those Palestinians six are Israeli children there. We know that we've seen 10,000. tanks in Ramallah this week, something we haven't seen in a very long time. There are reports of IDF and settler violence against Palestinians every night, it seems, in the region. And again, a real concern for those who live there who call the West Bank home about what's going to happen as this war continues. Yeah, and Jay, you talk about children. The generational effects of this war remain to be seen. And, of course, Jay, last night we reported on this broadcast, that warning from a scene.

senior Israeli official that fighting could escalate with Hezbollah in Lebanon. So what's the latest on the conflict there and in the region? Yeah, the back and forth along the Lebanese border is continuing to escalate, and there is concern not only here in Israel, but globally that that could eventually be a second front in this war. The IDF says over the last two days that they've carried out what they call widespread strikes using fighter jets, tanks, other equipment. We know that they are building up troops in that region.

They said the strikes over the last couple of days have focused on Hezbollah rocket launch sites and other military facilities there. They also say that they are trying to push back some of the troops along the border with Lebanon. And Jay, we're feeling these effects all across the globe. Another major headline tonight, South Africa has accused Israel now of genocide

against Palestinians in Gaza in the International Court of Justice. How significant is a move like this? Well, it depends on who you ask. The South Africans say that they have done this because they are, quote, gravely concerned about the plight of civilians in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry

replying very quickly on social media, saying in part it, quote, rejects with disgust the filing and that the argument lacks a factual and legal basis. also calling it a vile and cheap exploitation of the court. Jay Gray and Tel Aviv, thank you. And as the fighting rages on in Gaza, we want to focus our lens on an incredible story of survival.

A father and daughter both dug out from the rebel following airstrikes, holding on to each other once again. NBC's Josh Letterman takes us there. In the Gaza darkness, an airstrike has ripped through Rafah. Palestinians dig for survivors with their bare hands. And then, there, in the rubble, a child is found, just ten months old, named Tala. She's covered by a mattress, unconscious, but breathing. They chant, she's alive, she's alive.

Her father, Ahmed, buried feet away, is free. Seconds later, baby Tala is freed too. She clings to life, carried by a neighbor to the hospital. The child survives, but her mother, siblings, grandmother, and three uncles did not. The next morning, Ahmed has yet to see his daughter. Her cousin collects her from a nearby tent city. Her leg is broken, but she's okay. Hey, Baba, bye, baby.

Where is your brother and sister, he says? A father and daughter now united in loss. He tells her, there's a father and daughter now united in loss. He tells her, there's no one left for us. No one but each other. Josh Letterman, NBC News. Sobering reports still ahead tonight. The dangerous crash involving a Tesla cyber truck.

The truck colliding head on with a Toyota. That car totaled, but the truck unscathed. What we know about the driver inside the Tesla. Plus, fired over porn. The head of the Wisconsin University, terminated from making adult videos with his wife, how he's now fighting back. And the major consumer alert,

nearly 5 million portable blenders, recalled after reports of the blades breaking while in use and even catching fire. What you need to know, stay with us. We're back now with another freedom of speech issue on an American college campus, but this one is a little different. The head of a Wisconsin university

was terminated for making adult videos with his wife, but now he's fighting back. and speaking out to our Jesse Kirsch. Good morning and welcome. At the University of Wisconsin-Lacross, Dr. Joe Gow led this commencement ceremony just days ago. She's Carmen. And he's Joe. And we are the sexy happy couple.

And this is sexy, healthy cooking. But away from his day job as school chancellor, Gao was working on a different kind of video. You have outdone yourself. Gao and his wife, Carmen Wilson, star in their own pornographic videos on Sunday. like Pornhub. He says in recent months they started publicly posting the adult videos including this sexually explicit YouTube cooking show. You have outdone yourself. Well thank you really good and you out did yourself yesterday as well. Roughly a week ago Gow says the universities of

Wisconsin asked about his videos and by Wednesday he was abruptly terminated as Chancellor after nearly 17 years of service. There was no due process. I was never informed of any policy that I violated. The university system has not specified why Gao was terminated. But the president writes in a statement, Gao subjected the university to significant reputational harm. His actions were abhorrent. Gao believes he was terminated because of his pornography.

And he argues his university is not honoring freedom of expression. There are the classical exceptions to the First Amendment. but having material that explores consensual adult sexuality, I mean, that shouldn't be. We should be able to talk about that on a college campus. Is it fair to say, though, that you were held to a different standard as the leader of the university, as the face of the university in ways? I'm not sure.

Some experts say legal precedent does not favor Gow. There's a large zone of speech on matters of private concern that's protected in the sense that you can't go to jail for it or you can't be sued for it, but that the employer might still fire you. An old debate getting a new look from a surprising perspective. Jesse Kirsch, NBC News. And as Jesse Kirsch just mentioned, this is not the first time online adult content has impacted offline professional work.

Earlier this month, here on Top Story, we brought you the story of two Missouri teachers who left their jobs after their school district discovered their only fans accounts. one of those former teachers forced to resign. Brianna Coppidge joins me now. Brianna, thank you so much for being with me. I do want to start with what happened back in October when your school district discovered your account.

They initially placed you on leave, as I understand it. Walk me through your decision, though, to ultimately resign. Yeah, so I was placed on leave and being investigated for having an only fan's account. Ultimately, I decided to resign. for several reasons one being I didn't think that after the media and the students finding my online profiles that it would be appropriate for me to go back into the classroom and I don't think that I could have done my job

effectively it just wouldn't be the same and I will say that students weren't the ones who found my account they didn't find it until adults started posting it a local community group, but after they did see it, I didn't necessarily feel like it was right to go back. And then I didn't necessarily want to sue the school district. It's a school district, a small school district that, you know, one of the lowest paying in Missouri. And they probably don't.

I didn't want to take more money from them and from the students. I didn't really feel like that was right. And then ultimately, I didn't need the money at the end of the day. because I was getting so much support online. And Breonna, I wanted to back up and ask what led you to create an OnlyFans account? Where did the idea come from? Because I know in prior interviews,

you said you made close to $1 million on the platform. Yes, that is true. Just what ultimately led me to creating the account was low teacher pay in the state of Missouri, we're one of the lowest in the nations. The district I was working for is also one of the lower-paying districts in Missouri. And I have student loans.

I have multiple degrees in education that I was paying for. Yeah, I mean, we looked into those numbers. And Missouri teachers are some of the lowest paid in the country. And that statistic is according to the National Center for Education Statistics, right? That's a fact. And, you know, we just heard this story from the chancellor, also in education, though, of course, we don't know what his motive was. But I wonder, do you know of other teachers or people who have pursued the same path that you did?

Absolutely. I know a few personally, but I've also had lots and lots of people reach out to me on social media or on Only fans saying that they are pursuing some sort of adult content in private, but they are in the public eye or they are in education, and that they are afraid of being found out. So there's a lot more out there than just me. What has life been like since you resigned? It's been good.

At first, it was a bit of a whirlwind. But it's been a lot easier because I have received so much support. So that has made my journey a lot easier. I will say, you know, my life is forever changed. And it struck me that you mentioned these, videos you say were initially found by adults later by your students. Did you ever anticipate, though, that your students could have seen what you were doing online? No, I think it would have been harder to connect that it was me. The only platform that I had

of social media was Twitter or now X. I was faceless on there. I had a different name. I edited out all of my tattoos. And you have to work pretty hard to find. that side of Twitter. It's not easy for the average person with a Twitter account to just get into the 18 plus side of Twitter. You know, maybe they eventually would have, but I think it would have been hard to identify that it was me as well. And was it always the plan for you? I know you mentioned student loans. Those are a reality for so many people. For you, was it a matter of paying those off and then you'd be done with OnlyFans? Yeah, essentially, it was not my long-term plan by any means.

I just wanted to make some extra money, help pay bills, help pay my student loans down. Like I said, I have multiple degrees. I have a master's degree in education, and I was also working on a specialist degree, and student loans aren't cheap. And it also strikes me when you were initially placed on leave, an official from your school district said that you may have posted inappropriate media on one or more internet sites. Of course, you did resign, but in your mind, should making adult content be a fireable offense? I absolutely do not think so. There was no, I saw a lot of arguments saying, what about, you know,

the moral clause that I signed? There is no moral clause. I did not sign anything. There was nothing in my handbook that said I could not do this. I think that it's a tough situation. And if employers are having us sign these sort of clauses, and we agree to it beforehand, I guess we can be fired if we break it, but what if we aren't signing anything like that in the first place? Brianna, I thank you so much for making the time to speak,

especially with the circumstances. We appreciate it. Yeah, absolutely. Now, let's take a look at the legal repercussions. of these cases. I'm joined now by NBC News Legal Analyst, Angela, Senadella. Angela, I want to zoom out, big picture here. I've done a lot of reporting on sex work this year. What does

the law say about whether or not porn or adult content on only fans is a fireable offense, either for public or private businesses? Well, Zinclair, look, it would be so great and easy if there was just a giant list of fireable offenses in this country, and those are the only reasons you could be fired.

But the reality is that this country has something called at-will employment. And so for the most part, employers can fire you for whatever reason they want without even telling you so long as however they fire you is not based on a discriminatory reason. So with specific regards to only fans or to online porn content, if they were, for example, firing someone who was of a minority or had a certain sexual orientation, but we're not firing other people who are making that content, then that would be extremely problematic. But Otherwise, for the most part, it is generally at the employer's discretion. Angela, is there a case, though, for people who have been fired, like the chancellor at one of those Wisconsin universities, to take legal action against their former employer?

Well, there's always a chance. You should always consult a lawyer. But I will say with the chancellor in particular, I did review his contract because it is public. And for him, in Section 13, there is a morals clause. And it explicitly says the chancellor may not engage in any activity. adverse to the interests of the U. Wisconsin system should not engage in any other occupation without prior consent of the university. So in a case like this, when you sign a contract and the employer then fires you for having violated that contract, you generally don't have a cause of action, even if it's protected speech, which is what he is claiming it is. And I see two parts

to what you just outlined, right? He needed to get permission from his employer, but you also say a morals clause. I wonder, how does the law define morals? To some, work is not a moral. You know, that's a fascinating question, Clay. Unfortunately, I think with circumstances like this, where you are in a public-facing profession, then the university or your employer often has great discretion to determine what that definition is. Because the reason for these moral clauses are reputational harm, and that's what the

university has said here, that they have experienced harm. Now, that is what could be litigated. You're right. He could absolutely attempt to litigate that. definition. So Angela, briefly, what should people who may have a day job but are considering supplementing their income with online sex work consider before doing that? Well, like a good lawyer, I will say you should always consult a lawyer. You should check your contract. You should check your employer handbook, anything you have ever signed and see what is

the industry standard. Have other people been fired for what you are attempting to do that usually set some sort of precedent and could be a good guideline for you saying, Clay? Really fascinating stuff. Angela Senadella, thanks so much. And when we come back a major blunder by Spirit Airlines, have you heard about this? An unaccompanied six-year-old supposed to fly to Fort Myers, Florida, but instead ended up about 160 miles away in Orlando. But the airline now says happened and the action they're taking against the gate agent involved. That's next. We're back now with Top Stories News Feed and an update on a wild story.

you may have heard about. Spirit Airlines firing an employee who put an unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight. The six-year-old was supposed to fly from Philadelphia to Fort Myers, Florida, but the airline says the gate agent brought the child to the wrong aircraft, which went to Orlando instead. The grandmother reportedly driving four hours to get him. Now the airline says they immediately launched an investigation and have apologized for the incident. Another alarming aviation headline Boeing urging airlines to check 737 max planes over possible loose bolt. The company recommending inspections after a missing bolt was discovered in the rudder control system during routine maintenance overseas. An undelivered plane also had the same issue. Now all the planes will undergo an inspection.

This is the same aircraft that was grounded for more than a year after two deadly crashes in Asia and Africa. And we've got a consumer alert, blend jet recalling nearly five million of its portable blenders over fire and safety concerns. The blenders were sold between 2020 and 2023 at major retailers, including Target and Walmart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says they've received hundreds of reports of blades breaking while in use or the product catching fire. About 40 injuries were reported. Customers are now urged to stop using the product until a replacement is issued. Let's turn now to an analog experience for Tesla's car of the future. The first reported cyber truck accident happened in northern California this

week. The electric SUV released in November to mix reviews with many experts citing safety concerns. Kathy Park has the story. It's a crash turning a lot of heads. This Toyota Corolla totaled after police say the driver crashed into this Tesla cyber truck, which had minimal damage. It's the first time Elon Musk's car of the future wrecked in a real world accident, and it happened in the heart of Silicon Valley. The California Highway Patrol reporting the crash happened Thursday near Palo Alto when the Corolla crossed into the wrong lane and collided with the cyber truck at an unknown speed. The CHP saying only the Tesla driver sustained a suspected minor injury and declined medical transportation, adding that the investigation is ongoing. Tesla has not

returned NBC's requests for comment. In November, Elon Musk personally delivering the first cyber trucks after years of buildup. production cyber trucks to their actual owners. Even after industry safety experts express concerns about the truck's stiff stainless steel exterior. The ultra hard, cold-rolled stainless steel poses some challenges, we think, in crashworthiness and also poses a threat to pedestrians in many ways. Most cars on the road are made of, quote, softer metals meant to crumple in an accident. Not the case with the cyber truck, which has not yet been a part of any federal crash test programs.

They only crash vehicles that have, you know, a certain volume of production. Small batch vehicles are going to be excluded from those crash chest due to cost concerns and other things. At the delivery event, Elon Musk saying this about the possibility of an accident. And if you're having an argument with another car, you will win. Musk also defending the vehicles on his social media platform X, writing, we are highly confident that cyber truck will be much safer per mile than any other trucks, both for occupants and pedestrians. With just a dozen vehicles delivered in the initial launch,

the risk of running into a cyber truck is incredibly low. But that number is expected to soar once Tesla decides to turn out new vehicles. An estimated 2 million people are already on the wait list. Kathy Park, NBC News. Now to power and politics in the intensifying battle over whether former president Donald Trump should be on the ballot in 2024, Mainstop election official ruling that the former president is ineligible. The question now likely headed to the Supreme Court.

NBC's Ryan Nobles has the latest. For the second time in two weeks, a state has ruled that Donald Trump is ineligible to run for president of the United States. It was not a close call on the question of whether January 6th, 2021 was an insurrection. The events of January 6, 2021 were unprecedented and tragic. Sheena Bellows, the Secretary of State in Maine, a Democrat, determined that Trump's actions on January 6th constitute a violation of the 14th Amendment. The weight of the evidence makes clear that Mr. Trump was aware of the tinder laid by his multi-month effort to delegitimize a Democratic election and then chose to light a match, she wrote. The decision in Maine is similar to one in Colorado, and in both cases the ruling won't go into effect until the appeals process is exhausted, meaning Trump will remain. made on the ballot for now. The Trump campaign promised to appeal and called the decision

hyper-partisan. His GOP opponents agreed. That turns on its head every notion of constitutional due process. There are similar challenges playing out in states across the country. For other states, including Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, and now California, have determined that Trump can stay on the ballot. Maine's Democratic Congressman Jared Golden, who voted to impeach Trump, argued removing him from the ballot is a mistake. Until he is actually found guilty of the crime of insurrection, he should be allowed on the ballot, he said in a statement. It also opens the door for the Trump campaign to raise money and fire up his base.

It makes him a martyr. You know, he's very good at playing, poor me, poor me. He's always complaining. The timing means that Trump will remain on the ballot for the primaries, but it is setting up a showdown in the U.S. Supreme Court, which will likely have the final sense. Maine and Colorado hold their primaries on March 5th, which is Super Tuesday, meaning by the time the Supreme Court weighs in on this matter, it will likely impact the general election in November. Zinclair?

Brian Nobles from Capitol Hill, thank you. Coming up, a look at what you can binge watch and listen to this weekend, a new series from the Money Heist franchise. Plus, you can stream the Oscar buzzing film, Killers of the Flower Moon. And we take a look at our favorite TV and movies from 2023. That's up next. We are back now with Bingeworthy, our look at the best things to watch and listen to this weekend and with a little look back at the year that we just had. So let's bring in a friend of Top Story, Darren Carb.

She's a pop culture expert and the host of Shaken and Disturbed, a true crime podcast. Darren, always good to see you and a happy new year. So you too, Zinkley. Let's start first with a new series on Netflix that is a prequel to the crime drama Money Heist. It's called Berlin. Let's take a look at that. Well, we are, in fact, here to study our next heist. The biggest and most prestigious auction house in Paris.

Across the street lives Monsieur Polynac, director of the auction house. This will give us direct access to the auction house. What we want is to follow the catacombs of Paris. The suspense. What should we know? This is kind of like our Oceans 11, at least when I was a kid. You know, if you've seen Money Heist, you kind of expect action-pack, just thriller. It's really cool. It's about one of the most ambitious robberies of all time. Like you said, this takes place in the world of Money Heist.

It's a little bit of a prequel. It's kind of a spinoff. But what I like about this, and it's getting good reviews, is it actually takes place and one of the coolest places in the world of the catacombs of Paris. So we get to go international for this. it's really brilliant. I really love how it's filmed. I love Paris, so it kind of combines everything. It combines a little fashion and chicness and hot people mixed with, of course, bank robberies. And, how could you go wrong? You can't go wrong with any of that, especially Paris and the fast-paced nature of it.

I know next we also have a supernatural horror movie. I don't love horror movie, so I'm a little nervous about this one. It's called It Lives Inside. It's from the same producers of Get Out, and you can stream it on Hulu. So first, let's watch a clip. The eye has said never to sleep with a bad feeling in our hearts because there's a dark thing that feeds on those feelings. What is the deal with Tamira? Is she doing all right? My stomach drops. Every time she like appears at a thin air like that.

There's something in here. Ooh, my heart is pounding. My heart is pounding. You might not like scary movies, but can you handle demonic horror? Because that's really what this is. So what I like about this is the music is just on point. I think music actually makes scary movies over anything else. So Sam is an East Indian who just wants to fit in with school. So she kind of denounces her culture, denounces her family.

But in the meantime, a mythological spirit demon kind of latches onto her best friend. And she ultimately has to confront and embrace her heritage in order to hopefully defeat it and get rid of it. but it truly is demonic. You mentioned this was brought to us by the producers of Get Out so you can expect a little bit of like intellect mixed with horror here, but I am so excited to watch it this weekend.

And she stars it Never Have I Ever, too, right? I think she's one of the main characters in that. Okay, excited for her, another breakout star. And next, we have a new movie on Peacock. It's called The Holdovers, and it's a comedy. I like comedy. We like to laugh about a prep school teacher that has to stay on campus during winter break

to supervise the students left on campus. Love that plot. Here's a premise. You don't tell a boy that's been left behind at Christmas that nobody wants him? What's wrong with you? There's nobody here, okay? You stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. Let me sleep in the small...

Most of the kids dislike you, pretty much hate you. Teachers, too. You know that, right? I find the world a bitter and complicated place, and it seems to feel the same way about me. I think you and I have this in common. Particularly timely as we're just coming off of winter. break. Absolutely. You wouldn't kind of know it from that trailer, but it is a comedy. It's got

touching moments, of course. There's some holiday spirit in there that it is called a holdovers for reason. Paul Giamatti, who I absolutely love stars, is this really cranky, ornery math history teacher, excuse me, at this remote prep school who's kind of forced to remain on campus with a troubled student who's obviously left behind. He doesn't have anywhere to go for the holidays. He's a holdover, if you will. It really is a fantastic comedy with a lot of levity. But there's inspiring wisdom kind of kicked in, which is a really good combination, especially for right now to watch with the families. I highly recommend to watch this on Peacock. No, I love when they mix those thoughtful tones with some humor as well. And we do have another movie. This one was

popular in theaters. And for a price, you can actually stream it on Apple TV Plus. This one is called Killers of the Flower Moon. Let's take a look. This wealth should come to us. Their time is over. It's just going to be another tragedy. When this money start coming, we should have known it came with something else. They're like buzzards circling our people. They have my attention. They should because this is actually an amazing story.

I would say this was the most anticipated film of the year outside of the Barbenheimer, probably phenomenon. I feel like I've been reporting on this for a while. Martin Scorsese brings us Leonardo DiCaprio. Obviously, that dynamic duo, we're going to watch anything. It's an incredible true story based on the David Grand Book about 1920s Oklahoma when oil is miraculously discovered under the Osage Nation land. However, once it is discovered, which is a very profitable thing, they notice that a lot of the Osage start being killed one at a time.

And then the FBI kind of steps in to determine who is murdering all these Osage. I love this movie, but I will say it is kind of good. to watch at home, even for a price, because it is, runtime is over three hours, and that is a little bit hard to sit in the theater for it, but it is worth the wait. Yeah, three hours. That's definitely a commitment. I know people did it for Barbenheimer. Do you see my nod? I got the pink, got the black. That was for you, Darren. You got it. I'm impressed. I'm impressed. I do want to switch gears, though. And talk about some of the biggest things to binge this year. So let's, of course, start with streaming. We're on NBC News

now, after all. There were a lot of shows and shows people discovered. One big one I got into with suit. I'm obsessed. Yes. What about you, Darren? What were you getting into? Honestly, I've heard amazing things about suits. This was on USA from 2011 to 2019, and Netflix just has this way of kind of like resurging things that are popular again. I mean, this is true for Seinfeld, you know, show that I loved in the early 90s. People are starting to watch it again of all airs. The one show I did want to mention, which you probably can't show a clip of, is it originally a UK show. It's out on Max right now. It's called Naked Attraction. I don't know

if you've seen this, but it's a show that bears it all. It's like dating in reverse. You can catch on backs. A cloth person is essentially confronted with six fully nude, and they show everything. They show everything. Fully nude potential daters and their bodies and faces kind of get revealed slowly over time as eliminations happen. But it's this, you think it's uncomfortable, you think it's weird. And the only thing I can say is it's really body positive and kind of amazing and that people in the UK are much nicer than Americans. I have to say, I haven't seen that one. We'll see if I make it to it. I will say, though, my new show is Ugly Betty. the point of Netflix really pushing those old films, yeah, but also, or old TV shows, I should say.

But we also had popular shows, including Secession. After four seasons, what were you sad to see end in 2023? I mean, Secession, I would say, was probably the show of the year. I mean, since it's kind of came out, it was the scripted show. The ending was just, it's debatable. I loved the show. I loved it being in New York. I'd love the quiet wealth that was kind of portrayed in it. But Barry ended after so many seasons, and this is Bill Hater, this is about a hitman. And it had a lot of levity and a lot of darkness and seriously, but this was probably one of my favorite series that actually ended this year. And of course, Ted Lassau, which was just so sweet and just made me cry every single episode.

I loved it. It ended after three seasons. And I think it just brought so much joy to this world. I'm so sad to see all three of these go. No, we definitely needed some joy this year. And of course, binge-worthy. It's not just about what we watch, but also what we listen to. So let's talk about the biggest names in music.

Taylor Swift, Beyonce, I would be remiss not to mention. them, right? Both with record-breaking tours, movies and music. What do you make of their year? I know many have called it the Year of the Woman. It really is the year. I mean, I think Barbie, Taylor Swift, like these are just huge monumental things that have kind of really happened to all of us. And so this, no one really expected 2023 to be the year of the woman, but we're banking it all in. And Taylor Swift and Beyonce are certainly part of it, if not leading at the helm with this with Greta Gerwig, with her Barbie. But this was the year of Taylor Swift. I mean, I never really thought that people were going to go. I will be honest with you. I never really thought

people were going to go to the movie theater to watch a concert. I sort of get going in person, but I was, I stand corrected on this. I mean, both Beyonce's Renaissance store, I mean, if people were buying pink for the Barbie movie, people bought out silver in every single store to look like a disco ball for Beyonce's Renaissance. I mean, it was truly, yep, I knew you were guilty of this. I knew you were guilty, yes. You should have worn silver underneath the pink. Oh, man. I missed that. You should have done it. Zinkley, this is such a missed opportunity. But Taylor Swift, I mean, I don't think I've ever gone a day in 2023 without reading something about Taylor Swift, whether it's Travis Kelsey or her tour, the heiress tour, what she's wearing. I mean, she's truly a phenomenon. She's raking in the cash. And she's just teaching us all that we will literally buy anything she is selling.

She truly is. And I think we could say who run the world girls, Darren. Yeah? That's right. That's right. Well, Derek, thank you for a great year. And thanks for this bingeworthy. Thank you. Well, that's it for me tonight. But stay right there after the break. We've got a special New Year's message from your Tom Yams. Finally tonight, as we close out 2023, we want to thank you, our viewers, for tuning in every night. This year, we've covered everything from a major war to natural disasters, an upcoming election, and the top pop culture moments. We've been to the border, overseas, and across this country, and I'd personally like to thank the state. staff who makes the show happen day in and day out, whether they're working here in 30 Rock or

out in the field, editorial or technical. They are the ones who make it all possible. From all of us here at Top Story, happy new year.