Top Story with Tom Llamas - Friday, May 5, 2023

Episode Date: May 6, 2023

The criminal investigation just launched after the shocking subway death in New York City. The deposition of former President Donald Trump released publicly for the first time. Prince Harry touching down in the U.K. ahead of his father's coronation. The search and rescue efforts underway after deadly flooding in Rwanda, and the new plea from the Menendez brothers.

Tonight breaking news, the criminal investigation now launched in that shocking subway death in New York City. The disturbing incident which was captured on cam, now heading to a grand jury, which will decide if the man who killed Jordan Neely committed a crime. The incident sparking outrage and protests across New York for. days, we'll have the late reporting just coming in. Also breaking tonight the deposition of former President Donald Trump released publicly for the first time as his civil rape trial barrels towards a close, the studying exchange, which you will hear on Top Story, where he addresses that infamous Access Hollywood tape, plus the moment he mistakes a photo of his accuser with his ex-wife, you'll hear it all. All the King's sons, this just in Prince Harry, touching down in the UK

moments ago, it appears he will attend his father's coronation. Police mounting the largest security effort in UK history ahead of King Charles' crowning moment tomorrow morning. The big question tonight, will Prince Harry stand alongside his estranged father and brother? The deadly flood disaster, catastrophic scenes in Rwanda, more than 130 people killed, thousands of homes destroyed, a desperate search and rescue effort still underway. Plus, the new plea from the Menendez brothers, why their lawyer is demanding a new trial decades after they were convicted of murdering their parents, and what it has to do with a new docu series about Minuto, that lawyer joins Top Story. And celebrating Cinco de Mayo a day observed with Mexican food and margaritas all across the

country? But do most Americans really know what the holiday's about? We took to the streets to find out, and the answer might surprise you. Top story starts right now. And good Friday evening, we begin top story tonight with that late-breaking news. The controversial subway death that you see right here that struck a nerve all across the country is now heading before a grand jury. At the center of this case, 30-year-old Jordan Neely, a man who police say had struggled with mental health issues following the death of his mother. He was homeless at the time of his own death on May 1st.

Neely, who worked as a street performer and celebrity. impersonator, remembered by his friends and family for his warm smile, the disturbing incident that led to his death captured on this cell phone video. In it, a 24-year-old man whose identity has not been released by police seemed putting Neely in a chokehold until he became unresponsive. At least one witness, says Neely had been acting aggressively towards other passengers moments before this video was taken, though there is no known footage of that. The medical examiner's office ruling Neely's death a homicide this week.

by compression of the neck. Protesters taking to the streets throughout the week, demanding the man who put Neely in that chokehold be held responsible. That decision, now one that must be made by a jury of that man's peers. NBC's Valerie Castro leads us off tonight with these late-breaking details. Tonight, the chokehold death that has sparked controversy in New York City will now be presented to a grand jury to determine if criminal charges should be brought against the 24-year-old man who strangled Jordan Neely.

This, according to two sources, familiar with the case. A Justice for Jordan Neely was lynched. A Justice for Jordan Neely rally outside the Manhattan DA's office today, putting pressure on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Indyte. Indyte. The incident igniting fierce debate over when citizens should step into a volatile situation. Mayor Eric Adams urging calm and patience. I have faith in the criminal justice system, and I'm going to let the process take its place. A spokesperson from the DA's office confirming that one of the lead prosecutors from the Trump organization trial will be handling the investigation into Neely's death.

Several witnesses to Monday's deadly incident telling WNBC, Neely was acting desperate and aggressive, making people feel threatened before the incident. That's when the 24-year-old man stepped in and put him in this hold for minutes. He was left unconscious, which is how police found him before taking him to a local hospital. where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD. Police say the 24-year-old was questioned and later released. The city's medical examiner determining the death was caused by the chokehold. Police haven't identified him, but WNBC reached out, and he declined to comment. Neely was a Michael Jackson impersonator, known by many in the community.

His family saying he struggled with mental illness from the age of 14 after his mother was murdered. A friend of Neely's speaking to N. news today he was a professional artist who gave his life to this city to bring joy and peace and I don't know why this individual is not under arrest neelie's family attorney saying they are quote committed to holding accountable the mTA and neelie's killer all right Valerie castra joins top story tonight live from a protest in manhattan at washington square park we can see those demonstrators there behind you. So Valerie, do we know if the DA actually has a case here? What are legal experts saying? So, Tom, we spoke to our NBC News legal analyst about this case, and he believes

the prosecution will have no problem getting an indictment from the grand jury. He says they will likely present evidence to show that the chokehold was the use of deadly force in this case, especially given that it appears that it continued even after Jordan Neely had been subdued. Yeah, it'll be interesting also what the grand jury hears from other witnesses who were on that same subway car. Do we have a timeline, and I know the grand jury operates in secrecy, but do we have a timeline on when we should expect some developments here? So Tom, right now, we still don't know when the grand jury will actually get the case. We know the district attorney's office is still investigating as well as the NYPD. In fact, police put out a call on social media asking for any other eyewitnesses to come forward.

anyone else with more cell phone video to come forward. Of course, we know there is no video of the incident beforehand. So they're really hoping to get as many eyewitnesses as possible to bring forward this case. So much more to this story. That is so right. Okay, Valerie Castro leading us off tonight, Valerie, we thank you for that. Now to our other major story tonight, the civil rape and defamation trial against Donald Trump. The former president has not testified in that case, but tonight a video deposition given by Mr. Trump before the trial was made public, and we have it.

In it, the former president comments on the infamous Access Hollywood tape and denies E. Jean Carroll's accusations. Senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett reports. Tonight, former President Donald Trump's seen under oath, blasting the rape accusation against him from writer E. Jean Carroll. She's accusing me of rape. A woman that I have no idea who she is. It came out of the blue. Released publicly for the first time today, Mr. Trump's deposition in a civil case. Carol is suing him for allegedly defaming her. She says he raped her in a department store dressing room more than 20 years ago. It's the most ridiculous, disgusting story.

It was just made up. If it did happen, it would have been reported within minutes. This week, a jury in Manhattan hadn't watched clips of the deposition. Carol's attorney turning the focus to that now infamous Access Hollywood tape. You can do anything. You can do anything. And when you're a star, they let you do it. you can do anything. Grab them by the . You can do anything. That's what you said, correct?

Well, historically, that's true with stars. It's true with stars that they can grab women by . . Well, that's what, if you look over the last million years, I guess that's been largely true, not always, but largely true, unfortunately or fortunately. And you consider yourself to be a star? I think you can say that, yeah. Mr. Trump had repeatedly said Ms. Carroll was not his type. It's not politically correct to say it, and I know that, but I'll say it anyway. But then he mistook Carol for his ex-wife, Marla Maples, when shown this old photo of him shaking Carol's hand.

I don't even know who the woman. Let's say, I don't know who. It's Marla. You say Marla's in this photo? That's Marla, yeah. That's my wife. Throughout the deposition, Mr. Trump steadfastly denying Carol's accusation and going after Carol's attorney. You know it's not true, too. You're a political operative also. You're a disgrace. Later, turning to her physical appearance. You wouldn't be a choice of mine either, to be honest with you. I hope you're not insulted. I would not, under any circumstances, have any interest in you.

Laura Jarrett joins us now here in studio. So, Laura, I got to ask you, I'm not a lawyer. But I have to think that E. Gene Carroll's lawyers wanted the jury to watch this video, not only to see the former president answering questions about the incident, but also his demeanor and eventually the way he was speaking to that female attorney who was trying to sort of cross-examine him. Absolutely. This is why you always want depositions on camera because you never know where it's going to go. And the person's demeanor, the flashes of anger, the sarcasm, just all of the expressions on his face you want to capture, especially in a case like this, where it turns out he's not going to testify in person.

And so now all the jury is left with this impression of him on video, which possibly they could have explained it away if he was going to appear, but it seems like he's not. Yeah, he seems like he's not. But this is such a strange case. And again, we'll remind our viewers it's not a criminal case. But the president is saying he makes signals, right? Because he's saying, oh, maybe I'll go back and testify.

His attorney's saying he's not going to testify, and the judge is saying, we're going to wait until when, Friday? So the attorneys have repeatedly said he's not. going to come, and yet he sort of floated this trial balloon out there yesterday about confronting her in some way. The judge unusually has given him until 5 p.m. on Sunday to change his mind. The judge says, I may not grant it, but you get this sense. The judge doesn't want Trump to say, oh, the judge wouldn't let me testify. He's giving him this last-ditch effort. We'll see if he takes it. It seems unlikely. If he doesn't testify, what do you think the timeline is from there?

So then the closing arguments will happen on Monday, and then in the case we'll go right to the jury. Okay. Laura Jarrett, we appreciate it. Thank you for that. While Trump navigates his legal troubles, he's also busy on the campaign trail for the 2024 election. NBC News has learned his team has a new plan of attack, and he has his sights on the GOP. Von Hilliard has this new reporting. Former President Trump waging wars in civil court. I have a judge is extremely hostile. Fighting a criminal indictment. I never thought anything like this could happen in America. NBC News has learned in an effort to cast himself as the fighting political outsider. His campaign is also zeroing in on another target, the Republican establishment. In fact, recently his use of the term Republican is vanishing and mostly said when attacking. Is Washington Republicans

like Mitch McConnell who's the absolute worst? They've got to get tougher. Allies and advisors to Mr. Trump's campaign tell NBC News there's an effort to make his 20, 24 campaign, more like his 2016 insurgent campaign. I am your voice. Versus his 2020 effort when he was the standard bear of the GOP. The Republican Party, the party of Abraham Lincoln, goes forward united. Allies on the right making the case that the movement is more about building an opposition to today's power structures, even Republican leadership, rather than party loyalty.

And I believe there is a new coalition being. built. A coalition that is not right versus left, but instead bottom up against the ruling oligarchy regime. Since his New York arrest, Trump leaping in national polling among Republican voters. On the day of his Manhattan indictment, Trump was up over DeSantis by 16 points. Now his lead in an average of polling is 29 points. His advisors feeling this jump shows he benefits when taking on people in power. I am your warrior. I am your justice. The people will be back in charge of our time to. Trump has yet to make the commitment that he would support another Republican candidate

for president if they were to beat him in this presidential primary. There are probably people that I wouldn't be very happy about endorsing, you know, running, so we'll see. Sources also tell NBC News that he is considering not partaking in at least the first two GOP debates scheduled for late summer. Trump himself publicly scoffing at the debates and why he would take the stage with candidates who are so far behind in the polls. I mean, seriously, you look at the boards

and you see these things, 1%, 1%, 2%, 1%, 1%, 3%. And you're looking at these numbers, and I'm, and I'm, we're at 60% and 70%. Why would you do that? Now next week is big for this GOP field, Tom. As that E. Jean Carroll trial comes to a close, Donald Trump will be in New Hampshire on Wednesday for an hour-long town hall,

televised town hall that he'll be engaged in. And then he makes his way to Iowa where he will campaign on the same day as Ron DeSantis, who will be in the same state as he moles whether and when to jump in to this Republican presidential primary. Tom? The primary is clearly underway.

Okay, Von Hillier, first, Vaughn, we appreciate that. With the former president now turning his back on his party, could it prove to be a winning strategy? I want to bring in a friend of top story, Republican strategist and NBC News political analyst, Susan Del Perseo. Okay, Susan, so we were just talking while we were watching Vaughn's report. You know, I got to say, I mean, this worked for him in 2016. I don't know how much of a winning brand the GOP, the Republican name is for Republican voters right now.

Could this work for Trump? It has its possibilities. It's also the only thing he can kind of hook his car to in the sense of Donald Trump had an us versus them strategy in 2016. He brought people out who never came out to vote in primaries. And then when he was elected president, he gave a lot of political misfits on the Republican side a home. And they like it there. And they like having a certain power within the county committees and all of that in state parties. And Donald Trump is going to keep using that, us versus them.

He couldn't do in 2020. He was president. He was the establishment. But this, it makes sense. And also, don't forget, Donald Trump's really taken. kicked off at, quote, the Republican Party. Everyone blamed Donald Trump for the big losses in 2022. Those Senate races, the primaries.

When he gets involved in a Republican primary and it doesn't involve him, he messes it up. Yeah, I want to put that poll back up on screen for our viewers that Vaughn mentioned, right? And I want to talk to you about this. And this is a separate NBC News poll, the post-indictment poll, right? Poll of primary voters. And it found 68 percent think that the investigations are politically motivated attempt to stop Trump. There is no other candidate like him. We must support him.

It's a pretty big number. If I'm Donald Trump, I'm looking at that, and I'm pretty happy. And it leads me to my next question, which is he may be running against the Republican Party. Possibly that could be a strategy. But isn't Donald Trump right now the Republican Party? He is the base of the Republican Party. He is where the people turn out. It's those voters he got in 2016 and continue to get on the voting rolls

throughout his presidency, and for 2020. There was a lot of voter registration he did quite successfully. Those people are behind him. Now, that poll was taken after the Manhattan indictment on the hush money. Right. It would be very interesting to see how quickly maybe a jury comes back on Tuesday after the Eugene. Eugene Crail, yeah.

Yeah, like, if it goes to a jury on Tuesday, he may have a result on Wednesday. Trump might say he could shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and people would still vote for him. he said it before, it may still be the case now. In a primary, though. And let's keep this. Right, in a primary. But you've got to win the primary, right?

You have to win it. If this comes down to a two-person primary, right, if it comes down to say like a governor, Ron DeSantis or a Senator Tim Scott and a Donald Trump, do you think there's a chance? Do you think there are Republican voters who will look for another candidate, enough of them, 51% of them, that will look for another candidate?

Or do you think that it's looking more and more like the former president has this locked up? Well, right now you have to look at where the polls are. He's got it locked up. I'll say there's a lot of time that could go on from here until, let's say, September or October, where he may face indictments in Georgia or the DOJ. That's a lot of pressure on Donald Trump. I think he could potentially lose it. And if he starts going, it's not the where he does in the polls in the primary. Watch his numbers against Joe Biden. If he goes down against Joe Biden starts hitting the six or seven percent down to Biden, he may just hang it up. because he doesn't want to lose to him. Well, we'd have to wait and see that does happen. Susan, thanks so much for coming on Top Story this Friday. We appreciate it. We want to head to the border now in the crisis.

Officials bracing for a rush of migrants when that pandemic border restriction known as Title 42 expires next week on Thursday. The Biden administration facing bipartisan criticism. And tonight, the Homeland Secretary is responding in an interview with Julia Ainslie. Tonight, just a week from the lifting of that border restriction known as Title 42, growing numbers of migrants crossing into the U.S. All as the Border Patrol expects illegal border crossings

will spike to 10,000 per day when Title 42 lifts. Are you worried about Title 42 lifting next week? I'm not worried about Title 42 lifting. We recognize the challenge at the border. Our responsibility is to plan and to execute on those plans, and that is indeed what we have done and continue to do. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, here to talk to border.

agents. The Biden administration has faced criticism over its border policies amid a record number of illegal border crossings. Mayork is insisting the policies are working. Is our border secure? Our border is secure. The border is secure because we are maximizing our resources to deliver the most effective results to our border with the most extraordinary workforce in the world. But Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Giera disagrees. Is our border secure? Well, I can tell you no. There's a lot of places on the southwest southwestern border that our federal partners do not have control. As for bipartisan legislation that's been introduced in Congress to extend Title 42, Secretary Majorcas told us that they have already tried to end Title 42, and now is the time to do so.

Okay, Julia, thank you. Heading across the pond now with less than 12 hours to go before the coronation of King Charles III, security preparations are now underway. across London, while thousands camp out to catch a glimpse of the celebration. NBC's chief international correspondent, Keir Simmons, has the latest and a bit of breaking news just in. The night before the biggest day of his life, King Charles smiling and laughing. Palace officials say he's shown no sign of nerves. Today, the Princess of Wales pictured with two first ladies, Jill Biden and Ukraine's

Elena Zelenska. The king, William and Catherine, greeting the party. public earlier. The princess asked how the children are feeling. Prince George will be a page of honour tomorrow. Excited, a bit nervous, obviously with a big day ahead, but no, we can't wait actually. Even taking a cell phone to console someone's American relative too ill to make it. But I hope you get better soon.

The crowds are already camped along the world famous Mal for a glimpse of history tomorrow morning. At 520 Eastern, a small procession will leave Buckingham Palace with the King to Westminster Abbey. Then a solemn service, not seen this century, will commence. The moment of crowning is expected around 7 a.m. Next, a breathtaking spectacle. From the Abbey, a 4,000 strong military parade will escort the king along this route. And he will not answer questions about why. But polls show enthusiasm for the monarchy, waning, and protesters will be out too.

I think the monarchy is in a lot of trouble because, you know, they've lost their star player. The King is looking to answer those critics by combining tradition with change tomorrow. Manjumali, a chef, has been invited for her charity work. I feel included and very inclusive and part of British history being a daughter of an immigrant. And with that, the Relentless Keir Simmons joins us tonight from outside of Buckingham Palace. And Keir, I know you're joining Top Story tonight with a bit of breaking news. That's right, Tom. Prince Harry is here in London.

in the UK. Reports say that he flyed in on a commercial flight. Now, he won't play a formal role tomorrow at the coronation. But the question is, how long will he be here for? Now, there's a little bit of a mystery tonight, Tom, the famous Buckingham Palace balcony behind me there. One of the things we don't know is which members of the royal family will appear there. Now, of course, the king will be Queen Camilla. You can imagine that William and Kate will be there with their children and the children may well steal the show. But is there the possibility? Just the possibility that Prince Harry might be there too. It seems unlikely, but it would be an extraordinary display of unity, wouldn't it? And there are reports that Harry and his father, King Charles, have been

talking over recent days. Has King Charles been saying, come on, son, for my coronation, I want you there on the balcony. Again, there's no evidence that's going to happen. There have been suggestions he wants to get back to California to his son's birthday, but could it be that he stays here a little longer, and if you like, pleases his dad? It could make for an incredibly special and historical moment. Okay, Keir, we thank you, and you can catch all of NBC's special coronation coverage

tomorrow starting at 5 a.m. Eastern right here on NBC News now. Okay, back here at home, and you probably just saw our next story of what we're going to go to here, the fallout over Bud Light's brand-new deal with a trans influencer. It's parent company, Anheuser, making a deal with distributors, reportedly offering free beer to wholesaler employees while also pledging direct support for their frontline workforce as sales take a major dip amid this controversy. NBC Stephen Romo brings us the latest.

You might want to grab a beverage. This is going to be a longer one. Tonight, the Bud Light controversy spilling over with the influencer at the center of the debate and the company's CEO both speaking out. It was one post, not a formal campaign, or adverse. Anheiser Bush seeing a flurry of hate online after partnering with trans content creator Dylan Mulvaney. Impressive carrying skills, right? I got some Bud Lights for us. Telling her 1.8 million followers on Instagram that Bud Light sent her a can with her face on it to celebrate her first year as a woman. Whatever team you love, I love too. That partnership enraging many beer drinkers.

F*** Bud Light and F*** Anheuser Bush. And sales continued to get hammered. falling 21% compared with last year's week ending April 22nd, according to industry consulting firm Bump Williams. Rival brands, Coors Light and Miller Light, each saw sales grow about 21%. Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Dukaris addressing the sales slide in an earnings call with investors Thursday. We believe we have the experience, the resources, and the partners to manage this. But it doesn't seem like some beer drinkers are really. ready to move on. I think something's wrong with the Spears. Today we salute you,

former Budweiser drinkers of America. Mulvaney, breaking her silence last week, addressing the backlash. I've always tried to love everyone, but what I'm struggling to understand is the need to dehumanize and to be cruel. I just, I don't think that's right. You know, dehumanization has never fixed anything in history ever. Some of her allies showing their support. bloodlight posting its first commercial since this controversy started turning off the ads comments section on youtube as the company says it will be tripling its media spend over the summer a company spokeswoman telling NBC news that two top marketing executives are taking a leave of absence this situation has impacted our people and especially our frontline workers and saying the company will provide direct financial support to front line teams and wholesalers.

The Wall Street Journal reporting that comes in the form of a free case of beer for employees of distributors. All right. Stephen Romo joins us now live in studio. So Stephen, you mentioned those sales took a dip, right? The Bud Light sales. But the CEO, who sounded very intense on that call, also mentioned how much of a dip in the overall portfolio of the business it means, right? Yeah, he was trying to put this in a broader context. for those investors saying that the volume decline in Bud Light in the U.S. over the first three weeks of April only represents about 1% of the company's multinational sales. Also going on to say that the

company is still doing pretty well overall. Their stock near a 52-week high, really trying to hammer home that the context of this, when you look at it globally, isn't quite as bad as it seems in the U.S. Okay, Stephen Romo. We appreciate reporting, as always. Still ahead tonight, fighting for release. The Menendez brothers looking to vacate their murder conviction. and using claims in a new documentary about boy band Minuto to back their case. Their attorney, Mark Garagos, joins Top Story Live, plus the massive fire burning at a chemical plant outside of Houston what we're learning from authorities at the scene about the air quality there

and growing concerns for the Kentucky Derby. After multiple horses died at Churchill Downs this week, what's going on? The trainer suspended just one day before the race. We'll explain. All right, all right. All right, we're back now with an update in a case that's captured America's attention for decades. Eric and Lyle Menendez, the brothers who shot and killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion, asking the court to vacate vacate their 1996 murder convictions. The brothers pointing to new allegations made in a peacock

documentary, accusing their father of sexually assaulting an underage member of the hit Latino boy band Minuto in the 1980s. Now, attorneys for the brothers are arguing in a petition that those allegations back the siblings' claims that the murders were an act of self-defense after facing years of abuse. Join us tonight, the brother's defense attorney, Mark Garagos. Mark, thanks so much for joining Top Story tonight. Always great to see you. I want to start with that docu series, right? It's called Menendez and Menudo, boys betrayed, and it focuses on an allegation by Roy Rosello,

a former member, as we mentioned, of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, who says he was sexually assaulted as a teenager by Jose Menendez, the brother's father. Walk me through why these allegations are so important. Well, it's extremely important because you have not only now a third party who was also sexually assaulted by this predator,

Jose Menendez. But you also combine that with the fact that now a letter that Eric wrote almost a year before the killings took place has surfaced. It had been written to his cousin. His cousin tragically passed. One of the relatives found it recently, and you combine that letter in his own handwriting. There is no way that you can then say trial number two was fair. Remember, there were two trials here. When the abuse evidence was presented in the first trial, half of the jury for Eric found that he was not guilty of murder. The other half wanted to impose a manslaughter conviction. The second trial, and what happened between the first and the second, was none other than some very adverse publicity. The judge reversed

himself, didn't allow him the evidence of abuse, said that there was no evidence of it, and let the prosecutor argue in the closing argument that these were affluent, rich kids who were just making it up, that we now know that not only were they not making it up, but there is, there's other victims out there. And so we've got that corroboration, if you will. Yeah, I want to go back to that letter, though, right? Because that letter, it is, it is pretty detailed, and it's pretty sad. And I just wonder if, you know,

Eric had written that letter to his cousin, why that cousin wouldn't come forward and say, he wrote me this letter, this is what he says happened. One of the other relatives did come forward, talking about this abuse or what

they suspected was the abuse of test. What he saw, right, a female cousin, correct? Yeah, exactly. And testified in the first trial. That was very persuasive. But why do you think this cousin didn't speak up if he had the letter? I wish I could tell you. All I know is that he died and he died, I think, almost 20 years ago. So this letter was found in his personal effects. And luckily for us and for the brothers, because now we can combine it with yet another person who was a victim here.

Mark, you know, prosecutors allege that they did this, the brothers, they did this for greed. In the original case, they pointed to the $15,000. The brothers spent a few days after the murders buying Rolexes. One analysis I saw said they spent about $11 million in today's dollars after their parents had died. And so the prosecutor's case was based on that, that it was based on greed. You say you have new evidence. What can you get done here?

What could change in this case? Well, remember, all of the arguments that the prosecutors made, they made in trial number one. But it was not a rigged trial, meaning in trial number one, they were allowed to put on a defense that went to what's called imperfect self-defense. Nobody's arguing they should have been acquitted, although I'll tell you, in today's milieu, you might make that argument. They were arguing for basically a manslaughter, what was called imperfect self-defense under the law. So the jurors heard that in trial number one, and the jurors split almost evenly. Now, fast forward to trial number two, the judge takes the, pulls the rug out from under them,

changes his rulings, it was the same judge, and you don't have to buy it for me. Buy it from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I was just listening to one of the circuit court judges grilling an attorney general almost 18 years ago about why when they didn't get a conviction the first time, they had to jimmy it up, his words, and change the rules to get a conviction. the second time. Mark, before we go, because we're running out of time real quick, if this does change to a manslaughter,

have they served enough time? Would they be let out of prison? More than enough. The maximum amount for manslaughter at that time, they'd well exceeded. They've been in, mind you, 33 years. And by the way, if they were the Menendez sisters, do you think they'd still be in?

The same thing had happened to them? I don't know, but the next time we talk, which hopefully will be soon, we can discuss that. Mark, Gary goes for us. going to stay on top of this. We appreciate you joining the broadcast. When we come back, death row revisited, why the Supreme Court stepped in to halt the execution of an Oklahoma man convicted in the murder of his boss. That's next. All right, we are back now with Top Stories News Feed,

and we begin with the explosion at a shell refinery plant in Texas. New video is showing a large fire ripping through the plant in Deer Park. So far, no injuries of any, so far no reports of any injuries, and there is no shelter in place at this time, but officials are monitoring the air quality. Also, no word yet on what caused the explosion. A horse trainer barred from the Kentucky Derby, this is big news, a day before the race amid a string of horse deaths. Churchill Down suspending trainer Safi Joseph, Jr., indefinitely after the unexplained

deaths of two of his horses this week. The suspension prohibiting Joseph or any trainer employed by him from entering horses in races or applying for stalls at all at Churchill Downs. The track also investigating two other horses that died there this week. And the Supreme Court has halted the execution of death row inmate Richard Glossom. The state attorney general agreed today that Glossop did not have a fair trial. He was convicted in the 1997 murder for hire in the killing of his former boss at an Oklahoma City motel, but has always maintained his innocence.

Glossop has been on death row for 25 years and has had almost 10 delays of execution. Okay, we're going to head overseas now to a deadly flooding in Rwanda that has killed more than 100 people, and the pictures are unbelievable. More than 5,000 homes destroyed, leaving entire communities devastated. Ali Arousi, with the crisis on the ground now. The torrential rains and flash flooding has left much of Rwanda in ruins. At least 130 people dead in the fastest moving disaster the nation has seen. With water rising, officials say the death toll will also likely climb.

The desperate search underway to rescue survivors. These floods and landslides, particularly catastrophic, as the relentless rain hit at night while many people were asleep. There are countless tales of tragedy, entire families lost, mass funerals now underway, devastated families mourning the loss of their young children. This mother describing her final moments with her son, saying, My son kept telling me to hold him tight so that we could not fall. We continued to hold each other as the house was falling apart. That's when the flood started increasing and he drowned. 5,000 homes completely destroyed with thousands more damaged.

Entire communities left homeless. This flood survivor saying, I have no money to rent a house, no husband, no children. I don't know where to go. The disaster was dangerous for us. Displaced residents, returning to their destroyed homes to salvage the few belongings that weren't washed away. Flooding and rushing waters, decimating the local infrastructure, destroying roads, bridges and multiple health care facilities. A heartbroken community, banding together and bracing for more.

This torrent has pounded Rwanda and more downpours are expected throughout the month. And although heavy rainfall is common between March and May, these ones have been particularly strong and long. Now, there are many factors that contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change is making extreme rainfall all the more likely. And scientists are warning that if we don't cut global emissions, the situation is only going to get worse. Tom?

Thank Alia Ruzzi for that. Now to Top Story's Global Watch, the powerful earthquake rocking western. in Japan, that's where we start. New video shows a train station. Shaking after the 6.3 magnitude quake struck. No injuries reported so far, no tsunami warnings have been issued. Authorities say there is also no concern over a nuclear power plant in the area where the quake struck. Evacuations are underway, though, after a volcanic eruption in Guatemala. Take a look at the new video. It shows thick clouds of ash and lava spewing out of the Fuego Volcano near Guatemala City. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from the area, and roads are now closed.

It's one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, and an eruption in 2018 killed more than 200 people. Okay, when we come back, it is Cinco de Mayo, and many people in the U.S. will celebrate at bars with tacos and tequila, but do you know what the holiday actually commemorates? It's not Mexican Independence Day. We'll explain how a single battle between Mexico and France turned into a mainstream U.S. holiday. Stay with us. Back now with the Americas, and a look at the history behind Cinco de Mayo, for many in the U.S., especially those heading out to the bars tonight, it's an excuse to drink coronas and tequila. But tonight, here on top story, we're going to show you how it actually commemorates a centuries-old victory that became.

a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign invaders. Guadvenegas tonight with this special story. Cinco de Mayo! It's Cinco de Mayo, and many Americans will be celebrating with tacos, beer, and margaritas. Even President Biden making a stop at a D.C. taqueria today. But what do we know about the history behind the holiday? A party? That's what comes to my head. All I know is at a Mexican holiday, and it's time to celebrate.

Drinking a lot of alcohol from what I've ever. notice. Like Mexican food, Mexican Independence Day. Independent of Mexico. Isn't it like Independence Day? No, it's not Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a single event that occurred decades after Mexico gained independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French. Nobody really expected that the Mexicans were win. They were outnumbered. Their army wasn't as sophisticated. So that victory, even though it was just one small victory, was a huge source of pride for Mexicans.

Today in Mexico, the day is commemorated with parades and military reenactments. But how did this battle between France and Mexico become a holiday here in the U.S. that's even celebrated at the White House? About a century after the victory, Chicano activist embraced it in the 1960s to empower Mexican Americans. And years later, in the 1980s, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Cinco de Corona, a commercial push by food and alcohol brands taking the holiday mainstream. Today, Americans are expected to buy more than $740 million of beer, drink 126 million liters of tequila, and eat a lot of guacamole with 68 million tons of avocados purchased in the U.S. in the two weeks leading

up to Cinco de Mayo. However, while some use it as an excuse to party for many Mexican-Americans, it's another reason to celebrate their culture. It's a day of remembrance and connectivity with your indigenous and Mexican ancestry. A rich history that keeps adding to the Latino identity of America. Guad vanegas, NBC News. Quad, vanegas, with a very important piece of history for us tonight. Guad, we thank you for that. And when we come back, a look at what to binge watch and listen to this weekend. It is Friday. We'll tell you about the hit series Bridgerton, how it's back for a third. season. Plus a star-studied cast joins Pete Davidson for a new show about his life in Staten

Island and Joe Pesci's a part of it. Plus new music by Jack Harlow. That's all coming up next. Hey, everybody. Welcome back. It is Friday night, which means we are back now with Bingeworthy. Our look at the best things to watch and listen to this weekend. And we are joined now by USA Today's host of Entertain This, the one and only, Ralphie Aversa. Ralphie, what's up, man? Tom, it's great to meet you. Great to meet you, too. I've heard a lot about you. Likewise. In the business, you're known as just Ralphie, though, right? Yeah. Kind of like Madonna. Ralphie. Exactly. You got it. That's awesome. We're excited to have you here. We're going to start with Bridgeton. Okay. I'll admit to you, I've never seen a single episode of anything connected

to Bridgerton. That's fair. But I know people love it, and this is the prequel. Yes. We're talking Netflix. We're talking Queen Charlotte on Netflix. Okay, let's take a look. We have a clip. Hello, Charlotte. Your Majesty. To you, I'm George. I realize you have no reason to like me. But if you will give me one evening of your time, might make you hate me a little bit less. That's a reasonable idea. All right, Ralphie, give it. So this is the prequel.

What is it about? All right, so it's Queen Charlotte, and it kind of goes back in time, and it goes forward as well, so it doesn't necessarily stay in one place. India Amatefio stars as Queen Charlotte in it, and we gave it three out of four stars. Wow, are you like today?

Yeah, so if you like Bridgeton, you're going to like this as well. People like Bridgeton, right? Because it's hot. It gets hot and heavy on Bridgetton, right? Queen Charlotte's got a little bit of that snappiness, that sexiness to it as well. So, yeah, I think that will be one of the allures.

You think it'll be as popular with viewers that like the original Bridgeton? So prequels are almost never as popular, but I think it could almost live up to the expectations. Okay, next up, we got another big one. I'm going to look right over here. You know what it's about. I know what it's about.

It's called Silo. Apple TV. A lot of people are talking about it because it's based on a popular sci-fi book series. Let's take a look at that clip. We do not know who built the silo. and why we are underground. We only know the world outside our sanctuary is death.

If you boil the pact down to one rule, it's do not say you want to go outside. Look, I like post-apocalyptic things. This sort of kind of interests me a little bit, but this has been on for a while, right? I don't, yes, yes. Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones. Tim Robbins is in this one as well.

The Hugh Howie Trilogy of Books is what it's based on. They're underground living in a silo, and they have all of these rules that they think are protecting them, but then they realize maybe that's not exactly the case. So it's a little sci-fi, a little out there for sure. And kind of maybe a look into the future? I hope not. And this is Apple TV.

Yes, and this is Apple TV. Okay, I have to check that one out. Okay, the other one here that we're talking about is the other two. And people love this show. HBO Max. Let's take a look at the clip. What we both do is nothing. What we do is

nothing. Don't you want acting to be more? I'd love to not just act, but also to make a difference. So I want to be gay Albert Einstein and win an Oscar. Being a manager of meaningful to me, but I can't do it without feeling judged. Okay, this sort of feels like a therapy situation. So Ralphie, you're probably the coolest person that's ever been on top story, but we have a very cool staff, and they tell me that this is their favorite show.

Is it awesome? I've never seen it. Well, here's a lot of connections to 30 Rock, because the co-creators were both SNL headwriters, Molly Shannon, and it as well. We spoke with Molly, actually, just as season two was getting ready to be released, and she loves her character in it, so she says her mom is kind of like, you know, every mom in a sense. And this season's really interesting, season three, because you have two siblings that have to deal with their younger brother

becoming an internet sensation overnight. This is going to be really, really well. Real quick, because we have our staffers here. We got like a team of about 1,000 people that make Top Story happen. Is it Laugh Out Loud Funny? Matt, it's Laugh Out Loud Funny. Wow. Okay, so look, hey, top series, a top story, I should say.

They love the series. Bub Kiss, this is your number one pick. Yeah. I'm going to let you handle this. Go. And then toss to the clip. Go, you do it. Yeah, I'm most excited for Buck Kiss because Pete Davidson.

I mean, he's the guy, but not just Pete Davidson. Edie Falco starring in this. Pete and everybody at NBC somehow got Joe Pesci this as well. Streaming on Peacock, let's take a look. Is that the Davidson? I just wanted to spend a little time with my grandson, where it's all about. You're not supposed to smoke here.

What are you, a forest ranger? Time to free my mind of limitation. Peter. Mom? Does Dave know you have his Klingon sword? It's a glave, and no, he doesn't. Yeah! You run around like a kid and you're not a kid anymore. You're a man. You know, I think I turned out okay, right? Don't you live with your mom?

Pete Davidson, the pride of Staten Island. Great scene Joe Pesci back in action, too. Right? She said that is pretty awesome. Yeah. What are the reviews like? What are people saying about it? People like it so far.

You know, it's interesting. We spoke with Edie Falco, and her agents were afraid to send her the script, because apparently the first scene in the script was so out there. We'll just leave it at that, that they didn't think she would be interested. But she was like, all right, let's do it. Again, it's loosely based on the life of a one Pete Davidson. And, yeah, as you said, set in Staten Island. And some people say it's sort of like curb your enthusiasm.

Do you know how people make that comparison? Is it the brighting? Because A, it's funny, and B, you look at it, and some of the storylines may be fictional, but you know it's, but you think to yourself, this could really be Pete's life, though. And again, it's loosely based on it. All right, time for a little controversy, right? Time to get serious, Ralph. I don't know if you know what's happening right now.

Hold on. The Bama Rush trailer going underground into the Rush Pledge season, right? at Alabama for sororities. We don't have the series yet, but we have a trailer. Let's take a look. Think about the undercurrent of racism that has been so prominent in our history. The culture at Alabama is weird.

What are you filming for? Not to be dramatic, but this documentary could be the end of replay as we know it. These accounts don't even look real. A lot going on here. A lot to discuss, Ralphie. So what do we think? It's obviously going to be explosive. And how does it work? They essentially, they miced up girls who were going through rush at the University of Alabama? Yes, they followed some of them around. And this really all started when the hashtag rush talk movement became viral, I guess, if you want to call it, that on TikTok.

And it really documents, you know, these women rushing to the sororities and then also their participation in the sororities as well. The University of Alabama, in particular, I mean, back in 2015, we had a story about one of the sororities releasing a recruitment video that was, you wonder, like, is this for a sorority or is this for something else? Because it seemed like they were only just marketing looks as opposed to other things that sororities participate in. So this, again, just from the trailer. Do we know if it's a series or a doc or what it's going to be? I think it's a doc. Okay, wow. And it premieres May 23rd.

You're right. Well, docu-series, so maybe we'll have a couple episodes. I'm going to look forward to that. That looks interesting. We want to move on to music, right? It's Friday. We've got to get our groove on, you know? You're rolling around with the windows down, right?

Wherever you're going. I hope so. I hope the weather's that good this week. All right, I haven't looked yet. Jack Harlow, he's got a new one. His third album, this is the single. Let's listen. It's striving to be the most dominant ever,

the hardest white boys since the one who rapped about vomiting sweaters and hold the comments because I promise you, I'm honestly better than whoever came to your head right then. They ain't cut from the same threat like him. They don't study doing work to get ahead like him. They don't toss and turn in the fucking. bed like him because they don't love it, they don't love it, they don't love it.

Little profanity there, Ralphia. I wasn't ready for that, so you can't be listening with the kids. I like it. I got to say, I like Jack Harlow, I'm a fan. I think this album, it's a little different from his second album, which was huge. Less, I don't know if the word's poppy, but it feels like it's more hip-hop than his second one. See, that's what the mainstream success allows you, because you can kind of then take a few more

chances, and you know, you almost feel like you have to come out with that mainstream hit and, like, garner this big audience. And then, I mean, Drake's done this. So many artists have done this. Yeah, a lot of comparisons between Drake and Jack Harle. Obviously, in a much different part in his career, Drake has had a tremendous career, and he keeps making amazing music. Absolutely.

Next one, Kim Petrus, Nikki Minaj, alone. This video's got a lot going on. If you have children, tell him to go away for right now. Here's the video. It's Barbie and it's Kim Petrus. Make care of the syndrome, they extras. We ain't answering questions. Click on a B'B, so she finished her sentence.

I'll let me know. Tell me now, don't hesitate. You've got one chance, baby, don't. Let the moment slip away. I've been trying to give it to you all night. What's it going to take to get you on a loom? I'll tell you in a second. Oh, there you.

Rafi, I was asking you, what's the song they sampled? What's the one they sampled? Better Off Alone by Alice DJ. Oh, okay. Oh, God, that's right. So, David Gatta and B.B. Rex, they sampled Eiffel 65 Blue for that song. I'm good. And I'm feeling I'm not going to sing.

That was a bang. Number one smash. It was a banger, Ralphie. A banger, yes, exactly. I don't know if Kim and Nikki were taking a page out of their book or not, but regardless, that's essentially what they're doing here, sampling that later 90s. I don't know if I'm getting older or what, but I feel like we're sampling a lot of songs that they weren't, they're not that old. But to me, they're not that old, but they're now sampling them again.

It's like, I thought it had to be like 30, 30, 40 years, but I don't know. Well, this is from the late 90s, but the 90s were, you know, a couple decades ago now, Tom. I know it's rough. Nineties were good. It's rough. I want to thank our Top Story staff because that video was kind of hot and they were able to sort of cut around it, which was great. Big thank you to you. Actually, you know what?

This is free. Look at this. This is how great the staff is. Look at that. We put that on camera. Look, there you go. There you go. Look at that.

Great job. Ralphie, there you go, buddy. Thanks for being here, man. There you go. I'm there. Hey, Ralphie, pleasure to meet you. And we thank you for watching Top Story. I'm Tom.

Thomas in New York. Stay right there. More news on the way.