Top Story with Tom Llamas - Monday, February 23, 2026

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight, the blizzard of 26, one of the biggest snowstorms ever to blast the East Coast, dumping nearly two feet of snow across major cities. Power outages, flight cancellations piling up right now. The powerful winter storm crippling the northeast, blinding snow and hurricane force winds, drivers stranded. This ambulance trapped in the snow. More than half a million Americans without power. Coastal flooding, swamping neighborhoods, Providence, Rhode Island, with its most snowfall ever. on record. Also tonight, air travel meltdown, thousands of flights canceled as major hubs are left paralyzed by the storm. Plus, Bill Cairns tracking a new round of snow on the way. Violence erupting

in popular tourist spots in Mexico, Americans ordered to shelter in place, cars and buses set on fire after the country's most wanted drug lord is killed. The son of Rob Reiner in court, pleading not guilty to killing his parents. What happened inside that courtroom? Bafta's backlash, the British Academy Film Awards facing outrage after a guest with Tourette syndrome unintentionally shouted a racial slur at two black actors presenting an award. The questions over how it was handled. Ski-lift malfunctioned terrifying moments as a chairlift goes in reverse, forcing skiers and snowboarders to scramble to get out of the way. The moving crew to the rescue, a group of movers and a security guard credited with saving a child who was kidnapped.

The moment they devised and carried out their plan, all captured on camera. Plus, the latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie. How long could it take to get key DNA results back? We'll explain. Top story starts right now. Good evening. I'm Kate Snow. And for Tom tonight, we begin with that record-breaking blizzard slamming much of the East Coast,

more than two feet of snow, 80-mile-per-hour winds and knocking out power for half a million Americans. Whiteout conditions and zero visibility in Massachusetts. Power lines down, cables whipping in the wind, huge trees falling across roads and into homes, windows frozen shut with snow as the snowfall climbs to 30 inches in some parts of that state. In New York, cars stuck in heavy snow in many parts of the state, stranded drive. digging, pushing, and pulling their way out. A rare thunder snow lighting up the stormy city skies, and this frightening moment, a tree fell in the middle of a street.

New York City now digging out after one of the biggest storms in its history. And in New Jersey, power lines sparking during dangerous winds. Snow falling at rates of two to three inches per hour today. New Jersey, one of seven states, to issue a state of emergency. intense winds knocking out power for more than 500,000 customers across the Northeast. And this nasty winter blasts sparking travel chaos. Nearly 6,000 flights canceled more than 3,000 delayed nationwide, and it's not over yet. We're tracking two more storms that could hit the same areas already

buried under feet of snow. Bill Cairns standing by with the timing on that. We've got full team coverage tonight. Our reporters spread out from state to state to bring you the very latest at this hour. We're going to begin right here in New York City and Emily Aketa leads us off. Tonight, a record-setting blizzard bearing down on millions of Americans and turning travel treacherous in the Northeast with zero visibility. Drivers pushing and pulling cars stuck in snow. You barely can make out this one and first responders braving brutal conditions. Overnight, rare thunder. snow lit up New York City.

There was again. Wow. While wind gusts topping 80 miles an hour reeked havoc along the East Coast. Oh, it's getting strong here. Downing trees and power lines. More than half a million Americans without power today, from Virginia to Massachusetts.

Look how these windows froze over. When it comes to power restoration, the issue really isn't going to be crews. We've got the cruise. The issue is going to be access. So when does the wind die down enough? so that it's safe for people to get out in bucket trucks. Seven governors declared states of emergency,

as some plows and emergency vehicles struggled to navigate the snow, falling at two, even three inches an hour today. More than two feet of snow has been recorded in parts of five states. Nicole Motor is in Rhode Island. Here in Rhode Island, this blizzard is shattering records. Providence getting more than 30 inches of snow, the most it's ever seen. The nor'easter, crippling air.

rail and roadway travel in one of the most populated corridors of the U.S. I've got another scarf. I've got a two pair of pants I have on a t-shirt a sweater and a coat. Evan Blair dug out his car from nearly 20 inches of snow in New York City. The road conditions are pretty slippery, very wet, so it would be very difficult to drive or even walk through any of the roads. Well here's an unusual site in New York City. Quiet roadways because of a travel ban impacting part of today to make room for snow plows and emergency workers in these treacherous conditions. Our teams capturing similar scenes in cities across the region facing travel restrictions, including

in New Jersey, where coastal residents are also contending with flooding as this February blizzard carves a path of destruction. And Emily Aketa joins us now from New York City. Emily, we know that the city officially experienced one of the top 10 worst snowstorms in the city's history. How long could the cleanup take? and what will it be done before more snow might move in? Well,

well, Kate, with snow just about everywhere you turn, it's a race against time for officials to clear the roadways before. As you mentioned, more snow is on the way. You're going to find these massive snow piles across the city with some 2,300 snow plows working to clear the roads. On top of concerns around cleanup and clean up in time ahead of that additional precipitation, power outages remain another big concern tonight, Crews are waiting for roads to be cleared and the winds to die down in order to restore power to hundreds of thousands of people, Kate.

All right, Emily, thank you. And right now, parts of New Jersey are buried under two feet of snowfall, neighborhoods left unrecognizable. Our Valerie Castro is in the hard hit town of freehold tonight. Valerie, you've been monitoring the conditions I've seen you all day long, people still digging out. Talk to me about what you're seeing, what you're hearing from people who live there. Yeah, Kate, this is actually a county vehicle behind me. They've been working to play. this street all day long, but you're right. This is one of the hardest hit areas when it comes to snow. Freehold recording 26 inches of snow, burying cars just like this one. This is actually a Kia underneath this snow, and this snow is wet and extremely heavy. It's perfect for

maybe building a snowman, not so much for trees and power lines. There were a lot of power outages reported throughout the state today. At one point, more than 100,000 customers without power. We have seen the utility crews out working today, working to restore power, but for people in like this, they will be digging out for at least the next several days. The family that owns this truck tells me it took two hours to make just as much progress. They say they started plowing the driveway and their other vehicles out. They started digging those things out last night when the snow began to fall. Well, that was smart. Valerie, thank you so much. Let's go further north to Massachusetts, where parts of the state are still under a blizzard warning at this hour.

I want to go to Oscar Margain from NBC Boston. He's in the town of Winthrop, which is on the coast, just north of Boston. Oscar, good to see you. Tell me about conditions where you are right now. Hey, Kate, well, the snow continues to fall now for the last 20 hours here, and it continues to pile on a lot of the snow we already had from several weeks ago, maybe another foot or two on top of all of that. Now, this is also an issue when it comes to storm surges and also high tide. The winds have also been relentless here, and it's also made it very difficult for the plows across the state. to try to get through all of that snow. The governor here issuing a travel ban

for the southern western part of the state because of the current conditions, Kate. And Oscar Winthrop experienced, I know multiple water main breaks today in addition to severe coastal flooding because you're right on the coast there. What is the latest on how long it's going to take to recover from this?

Well, the folks that I've been talking to here on this street, they are seeing some relief here after the town, did deploy some water pumps. Now, there have been four water main bricks here in town today alone. A lot of that was prompted by power outages. And so folks here are having to deal not just with the snow, but also with a lot of the water that seeped into their basements in the places that did get flooded because of these water main bricks. Now, a couple of neighbors do have some water pumps. They were prepared for that. Some other neighbors do not have any pumps. They also don't have any power, and they're currently trying to find another place to stay for the night.

Yeah, it's really cold there too. Oscar, thank you so much. Let's get right to NBC News, meteorologist Bill Karens. Now, Bill, some of these areas, we just painted a picture, they're getting hit really hard. Walk us through the snow totals, the wind speeds we've seen. Yeah, we're not done yet. We still have another couple hours to go in southeast mass.

I know you're just waiting for the storm to end. It's been ridiculously long-lived. So we did set some records. We mentioned the Providence's all-time highest ever. New York City top 10. Newark Airport, second all time. So it wasn't just an isolated area. This was an historic blizzard by any accounts. The max wind gusts, Montauk, 84 miles per hour, New Antucket, 83. This is why we have so many power outages in areas of the Cape Cod, southeast mass, and out on Long Island. We still have this one last band of snow that's still

sitting here. The south towns, you know, just south of Boston, have been extremely hard hit by this storm, not just the power outages, but the snow, the heavy wet pastings, snow. So this storm will be exiting tonight, Kate. The winds will die down. I know schools are canceled tomorrow for the Boston area while in New York City kids. You have to go back to school. Okay. And I heard you say there might be some more snow. Please tell me it's not as serious as what we just went through. Not even close. More of a typical fast-moving storm. So this is what we call a clipper storm. Yes, the blue shows you the snow. It's more of the timing. I just mentioned, schools canceled in a lot of areas of southeast and mass. Then when you try to get back to school on

Wednesday morning, here comes another one to three inches of snow. It's just the timing of it, makes it kind of messy. There's a bigger storm as we go throughout Thursday into Friday. Mostly notice the green colors. That's our shading for rain. That's good, but there's a little narrow blue strip to the north of this. We could have some more additional snow in New York City to southern portions of New England. That wouldn't be until Friday morning.

We'll pinpoint that for you as we get a little closer. All right, Bill Caron's for us. Bill, thanks so much. Up next tonight, President Trump reacting after the alarming security incident at his home in Mar-a-Lago. Authorities say officers should. shot and killed an armed intruder who breached the security perimeter. NBC's Gabe Gutierrez has more. Tonight, President Trump's speaking out after another alarming security threat.

I don't know how long I'll be around. Got a lot of people gunning for me, don't I have? The president was at the White House early Sunday as law enforcement agents shot and killed an intruder at Mar-a-Lago. Two law enforcement sources identifying the suspect as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina. Now, investigators are trying to determine why he allegedly breached the property's security perimeter around 1.30 a.m. carrying what appeared to be a gas can and a shotgun. Police say he was ordered to drop them. He put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position. At that point in time, the deputy and the two secret service agents fired their weapons. President Trump faced two assassination attempts in 2024. You read about all these crazy shoots? but they only go after consequential presidents.

While this investigation is underway, the FBI director is facing backlash for celebrating with the American men's hockey team in Milan. Cash Patel, a longtime hockey fan, can be seen drinking a beer and spring and in the locker room. Also, holding the phone as President Trump addressed the players. Patel says he traveled to the Olympics to meet with his Italian counterparts since the U.S. helped provide security, and that he was invited to sell. a historic moment by his friends on the team. An FBI spokesperson says Patel would reimburse any personal expenses.

Gabe, this is all playing out as President Trump is preparing for the state of the union tomorrow night. What more are we learning about what the president might focus on? Well, not many specifics here, Kate, but today the president did say that he expected it to be a very long speech since he had a lot to talk about. Now, Kate, his last previously, he does hold the record for the longest state of the union clocking in at one hour and 40 minutes. It's anyone's guess whether he goes longer than that this time. But it's a sure bet that his administration will focus on some of what it feels have been his accomplishments over the last year, including something that many Americans do

want to hear about, according to polls, the economy. Kate. Gabe Gutierrez at the White House. Thanks, Gabe. And you can catch special State of the Union coverage right here on NBC News Now. That starts at 4 p.m. Eastern tomorrow. We want to give you an update now on the search for Nancy Guthrie, now entering its fourth week. Tonight, officials say they still have no suspect, but they are pursuing the possibility that there may be multiple people involved. As local and federal agencies are in the process of analyzing samples found at the scene that contain a mixture of one more, sorry, more than one person's DNA. Aaron McLaughlin is on the ground in Tucson for us tonight. Erin, good evening. I know you spoke to the Pima County Sheriff about that DNA that's being processed.

What did he tell you about the timeline? Yeah, that's right, Kate. This has to do with the DNA found inside Nancy Guthrie's home that investigators say may have come from the suspect. The issue is the sample that they have recovered is mixed. And experts I've been talking to say that that poses a challenge to the investigation. I asked Sheriff Nanos, about that. He said that there are challenges with the DNA. Take a listen to what he had to say. I am no DNA expert by no means. We listen to our lab. And our lab tells us that there's challenges with it. And we understand those challenges. But our lab also knows that the technology

is moving so fast and in such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks, months, or maybe a year, to allow them to do better with, say, a mixture of that kind of thing. Nano said that they are making progress in other areas of the investigation, specifically having to do with that nest camera footage, which investigators say shows a suspect on Nancy Guthrie's doorstep. The night of the kidnapping, he told me they are getting closer to identifying some of the articles of clothing, including the shirt, the pants, and the shoes. He said that they've

already identified the backpack in question as being exclusively sold from Walmart. Karen, we know so many different communities have come together to support Savannah Guthrie and her family. You spoke with some of her sorority sisters there at the University of Arizona. What are they doing? Yeah, that's right, Kate. Savannah attended the University of Arizona. She's a member of the Phi Beta Pi Sorority. And I say, sat down with some of her sorority sisters who told me they are showing up for her any way they can. Whether you're young or you're old, you've felt an impact through this case. And even from the beginning, just hearing the awful news, I feel like it's really important to stay together,

especially now and just continue to support them and show our love, especially because we are her sisters. And she knows Tucson is her home, but we hope that she knows that we are all her home now, too. Savannah visited that sorority just a few months ago for the Today Show in the fall. I'm told she took a photo with every single sorority sister. That's more than 400 women. And they were telling me how they want to show up for Savannah in the same way when she needs it most. Kate. Well, that's typical Savannah, isn't it?

Erin, thank you so much. We are back in a moment with the violence and chaos in Mexico. A day after the army there killed one of the... the country's most powerful drug lords. We'll hear from American tourists forced to shelter in place. Plus, Nick Reiner back in court today pleading not guilty in the murder of his parents, the latest on the case and where it all goes from here. And the remarkable rescue, how a team of movers helped save a young girl who had been kidnapped. We'll show you the dramatic dash cam video ahead on Top Story.

We are back now with the latest in the shocking deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle. Nick Reiner pleading not guilty to two counts of murder at an arraignment today in Los Angeles. NBC's Morgan Chesky is following it all from L.A. tonight. Morgan, this is the first time that we've seen Nick Reiner in court since his high-profile defense attorney, Alan Jackson, asked to be removed from the case when we actually saw him in court today. What did we learn today? Yeah, Kay, what we learned is that essentially we're now seeing real steps in this high-profile case that's incredibly scrutinized. The arraignment in this case only lasted a few minutes.

We heard Nick Reiner say a few words, if anything at all. You can see his public defender standing to the side of him there. They entered that plea of not guilty to the judge, Kate. And that was important for a few reasons. Number one, we now know where he stands as his case goes forward. Number two, it was not guilty. It wasn't not guilty by reason of insanity. There have been a number of questions that have arisen as to Reiner's mental health, particularly some people pointing to the fact that he had changed medications for schizophrenia prior to the murders of his mother and father, the exact timeline of that switch unknown. But that's been certainly a key point in this ongoing investigation. And the last time we saw him in court, it was a stunning moment

because we saw his high-profile defense attorney Alan Jackson stepped down. It was at that point the judge gave this public defender about a month or so to go over the evidence that Jackson's team had been pouring over since this horrific ordeal took place. And we now have a preliminary hearing set for April 29th, and that's going to be potentially very telling, Kate, because we could have some evidence be presented before a judge. And so that may shed some light on the potential defense strategy as his case continues. And Morgan, prosecutors say they're considering seeking the death penalty. No decision on that yet? No decision we did hear from top prosecutor Nathan Hockman earlier today, Kate. And the only reason that the death penalty is on the table is because these special circumstances have been added to these first-degree murder charges.

Essentially, it's an enhancement of that charge. And that means that should this go to trial and if Nick Reiner is convicted, it could be life in prison without the possibility of parole. or as you mentioned, the possibility of the death penalty does remain. We heard Hockman say earlier today that his team has yet to take that off the table. It is somewhat complicated in California, where they've placed the death penalty under a moratorium. But it is certainly a key aspect of this case as it continues to progress here. All right. Morgan Chesky for us. Morgan, thanks so much. Next tonight to growing calls for Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez to resign.

after newly obtained messages, sparking questions over an alleged relationship that he had with a staffer who died by suicide last year. NBC's Ryan Nobles has that report. Tonight, some Republicans now joining Democrats calling for embattled Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez to resign, as we're now seeing sexually explicit text messages between the lawmaker and a member of his staff who took her own life. The texts were obtained by NBC News and confirmed by the attorney for the husband of Regina Santos Havilas. In one of them, Gonzalez wrote, quote, send me a sexy pick and mentioned multiple sexual acts. Santos Avillas replied, this is too far, Tony, and please tell me you didn't just hire me because I was hot. Gonzalez replied, no way.

The texts are only from one day and do not address if there was a physical relationship. Gonzalez did not respond to our requests for comment on the texts. Santos Avelas's husband has accused Gonzalez of having an affair with her. Gonzalez has previously denied the allegations of an affair, but now accusing his opponent in a hotly contested GOP primary of personal smears. Tonight, several Republican members of Congress have called on Gonzalez to resign or quit the race. We pressed House Speaker Mike Johnson. Do you still support Tony Gonzalez's reelection right now, Mr. Speaker,

Tony, before all these allegations came out, they're obviously very serious. It's too early for anybody to prejudge any of that, but we'll see how it develops. And Ryan joins us now from Washington. Ryan, the Office of Congressional Conduct has investigated this? That's right, Kate. And we are told by two different sources familiar with that investigation that they have wrapped up the investigation. They will eventually transmit a report to the House Ethics Committee, which has the power

to actually penalize Gonzalez, if there's any. wrongdoing. The problem, though, is they will not transmit that report until the day after the primary. The Office of Congressional Conduct has a 60-day blackout period in which they cannot transmit any of their findings to the House Ethics Committee before an election. Of course, the primary is on March 3rd, so the expectation is that the Ethics Committee could get that report as soon as the next day. Now, House rules explicitly state that members of Congress may not be involved romantically with their staff. And so if Gonzalez is guilty of this, if there is evidence that he was actually having an affair with his staffer, he could be subject to a whole host of penalties

by the House Ethics Committee. The most detrimental, of course, would be possible expulsion, and that would require a vote of the entire House. So there's a long list of things that could happen here in the aftermath of this scandal. Kay. All right. Ryan Nobles for us on Capitol Hill. Ryan, thank you. The former American Idol, A contestant accused of murdering his wife while his children were inside the family's home. The shocking allegations tonight. Plus, the dramatic rescue of a stranded hiker who was lost for five days, how that man was finally pulled to safety. But first, top story's top moment and the daughter pulling off a sweet surprise for her beloved dad.

Fee told her dad that they were going out to dinner for his birthday. On the way there, the two walked by a theater with his favorite play. on the marquee, The Wiz. Little did he know that detour was all part of the plan. Take a look. The Wiz is showing there? No way. Oh, are they?

Oh, yeah. Damn, wouldn't that be crazy if I, I don't know, got us tickets to go see it? No, you didn't. You didn't. Wouldn't that be just the craziest thing? You did? Would it? But he tells us her dad has loved the Whiz ever since he was a kid,

but this was the very first time he ever saw the show live. A special moment for the both of them. Beautiful. Stay right there. We'll be right back. Back now with Top Stories news feed, a federal judge permanently blocking the release of special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's handling of classified documents. That court ordered today coming from U.S. District Judge Aline Cannon, who was nominated

by Mr. Trump. She wrote in part, the report should not be released outside of the Justice. Department due to quote the unlawful appointment of special counsel Smith. Cannon dismissed the case in 2024, which the DOJ under President Biden appealed. And the trial has begun for a Utah mom accused of fatally poisoning her husband before writing a children's book about grief. Real estate agent Corey Ritchins has pleaded not guilty to charges, including aggravated murder and attempted homicide. Her husband was found dead from a fentanyl overdose in the couple's Utah home in 20, 2022. Prosecutors alleged Richens slipped her husband that fatal dose of fentanyl in a drink after

taking out life insurance policies on him, totaling nearly $2 million. The Coast Guard is releasing new video of crews rescuing a stranded hiker in Oregon who had been missing for five days. You can see crews lowering a rescue swimmer into the river valley, then hoisting the 26-year-old hiker on board their aircraft. The Coast Guard says he could not be evacuated. on foot because he had injuries on his hands and feet. He was found by a private party that was coordinating with search and rescue teams. And a first of its kind showdown coming to Las Vegas's sphere between two of the greatest boxers of all time, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, agreeing to go head to head in an epic rematch that will mark the first ever pro boxing match

at that venue. The fight is set for September 19th. It'll be streamed globally on Netflix. Now to the dramatic scenes out of Mexico, cartel violence erupting near popular tourist spots. Americans ordered to shelter in place. Cars and buses were set on fire after the Mexican military killed the country's most wanted drug lord. NBC's George Solis has more. Tonight, those stunning scenes of destruction across Mexico.

Buildings and cars lit on fire in a wave of drug cartel violence. Stores sprayed with bullets, including in Puerto Vallarta, resort popular with Americans. That white SUV in flames is Yoni Pizer's rental car, taken, he says, by cartel members. He approached the car, pointed his guns at my head and said in Spanish yelling, get out of the car, get out of the car. He says the cartel members appear to want the vehicle as a roadblock. The cartel's unleashing violence after Mexican special forces killed notorious drug boss, Nemesio Ruben Osuggera Servantes, also known as El Mencho, who ran the halalette. New Generation Cartel. And tonight, Mexican officials revealing they learned El Meno's location

by tracking one of his mistresses. The U.S. also provided intelligence for the operation, according to the White House. At least 25 Mexican soldiers were killed. Just yesterday, this was the alarming scene in Guadahara Airport. Panicked passengers scrambling with their luggage. Telemundo's Julio Bakero is there tonight. Today, the Guadalajara International Airport is slowly going back to normal. You can see operations coming back. However, you can also feel the tension

hanging in the silence. American tourists, Adrian Morefield, like so many others, eager to get home. The uncertainty of when all of this is going to clear up, it makes you question when we're going to be able to make it home to our loved ones safely. And George Salis joins us now from Miami. George, we're hearing from Mexico's president tonight?

Yeah, that's right. President Claudia Scheimbaum, essentially saying and urging calm, saying there is tranquility after this operation, really trying to make sure that Mexicans and American tourists there feel that they are comfortable, despite the fact that you have the U.S. State Department saying, look, you're going to have some flights that are still being disrupted as a result of all of this interaction and unrest that occurred over the weekend, some roadways possibly still impacted, but she's making it clear that the Mexican government is in control. Kate.

George Solis, thank you. I want to bring in Telemundo anchor Julio Bakero now, who's reporting from Guadalajara, Mexico tonight. Julio, we saw you in George's piece. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground there? We're seeing reports the Mexican military might be in that city now. Have things calmed? Yes, hey, Kate, this is a ghost city.

So let's think about this. It's the second largest city in Mexico. than five people live in Guadalajara, in the metropolitan area. This is supposed to be a dynamic city, but today it's practically empty. As I mentioned in George's peace, the tension is still hanging in the silence. And people are afraid to leave their homes. Yes, the military is here, yes, the authorities are here, and it's true. President Claudio Schaimbaum says that the government has the situation under control,

but you can still feel the fear in this community. Julio, for our American audience who maybe doesn't know a lot about the Holisco New Generation Cartel, can you explain their power and why we saw those roadblocks and those fires over the weekend? Sure. This is an extremely dangerous drug cartel. It grew very violently and very fast. In about 10 years, it was able to reach almost every corner of the Mexican territory. And it's dangerous because of there are violence because instead of hiding from authorities, it has really fought authorities directly in a very violent way. It also found a way to traffic drugs in a very efficient way.

A lot of the fentanyl that gets into the United States because of the Cartel-Halisco New Generation. And the third thing is that people here in Guadalajara say that nothing happens without the Cartel-Halisco New Generation. knowing about it. So they have the control of the local authorities and practically most of what happens in this city. Julio, we've reported at NBC News that the Trump administration is weighing a range of options for targeting Mexican drug cartels, including drone strikes or other operations carried out jointly

with Mexico or even unilaterally by the U.S. What are you hearing from Mexican officials about whether the U.S. might get more involved? Well, it seems like this capture was a... that the cooperation is taking place. Both governments are working together. We've seen a lot of pressure from the White House over the Mexico City's government to work against these criminals and these drug kingpings. And this is a sign to President Trump that the Mexican government wants to work and keep on cooperating. But also, the Mexican government has been very clear. They are willing to work together. They don't want American boots on the ground.

Julio Bakero really appreciate you. Thanks so much for being with us tonight. Still to come on top story, BAFTA backlash, the award show sparking outrage after a guest with Tourette syndrome unintentionally used a racial slur during the ceremony, the latest on the controversy over how the BBC responded. Plus, a former UK ambassador to the United States arrested over an investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, why police want to talk to him. That's next. Back now with a disturbing case, a former American Idol contestant charged with murdering his wife. Authorities accusing him of staging the crime scene all while the couple's kids were at home. NBC's Kathy Park has this one.

Tonight, Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant in the spotlight again. This time accused of murdering his wife Ashley, allegedly staging the crime scene in their Ohio home, while their two children slept nearby. Authorities say he called 911, reporting what he claimed was a burglary gone wrong last week. Oh, my, my county, not on. Oh, my God. Somebody, somebody broke into my home. Somebody broke in my home and saw my wife.

What are you seeing? My wife is, she got two shots to her hands. There's blood everywhere. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Police charged Flynn with murder, felony assault and tampering with evidence, pleading not guilty during a court appearance last Friday.

Sir, I just want to take care of my daughters. I'm not at risk. It's a dramatic turn for the former American Idol contestant who once won over fans in 2013. In this video, the self-described music pastor spoke openly about his faith and devotion to his wife. I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty. Just, I love her. Ashley, a teacher and volleyball coach, is being remembered for the positive impact she had in and out of the classroom and on the court. Her family sharing in a statement, we are clinging to our faith, just as Ashley did each and every day. And Kathy Park joins us now to break this down.

Kathy, we're hearing more from Flynn's lawyer tonight, right? And what comes next in the case? Kate, that's right. So Caleb Flynn's attorney released a statement saying that they're disappointed with the short timeline and the seeming rush to judgment. We should point out that the next court appearance for Caleb is set for this coming Thursday. Meanwhile, Ashley's family, they are in mourning. Yesterday, they held her funeral. And we should also point out that the two girls that belong to the Flynn's right now, they have a go-fund me account that's been created for them. They are both caught in this tragedy. Okay. All right. Kathy Park for us. Kathy, Thank you. Now to a remarkable story out of Phoenix, a crew of movers jumping into action to help save a three-year-old girl who had been kidnapped.

Their quick thinking, all captured on the truck's dash camera. Steve Patterson has the video and the story. So, stay here? No, you're me, Shena. That's not that it's not that little girl. Tonight, the mindfulness of a few good movers, stopping a possible abductor in her tracks with one simple, yet heroic maneuver. Oh, my God, that's her. Is it really? Yeah, that's her. It looks like her.

That's exactly what she will say. Employees from Camelback Moving Company jumping into action Tuesday just outside Phoenix after a security guard spotted a missing three-year-old Kalani Rogers being escorted into a convenience store by a woman. That's her. It looks like her. The pair matching the description of Kalani and 23-year-old Marina Noriega from a blaring Amber Alert pushed out Monday night. The guys in the truck stunned. but quickly spring a new action. So the guard, took a picture of her, and he's, like, looking at her.

And the thing he said the lady's wearing, like, pink hat. The amber alerted that one out yesterday? Never? Yesterday, that one. Did I block them? Should block them. So the movers quickly come up with a plan, putting themselves and their vehicle between the suspected kidnapper and her only escape.

Look, here comes the pupos right here. Then holding their ground until police arrive. I don't feel as if I'm a hero. It's just a good deed. We just did what anybody should do and try to help out and get the little girl home safe. Did they take the girl? Police IDing the woman as Noriega and taking her into custody. Court documents say Noriega was a random woman who family members brought to the residents to help as she was transient and needed a place to stay.

Go ahead, state. I'm running in Noriega. Kalani is safe and in good health. According to police, they say they do not believe she was harmed during the ordeal. How do you guys feel knowing that she's safe? Relieved, relieved. Because when you get those messages from the Amber Alerts, it's like you never expect to actually see these people, you know, or these kids. Both of us have multiple children. And, you know, that's got to be the worst feeling of the world. So we're really happy for the family and especially for the little girl. Court docs say the victims were contacted and reunited with their daughter who told her parents that she was scared and wanted her mommy and daddy, but she was okay. The community tonight, crediting it all to that one mover maneuver we usually never want to see.

This is absolutely the first time we have blocked a vehicle in where the entire community is fully behind us and happy that it was done. And Steve Patterson joins us now from Los Angeles. Steve, such a scary story that could have turned out so differently, if not for those movers. What more do we know about the suspect tonight? Kate, during a police interview, Noriega claims allegedly, bizarrely, that she was the biological mother of Kalani, then later admitted that that actually wasn't true. She also admitted the glass pipe that police found on her person during the arrest was used to smoke meth while she was in possession of Kalani. She's being held at a Maricopa County jail, $250,000 bond. Kate. Steve Patterson, Forrest. Steve, thanks. Still ahead tonight, Team USA, finishing strong. in Milan, the men's hockey team winning gold for the first time in 46 years will take you inside

their victory party and show you the moment they were welcomed home as heroes. Plus, terrifying moments in China when a ski lift suddenly starts running in reverse. That's next in Top Stories Global Watch. We're back now with the controversy swirling around the BAFTAs, the UK's most prestigious film awards, an attendee who has Tourette syndrome, yelling out a racial slur as actors, Mike Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. The BBC, which aired the moment uncensored, now apologizing. NBC's Ralph Sanchez has more. It was supposed to be an evening of Hollywood glamour mixed with British royalty.

But tonight, the British Film Award ceremony known as the BAFTAs is facing outrage. After black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage only for the N-word to be shouted from the audience. Della and I are delighted to be presenting the first BAFTA of the night for a vital part of movie making. The shout came from John Davidson, who lives with Tourette's syndrome, a condition that can cause people to make sudden involuntary tics, including swearing. His life is being turned into a movie called I Swear. I don't think Tourette's is the problem. People not know about Tourette's is the problem. There are ticks that are called corpolaola, where there's some profanitis.

will come out every once in a while. In about 10 to 15% of cases, and this is rare, right? The words could be inappropriate, like swear words, ethnic slurs or other socially unacceptable words or phrases. BAFTA's ceremony host Alan Cumming offering this explanation. The person who has Tourette's syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended. But while there's understanding for Davidson's condition,

there's also anger with BAFTA organizers. Lindo telling Vanity Fair that he and Jordan did what we had to do, but that he wished someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward. While Wendell Pierce, who starred in the wire with Jordan writing on X, it's infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full-throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn't matter the reasoning for the racist slur.

The incident causing a storm online, but also a chance for understanding. As a black woman with Tourette syndrome, I think I have valuable information to add to the discourse. A lot of people are saying they understand that, you know, Tourette syndrome is involuntary and he can't control it, but he shouldn't have said that. That's conflicting. You are now saying that you don't understand what involuntary and uncontrollable means. 100% understand that the intention doesn't mean that the harm or the hurt wasn't there. In a statement tonight, Bafta apologizing for the very effective.

offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused. It apologized unreservedly to Jordan and Linda, thanking them for their incredible dignity and professionalism. And Raf Sanchez joins us now from London. Raf, the BBC, which aired the award show, is also facing criticism. What are we hearing? Yeah, that's right, Kate. The BBC facing a lot of questions of their handling of this situation. So the ceremony was broadcast on Sunday night, but with a two-hour delay. So the BBC had time to edit or bleep out that racial slur, and they didn't do it. And there are real questions being asked, given that the BBC did edit out other portions of the ceremony. One of the award winners made a comment about Gaza

that was edited out, so they clearly had the ability to do so, and they didn't. The BBC is apologizing, and they say that they will make that edit on the version of the ceremony that went on their streaming service. Raff, we're also hearing from John Davidson. That's the man with Tourette syndrome who shouted the slur. Yeah, Kate, so we just got a deeply personal statement from him. I want to read you just a little bit of it. He says, I am and always have been deeply mortified. If anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,

I've spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community to teach empathy, kindness, and understanding from others, and I'll continue to do so. And he goes on to say that he left the auditorium early in the ceremony because he was aware of the distress that his ticks were causing. So a difficult situation for him and also a difficult situation for those actors on stage, Kate. Yeah, for sure. Raf Sanchez, thank you. Staying overseas with Top Stories Global Watch, British police arresting a former UK ambassador to the U.S. related to a misconduct investigation into his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Video shows plane-closed officers leading Peter Mandelson from his home in London today. The former diplomat is suspected of improperly passing UK government information to Jeffrey Epstein while he was in office. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. In Nepal, police say at least 19 people were killed, including a British national, when a packed bus drove off a mountain highway. You see it here, the aftermath. Authorities say the bus rolled down the slope early this morning, leaving another 25 people hurt. Investigators are looking into what caused the wreck, but we're told the bus accidents are common in Nepal, mostly because of poorly maintained roads and vehicles.

And scary footage from a ski resort in China showing skiers jumping off a lift after it suddenly started going backwards. Look at this. You can see people leaping from the chairs and then scrambling to the side to avoid getting hit. According to Chinese state media, the malfunction happened last week while the ski lift was under maintenance, and thankfully, nobody was hurt. And finally tonight, a historic victory to close out the Winter Olympics in Milan, the U.S. men's hockey team ending their gold medal drought with a stunning sudden death win over rival Canada. It's the first gold for Team USA since the miracle on ice in 1980. Our Stephanie Goss caught up with Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuck as they were celebrating. Take a listen. I'm just lucky that I was a part of this group and I'm a part of a gold medal winning team of the United States for America.

I'm so thankful to be part of this group and, you know, I'm so proud that everyone brought it every single night. And, you know, words don't explain the feeling I'm feeling right now. Tonight, the Olympic champions bringing the gold home arriving to a warm welcome in Miami as the team was rerouted. there for weather. For more on the win, I want to bring in Shaquille Brewster, who's still in Milan for us tonight. Shaq, talk about how extraordinary this moment was for the men's hockey team. Well, Kate, I think you saw it in the faces and the reaction of the players right after that game-winning puck went into the goal. You saw them immediately flood the ice, throw their things off, really hug each other. And it brought me back to a conversation I had with some of the players

in the days before the first game of this tournament, which, where they said they were here to win the gold medal. They knew that they would likely have to go through Canada to do that. And you saw them do it in the most dramatic fashion with that game yesterday in overtime, ending the 46-year gold medal drought for the men hockey team. And doing what they wanted to do, which was come home with two goals for USA hockey when you combine and look at what the women did just last week, Kate. Oh, yeah, right. It's a double. Shaq, thank you. And there's an update on Lindsay Vaughn tonight. Yeah, she had an emotional post on Instagram where she said that, one, she is out of the hospital.

That's a positive thing for the first time in two weeks. But she really detailed the extent of her injuries. I think we have some video to show you of that post. But she said that one, she almost lost her leg in that crash, saying that it almost needed to be amputated. The reason why it wasn't, she says, is because The doctor that was ready to essentially repair her ACL was already there and he was able to save her leg. But she said that this was one of the most painful injuries that she's had times 10. Kate, you know her history. You know how many injuries she's had to go through. And she also said that she broke her right ankle.

So she's currently in a wheelchair will then have to be in crutches for an extended period of time. This is going to be a long road to recovery for Lindsay Vaughn. Yeah, yeah. I had talked to her in 2018 when she was winning medals. and to see how far she came, trying to come back. It's really, we feel for her, don't we? Shaq, let's take one final look at the medal count. How did things shake out for Team USA?

Well, look, Team USA, they made history in these Olympics. While Norway got the overall number of medals, they won the overall medal count, and they made some history themselves and being the only team to exceed 40 medals during the Winter Olympics. Team USA, they brought home the most goals Team USA has ever brought home in a Winter Olympics with those 12 gold medals ending the Olympics at 33. And then we have to shout out Italy.

They have not only been great hosts, but they got that boost in medals as well. They came in third place in that medal count. So very fun games, most Winter Olympic competition that you've seen in history. And I think it's a good setup for when the games, the summer games come to L.A. in just two years, Kate. Yeah, Shaq, you're going to miss that place. I know it. Thank you. Thank you so much for all the coverage. And thank you for watching Top Story. For Tom Yamas, I'm Kate Snow in New York. Stay right there.

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