Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, March 22, 2024

Episode Date: March 23, 2024

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, breaking news, a massacre at a concert hall in Russia. And late today, the Islamic State claiming responsibility for carrying it out. Disturbing new video showing multiple gunmen in camouflage, opening fire inside of a packed venue near Moscow. The building that can hold close to 10,000 people was also set ablaze and burning for hours. At risk of collapse, hundreds of first responders racing to the scene. Russian state media saying dozens of people are dead, more than a hundred. hundred hurt and that includes children. An ISIS-affiliated news agency reporting the terror group attacked a, quote, large gathering of Christians. Plus, the chilling warning from the U.S.

embassy in Moscow about an imminent attack posted almost exactly two weeks ago. Also tonight, Princess Kate announcing a cancer diagnosis. In a recorded message released today, the Princess of Wales revealing her cancer was found after undergoing a major abdominal surgery in January, what we know about the treatment that she's receiving. And the tragic update in the search for a missing University of Missouri student, the body of Riley strain found in Nashville's Cumberland River his foul play suspected.

Border chaos, dramatic new video showing dozens of suspected migrants in El Paso, Texas, tearing down a razor wire fence and pushing past the state's national guard troops who were trying to hold them back. The tense scene, breaking out as a controversial Texas bill, which would allow authorities to arrest migrants, remains on hold tonight.

Plus the spring storm system marching up the East Coast, packing heavy rain, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Flood alerts issued from Miami to Boston. We have the latest track. And speaking of untrapped, brackets busted. March Madness now well underway. We're taking a look at the triumphs and the major upsets just two days into the tournament. Top story starts right now. Good evening. I'm Sam Brank, in for Tom Yamis. We start tonight with that harrowing news abroad. The Islamic State now claiming responsibility for a deadly attack at a concert hall outside of Moscow, Russia. Chilling video from inside the venue shows multiple gunmen dressed in camouflage shooting at concert goers. Another angle shows groups of people trying to flee as this is going on. That attack unfolding here at Krokes City Hall is about 15 miles northwest of Moscow. Now, officials say the venue, which was packed, can hold up to 10.

people. Shortly after the gunfire erupted, flames were seen engulfing this massive building. That fire burning for hours as crews raced to the scene. Russian state media says at least 40 people are dead, more than 100 injured so far. Children are reportedly among the victims. This massacre, just two weeks after the U.S. Embassy in Moscow had posted a bulletin, writing in part, quote, the embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow to include concerts. So let's get right to Matt Bradley with the late breaking details, and we want to warn you. Some of the footage you're about to see is disturbing. Tonight, terror strikes Russia's capital. Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on a

concert hall in Moscow, where at least three gunmen wearing camouflage opened fire, killing at least 40 people, according to Russia's state media, and injuring at least 100 more. The terror group People claimed responsibility on Telegram. NBC News hasn't been able to verify their claim. The gunmen reportedly threw bombs inside the theater, targeting a sold-out house at Kroka City Hall, a concert venue that seats a maximum of nearly 10,000 people. We heard gunshots. At first, we didn't understand what had happened, said this eyewitness. Then the terrorists came in and started shooting everyone.

The attacks at the huge theater ablaze, emergency workers are still struggling to put out the fire. and save whoever remains inside, deploying helicopters to try to rescue people from the building's roof, which is partially collapsed. The attacks come two weeks after the U.S. Embassy in Moscow warned Americans about terrorism, telling them to avoid concerts and places with large crowds. But the identity and fate of the terrorists remains unclear. But Russia's government has a long list of enemies. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin won a third term as president, after elections many observers said were rigged and that some voters protested. Putin's controversial war in Ukraine is now in its third year.

Just today, Russia launched a barrage of 165 missiles and drones at Ukraine in one of its largest salvos yet targeting the country's energy grid. The White House tonight cautioned against linking Ukraine to the attack, but as the death toll rises, so too will demands for justice. Matt Bradley, joining us now from London. Matt, obviously this is so multifaceted. It's still a lot unknown about how it all played out this attack. And, of course, the claims by ISIS.

But what is the Kremlin saying tonight? Well, I mean, we've been hearing a big shift from the Kremlin. It was only two weeks ago, and I mentioned in that story, that Russian nationalists in Russia dismissed America's warnings about an imminent terror attack, calling it anti-Russian scaremongering. Now the Russian government is calling on the world to condemn this crime. Matt, assuming that these claims are correct from ISIS that they actually did perpetrate this attack, why would they want to target Russia now?

It's a great question, Sam, and it's one that I really can't answer. You know, in my experience dealing with these or reporting on these sorts of things, it tends to be a function more of convenience rather than politics. There isn't necessarily a particular time. They just decided this was the best time to commit this crime. The Russians have an antagonizing Muslims both within Russia and in the Middle East, for years and years now. So they have made themselves into quite a target. Now, that's never a justification for any kind of terrorism, but this will definitely figure into the investigation

of the motive. Sam. All right, the horror and the death toll still unfolding here. Matt Bradley, thank you so much for that. We want to get more now on this deadly massacre and bring in Robert English. He is the director of Central European Studies at the University of Southern California. Professor English, thank you so much for being here. First, what's your immediate reaction of these reports out of Moscow tonight? Well, it's horror and shock. Also some dismay that warnings from the United States to Russia, from our intelligence, that something like this could be imminent were not taken seriously.

And so with some justification, there will be Russians blaming their own government for not being more careful and not listening and taking more precautionary steps that could have saved some lives. I want to ask you about the politics of that. But first, Professor, you know, Russia obviously has a lot of enemies on the world stage, Matt, mentioned that. And yet the Islamic state has now claimed responsibility. Can they prove it? And are you surprised if it's true that they were behind the attack? I am not surprised for a couple of reasons. Now, many might initially think, wait,

Moscow has been pro-Palestinian, pro-Arab in the conflict with Israel, right, in Gaza. But looking deeper, Russia has also been a staunch enemy of ISIS in Syria fighting there. And of course, Russia had a long occupation in Afghanistan, not to mention its own Central Asian and Caucasian reasons. Basically, Russia has made many enemies. And it seems to be that this attack came from an ISIS splinter group known as ISIS K or ISIS Khortostan coming out of Afghanistan that is so radical that it even targets the Taliban, Turkey, as well as the U.S. and Russia. We find ourselves facing a common enemy here. You mentioned earlier, Professor, that this, of course, seems to coincide with that warning, the bulletin coming from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow that was put out on March the 7th saying

that extremists have imminent plans, that was the wording, to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, so a high level of specificity here. Putin, of course, criticizing that bulletin is basically trying to create instability. Do you think that intelligence was specific to what actually happened? Even what was public was specific enough. And I imagine that behind the scenes, they gave their Russian, they offered their Russian colleagues more detail on which group and what they might do. And of course, the Russians will say that concert security was tight,

that you can't prevent every attack. And to some extent, that's true. We certainly know of many terror attacks and massacres, even at musical venues and concerts in our country, all over Europe. But there will still be many recriminations, and we'll probably see some Russians blaming the Ukrainians, blaming the Americans for somehow, you know, causing it in the first place, sowing, you know, discord and trying to divert responsibility from where it lies,

which is in the Kremlin for not being better prepared. And I know you mentioned that splinter group of ISIS that potentially is behind this. I wanted to get your reaction as well, Professor. NBC News has just confirmed from multiple U.S. security sources that they were investigating ISIS. Your reaction? Yeah, it's no surprise. I looked into this two weeks ago when the first bulletins were announced, and, of course, I track as part of my own work these kinds of threats emanating from conflict in the Middle East,

conflict where Russians and Americans, Turks, you know, intersect in that part of the world. So the existence of ISIS-K and its extreme nature were no surprise. Remember, this is the group that killed more than 100 in the final chaotic stages of the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan. 13 American servicemen were killed by ISIS-K, right? Now 40 or more Russians have been killed by the same group. It does make for some odd bedfellows when we have a common enemy, even as we are adversaries ourselves. I really wanted to drill down on one last point that we've sort of touched upon briefly,

but what is the perception among the Russian people, right? You have Vladimir Putin who basically pushed this all aside and said, no, there's nothing to see here with the security warning. Are there potentially going to be people absorbing this in such a way where Putin was putting politics over national security. Do you think that will really permeate in Russia? It certainly will in some circles, all right? And they'll be justified.

You know, openly, the Kremlin denounced, or at least dismissed American warnings as some kind of diversion, as some kind of political game, and they're shown to be flatly wrong. There's no getting away with that. And so it will cause recriminations. The Kremlin, in turn, will simply try to sweep responsibility, specific responsibility aside, and use this for a kind of rally around the flag

and to justify an even more militarized atmosphere. And it will work with many Russians who don't parse the details of what exactly happened. But intelligent Russians who follow the news closely cannot help but conclude that their government let them down badly. And this is not the first time terrorists have carried off attacks where Russian security was substandard. It's the first in nearly a decade of this magnitude, but they remember what happened before, and it won't help Putin's popularity. It will be another dent in his armor of infallibility and the father that protects you from our enemies abroad. It's hard to maintain that facade when these things happen in such a bloody fashion. Yeah, the reality versus just the spin there. Professor English,

thank you so much. Really appreciate your insight tonight. Well, we turn now to the stunning news out of the UK. Tonight, Princess Kate, revealing that she's being treated for cancer. That announcement made today by Kate herself in a video released by Kensington Palace. This coming after weeks of speculation over her health, after the 42-year-old underwent major abdominal surgery back in January. NBC's Molly Hunter has more. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. Tonight, after months away from her royal duties out of the public eye, a deeply personal update from the Princess of Wales.

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. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I'm now in the early stages of that treatment. This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing, everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. Kate's health has been the subject of speculation and wild conspiracy theories for weeks, only heightened by a Mother's Day photo which the 42-year-old later apologized for altering.

And just days ago, UK media reports that the clinic where Kate underwent surgery back in January could be investigating three staffers for allegedly trying to access her medical records. It has taken me time to recover for major surgery in order to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that's appropriate for them and to reassure them that I'm going to be okay. Kate also highlighting the support she's received from the Prince of Wales. The two reportedly spotted smiling together last week in this TMZ video. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. as is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you, it means so much trust both.

75-year-old King Charles is also being treated for an undisclosed cancer discovered during a January prostate procedure. Tonight, the king's saying he is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did. And from California, Harry and Megan saying, we wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they're able to do so privately and in peace. No matter how you look at this news, it is clear that the royal family is in crisis. This not only is a crisis for a family, a family of human beings, a grandfather, a son, parents, but this is a crisis for the royal family as an institution. Tonight, messages of support coming in from around the world.

And we'll be praying for them. We will be praying for the family. They've been through the mill a little bit over the last few years. We wish her a full recovery. And Kate's brother saying, over the years, we have climbed many mountains together as a family. We will climb this one with you too. As she continues her treatment, Kate asking for privacy for her family. We hope that you'll understand that as a family,

we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy. And I look forward to being back when I made. well. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery. And at the end of her video message, the Princess of Wales taking the time to offer words of comfort and hope for those also affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.

And Molly Hunter, joining us now from London, the support so evident, Molly, for Princess Kate. there. And obviously, there's been so much speculation, right, by the public about Princess Kate's condition. And even though we don't know exactly what type of cancer she's dealing with, is there at least some hope now that this is going to end the rampant rumors? Yeah, Sam, I think more than some hope. I think absolutely in Kensington Palace, among the British public and certainly among the British press, there is a lot of hope that this will take the wind out of the sales of all the social media royal watchers from around the world who've been peddling these wild conspiracy theories, all of this speculation, and you heard

it in her voice, this kind of real plea for privacy, for her young children, for her family, as she processes this, as she deals with this going forward. And we also know from Kensington Palace, from a Kensington Palace spokesperson, and they are pleading with the public, with the press, with anyone who's been paying attention to this story to basically lay off of her, to really give her the time to respect this privacy. They reminded us that she would be living her. normal life. We may see her and really kind of imploring us to not take those paparazzi shots, to not tweet it out whenever we see her, and really let this family kind of move forward.

Yeah, injecting some humanity into the situation, right? Because for so many people, they can relate to dealing with a loved one who has cancer. And obviously, this was such an emotional revelation to begin with. She's in a tough position here between the recovery, which we've talked about from her surgery and now the treatment. Do we know more about how sort of the emotional and logistical tightrope that the royal family had to walk how they were doing that behind the scenes the last couple months we know very little and actually kensington palace has led us in a little bit of course to the mindset of the family specifically of prince william who has been out and about a lot and we have seen both prince william and queen camilla a lot in the

last couple of months really carrying the burden for the royal family as both of their spouses deal with cancer treatments. I think one other things, Sam, that we learned from Kensington Palace, they are not revealing what type of cancer she has. The only real timeline that they've given us was that we know that surgery in January was successful. We know that she started her preventative chemotherapy in February. The other big question that we have,

which is not answered and will not be answered, there's no expectation that Kensington Palace is kind of going to come out with more information or rolling updates is when we might see her next. Originally, they said at Easter, that is no longer the expectation. And I think right now, clearly, her priority is recovery and her family. She may pop up for events in the next couple of months,

but Kensington Palace has been very clear that that should not mark kind of a return to her normal course of royal duties, Sam. A lot of unknowns and certainly a lot of people polling for her tonight. Molly Hunter from London, thank you so much. For more on this now, we are going to turn to Dr. Jessica Shepard. She is a board-certified gynaecologist affiliated with Baylor University, Medical Center and an expert on women's health. Doctor, thank you so much for joining us tonight.

You know, we see in Kate's announcement, though, that she didn't specify the type of cancer she has, but she did say that she started chemotherapy. So what can you tell us about the form of treatment? And what does that tell us or inform us about what she might be dealing with? You know, first and foremost, I think it is important that we make sure that we give them the privacy

that they need, especially for a woman and a mother and wife, really trying to recover. But with this type of diagnosis, and obviously I was not part of her care, but I have had patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and going through that recovery phase. I do think that we have had some insight to what type of surgery she had, which was abdominal,

but we don't quite know what the primary organ was at which they diagnosed the cancer. And I'm sure sometime in the near future, we may see that. Do we have a sense at all, if you're going to take chemotherapy as a preventative measure, as they said, that it can maybe help her prognosis, or does this give you confidence that the prognosis is better than it otherwise might be? Yeah, absolutely.

When we think of cancer diagnoses, and again, not knowing what specific type, we do know that certain types of cancer, especially in early diagnosis, that chemotherapy does have studies that have shown that can be preventative to future cancers and also for recurrence. So hearing that she's had abdominal surgery and not, again, knowing exactly where it is, that may be from an infectious form and inflammation, form, but also we know with this cancer diagnosis with her saying in her own press release that everything was normal at first and then having the cancer diagnosis later on the pathology

results, that this may have been anywhere in the abdomen or it may have been anywhere in the pelvis. So again, very unclear, but we do know from the type of surgery that she had, that this was, again, from the abdominal region and or the pelvic region. Right, but abdominal region, like you said, can still lead you to other parts of the body. not obvious necessarily what she's dealing with. And also, I would just ask you, doctor, she talks about the spirituality of this. You even said yourself, it's important to give the family privacy. How draining is it, right, to be in the public spotlight like this and have to deal with all the speculation while you're trying to recover from cancer? How important is that the Kate does

kind of go away for a little while and have some time with her family and to herself? I think that's probably the best thing that they could do at this time. Now, obviously, you know, having dealt with patients who have abdominal surgery, but with a cancer diagnosis, especially, and then having preventative chemotherapy, again, you can see that that's going to take a long course of time for many different reasons because she has to heal from the actual surgery, but now going into a chemotherapy mode, there's going to be a lot of fatigue, there's going to be possibly any nausea vomiting, and her to be able to do that on her own time with the care of her medical team, but also as a mother taking care of her family, I think that she does require a lot

more time, especially being a public figure and making sure that she is completely well before going out into the public eye and making sure that her recovery is a success. Right. And I think obviously knowing within the full context, doctor, that you have, they can as well, who's suffering from cancer, right? You have two situations within the same family. Everyone right now is a support system, but they're also equally dealing with just a torrent of questions and people wanting to know more about what's going on behind the scenes. Thank you so much for your time and for your insight tonight. We really appreciate it. Well, we turn out of severe storms that are striking across the country as winter weather refuses to just make room for spring. 26 million under winter

alerts right now from the northern plains into the northeast, with up to 12 inches of snow possible across New England, or I should say the rain. Meanwhile, a separate system is marching up the east coast, bringing heavy rain and damaging wind. So let's get right to NBC News meteorologist Bill. Karen's with more Bill. Again, a busy man. It seems like that's the case every day. You've got two big systems here. Walk us through what we can expect this weekend. Yeah, the timing of this is the problem. Over the weekend, a lot of people just kind of relaxing, trying to get in the spring mode, and they're going to be slapped in the face by these storms. So the first one, you know, we've already got pouring rain through Tennessee and northern Georgia through the

Carolina as the rain has developed. The snow has moved from Chicago through the Great Lakes, and tonight that's heading into northern New England. But let's first focus on the rain, because this is going to affect the most people, and it's going to be another soaking storm that we're going to have urban flooding, and we're also going to have small stream flooding outside of the big cities. 53 million people included from Boston all the way down 995 to Washington, D.C. And it's going to be a cold rain and just a nasty Saturday. And it does appear two to four inches of rain is likely throughout this region, especially Saturday afternoon from Philly to New York to Harford, Saturday night in the Boston area.

And that's if we're going to have those flooding problems, that's when they'll be occurring. And then north of about a line from Albany to Boston, this is a snowstorm. This could be the biggest snowstorm of the winter. in northern New England, almost all of the Adirondacks, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Someone is going to get two feet of heavy wet snow out of this, and that'll mean power outages and tree limbs coming down, too. And then once we get done with that mess, we already focus this next storm. Sunday, the storm really intensifies. Snow breaks out through the northern plains, the Dakotas, into Minnesota. It's going to be near blizzard conditions by the time

we get to Monday, and we still think one to two feet from Minneapolis to Fargo all through central Minnesota. It'll travel will almost be impossible as we go throughout Sunday night into Monday. So, yeah, it's going to be a wild weekend and hopefully not too much damage done. Yeah, hopefully this March madness really is more on the basketball court, less in terms of what's going on around your house, but for many people it is both. Thank you very much, Bill Carrans. Appreciate you. We turn now to the latest in Haiti, where police continue to battle against rampant gangs in the nation's capital. Many residents there are fleeing the country amid the overwhelming violence, as some can't help but be caught up in the crossfire.

1.4 million Haitians right now are on the brink of famine, as the conflict is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down. NBC's Ellison Barber is on the Dominican Republic-Haddy border with brand new details tonight. Once again, bullets whizzing through the streets of Port-a-Prince as the National Police Force struggles to release Haiti's capital city from the grip of gangs. Bodies left where they fell, next to gas pumps and collapsed wooded platforms. In between the burst of gunfire, people desperately searched for their next meal. Sky News's Stuart Ramsey is in Porta Prince.

I'm in Porta Prince, the capital of Haiti. The people here have no idea when gang violence is going to flare in the whole of the city's been beset with it for days and days now. So much so that people are now building barricades to try and stop the gangs getting through. Now face an unbearable choice, venture outside and risk being shot or stay inside and go hungry. Roughly 1.4 million Haitians are on the verge of famine, according to the U.N., and more than 4 million need food. Haitians who have temporarily been allowed to cross into the Dominican Republic are coming to this market to sell oftentimes what little belongings they have to get food, things like eggs, so they can then take it back to their families who are here. still waiting on the other side in Haiti.

Samuel is 18. He tells us he lives in Haiti but comes here to work and take food back to his family. Many innocent people are dying, he says. We do not want violence. We want a free country. The UN says more than 33,000 Haitians have fled four to France in the last three and a half weeks. And Sam, the violence and the humanitarian crisis there, it is only getting worse. Absolutely. It is international condemnation right now in calls that we're seeing, Ellison, for somehow getting intervention to stop the innocent people here who are caught up in this. Thank you so much for that. Absolutely moving reporting. Please stay safe. Still ahead tonight. Chaos now at the border, the U.S. border. dramatic images appearing to show people believed to be migrants, tearing down a razor-wire fence, pushing past Texas National Guardsmen. What we are hearing from U.S. officials about that scene on the ground. Stay with us.

And we're back now with a chaotic scene at the southern border. New images of a confrontation between a large crowd of migrants and Texas National Guardsmen. It comes as the legal battle over Texas' controversial new border enforcement law is intensifying. Priscilla Thompson on the ground tonight in El Paso with the very latest. This dramatic new video appears to show, dozens of migrants in El Paso, tearing down a razor-wire fence, before pushing past Texas National Guardsmen struggling to contain the chaos. The migrants then stopped by a steel fence, where officials say law enforcement regained control

and took them into custody for processing. U.S. officials tell NBC News this type of incident is rare, but in recent months, border patrol has sounded the alarm about waves of migrants crossing here, driven, they say, by misinformation. We honestly don't know what triggered yesterday. I believe it's just a lack of knowledge and understanding on their end. The incident comes amid boiling tensions at the border, as Texas's controversial Senate Bill 4, which would allow local authorities to arrest migrants suspected of crossing illegally, remains on hold by the courts.

Venezuelans Gerson and Monica crossed into the U.S. with their two-year-old daughter this week. If the law were in place, they say they would not have made the harrowing journey. only to be sent back. You wouldn't do it again. He says how they treat you here is not something I would call good. That razor wire is now back up and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all migrants involved in that incident arrested. Meanwhile, officials here tell us hundreds more crossed today. Sam.

All right, Priscilla, thank you so much. When we come back, a dramatic video showing a kiteboarding accident here in Florida. The kite boarders seen slamming into the side of a pier how authorities say that person is doing tonight and a school bus full of pre-K students involved in a deadly crash in Texas. Look at that image right there. They are still coming in of the horror. Stay with us.

We'll give you an update. Back now with Top Stories News Feed. And we begin with a tragic update in the search for a university of Missouri student who went missing in Nashville two weeks ago. Police say the 22-year-old Riley Straint's body was found in the Cumberland River this morning. He went missing on March 8th after being asked to leave a bar while on a trip with his fraternity brothers. Strain was seen walking on several nearby security cameras falling at one point. Authority said there was no evidence of foul play, but an autopsy is pending. A deadly school bus crash

involving pre-K students outside of Austin, Texas. This information just coming in right now. authorities say the bus, a concrete truck, and another car were involved in the crash. The school says that 44 students and 11 adults were on the bus at that time, returning from a field trip to the zoo. At least two people were killed. It's not clear at this point if they were children or adults, and multiple others were airlifted to a local hospital. And a terrifying kite boarding accident in St. Petersburg, Florida. This video from a bystander shows a kite boarder slamming into the side of the pier. You see it right there before falling into the water.

Rescue crews treated the 38-year-old man at the scene. Authorities say that he was seriously hurt, but now is in stable condition. The storm system with high winds had been moving through St. Petersburg at the time of that accident. Well, we head overseas now to Hong Kong, where a controversial national security law is set to take effect this weekend. Now, it's known as Article 23. Critics say it gives authorities there sweeping power to quash any government opposition. The move comes after waves of political protests, of course, in recent years, challenging China's authority over the territory.

Janice Mackey Freyer explains. It wasn't so long ago that Hong Kong streets look like this. These days, public dissent in the city is far lonelier and more daring. And critics say a new security law threatens to silence what's left of Hong Kong's pro-democracy voices at the behest of Beijing. Known as Article 23, the law covers acts of treason, sedition, and subversion, as well as theft of state secrets and foreign interference, but doesn't fully define what constitutes a crime. It expands on a sweeping national security law imposed by China in 2020, after pro-democracy

protests closed down parts of the city and at times escalated into violent clashes between police and protesters. This new legislation was fast-tracked by Hong Kong's government and passed on Tuesday. It takes effect Saturday. Critics say it's too broad and vaguely won. and effectively allows authorities to crack down on anyone for any reason. What does the passing of Article 23 mean for Hong Kong? This is the bill that basically creates crimes against everything. Kevin Yam is a former Hong Kong-based lawyer and democracy activist who lives in Australia now. He's also one of the people accused by Hong Kong authorities of violating the national security law.

They put a bounty on his head. We are basically seeing the Hong Kong government trying to slam shut the really last vestiges of room for criticising it. A former British colony off China's south coast, Hong Kong was supposed to maintain rights like freedom of speech and assembly as part of a deal when the territory was handed back to China in 1997. But those guarantees under one country two systems gave way, as active. and dissidents protested efforts by Beijing to bring Hong Kong more in line with the mainland. Now under Article 23, those found guilty of treason, insurrection, and sabotage can be punished with life sentences, inciting hatred against the Chinese Communist Party up to 10 years in jail.

It's sending a chill among foreign businesses and investors. We're alarmed by the sweeping and what we interpret as vaguely defined. provisions laid out in their Article 23 legislation. China has hit back at criticism from Western governments and the UN, calling their concerns quote slandering and smears. Officials say the new law affects only those who jeopardize national security. Virginia Ip is a lawmaker who supports Article 23. She actually tried to introduce measures back in 2003 when she was security minister, triggering huge protests. Of course, I'm very glad that this piece of legislation finally,

gets done because I know there is a need for it, both legally, constitutionally and tactically. Thousands of Hong Kongers have chosen to leave, fearing jail or punishment. Simon Chang says he was detained and allegedly mistreated by Chinese authorities in 2019, an accusation that was denied in Chinese state media. Now living in exile, he feels it's too dangerous for him to go back. I think very sad. I feel frustrated, and even I feel very angry at what's actually the government officials are doing on our people. Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, throwing one country, two systems and all its pledges into question. In many ways, these new laws confirm that Hong Kong is being remade and being drawn ever closer to the mainland. Yeah, remade and transformed. Janice, thank you so much.

Coming up next is your bracket already busted. Raise your hands. College basketball's March Madness, of course, in full swing today, men's and women's, we'll take a look at the biggest upsets so far to Cinderella stories in the making, potentially, and our experts pick to win it all. It's coming up next.

Gold Key comes off a screen, puts up a three. It's done. With 10 on the shot clock, here's Gold Key again. What? He's named three. Shot clock resets to 20. Golky again. Yes! That sound that you heard there?

Also, millions of March Madness brackets busted yesterday. Number 14-seat Oakland, you saw right there, taking down number three-seated Kentucky behind a monster effort from that man, Jack Golki, who knocked down a whopping 10 three-pointers. One more would have been historic and tied the highest ever. That takedown, one of a slew of early upsets from double-digit-ranked teams. The tournament right now already living up to its name. As for perfect brackets, according to the NCAA, just under 400 of those remain.

For those keeping track at home, that is less than 1%. Here to break down the men's and the women's tournaments, which also kicked off today, is Nicole Auerbach, NBC Sports contributor and senior writer for the athletic. Great to have you tonight, Nicole. Thank you for joining us. Let's start with the bracket busters because where else, of course, are we going to begin? We know that Oakland ended Kentucky's national title hopes, not that they were that high to begin with,

but how unlikely was this Golky performance? And I guess what other upsets stand out to you? Well, that's the big one. I mean, that is the Cinderella story so far, this NCAA tournament. And it's also a great story. Greg Campi in this program, he's been there for 40 years.

He's one of the great icons in a sport that maybe people didn't realize, but I went to college in the state of Michigan, so I've been familiar with him. But other than that, I think people have some eyes out for potential upset still to come. I'm in Brooklyn, and we've got James Madison taking on Wisconsin later tonight,

and that seems like it could be one of those potential upsets because the Dukes have won over 30 games this season. They've been really consistent. But I don't think we're done just yet, but it'll be hard to imagine anybody topping a team that toppled Kentucky. Okay. I also know that some other big names like Duke, they can go down tonight. You mentioned the Dukes. We'll see what Duke does. Also, sometimes these early upsets turn into Cinderella sagas.

like Sister Jean and the 2018 Loyola Chicago Rambler's Journey to the Final Four. You've got to love that image there. Or Steph Curry's 2008 run to the Elite 8 with Davidson, that was certainly a precursor of things to come. Are there any teams that you're watching that you think could make a historic march? And I will say this. I went to Northwestern. They did happen to overcome Florida Atlantic University today and get to the next round. Is that a possible Cinderella 2.0?

Well, I think they would count if they're able to pull off the upset of number one overall seed, Yukon, who I have winning it all. So I think that's a pretty uphill battle. But, you know, a team that I really like, they won their first round game, and they're on a period. NC State, this is a team that was not going to make the NCAA tournament. They go out and win five games in five days in the ACC tournament to punch their bid. They're the team that's playing Oakland in the next round.

So it's very possible that we see an 11 seed in the world. pack actually make it to the sweet 16. And at that point, like, they're a little bit of a team of fate and a team of destiny. And I wouldn't, I wouldn't count them out just yet. They haven't lost in a while. Why not keep you going? Yeah, they're definitely on a roll right now. It's important when you're hot. I also want to turn to the women's tournament here. There's so many storylines, obviously, you have undefeated South Carolina. They won undefeated last year, too, but then run into Caitlin Clark. She is, for all intents and purposes, the sun, moon, and stars of this tournament. She's drawing fans in at a rate that we really haven't seen. So,

What are you tracking on that side? Well, obviously her. This is her last NCAA tournament, and as you mentioned, the crowds and the views and everything, all the records that she's been part of. But the overall story is South Carolina. They're undefeated. They're going for a perfect season. They addressed the weaknesses that they had last year with better perimeter shooting.

So the question is, can they do it? Can they get the job done in an era where there is more parity across the board? and we have other stars, like a Hannah Hidalgo at Notre Dame, and Juju Watkins at USC, is the team that has been the gold standard in the sport for the last however many years, are they still head and shoulders above everyone else? And I'm not going to pick against Don's Daly in this crew. They're so good defensively. And like I said, they don't have the weakness that they did last year.

But that's the overall storyline, as well as these new stars that are going to be the face of the sport after Caitlin is done. And I really think it is going to be Juju Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo. as the stars in tomorrow. I noticed you did not mention Angel Reese and the defending champion LSU Tigers. Does that mean they're not sort of in your vision of who might win for the women? And you mentioned Yukon on the men's side. Who are you picking for the women?

So I am going to pick the game pox. And I'm fascinated by LSU, certainly, the defending national champs, and the potential for an elite eight rematch against Iowa in Albany next week. But I think that they have been inconsistent at times. And I just think everyone else is a little bit above them. I think UCLA is actually the team to watch in that region, which is very challenging, a challenging matchup for LLSU if those two teams were to play. And also with Iowa because of their big and their size with Lauren Betts inside. So I think that they're a team that is always going to attract a lot of eyeballs.

We do have the household names, Angel Reese, and Hayley Van Liz and Anissa Morrow. But I just haven't seen it come together in a way that I thought it was going to from. from day one at the start of the season. So they're definitely in the mix. As is Yukon with Paige Becker still there, although they've had a lot of injuries. And that's what's going to make it really interesting. I think we're going to see a lot of close and compelling games

a lot earlier than we typically seem in the women's tournament because that parody has gone all the way down to the bottom reaches of the sport. And you heard it right here. UCLA, the dark horse for Nicole Auerbach. We'll see if that comes to fruition. Thank you so much. We really appreciate your time, Nicole. When we come back, if March Madness is not your thing,

we got plenty more for you to binge watch over the weekend and listen to. We'll get to that. Also, a new Apple TV Plus show starring Kristen Wigg and Ricky Martin and Jake Gyllenhaal in a remake of Roadhouse. Also, new music from Olivia Rodriguez. All of that coming up next. We're back now with Bingeworthy, our look at what to watch and listen to this weekend. And joining us now to help break it all down as NBC News Entertainment contributor Chris Withersper. So let's get started, Chris. Thank you for being with us. First up, we have Palm Royale, which I know you personally are very excited about.

It's on Apple TV Plus starring Kristen Wigg. It's about high society in Palm Beach during the 1960s. Yes. Here's a look. They want all this. More than anything I've ever wanted in my whole life. I'd like to take a few pictures. Maxine, you're the lead story.

I'll see us all as one sisterhood. Are people looking for something new? Let me tell you something about the Palm Royale. It's a nightmare. And that's all thanks to you. You got to love the period dress and really that the whole setting there, Chris. And it's got quite the cast, too. You have Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, among others.

So who is this show going to appeal to? Everybody. I mean, especially me. I am obsessed with Kristen Wick. I think she is so talented. I loved our on SNL. And this little, like, look back at the 60s in this era is phenomenal. It's done so well.

And she plays this woman, Maxine, who is so desperate to break into high society. There's lots of secrets, lots of scandal, lots of sex, and lots of lies. And I think all those things together. But you mentioned some of the cast, also Laura Dern and Carol Burnett, who's 90 years old, you guys. And she is acting in this, and she kills every scene that she's in. And across generations in terms of the cast there. Also, I'm wondering, I mean, is this more of a satire? Is it comedy?

You mentioned Kristen Wigg is the headliner, or is it kind of a combination of all those things? Yeah, it's more of a comedy, but, you know, Kristen Wig knows how to do comedy and drama and quirky so well. It's all those things, all those three boxes. All right, very exciting, definitely on our to watch list. Then we move on now to Prime Video, where there is a reimagining of a 1980s classic. Many people would argue this was already perfect to begin with, Roadhouse. This version is out now. Jake Gyllenhaal and Connor Begregor. Let's take a look. Tell me about the spouse

man. Yeah, I saw it nice, like he's Mr. Rogers or something. But then he'll haul off. Really interesting guy, overall. Brand wants to take the roadhouse away from me. He wants to build some resort. I should warn you. People have a certain way of getting things done around here. Hey, fellas. All right. This is really cool. You see the aqua water as well, Chris. I should tell our viewers that it's shot actually in Florida or it takes place in the Florida Keys. Yes. Just to watch these two, go head to head. Connor McGregor and Jake Jillenall. It's going to pull a lot of people in. But is this kind of a leap of faith and maybe some twists from the original plot. Oh yeah. And some folks might not remember in 89 this film came out and this starred Patrick Swayze, who was a hunk then. And now you got Jake Jillenhall playing his same character role. And Connor McGregor, it is his first time acting. His big picture days.

view, if it were. And he's amazing. There are lots of shirtless scenes if you guys are into either of them. But also some really great acting. And one kind of interesting tidbit about this film, the director of the film is Kim, his name is Doug Lehman. He is very upset that this film is going to prime video. He wanted it to stream in theater. So he is boycotting. He boycotted last week at South by Southwest. But Jake is behind the film all the way. And it's a good one. It's drama. It's some great action as well. And it's Jake doing what Jake does best. I think is take off his shirt. Bye. Hi on action, high on abs. It's got it all. We move on now to a sci-fi series on Netflix. This one is three-body problem. Take a look at this.

They detected a sequence. Called it a wow signal. What's it say? They are coming. Who are they? That's the question, I. Okay, so this one feels like more of a psychological plunge, and background for everybody as well. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who are the creators of Game of Thrones.

They're behind us, so what can people expect, Chris? I mean, say less. The guys who gave us the Game of Thrones were giving us this, but it is based on a Chinese sci-fi novel that did really, really well. In fact, it's Barack Obama's one of his favorite books that he loves to read or he loved to read when it came out, a three-part series. So it's based on that series, but it's about this group of scientists in the present who are forced to kind of reckon with things that happened in the past. It is lots of space, lots of aliens, but also a big budget. Netflix really packed a punch with the funding behind this one. It looks over the top.

And I watched episode one. I'm all the way in, and we're watching it all this weekend. hopefully it's also easy to understand and you know it feels like it's got sort of an inception like time travel aspect to this as well if I understand you correctly it does all the things but again I think that it has that that IP from the book that if a lot of the fans of the book tune in they'll be very very pleased all right very cool Chris we move on now to a new movie called Shirley it is about the first ever black congresswoman Shirley Chisholm who launched a trailblazing campaign for president take a look at this I'm paving the rule

for a lot of other people looking like me to get elected. Brooklyn's first black representative. You're about to make history. You're going to be president? You ain't no man. Maybe we should find your mother. All you've got is your one vote. You sound just like every other politician.

Do I look like every other politician? And clearly, you know, there's some present-day resonance to this as well. It's only within the last few years, Chris, obviously that we've seen the first female vice president. I would ask you, you know, it's a campaign many people might just be learning about for the first time. How does this movie land? How did it land for you? A lot of folks might not know who Shirley Chisholm is, but she was the first black woman to be a congresswoman. Then she became the first black woman to run for president in 1972.

And funny enough, Regina King, this has been a laborer of love for her and her sister, Raina King. They spent over the past 10 years trying to get this film made, and Netflix finally said, yes, she produces it. It's brilliantly done, and I think to your point, it's a history lesson. So many folks don't know about Shorley, but also what went into that historical campaign that happened in 1972. And to your point, we have Kamala Harris, who just made history a few years ago and might make history again. Yeah, Regina King, also such a talented actress. So I'm definitely excited about that one. We're going to move on now from movies to music and Olivia Rodriguez, who's out with a new song.

This one is called Obsessed. Here's a listen. Help it. I got issues. I can't help it, baby. I'm so obsessed with your ex. I know she's going to sleep on my side of you bed, and I can't feel that. All right, she's bringing out the guitars for this one, Chris. And also, those lyrics really sort of sit with you. I'm so obsessed with your ex.

What is the vibe here? What is she talking about? I mean, the vibe is vibing. It's kind of emo. It's lots of, like, you know, ex-girlfriend, or she's actually playing someone who's obsessed with a guy right now. and she's trying to unpack the different women that he's dated in the past. So it takes place in a hotel ballroom, a bunch of pageant queens come together, and she's unpacking the different guys that he's dated.

But Olivia Rodriguez, she's living her best life. She just put out her albums. She re-released an album she put out six months ago, and now it has five new songs, and this is one of them. Yeah, she is on fire. No question about that. Lastly, we have Tyler, who is out with a new song. It's called Art.

Let's take a listen. Put me on the one up of the staircase. If you show me off, I'll be your piece. Your A-R-T. Mm-mm-mm-mm. Got to love the mm-mm. Let me tell you something, Chris. It feels like this would actually put you in the mood to get into the weekend.

And it also has the feel, by the way, of like a classic R&B ballad. How does it feel for you? 100%. I mean, what do you do after you win a Grammy Award? you put out some art, like this song, Art. And it's a part of her new album. It's a 14 track album. It's her first really big album,

and people have been waiting up for this song or for this album for a long time. And she's playing in the video, the artist and the muse, which is kind of cool. But she's stunning, and I think she has a long career ahead of herself. Yeah, I'm excited to hear the rest of the albums,

or I should say the rest of the tracks coming out on that album. Chris, thank you for covering a lot of ground with us tonight. We really appreciate it. Thank you. That's going to do it right now. Now, I'm Sam Brock in for Tom Yamis this evening. Stay right there. More news is coming up right on the way.