Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, May 17, 2024

Episode Date: May 18, 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, Diddy's brutal assault, music mogul, Sean Diddy Combs, caught on security camera, beating his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, the disturbing video obtained by CNN, capturing Diddy, punching Cassie, kicking her and dragging her across a hotel hallway. The footage surfacing eight years after the attack, and just months after the two settled a lawsuit which she accused him of doing exactly what is shown in that tape. The shocking video coming as Diddy faces a slew of law. lawsuits and a federal investigation. Could he face criminal charges now and the response from Cassie's lawyers? Also tonight, deadly storm strikes in Houston. Several killed after hurricane force winds toppled trees and shatter windows, buildings collapsing, crushing cars below, torrential rains pouring through the roof during an Astros game, hundreds of thousands in the dark as severe storms threaten the south through the weekend. Cuffed at the course, the world's top golfers Scotty Sheffler arrested hours before Tienoff at the PGA Championship. Schaeffler allegedly dragging an officer who tried to stop him from driving around the scene

of a fatal crash near the course, while he's calling the arrest a misunderstanding. Rude representatives, members of Congress hurling insults during nasty exchanges on the House floor, the name calling, taunting and jabs about eyelashes and hair color, sending an important hearing spiraling into chaos. Fans and foes of the Kansas City kicker at the center of a controversial commencement speech picking sides. Harrison Butker facing backlash and now support over his comments saying women should be homemakers. His jersey now a top seller as conservatives come to his defense and has calls to condemn the speech, grow louder. Plus the world's greatest taco. A taco stand

with just four items on the menu earning a prestigious Michelin Star. Tonight, the secret to their sauce. And guess who is laughing all the way to the bank? Comedians as they soak up a major boom in the industry, the demand both on screen and in person, anything but a joke. And this just in, there's been an arrest in the attack on actor Steve Buscemi. Top story starts right now. numerous lawsuits and allegations, including a suit filed by his former girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura, accusing him of assault. But tonight, extremely disturbing and shocking surveillance video from a Los Angeles hotel back in March 2016 obtained by CNN shows something much different. Before we go further, we're going to play you the video so you can watch it as it happened.

There's no sound, but we must warn you what you're about to see is disturbing. Thank you. That's so hard to see that security cam video appearing to show an incident in a lawsuit Cassie filed against Combs just this past November, a suit that was settled within 24 hours. But the complaint saying Diddy became extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye. On March 5th, 2016 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City. Two days later, though, the couple was spotted here, attending a movie,

premiere, hand in hand. Their on-again-off-again relationship, which started in 2007, span more than a decade. Cassie's attorneys responding to the surface tapes today saying, quote, the gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Combs has not responded yet. But at the BETT Awards in 2022, Diddy was a lifetime achievement recipient, thanking a number of people, including the same woman he attacked. Cassie. Gibson, keeping me free. Yeah, and also Cassie for holding me down in the dark times. Love.

Shortly after that award, Diddy was met with numerous civil lawsuits and allegations, including sexual abuse. Did he taking in Instagram this past December saying, enough is enough. Let me be absolutely clear. I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, family, and for the truth. And you might remember this in March when federal agents raided his properties in Miami and Los Angeles, all part of a warrant issued by the Southern District of New York, as officials looked into sex trafficking allegations.

Diddy has been very vocal, pushing back on accusations, saying he's innocent time and time again. And just three days ago, he posted this on social media. Time tells truth. That's a post he might regret in light of all that has come out now. I want to bring in Chloe Malas, NBC News Entertainment correspondent and Sarah Azaria, criminal the defense attorney based in Los Angeles, who has represented several high-profile clients. Chloe, I want to start with you. I know you have some new reporting here. Now, we know that Cassie's husband has responded to this video. Yes, his name is Alex Fine, and he posted a lengthy

message on Instagram this evening, and in it in part, he writes, men who hit women aren't men. I want to point out something. You just showed video footage of Cassie walking a red carpet, right? Well, it was not that long ago I was sitting here on your show with a piece with Tiffany Redd, one of Cassie's long-time friends who told us that at that premiere, her friend had a black eye under her makeup. And when NBC News went to Diddy's team and asked for comment, they doubled down that he had never been emotionally or physically abusive. Now, we do not know at NBC News if that incident was indeed the 2016 incident that Cassie alleges in that civil suit. But that right there, that ruins his career, even if he never faces any sort of criminal charges. Do we have any idea why this video was not out there for so many years and it is so violent? We don't know who leaked the video.

But what we do know is that today I spoke to IHG. the company that was the parent company of the Intercontinental Hotel, this specific one that now has a new parent company, they say this hotel is no longer under IHG management, and we do not have any access

to prior incident records or footage. They also told us this evening that they did not receive money for this footage. What I mean by that is that in Cassie's lawsuit, she said that Diddy paid the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City

$50,000. for that video. So that he could have that video allegedly. So IHG saying tonight that we didn't produce this footage, we didn't receive money for this footage, and we don't have access to it. So who had access to it? Well, potentially did he had access to it?

But he's not the one who leaked this video. So who leaked this video and why now? Sarah, the video is horrific. Anytime you see it, you flinch. It's just you never want to see anyone get beaten like that. But is it criminal? And I asked that because of the Statue of Limitations in California. I understand they have expired.

What is your understanding and what can you tell our viewers? So the statute of limitations, Tom, has expired on both a misdemeanor and a felony in California because assault can be both a misdemeanor or a felony. And what I'm seeing on this tape is a full-blown felony because I can't imagine that she sustained no injuries after being kicked and dragged and had a vase thrown at her.

And of course, video can be the best evidence or at least compelling evidence. But it's not the only evidence. So Cassie's words can be corroborated by injuries and text messages, for example, even without the video. The issue is I don't think she ever went to the police at the time. Remember that even the lawsuit was filed, you know, on the eve of the laps, you know, under the look-back window law. So she was really sort of, she prolonged the reporting of all of this. But, you know, defendants have to have a right to access to witnesses, fresh recollection evidence.

And that's why we have the statute of limitations. I just think that this is obviously clearly contradictory to what Diddy has been saying all along, which is a flat out denial of these accusations. And it can be very much fair game in the other pending lawsuits against him. Chloe, I know all your sources are in the entertainment world. Is Diddy done? Is this the end of his career? His career was already done.

But this just was that final nail. He hasn't said anything yet. NBC News, we've been reaching out to him for comment. I don't see how he goes through the weekend without addressing this. And obviously, we know that he has been under seemingly a lot of duress because he had those federal raids in both his homes on the East Coast, on the West Coast. I do want to point out that Cassie, although she hasn't specifically publicly commented, her attorneys have.

And they say that the gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. They also go on to say that words cannot express the courage and fortitude. that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light. Also, I mean, especially a video like this, and I'm sure you all will agree, this emboldens others that may have experienced any type of abuse at the hands of Diddy to come forward. So you could now see, because we've already seen some civil suits come up. Maybe there are others that might feel as though, all right, this video, he can't shy away from this.

Now, I'm going to tell my story. You know, and you just, you think, because he did this in the hallway of a major hotel, he probably knew there were security cameras everywhere, and you just imagine what would happen behind closed doors. And he allegedly paid $50,000 for it. He probably never thought that this video would see the light of day, because if you look at the posts on social media that you just referenced, where he's talking about love and talking about his family and posting pictures and positive pictures, it paints an interesting dichotomy to now see this footage coupled with his. POS. Sarah, how does this play into all the lawsuits now affecting Diddy? Because I know we actually talked about some of this. I know it's different, but with Harvey Weinstein in the new case he's getting and bringing up sort of other cases and how that sometimes doesn't work in the court of law. Explain to our viewers, will this tape play a role in any of those

lawsuits? It will, Tom, if it's relevant to, we've got to look at each lawsuit, you know, within the parameters of that lawsuit and those allegations. If it's relevant, I would bet it comes in because it shows an unprovoked full-blown assault that's really tough to watch. It's within the last 10 years and that it's not too old to keep out under California law. And more importantly, it's more probative than prejudicial. It's evidence of a prior bad act that shows a pattern by Diddy. And so if it's relevant, it's not only admissible evidence in these other lawsuits, but it might even incentivize a swift settlement.

We'll see. Sarah, if you were Diddy's attorney and you've represented a high-profile clients before. If you were Diddy's attorney and you were sitting down with him tonight, what would your advice be to him? I mean, you know, my instinct is to be a fighter through and through, but I have two concerns here. With celebrity clients and high profile clients, there's a real concern over the damage to their name and reputation in the industry, in the court of public opinion. And so while I have to fight the case and go through discovery, I also have to be mindful of the headlines, you know,

and what might come out. More importantly, I think when any client, celebrity or not, has multiple pending lawsuits against the backdrop of this federal criminal investigation that you were just talking about, the defense becomes extremely nuanced and tricky. So my concern about what the process of discovery and deposition might unveil that could be used against him to support a criminal indictment is going to be real. And I think the criminal concern is always the bigger concern. So here, unless I think one or more of these plaintiffs are absolute lot.

and I have the receipts, I'd want to swiftly mediate and confidentially settle just to avoid the risk of trial and the damaging headlines. Sarah Azari, Chloe Malas, we thank you both learned a lot about this case today. We want to turn out our top story, deadly severe weather in the Houston area, killing four people and causing major widespread damage. A confirmed tornado touching down, bringing with a devastating hurricane force winds. Priscilla Thompson reports from the ravaged region. Cars crushed. Homes caved in. Businesses crumbled after a wave of vicious and deadly storms tore through Louisiana and Texas. I'm normally sitting right there. Kathleen Cox, whose battling cancer, was home when this tree came crashing in. I can't say that I'm perfect, but I'm okay.

More than 100 mile per hour winds pounded Houston. People seen here sheltering in a Costco. And running for cover as rain poured into Minutemade Park during the Astros game. In downtown Houston, the ground is still covered with glass. Just a fraction of what fell as the storm busted out windows in skyscrapers like this. Officials say at least four people were killed, all by falling objects. Horrible accident with a family tree fell, went right through the driver's compartment with children in the back. The torrential rain fueling dangerous floodwaters just north of the city. As golf ball size hail, pummeled parts of West Texas.

The storm knocking out transmission towers. At one point, more than a million people left in the dark, prompting school shutdowns. As hundreds of crews work to clear roadways and restore power. We are going to have to talk about this disaster in weeks, not days. This latest round of severe weather, part of a week's week. long bout of unrelenting rain and flooding across southeast Texas. Here we go. Angie Yarbrough's home has been flooded for nearly three weeks.

Now, as the water rises again, she's decided to leave for good. I've cried and cried and cried, cried about it. It's, it's heartbreaking. So, 48 years I've been down here. But I can't, I can't fight it anymore. I can't, I can't do it. You feel for all those people in the Houston area, that's where Priscilla Thompson joins us now live tonight.

live tonight here on Top Story. So Priscilla, like we said, Houston has been suffering so much over the past few weeks. What are the conditions there like tonight? And what can they expect going forward? Yeah, Tom, well, the rain is once again coming down. There are still massive trees in the roadways. And officials here are saying that it could be up to two weeks until everyone's power is restored. The city right now opening cooling centers as they're preparing for temperatures to surge into the 90s this weekend. Tom? 90s and no electricity. Okay, we thank you so much, Priscilla. We're also following a major headline in the world of sports, the stunning arrest of world number one golfer, Scotty Schaeffler,

who was detained by police this morning as he tried to enter the PGA championship in Louisville, Kentucky. Liz Croyd's reports on what set things off. Guys, guys. Tonight, a shocking start to the second round of the PGA championship. I'm back. I'm back. Scottie Schaeffler, the number one ranked golfer in the world arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer after attempting to bypass a traffic stop and enter the tournament. Right now he's going to jail. Okay. He's going to jail. The moment captured on video by ESPN. Scotty Sheffler has been detained by police officers placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs. The incident unfolding early this morning after police

responded to a man who was fatally struck by a shuttle bus outside the Valhalla golf course in Louisville, Kentucky. With traffic backed up, a police report says the 27-year-old was told to stop but refused to comply and accelerated forward in his car, dragging a police officer to the ground. The report saying the officer suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his uniform in pants. Accusations, Shephler's attorney denies. Shephler was later booked into jail, but a few hours later, released and back at the club. Scotty Schaeffler. Teeing off to an outburst of cheers.

The star golfer later addressing the arrest. My situation will get handled. It was just a, it was a chaotic situation and a big, big misunderstanding. He said he was shaking for about an hour. I feel like my head's still spinning. I can't really explain what happened this morning. I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell.

that was a first for me. But it's not the first time a golf legend has found himself in handcuffs, most notably Tiger Woods and John Daly. Still, the arrest of Sheffler, a crowd favorite and two-time Masters champion, leaving the golf world stunned. What is the mood like right now? It's surreal, for sure. Scotty is the best player on the planet by far, and one of the nicest guys on the PJ tour. All right, Liz Coyitz joins us tonight. It is so strange that this happened. right before the tournament actually started, despite the arrest. How did Sheffler do? Tom, you know, he did really well, which impressed a lot of people.

He is currently fourth in the championship. This tournament runs through Sunday. As for what's next for him, he has an arraignment now scheduled for Tuesday. His attorney says he plans to plead not guilty. Tom. Liz, Croyd's on a very busy Friday night for us here on Top Story. Liz, thank you. Now to that stunning moment on Capitol Hill last night, a House committee hearing,

devolving into chaos and personal. attacks. That hearing meant to decide whether to recommend that the household Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to handover audio recordings of President Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Her. President Biden has also exercised executive privilege. But at the hearing, Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Green igniting a war of words, insulting Texas Democrat Jasmine Crockett over her eyelashes. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez even jumping in, defamation. Defending her fellow Democrat, Crockett then launched her own attack at Green.

Take a listen. Please tell me what that has to do with Mayor Garland. Do you know what we're here for? You know we're here about AG. I don't think you know what you're here for. Well, you're the one talking about, I guess you're still like a couple. I think your fake eyelashes are messing up with you. Order.

How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person. Are your feelings her? Move her words down. Oh, girl. baby girl. Oh, really? Don't even play. Baby girl, I don't think. We are going to move and we're going to take your words down. I second that motion. I'm not apologizing. Well, then, you're not trying your word. I am not apologizing. Now let's go. Come on guys. Why don't you debate me? Mr. Chairman, the minority. No, you're not, you're not, you're not of order. You don't have

enough intelligence. Chair recognizes Mr. Perry. Okay, move to strike the, I'd like to strike the ladies. I'm just curious, just to better understand your ruling, if someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody's bleached blind, bad-built, butch body that would not be engaging in personalities, correct? A what now? Chairman, I make a motion to strike those words. I don't think that's a part of it. I'm trying to find clarification on what quality.

Chairman, motion to strike those words. you just said we're not gonna we're not gonna do this look you guys earlier literally just you just voted to do it order order okay look at calm down calm down no no because this is what you're all do proceeding I'm trying to get you're not recognized miss crockett you with your yelling don't want calm down no please come down don't tell me to calm down because y'all talk noise and then you're out of control because if I come and Come and talk about her. Y'all don't have a problem. For more on this wild hearing, let's get right to Ali Vitale, who joins us now from Capitol Hill. So, Allie, we showed just a few of the biggest moments from that exchange.

But this fighting lasted for almost an hour last night. What are members of Congress saying about how ugly this got and any repercussions for any of them? Yeah, certainly not a good look and definitely not a lesson in what you should expect from your lawmakers. In fact, that's just not the opinion of people around here. that's kind of what Speaker Johnson said when he was asked by reporters about what went on in that late-night hearing that almost immediately, Tom, went off the rails. The chairman, James Comer, pretty incapable of reining it back in. You could even see on the ranking member, Jamie Raskin's face, almost the amusement or even just the tennis fashion that he was watching both sides go back and forth with. I got to say, I related with him in a lot of those clips. But when the speaker was asked about this, he said, this is not the way that. members of Congress should be acting on either side of the aisle. He said he would talk to members of his Republican conference about it and remind them that this is not the way that lawmakers act. He hoped that the top Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries, would do the same. In terms of repercussions,

though, Johnson declined to answer that one, and it's unclear that anyone's going to face any consequences for this other than the embarrassment of having these clips played over and over again. Yeah, and our viewers should know that they were there meeting about whether to hold Merrick Garland in contempt for because of what happened with the tapes with Robert Her, the U.S. Attorney. Did they accomplish anything? Yes, they did do what they came there to do, which is vote on that contempt resolution against the Attorney General. Again, all of that is because they want the audio recordings of President Biden in his interview with her. We've already seen those transcripts. In fact, NBC is part of a group of news

organizations who are also pushing for this audio recording, basically arguing that we have the transcript, it should be in the public record. Republicans want it, though, because they want to see what Biden sounded like in these conversations. We also know the White House is backing up the Attorney General saying, hey, we're exerting executive privilege over this, Garland echoing now what the White House is saying. But yes, both the Oversight Committee and, in less dramatic fashion, the Judiciary Committee, both have now voted on these contempt resolutions. It's Unclear, though, whether or not they'll go to the full house floor. Speaker Johnson not saying much on timing or if that's going to happen. But of course, many members on those committees

trying to push the issue to further escalate this. All right, All right, Ali Vitale from Capitol Hill tonight. Allie, thank you. Still ahead tonight, an update on the hammer attack inside the home of Nancy Pelosi, the man convicted of beating her husband Paul back in 2022. Sentenced to prison just how long he's expected to stay behind bars. Plus, the backlash continues for Kansas City Chief's kicker Harrison Butker after that controversial commencement speech. But now many are coming to his defense. A look at his skyrocketing jersey sales. And Taco Bout bragging Rights.

We'll introduce you to the man behind the only Michelin Star Taco Stand in the world. What's in those tacos? Stay with us. Okay. All right, back now with the fallout surrounding Kansas City. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and that graduation speech where he encouraged women to become homemakers and took a shot at Pride Month. Despite fierce backlash online, Butker's number seven jersey, fast becoming the number one seller on the chief's website and one of the most popular

across the league. NBC's Priya Shrether has more on the growing show of conservative support. Tonight, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker still in the spotlight, days after his controversial graduation speech. Be unapologetic in your masculinity, fighting against the cultural emasculation of men. The speech, which included shots at the LGBTQ community and urged women to become homemakers, has been widely condemned. But tonight, that backlash drumming up sales. Before this week, many casual NFL fans may not have been able to pick Butker out of a lineup, but now take a look at this. His jersey is one of the top sellers on the NFL store, the number one most popular amongst the chiefs. And now both the men and the women's Butker jerseys are

completely sold out. The chiefs quickly adding more stock of those jerseys as some conservatives rally in support. Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri posting, never more proud to call Harrison Butker my friend. And several conservative media outlets publishing several articles arguing Butker was right when he made those comments about women. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. The family of chief's owner, Clark Hunt, appearing to endorse that message. His daughter, Gracie, saying this on Fox and Friends. I've had the most incredible mom who had the ability

to stay home and be with us as kids growing up. And his wife, Tavia, writing on Instagram, affirming motherhood and praising your wife is not bigoted. The speech was met with with a standing ovation, but some students in the audience at Benedictine College upset with what they heard. Getting married and having kids is not my ideal situation right now. It definitely made graduation feel a little less special. Even the nuns that helped start the college saying Butker's words do not represent the Catholic Benedictine liberal arts college that our founders envisioned. A growing chorus of women slamming the comments, including wives of fellow NFL players. My life didn't start when I married my husband.

And a former chief's cheerleader. When you said stay in your lane 10 plus times, bra, take your own advice. The LA Chargers, even poking fun at Butker, releasing a sim-style video showing him cooking and arranging flowers. While the NFL's chief diversity officer told People magazine, his views are not those. of the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs and Bucker have not responded to request for comment. PR and crisis management expert Molly McPherson says it's unlikely Bucker will be quote unquote canceled. There are a number of reasons why Bucker will not be canceled. One, there is a growing

number of Catholic schools out there in colleges that are embracing traditional Catholic ideology. He falls directly in line with that. But also the Kansas City Chiefs, their ownership very much is in alignment with Bucker's thinking. And Tom, even local officials getting involved, the Kansas City's official X account posting this, just a reminder that Harrison Bucker lives in the city of Lee's summit. They've since deleted that post and issued an apology, but Missouri's Attorney General Andrew Bailey says that he believes

this was in retaliation for Bucker's religious beliefs. And he also said this amounted to doxing, which is an internet term for sharing personal information without that person's permission, and he's now calling on Kansas City to release any documents related to that post. Tom? All right, Priya, with all those new developments, we thank you for that. When we come back, Steve Buscemi's alleged attacker in custody, police apprehending the suspect more than a week after the attack, how a disturbance at a homeless shelter led police right to him. Stay with us.

Back down with Top Story's news feed and an update on the man who attacked former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer. David DePapp's sentenced to 30 years in prison for assaulting Paul Pelosi and the couple's San Francisco home in 2022. Attorneys saying the sentencing reflects DePap's lack of remorse for the assault while testifying in his own defense. Another update tonight, the man who allegedly sucker punched actor Steve Buscemi in New York City has been taken into custody. A source telling NBC New York that the suspect clifed the. Williams was apprehended after police were called to a homeless shelter over a dispute and recognized him from the wanted ad. Charges against him are pending. Bouchemie was treated in the hospital for bruising, swelling, and bleeding to his left eye. Last week, he is going to be okay,

though. The Biden administration making sweeping changes to aviation safety through a new bill. The legislation reauthorizing the FAA to boost runway safety, plane manufacturing standards, and air traffic controller staffing. Travelers will see. convenience benefits too. The bill speeding up refunds for canceled flights and banning airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. Okay, now to the Americas and the ongoing and an ongoing NBC news investigation into a group of border officials who may have crossed ethical lines. Initial reporting found the Border Patrol chief was photographed having lavished dinners, including one in December, where he was seen with a Mexican national at his tequila factory.

Julia Ainsley's latest investigation on who made those dinners possible and how it could to more scrutiny for the Border Patrol. Tonight, more developments in the investigation into the Chief of Border Patrol and other top officials who traveled to Mexico and were pictured partying with a tequila maker developing a Border Patrol tequila. When you saw those pictures, what did you make of that? So this looks a little odd. This is not the sort of thing that normally happens, even with people off duty.

NBC News has learned more about the man who introduced Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens and Rio Grande Valley sector chief Gloria Chavez to that tequila maker. Eduardo Garza, a wealthy Mexican-American, whose business in the import-export industry may qualify him as a prohibited source under federal ethics guidelines. Two sources familiar with the investigation say. Those guidelines specify Border Patrol employees may not accept any gifts, including meals, entertainment, and alcohol from anyone who conducts activities

regulated by the employees agency. But on at least five occasions, three parties at his ranch in Texas, and two trips to Mexico, Garza provided lavish parties, complete with hired comedians, eight-piece bands, and elaborate food and alcohol for hours, according to photos and agendas of the events obtained by NBC News. This cell phone video obtained by NBC News shows Owens, Chavez, and Garza sitting together at a party Garza through for all Border Patrol sector chiefs in December. In a statement to NBC news, Garza said he has never paid for any travel or transportation for Owens or Chavez. He did not respond to questions about why he invited them. Now the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General and CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility

are asking questions about whether the attendees of Garza's parties disclosed the gifts they received and reported the numerous occasions they had contact with him. Join our mission and write your own history. It all comes as the Border Patrol prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next week in El Paso, Texas, which originally included two golf tournaments, a parade, and a black tie gala, all sponsored by DHS contractors who get hundreds of millions in government contracts. It's going to be a chance for people that are active and retirees and everybody that's been in our orbit to come together and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime thing. Border Patrol Tequila has now been taken off the menu,

Last night, Owens announced on X that the Black Tide Gala for the Centennial has now been canceled. It's only natural that local officials would want to host Border Patrol officials in festivities. But there are rules, and they need to be followed. Tom, a CBP official tells us the event was canceled out of an abundance of caution. And a spokesperson tells us the agency continues to have confidence in its senior leadership. Tom. Julia Ainsley for us tonight. Julia, thank you.

Time now for Top Stories Global Watch. and a check of what else is happening around the world. We start with the latest on the war between Israel and Hamas. In a social media post, Israel's foreign ministry says the bodies of three hostages were found during a special operation in Rafa. It is now believed that the three were killed on October 7th while trying to escape the Nova Music Festival.

It comes as the World Food Program reports 640,000 Palestinians have fled Rafa since May 6th. Hundreds of thousands of people displaced again as the IDF pushes further south into Gaza. In Argentina, four gay women were set on fire in an alleged hate crime. Hundreds protesting in Buenos Aires after the horrific crime

accusing the country's far-right government of provoking homophobia and intolerance. According to court documents, a man threw burning rags into the home shared by the women. Three of them died, and a fourth is in critical condition. That suspect has been arrested. And a brawl breaking out inside Taiwan's parliament

over chamber reforms. Look at this video. It shows lawmakers throwing each other to the ground, jumping over tables and physically fighting. One lawmaker was hospitalized over a head injury. The scuffle took place as Parliament was debating a proposal to give lawmakers more power to oversee the government's actions. Wow. Okay. Now to a small taco stand in Mexico City that is making big news. We brought you this headline

yesterday, but now we have much more details. This little taco stand just received a Michelin Star. The menu is limited, affordable, and apparently world-class. NBC's George Solis has the details. Inside this tiny taco stand in Mexico City, chef Arturo Rivera-Martinez conducts, as he's done for two decades, this symphony of sizzle that's now drawing audiences from far and wine. Whatever the secret, it's now earned the chef one of the dining world's most coveted honors,

Ernie, Michelin star status, after the French dining guide bestowed, rode fairly larger than a shed taco shop, El Califah de Leon, with a star. A historic moment commemorated this week during the reveal of the first Michelin Guide selection for Mexico. Word quickly spreading, and now some reportedly waiting up to two hours to order from the first Mexican stand to ever receive the distinction. Gabio Rosco got there early and still had to wait half an hour. I think it's worth it. It was a really good meat, a really good taco. The taco stand found success doing exactly what it's done since 1968, serving up four varieties of thinly sliced meat tacos

slapped onto a searing hot grill that takes up about half of the space inside, married with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of lime juice, and served up on a fresh mouth-watering tortilla all for about $5 a taco. I thank you, and with all the humility and with all the transparency, I I'll say that I'm saying I'm going to thank you. El Caliphate Leone standing alone amid 16 other, more traditionally upscale restaurants in Mexico that achieve the career milestone and proving that big things can often come in small, expertly crafted bite-sized packages.

A taco for us, it's like so unique and part of our culture. I think we are really glad that they did that for us. And hopefully we'll be going to have more stars. George Salis, NBC News. Need to try one of those tacos. All right, we thank George for that. And our partners at Telemundo helped us out. Coming up, live comedy, not just for laughs.

It's now a booming business. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu pumping out stand-up comedy specials like crazy. And it's not just on TV. We'll show you one New York City Comedy Festival that has a wait list of 20,000 people. Are we living right now in the goal? Golden Age of Comedy. Stay with us. All right, we are back now with how the world of live comedy is having its moment in the spotlight. Streaming platforms going all in on stand-up specials, while right here in New York, pop-up comedy shows are drawing major crowds.

So are we entering a new Golden Age of Comedy? NBC Stephen Romo finds out. You all better make some boys once on. The world of live comedy is. booming. I have to be honest, my career is going very well right now. And its success is no joke. New data from Polestar showing ticket sales for live comedy events have tripled in the last decade, reaching nearly a billion dollars in sales last year. And in 2023, nine of the top 10 highest grossing comedians had one thing in common, Netflix specials. Welcome to the Netflix is a joke festival. The streaming giant, which has long, showcased both big names and up-and-coming talent,

taking over L.A. this month with its 12-day Netflix-is-a-Joke festival, where some acts were streamed live for subscribers. Thank you. Thank you very much. Including John Mullaney's week-long late-night talk show, Everybody's in L.A. Kat Williams, woke folk, stand-up special. Are you guys ready? And the roast. of Tom Brady, topping the platform's most watched list with 13.8 million views. Five times Super Bowl MVP, most career wins, most career touchdowns. You have seven rings. Well, eight now that Giselle gave hers back, but... Nikki Glazer's performance at the roast blowing up on social media.

Last night, single-handedly saved comedy is pretty much the... Glazer, like fellow comedians, Hannah Berner and Theo Vaughn, hosting podcast and using TikTok to grow their fan bases too. I don't know what I'm talking about, and I never have, I never really have. Even established comics turning to streaming, Ellen DeGeneres' final stand-up special coming to Netflix later this year. It really has created this water cooler moment and there's now a ton of opportunity for comedians.

They are selling out stadiums that typically it's reserved for a big pop star like Taylor Swift. Now you have these big-name comedians coming out of the woodwork here. Now, other streaming platforms like Hulu looking to get in on the action with its own comedy branch, Hulu's laughing now. Netflix has really been the gold standard when it comes to streaming. That's actually a direct quote from Disney CEO Bob Eiger on the earnings call. So they're trying to look to see what Netflix has been successful in and are launching their own programs as well. And comedy is not just dominating on streaming platforms. It's also having a real moment on the local level like here in New York.

How are you guys doing? Groups like Comedy Underground, overground, capitalizing on the momentum, bringing comedy to iconic New York establishments like Cassas Deli and the Lower East Side's Economy Candy Store. 25-year-old best friends,

comedians David Levine and Ethan Mansour created Comedy UO in 2021, eager to bring people together after COVID-19 lockdowns. Comedy clubs were closed for about a year, so there was sort of comics were looking for spaces. The shows, Drawing fan favorites like Mark Norman and S&L's Marcellio Hernandez are held in unconventional venues that the native New Yorkers pound the pavement to book.

The first thing we say now when we walk into a place, like we get told them all the time, we'll take a hike right now, and then we give them the pitch, we come in after hours, we take care of everything from clean up. We are on our hands and knees mopping the floor at the end of the night. And we're at the time, we're paying you cash after hours and we're not disrupting your hours. This week, they hosted their biggest event to date in the iconic sporting goods store, on transforming the tennis displays and shoe racks into the side of a two-day festival attended by 1,200 guests. You're going to a show, you're going on an after-party, you're getting food, you're getting icies, you're getting drinks.

Might meet the love of your life. I don't know. The sold-out event had a 20,000 person wait list with comedy-loving crowds all looking for a laugh. It feels very magnetic, like almost like the movie theaters, where we saw the resurgence after the pandemic. and people are just kind of wanting to be around other people. Especially after a long day at work, you kind of just want to laugh and not take life too serious. It's more personable. Like, I like when they interact with the audience. In this new age of comedy, audiences, comedians, and streamers alike, all getting the last laugh.

People just wanted to see comics performing again, going to clubs, and yeah, I think it's really had a boom in the city. Stephen Romo, NBC News. And if stand-up comedy is not your thing, when we come back, we're taking a look at some other things you can binge watch or listen to this weekend. Calling all Bridgerton fans, the first part of the highly anticipated third season is now out, plus a new explosive docu-series about the New York Yankees on Peacock. USA Today's Ralphie Aversa. He's in the house. He's got the jersey on people. He's going to bring us all of that and more, including a new album by New Kids on the Block. We can't wait. Welcome back. It is Friday, which means it is time for bingeworthy. Our look at what to watch and listen to this weekend. And tonight joining us is the one and only Ralphie Aversa.

He's a host and producer of USA Today's Entertain This, also a bingeworthy All-Star, and a super fan of what? The Yankees. That's right. Ralphie, I ran into you at a Yankees game, and I couldn't believe it because you were actually more Yankees gear than you were right now. I couldn't believe it either, by the way. Yeah, it was fun to watch. We actually have a Yankees theme going tonight on Bingeworthy because there's an amazing documentary on Peacock.

We have a clip. Let's roll that now. Oof, the 1990 Yankees. New Yorkers don't like to lose. It was rock bottom. A harsh show, a laughing stock. They throw a no-hitter and lose. George Steinbrenner loves the tabloids. I don't think he's been good for baseball.

I don't think he's been good for the Yankees. You don't like it. You're fired. Steinbrenner hated Winfell from the day he signed the contract. It's negative. It's garbage. And there was so much buzz when Deion got to the Yankees. Let's see how you play, and then you call yourself, Brianne. How about that? It's called the Bronx Zoo, 1990, the Yankees team. Pick it up from there. All right, so what happened in 1990 is unfathomable in 2024 for a number of reasons.

You have George Steinbrenner, this iconic owner of the Yankees, banished from baseball because he was trying to dig up dirt on a Hall of Fame player in Dave Winfield. You have, of course, Don Mattingly, who got injured that season. Don in baseball, man, won't the best. It started basically the fact that he's not in the Hall of Fame. That kind of started in 1990 with the injuries he had. You have Dion Sanders going between the two sports. But of all the names I mention here, here's the one you got to know, Mel Hall.

And you will know the name after binging this on Peacock this weekend. Mel Hall is currently in jail, and you'll get a taste of why watching this docus series. Three-part series on Peacock, hour each, two hours, hour, okay, and it's amazing. It is so, so good. It's based on Joel Sherman's stories about that 1990 team in the New York Post. He's in it. A lot of voices are in it. Even some people that work for the Yankees right now, like Brian Cashman, really, really good.

All right, we're going to check that out for sure. Something else that all the top story staff is talking about. I don't know if I'm going to binge this, but I know a lot of people love this. Bridgerton Season 3, we have a clip. Let's roll it. How delightful to see you all. There's splendid weather we are having. I would not be angry

you found me to be a lost cause. You must not say such things. You are Penelopee Featherington. Do not forget that. She's not seeking a husband in you, I hope. No, I'm only helping her find one. Since when are you worried about Penelopee? Fetherington. All right, Bridgerton 3.

I'm not a fan, but I know the world loves this. Talk to me about what's happening in this season. All right, so this season goes out of order with the novels, and it's all about Colin and Penelope. Will they or will they not get engaged, hook up? Bridgeton, it's like Gossip Girl set in the 1800s for those who really don't know. And there's a lot of buzz around this one.

By the way, the actress that plays Penelope, her name is Nicola Coughlin. I spoke with her. They have so much fun on this show that it doesn't even feel like work for them. And she's fascinating, right? Because she plays a very young girl, but she, in reality, is not that young, right?

Yeah, but looks. Yeah, she looks. I mean, incredible genes. Yeah, she looks. absolutely fantastic and she really I watched season three part one part two you get next month she really shines in part of you're a Bridgeton fan I did not know that but I got kind of pulled into it yeah okay Hollywood has loved this concept of mixing cowboys and science fiction Western is in science fiction

sometimes it works I'm thinking about what was it West World on on HBO did I totally chop that up you look like I think so I think it's like it's like it's the futuristic cowboys and anybody. Westworld, right? Westworld. You're looking like I'm crazy. You're an entertainment guy. Cowboys and Aliens is not a great, great, great movie. This one is like Yellowstone meets Alien. I don't even know what. Here's a clip. You may have heard of it. Out of range. What do you know about this hole? You think it's a portal to the past and future?

What is that, really? There's this theory. that the fabric of time and space is fluid. That's what I believe is flowing beneath the land. All right, Josh Brolin, one of my favorites. Talk to me about this. Okay, yeah, as you mentioned, Josh stars in it. Here's one of the interesting things about this show.

Season one aired on Amazon Prime about two years ago, and people were wondering, wait, is this thing going to get even picked up for season two? What's going to happen? And that can go both ways because you can kind of forget about it, but also it gives you two years for people to discover it. And that's what some people have done with this show. show, we see Josh, who plays the league character. He and his family own a ranch in Wyoming.

There's a void at the end of it, and you could time travel through that void. And so you see a little bit of that in here as well. A lot of twists and turns with season two also. All right. So maybe it's like Yellowstone meets Quantum Leap. Is it more science fiction than Western? No, it's a mix of both. It's genre bending, as they say. There you go. All right, Ralphie. We want to turn out of music. Childish Gambino, you know him. Danny Glover, or I should Danny Glover. Donald Glover's sort of music alter ego, an incredible artist. Let's roll that clip. Originally released through a website, then it was put on streaming services, then it was taken down, and now it's back. The song you just heard, that's a new version of that song, kind of a country-inspired track where Childish Gambino is singing about trapping someone.

But really good album, Bigfoot, is the name of the song. Yes. Outstreaming now. Young nudie, the Atlanta rapper on them. There you go. Next up, new kids on the block, if you love them, and KOTB, you remember that? You probably don't, Ralph. Do you? Yeah. I just interviewed them recently. You're like ageless. Oh, you interviewed them? Here's the new song, and watch the video because it's a dedicated. to all their fans.

So this is a new song, and talk to me about the video. Okay, so well, that video right there, obviously, as you see, it's kind of their, it's an homage to their fans, and that's a theme for them this summer as well. So I chatted with them, and their new tour that's out this summer is a re-imagination. of their stadium tour from early on in their career. So now they're going back out on tour with Paula Abdul, and as you could see here, I mean, the fans, one of the things with new kids,

and I guess with a lot of, I don't want to call them a nostalgia, because they got a new album out, first album in about 10 years. But you can kind of like travel back in time with them a little bit, and you can feel a little younger. It's pretty cool.

Yeah, you could, I think now moms are going and they're taking their daughters, so it's like becoming a generational thing. Very cool. Finally, Luke Combs, out with the new song. It's called Ain't No Love, Oklahoma, here's a clip of that. All right, very western, very Luke Combs.

You'll remember he had a great rendition of fast car. Talk to you about this one. All right, so this is from the new Twister movie that's coming out as well. Oh, that's part of a soundtrack. Let me tell you something. It resonated with me because the original Twister had one of my favorite songs ever on there by one of my favorite bands. Gougu dolls, long way down, because I'm a buffalo

guy, so, you know, Gougu dolls, bills, whatever. So when I heard that Luke was doing this song for the new Twister movie, I'm like, Luke, you better bring it. And guess what? He brought it. How's the movie? What are people saying about the new movie? We haven't heard anything about the new movie yet. It's called Twisters, right? Yes, correct. All right, I remember the original. It was pretty, pretty good.

Goo Goo Dolls and the Yankees. Rolfi, we're learning a lot about you. Okay, we thank you for watching Top Story. Rofi, thank you for being here. Have a great weekend. I'm Tom Yamison in New York. Stay right there. More news on the way.