Top Story with Tom Llamas - Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Episode Date: August 28, 2024

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

breaking tonight new legal action against former president trump over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election special counsel jack smith filing a new indictment in trump's federal election interference case the move a direct response to a supreme court ruling giving former president's immunity for official acts in office what the change could mean for trump and new details on vice president camilla harris's first sit down interview since becoming the democratic nominee. Also tonight, an urgent warning from health officials as mosquito-borne illnesses surge nationwide. A New Hampshire resident dying after contracting AAA. The rare but lethal virus putting communities across New England on edge. We speak with an expert about what you

should know and the action you can take to fend off the disease. The deadly tire explosion at a Delta Airlines facility. What we're learning about the blast killing at least two people and leaving another injured. Hostage rescue. The intense operation to free an Israeli hostage held for more than 10 months. The dramatic video as Israeli defense forces rescue a man held by Hamas in an underground tunnel. His family members racing to the hospital to see him for the first time will take you inside the mission to get the father of 11 out of Gaza. Disturbing video as an Ohio officer kicks a suspect who was on the ground. The police admitting the suspect was complete. applying with orders. The community left outraged. Now calling for answers. California's new firefight.

The state deploying a brand new airtaker to combat wildfires. Could it be the game-changing tool to fight off the flames? Plus, coach mom. Meet the mother's son football duo going viral. Now she's drafted her own playbook to make sure her son has success on and off the field. And the excruciating heat baking 82 million Americans when we, we could finally see some relief. Top story starts right now. And good evening and thanks for joining us. Sam Morgan Chesky in for Tom Yamas.

We are following some breaking news tonight in the criminal cases against former president Donald Trump. Special counsel Jacksmith filing a superseding indictment against Trump in the election interference case. A grand jury returning the indictment on the same four counts filed last August. So why this big change? Well, the new legal filing is in direct response to the Supreme Court's ruling last month on presidential immunity. That ruling said certain official acts by the former president were off-limits from prosecution. Now, this all stems from former President Trump's

efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, including his alleged attempts to obstruct the certification process at the Capitol back on January 6th. Now, the former president pled not guilty to all charges previously and reportedly plans to do the same with this current indictment. To break down what this new indictment says and what it could mean for the case, I do want to welcome Danny Savalos tonight, our NBC News legal analyst. Danny, try to catch us back up here as best you can. Remind our audience what the Supreme Court ruling did and what is this superseding indictment. The Supreme Court granted immunity in some circumstances for former presidents. And they really fall into three categories.

For purely core presidential conduct, there may be absolute immunity. And then on the other end of the spectrum, for something that is purely private, even Trump's own attorney conceded that purely private conduct may be prosecuted after a president leaves office. Perhaps the thornyest area is the middle, the presumption that presidential conduct is presidential, but it is a rebuttable presumption in that. large area in the middle, something that isn't one of his core powers like appointing an ambassador or something like that. There you get into a debate, and there most likely it's an evidentiary hearing, something like that. What the special counsel's office has done here is slimmed down and essentially obtained what's called a superseding indictment. I have to tell you, Morgan, the last superseding indictment I got, and almost all of them, are usually more charges. It's

more stuff that the government has found against your client. It's usually bad. news. It's very unusual to get a slim-down superseding indictment, and that's exactly what the government has done here. Just by way of example, they've removed the allegations essentially that Donald Trump subverted the DOJ. Why did they do that? Because the Supreme Court used that as a specific example of something that is absolutely immune, and you can't even use evidence about it in the prosecution. So that's what the government has done here. They've tried to excise all the stuff that they think might be immune and might get the case tossed. So to understand you here, Danny, essentially it kind of narrowed the playing field in a way?

Yes, they narrow, well, they didn't narrow the counts. All the counts are still there. He's still charged with the same crimes. In a sense, what they've done is taken this indictment and just slim down the evidence they planned to rely on. So they're essentially saying, we still think he committed crime one, two, three, and four. But we're just relying on less evidence, because all you need is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. You don't need all the evidence in the world. As long as you can get to beyond a reasonable doubt, you don't need to pile it on. But the government, especially the federal government, likes to win. They win almost all the time, statistically. We're talking 96% of the time they get a conviction on an indictment. So they're very careful about what

they put in an indictment, and they must have gone back with a magnifying glass and asked themselves, and I'm sure in very challenging meetings, do we think we can get to beyond a reasonable doubt if we excise this stuff, including, for example, the DOJ allegations that he used the DOJ to overturn the election? And they felt that, yes, we can. So they took it to a grand jury. Now we have a superseding indictment. A good context there. Danny, we knew this case was already likely push back until after the election. What does this do to the calendar now? It explodes it. It's just not going to happen before the election. It wasn't likely to anyway. Maybe in some way this could streamline it, because if this gets to an evidentiary hearing, say, before Judge Chuckin,

there's less stuff that she has to grapple with that could be immune or presidential conduct. Again, I keep going back to the allegations that he subverted the DOJ and enlisted their aid or tried to enlist their aid to overturn or challenge the election. The Supreme Court has said that is categorically out. So the special counsel's office essentially looked at their indictment and said, well, we know that's going to get tossed no matter what. So if we supersede, we can get rid of it and save ourselves some time and maybe even move this case forward faster.

But the bottom line is this. If Donald Trump is elected, none of this really matters as to the federal cases because the day he is inaugurated, he will make all of those go. poof, bye-bye. And 70 days to go to find out what happens next. Danny Savalos, thanks for breaking it all down tonight. And for more on how former President Trump's legal battles could impact the presidential election in a mere 70 days.

Let's bring an NBC news correspondent Vaughn Hilliard with us this evening. Vaughn, good evening. First, I want to ask you about what we've heard from the Trump campaign about the indictment, Danny, was breaking down. Hey, Morgan. Just a short time ago, Trump on his social media account sent off a flurry of messages in which I just want to let you look at the first part of it, in which he writes, quote, in an effort to resurrect a dead witch hunt in Washington, D.C. in an act of desperation in order to say face to the illegally appointed special counsel, deranged Jack Smith has brought a ridiculous new indictment against me, which is all the problems of the old indictment and should be dismissed immediately. Let's be very clear here, Morgan.

Donald Trump has wanted the entirety of each of the criminal cases against him tossed out in their entirety. Of course, that has not happened outside of the classified documents case in which Judge Chutkin, Florida ruled that the special counsel was improperly brought the charges against him. Now, of course, the federal government, the special counsel, they have challenged that decision in an effort to revive the classified documents. case. But here for Donald Trump, as you guys were just talking about with Danny, this is,

if this federal election interference case does go to trial, it would not at this point be well into 2025. And if Donald Trump were to win the White House, you know, the other day, two weeks ago, I asked him whether he would seek to have his attorney general toss the case. And while he didn't answer explicitly to me whether he would intend to do so or not, Morgan, he would have that power of the presidency to order for this federal case to be removed here. And we should also note, Morgan, that the sentencing date for those 34 felony counts that he was found guilty of in lower Manhattan on those New York state charges related to the hush money scheme, that decision is going to be on September 18th. But the immunity decision impacted this

case potentially as well here in New York. On September 16th, Judge Mershahn, at the request of Donald Trump's attorneys are going to make the determination of whether some of the evidence that was brought in that case was brought improperly based off of the Supreme Court immunity decision. And so there is a lot at play here for Donald Trump, not just legally, but also politically. And as you saw from that social media message, Donald Trump clearly irate and he wants the entirety of this case tossed out. But as of right now here, at the end of August, that is yet to be the case.

Vaughan, I want to pivot now to the big news for the Harris Walls campaign, announcing their first interview since accepting the Democratic nomination there. What are you keeping an eye on there? Right. This is going to be a big interview because for Kamala Harris, this is going to be really the first substantive back and forth since she took over for Joe Biden at the top of the ticket. It's been more than a month now, and she has not sat down for an interview. And the Trump campaign and Republican allies have pressed her on exactly what her policy positions are. Because as you heard largely from the Democratic National Convention last week in Chicago, the campaign has so far largely embraced kind of the bolder themes of taking on Donald Trump in a united country that is defending democracy, defending reproductive rights,

providing economic opportunities, and ensuring that corporations pay their fair share, She has said that she wants to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 to 28%. But there's a litany of other policy positions from health care to immigration to the U.S. role overseas that, frankly, the top of the Democratic ticket, Kamala Harris, and her running mate have yet to provide too much and concrete answers on here at this point. And so this interview that is slated to take place on Thursday will be a keen opportunity for CNN. to ask some of those questions of the Democratic ticket here, just less than a month until many states begin their early voting process in September, Morgan. Voters, no doubt, looking for clarity, but we get a lot of clarity from your reporting, Von Hilliard.

Thank you so much. Now to our other major headline tonight, the dangerous mosquito-board viruses threatening communities nationwide, and the situation, unfortunately, has already taken a deadly turn. New Hampshire officials say at least one person died after contracting Triple E, also known as Eastern equine encephalitis. Right now, health officials are warning about an elevated risk for mosquito spread diseases across the country. Tegling this map, it highlights the areas

that are currently being impacted. West Nile virus now detected in 33 states. Triple E currently found in five states, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin have seen both of those viruses. Now, while Tripoli is rare, it's also incredibly serious. As we mentioned, it spreads through a mosquito bite. Those at the greatest risk for the disease are over the age of 50, under the age of 15,

and it's potentially lethal, with 30% of those infected later dying from it. We'll speak with an expert in just a moment. But starting tonight, Massachusetts communities at high risk are being asked to stay inside while officials begin spraying by ground and by air. And a similar scene is playing out in New York City, where the health department is spraying to prevent the spread of West Nile virus. And that is where we find our Ellison Barber, who is in, Central Park tonight. Ellison, I want to go back to New Hampshire if we can, and that deadly

case of AAA there, what more are we learning about that fatal case? So, Morgan, health officials are only identifying this person as an adult, an individual, they say, who was from Hampstead, New Hampshire. They say that they contracted triple EV through a mosquito bite and then started to have central nervous systems, failures, reactions. They were hospitalized and ultimately passed away from the illness. Look, triple EV is an incredibly serious infection. It is spread to humans through mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. It is rare, but it can be deadly. About a third of people who can track triple EV, according to health officials, die from it. New Hampshire says they have not had a case in a human since 2014, 10 years ago.

And when that happened, there was three different individuals that had been identified as infected. Two of them passed away. Right now, there are reports of triple EV detections in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and also Vermont. Officials in those areas, they are telling people to be diligent now, to wear long sleeves, to use bug repellent that has deat in it if they feel comfortable with that. And that's the best way to stay safe at this point, because ultimately they say the problem and the risk of triple EV in these areas. And in New Hampshire in particular, won't be over until the first. when there's the first hard freeze and these mosquitoes die off. Morgan. Still months away from those really cool temperatures moving in. Back to where you are in New York City, where concerns are growing over another mosquito-born

illness here, West Nile virus. What are officials recommending to residents there in New York to protect themselves? Yeah, so in New York City alone this summer, there have been six cases of the West Nile virus. The city is taking advanced steps to try and get the mosquito population here under control. They started back in August and even before there, by the beginning of August, they've done at least 10 different sprays using helicopters, trucks on the ground, and also people just physically going out and spraying areas where mosquitoes are known to live to try and control the population. Since this uptick in the West Nile virus, they're increasing that. Just last night in this area where we are, there was an effort to spray.

the area to get rid of those mosquitoes. They're going to continue those efforts tomorrow in southwest Brooklyn. But Morgan, they're saying the same thing we're hearing in New Hampshire and we hear so often, but really trying to remind people they mean it. Mosquitoes are the deadliest insects. They carry all sorts of viruses and a bite is not just necessarily going to be an itch. It could turn into something more serious. So they're saying if you're going to be outside during prime mosquito times. And that's dusk and dawn during the summer months to wear long sleeves if you can, wear socks, wear pants, and get bug repellent that has deat in it. There are some people who are concerned at times about using deep,

but they say very rarely have there been dangerous side effects associated with using bug repellent that contain deat, and it is the most effective way to prevent insect bites that is currently on the market. So they're saying make sure you carry that bug spray, Morgan. Every little bit of helps. Tell us and Barbara, we thank you. And for more on these mosquito-borne illnesses and how you can protect yourself. I want to bring in Dr. Nihid Badalia.

She's an infectious diseases physician and director of Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Dr. Bedalia, thank you so much for joining us tonight. Do you want to start with that case of Tripoli in New Hampshire. It's the state's first deadly infection of Tripoli in a decade. So how concerning is it to see a death from this illness? And most of all, what level of worry should residents have here? Yeah, Morgan, I think any time you see a potential fatality from a rare, even a rare infectious

diseases concerning, as you've said in mere reporting, you know, even though it is rare, the mortality rate can be pretty high. And what we're seeing is that there's an increase in mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses, partly because we're seeing warmer seasons and more rainfall, which is breeding to longer seasons in which mosquitoes can breed, bite, and potentially be around human beings. to the average person, it is still rare, but you can't take those steps to protect yourself that your reporter mentioned, and that's going to keep you safe. I think the only concern is, as a public health official, how do we ensure as those in New York City, as well as

in Vermont, New Hampshire have done, reduce the density of these mosquitoes? And speaking of public health, doctor, we became highly familiar with contact tracing during the pandemic. But what is the tracing program for these illnesses? this look like here? Yeah, Morgan, very different. This is not a human-to-human transmission. I think the important thing to note here is that Tripoli, the Eastern Ecline encephalitis, is basically a viral illness that's caused when mosquitoes bite

infected birds, which then bite humans. And about three to ten days after, humans can develop an illness that is high fevers, muscle, legs, confusion, neck stiffness. And then potentially, in some severe cases, rapidly move to a point where they have an inflammation of the brain, that's what encephalitis means, and could progress to coma, which eventually, unfortunately, leads to mortality in a few folks. And so the big concern that folks have is how do you change public behavior, both individual behavior of using those protective measures as well as public health interventions to reduce the density? One thing I will

mention is that there is no vaccine and the treatments are all supportive. So there's no contract tracing and there's no treatments on the other side. The best thing that we can do is trace how those viruses traveling among animals, among mosquitoes, among birds, report any dead birds, and then have humans protect themselves. All right, good insight. Dr. Badalia, we thank you so much for joining Top Story tonight. Want to turn now to the extreme weather making waves nationwide, specifically heat waves, as temperatures soar tonight. More than 32 million people are under severe storm threats. Heavy winds and rain stretched throughout the Midwest as scorching heat is now making its way east. Maggie Vesma is in Chicago where heat and humidity are making for miserable conditions.

This summer of severe weather, slamming communities from coast to coast. Whole tree just went down. She's done. From hail in New England to a torrential downpour in Minnesota that sent state fairgoers running and triple-digit heat index values broiling tens of millions across the Midwest and now expanding east. In Philadelphia, close to 60 schools are closing early today and tomorrow with near 100 degree temps expected tomorrow. They're not fully equipped, forced the air conditioning, and prepare for the children to come back. Chicago today, feeling like a mind-blowing 115 degrees. That's crazy. Isn't that crazy? Yes. Horrible. How does that hit you? It's terrible.

Crowds retreating to Lake Michigan. We have availability starting today. And calling a They see repair shops like Deljo heating and cooling in droves. Our call volume is probably up 30% versus the last week. Do you feel like the really hot stretches have become more common? Are you seeing more of them? Yes, I think they've become more common where we've had like weeks at a time where we're seeing 100 degree days. 10 years ago, we used to see them occasionally. Meanwhile, in Alaska, with the threat of a second landslide looming, the small town of Ketchikan mourns a husband and father killed Sunday.

clearing storm drains as the hillside came crashing down. Officials saying Sean Griffin is remembered for his dedication, positive spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. A severe summer stretch touching families nationwide. And Maggie Vespa joins us now from Chicago. Maggie, that heat you're in right now is looking like it's traveling to the northeast. It is. Thankfully for us, not so thankfully for our colleagues who work in New York. and, et cetera. But basically, the heat is tracking East Morgan, as is the threat for severe storms.

In fact, specifically tomorrow, 27 million Americans will be at risk for damaging winds, possibly even hail. That's specifically from Ohio up through the New Jersey coast. Morgan. A vast portion. Maggie Vesma, thank you so much. And for more on the severe weather, I do want to bring in NBC meteorologist Bill Karens. Bill, with summer winding down, I think of a lot of people, myself included, were hoping the heat would all. also simmer down a bit, but it doesn't look to be the case here. Yeah, Morgan, a lot of people in the Midwest, they thought they escaped somewhere without any extreme heat. I mean, today was the hottest day of the entire year in Cleveland and also in

Chicago. In Chicago, it almost hit 100 today with the heat indexed to get up to about a 115. And it hasn't cooled off much. It still feels like 100 from Shreveport to Little Rock. It feels like 108 in St. Louis in the shade. But the real peak stuff is where we got that corn sweat going on. So the corn right now is getting ready to be picked, and it actually releases humidity into the air. And that makes the heat index feel even worse. Rockfall still feels like 111 right now in Illinois. Earlier today, they're at 116. Aurora's 110. Midway airport's 107. Chicago hairs at 107. So you can see, we're still very hot. But this is probably as high as it's going to be until next summer, because that area gets a little bit of relief later tonight.

And then tomorrow we'll watch that heat throughout Indiana, also in Ohio, and then spreading into areas of the northeast. Many locations will hit 100. Nashville did today. You could do it again And tomorrow, Charleston and West Virginia could hit 100. D.C. is expected it hit 100. That would be a record high. And even New York City should be somewhere in the mid-90s. So it's very warm and it's going to stay that way, at least through the middle of the week. And then it cools off as we head towards the holiday weekend, Morgan.

So everyone will return to normal and we'll just deal with that severe weather tomorrow in the northeast. Yeah, that cool down can't come fast enough. Bill Carrens, we thank you. I want to turn now to Israel, where the family of one hostage taken on October 7th, is rejoicing. After an Israeli military operation in Gaza brought him home, the father of 11 evacuated by a helicopter, then taken to a hospital, and was reunited with his family who avoided nearly a year for his return. Matt Bradley is in Tel Aviv tonight, with one remarkable return home. Tonight, freedom for a hostage held captive in Gaza. After 326 days in captivity,

Hostage Kaid Farhan al-Qadi was rescued by Israeli commandos and safely returned home. A rare moment of celebration. Al-Qadi is only the eighth hostage who's been rescued alive in a military operation. Dozens more are thought to remain in captivity. Al-Qaeda rescued in what the IDF is calling a complex operation by special forces in southern Gaza, from inside Hamas's vast tunnel network, where soldiers say they found him alone. The 52-year-old father of 11 had been working in. insecurity at a kibbutz in southern Israel when he was captured on October 7th.

Al-Qadi is an Arab Bedouin, a mostly Muslim minority in Israel. At least 17 of them were killed during Hamas' terror attack in October. His family overwhelmed with joy and relief. We prayed for him, his brother says. My mother prayed for him more. Her prayer reached the sky, though still in captivity, hoping for al-Qadi's kind of liberation. And Morgan, American diplomats are in Cairo this week, trying to get Hamas and Israel to agree to a deal to free those remaining hostages. Morgan?

All right, Matt Bradley, thank you. Still ahead tonight, the deadly accident at a Delta facility in Atlanta, two people killed while servicing a plane at a wheel and brake shop. Their union says the tire exploded what the airline is saying about that incident tonight. Plus, cell phone video of an Ohio officer kicking a man in the chest as he appeared to comply with their orders. that man's lawyer speaks to top story tonight and judgment day for charm gerardi the former real housewives of beverly hill star accused of wire fraud what the california jury decided stay with us

and we're back now with a deadly explosion at a delta airlines facility in alanta tonight two people are dead and another injured after an alleged explosion in the airline's wheel and break shot. Now, an investigation already underway for more on this tragic incident. Priya Shrether joins us now from Atlanta. Priya, good evening. What more do we know about the situation here and unfortunately the victims involved? Hey, Morgan, yeah, an absolutely tragic situation here at the Atlanta airport. We have been in communication with a Delta spokesperson who just told us that this involved tire wheel components that were being disassembled for maintenance. They were not to an aircraft when this all happened, and the facility where this accident took place

was not inside one of the terminals. This was farther away. But we have been hearing a lot of reports about a possible explosion. A union representing airline workers cited reporting that there was a tire explosion. And we also heard from an incident report involving Atlanta Fire Department and rescue workers who responded to the situation saying they spoke to other employees, essentially witnesses who saw this accident who described seeing something like an explosion. And I did speak to an NTSB, a former NTSB board member, I should say, who said that these wheels are really huge and they have a lot of different bolts. So when those go flying, it's basically like a shrapnel accident. And so it's really, really horrific. And we don't

have too much information at this time about those victims. But the third victim who was injured remains under medical care right now. That person was taken to the hospital, Morgan, in stable condition. Hope they're doing okay tonight. And Priya, I know details are still coming in. Do we know if this accident impacted Delta's facility operations or even any of the air travel there today? The Delta spokesperson that we've been speaking to said that this didn't in any way impact any sort of air travel or the rest of their maintenance operations. And as you mentioned, Delta is investigating this incident and the FAA tells us that they are in communication with Delta to determine what happened. Morgan.

All right, Priya Shrether, we thank you. Next tonight to the cell phone video drawing new scrutiny of the Canton Ohio Police Department. The video shows an officer kicking a man as he kneeled and appeared to comply with their commands. Now, the lawyer representing that man tells us his client was hospitalized because of the incident and that his case is not the only instance of excessive force at the hands of. of this very department. And we do have a warning. Some images in this report are disturbing.

Here's NBC's Valerie Castro. Tonight, outrage over this jaw-dropping video of an Ohio police officer kicking a kneeling man who appeared to be complying with their orders. Oh! That cop still got out the car, ran to him, and drop-kicked him. Who does that?

If I ever to do that to you or anybody else, I'd be in jail. Members of the public heated at a city council meeting, calling out what they say is a pattern of bad behavior by Canton police. Shut it down! Including the recent death of Frank Tyson in their custody. Tyson was arrested after police say he ran from the scene of a car crash in April. Body camera video capturing an officer kneeling on his back while Tyson tells officers, I can't breathe. I can't read. Tyson later seen motionless and unresponsive on the floor while still in handcuffs. The county coroner ruling his death a homicide. The two officers involved remain on paid administrative leave

as the Ohio Attorney General reviews the case. It's really hard to imagine that I represent six men, three dead and three living since 2022 January 1 that have been subjected to force dog bite attacks, in this case, getting kicked in the head. Attorney Bobby DeCello represents both Tyson's fan. family and 21-year-old J. Muir McElroy, the man's scene kicked on camera. Police say he was part of a group reportedly arguing at this apartment complex over the weekend. Police say two pistols were recovered

at the scene and a backpack containing marijuana, cash and scales were found in a nearby vehicle. McElroy was charged with resisting arrest following the incident. His lawyer says he was not part of the group. Police were called to investigate and that he did not resist. The video demonstrates unequivocally that is he's on his knee. He's on his knee. his hands are in the air, and then he's kicked in the head. DeCello says his client who was hospitalized is still dealing with the aftermath. Jamir is traumatized. He received a concussion from what happened. He has swelling in his neck muscles and into his face up to the jaw area. The Canton Police Chief saying in a statement, officers ordered the suspects to the ground

and they appeared to be complying when Officer Brandon Momoroff kicked Jamir McElroy in the chest, adding officers using force outside the parameters of our training, policy, and principles will be held accountable. I think it's a failure of leadership on every level. The leadership of the city needs to do something about it. They need to take swift and decisive action. They must, they absolutely must terminate that officer. And Valerie Castro joins us now from 30 Rock. Valerie, what more can you tell us about the officer involved in this most recent case?

Morgan, the Canton Police Department says that that officer Brandon Momorov is still employed and his actions are under review. What's unclear is if he has been placed on any kind of administrative leave. Morgan. Much more to come there. Valerie Castro, we thank you. When we come back, California's new tool in the fight against deadly wildfires, the state retrofitting a massive Hercules air tanker to drop thousands of gallons of flame retardant from the sky. Why authorities and residents here in California believe this could be a significant game changer. Stick around. And we are back with Top Stories News Feed. A former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Jars found guilty of wire fraud.

Disbarred attorney Tom Girardi convicted of embezzling millions of dollars from his clients over the course of a decade. The 85-year-old is the estranged husband of real housewives star Erica Jane. Investigators say Gerardi used the stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle. And another update rapper Sean Kingston and his mother pleading not guilty to fraud charges. Video shows the pair leaving a Florida courtroom yesterday. They're accused of defrauding multiple businesses of more than $1 million since October last year. Prosecutors saying they bought luxury items such as jewelry, an expensive bed, and a Cadillac escalade using fame. bank wires and payment transfers. And we have shocking video of a driver slamming into a police car in Georgia during a traffic stop. Take a look. This is the patrol footage dash cam showing glass flying into the air as another car hits it. Statesboro Police says the officer was just inches away from a serious injury, but is doing okay. And football's famous Kelsey brothers have signed a podcast deal worth more than $100 million. That's Taylor Swift.

kind of money. Current Kansas City Chiefs tied in, Travis and retired Philadelphia Eagle Center Jason announcing the news just ahead of season three of their sports podcast titled New Heights. The brothers giving Amazon's leading podcast studio Wondery exclusive ad sales and distribution rights to the series. Back here in California, fire officials have expanded their fleet with what might be their most powerful tool yet. The C-130 Hercules Air Tanker taking to the skies for the first time this week, promising to give firefighters the upper hand when it comes to putting blazes out all across the state. And tonight, NBC's David Noriega breaks it down. California is using a game-changing new tool in its fight against wildfires. The state's

Fire Protection Agency, Cal Fire, now the first in the nation to deploy its own C-130 Hercules air tankers to support firefighters on the ground and protect communities under threat. What's so great about them is just the amount of retardant they can carry the range, the speed of these airplanes is so much more than the tankers we have now. It's just going to bolster our firefighting efforts that much more. The C-130 model has the ability to hold 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, more than three times the capacity of any other aircraft in Cal Fire's fleet, and has the greatest range. The planes were originally used by the U.S. Coast Guard, but in December 23, Congress passed legislation transferring seven of them from the federal government to California.

The first of those stationed just outside of Sacramento after months of modifications, now ready for action. We are going to have five strategically placed throughout California so that they can get to any part of California within 20 minutes. Officials also say the new technology could be a critical boost for rescue missions. news for the thousands of California residents shaken by wildfire season, with 830,000 acres burned this year so far. More than half of that in the park fire that's been blazing since July, the state's fourth largest

wildfire on record. I saw flames at one point. Victoria Peters, who lives in the mountain community of Lake Elsinore, says the aircraft could be a huge help for her neighbors. We have a lot of seniors here that won't get out. So you arrange who's going to take care of her, who's going to take care of the cats, who's going to get this one. Officials say the deployment of these planes is just one step in an overall plan to better protect Californians. David Noriega, NBC News.

I want to turn out of a major price cut in the weight loss drug market. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly says it will reduce the price of one of its popular weight loss drugs. They say it's in a bid to increase accessibility and try to tackle supply challenges. Stephanie Gosk talks to the company's CEO about the big move. Zepbound is getting. a price cut. Eli Lilly announcing it will now offer low dosage versions of the weight loss drug in vials with syringes instead of auto-injector pens, which cost more than $1,000 a month. Now patients with a prescription who are not covered by insurance will be able to buy a month's

supply of the 2.5 milligram dose for $399 and the 5 milligram dose for 549 directly from Eli Lilly. We've been frustrated. We can't meet the incredible demand for this medicine. And this is a way we can do that more quickly. But also, we're trying to meet the needs of patients who don't have insurance coverage. But to be clear, this won't help people who are on higher doses of Zepbound. Well, if they have coverage in their insurance, there's no change for them. If they don't have coverage with their insurance, they could talk to their doctor about moving to the five milligram dose. Former police officer John Catteler is one of those patients paying $1,100 a month. That's a lot of money a month. How are you able to do it? I'm putting it on credit cards, honestly. You're going into debt to take this medication.

I am, yes. His doctor wants him on a higher dose starting next month. The new cheaper version won't help him. It's a step in the right direction, but I still have a lot of questions that if they can sell it for less, why don't they? Eli Lilly's announcement comes as compounding pharmacies are dispensing weight loss drugs, they say, are essentially a copy of Zepbound, a cheaper option for patients. State licensed facilities like this one on Long Island are able to legally produce them because the FDA has Zepbound on a shortage list.

Some health care providers are recommending those versions for their patients as long as they come from a trusted source, creating competition. Eli Lilly strongly opposes the practice. They're not expected by the FDA. They're not improved by the FDA. In addition to that, you know, we invent the product. I mean, that's why there's a premium for the real thing made by Lilly. Some patients have been apprehensive a little bit about using a syringe and a vial as opposed to an auto-inject pen.

But there are other medications that use that system, including insulin and some reproductive medications. But it could be something that keeps people from taking advantage of this new option. Back to you. All right, Stephanie Goskwe, thank you. Coming up next, a high-speed drug bust at sea. The Mexican Navy tracking suspected drug smugglers by helicopter. The moment they caught up with him and the amount of cocaine authorities say they seized in two separate stings. Stay with us.

Back now with the Americas and the latest in Venezuela. Activists say more than 2,000 people have been arrested protesting the results. of the presidential election one month after President Nicolas Maduro claimed he won and the Supreme Court backed him. This is coming as a top Venezuela election official says there is, quote, no evidence. Maduro actually won. I want to bring in Maria Luisa Paul, a reporter for the Washington Post who's been covering the events in Venezuela extensively. Maria, I understand you have some new reporting in an article titled Scores of detainees in Maduro's post-election roundup are children. it strikes you. In that article, you write about how among the hundreds arrested there,

there are some as young as 13 years old, some taken from their homes overnight. Can you tell us more about what you've learned about the people who are being detained as we speak in Venezuela? Yeah, absolutely. Thank you for having me. I mean, after the 28th of July election, when Maduro declared his victory, which completely contradicted the results that poll watchers obtained from voting centers, he unleashed a brutal repression and crackdown. And at this point, it's not only political opponents as he's been accused of doing in the past or human rights activists. It's children. It's people who post something against the government on social media. It's anyone and anyone who has spoken out. And there's even, you know,

apps that were built for this sort of witch hunt so people can remember. report what people are posting. So it's been an incredibly brutal crackdown on people, and there's a lot of fear now. And as we noted in this report, a lot of the victims are actually children. Some people as young as 13, it's a little kid who was playing cowboys with his friend, and he posted a photo with like motorcycle goggles, and he was reported according to his family. And these five families we talked to, they've all said that they've been. tortured and harassed and threatened throughout this whole ordeal.

Heartbreaking stories. And I'm curious, just yesterday, Juan Carlos Delpino, a Venezuelan election official, a published a letter about what he calls a, quote, grave lack of transparency related to the election results. Delpino also told the New York Times that he's gone into hiding now. How significant is it in light of everything else that's happening in Venezuela, that an election official is also questioning? the results here. Do you see that making an impact?

I mean, this backs up the evidence that Maria Corrina Machao and Imuno Gonzalez, the opposition leaders, have shown throughout this past month. In The Washington Post, we did our own analysis of the ballots, and we proved that even if Maduro had won on all the 20% of the ballots that were not available, he still would have lost because Emuno Gonzalez obtained more than 60% of the vote over Maduro's 30%. So this is just another voice. adding to this chain of evidence of Emmanuel Gonzalez's victory. So now it depends on what the international community is going to do and, you know, movements and cracks within the own government. And I know you don't have a crystal ball here, Maria, but what do you think

could be next for Venezuela? Do you think the protests will continue? I mean, it depends. The thing with protests is that Venezuela has had wave of protests for up the past 10 years, basically. And they've worked for a while and then they haven't. And at the moment, there's just a lot of fear because, you know, as we've talked about already, it's more than 2,000 people that have been arrested in this context. So at the same time, you know, the international community has done its work and try to open some lines of negotiation. There could be more coming in this time. But I think ultimately it will depend on the Venezuelan people as well. And if the opposition at least is trying to form some cracks within the military, who were the

ones that were overseeing the whole election, so they would know what the results really were. So much uncertainty, but we appreciate you putting a spotlight on as much as you can. Maria, we thank you for joining us tonight. Thanks for having me. Of course. Top Story's Global Watch, we begin with the deadly dam collapse in Sudan. The UN is saying at least 30 people have been killed. Up to 200 more are missing after heavy rains caused the dam in the eastern part of the country to burst. Now we've learned at least 20 villages and 50,000 homes were impacted. Dams, roads and bridges across the country were already in disrepair. In part due to the ongoing Civil War that is raged in Sudan since spring of 2023. Ongoing demonstrations over the rape and murder of a doctor training in India took a very violent turn. Police and riot gear were firing water cannons and tear gassed at protesters in Kolkata near the state-run hospital where the 31-year-old woman was killed. Her death has sparked demands for justice and safety for women in hospitals. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection to the crime, but protesters are calling for the resignation of the state's chief minister.

At least 100 protesters were arrested, according to police. And Mexico's Navy seizing more than seven tons of cocaine after a dramatic high-speed chase. Take a look. This is Navy helicopter footage showing several motorboats racing through the Pacific southwest of Manzanillo. Authorities eventually caught up to the suspects detaining 15 people and seizing 5.6 tons of cocaine. In a separate sting operation at sea, the Navy also confiscated 1.6 tons. of other drugs. Just ahead, you can call her coach.

The mom more than earning her title, proving that she's not just an MVP as she teaches her son how to play the game he loves, how she's inspiring her son to go to the extra yard and then some standing on the sidelines every step of the way. Stay with us. We're back now with the comeback.

Some fans thought might never. happen. The iconic British rock band Oasis announcing a reunion tour on social media ending a 15-year hiatus caused by a long-standing sibling feud. Our Tom Yamis has a story. Today is gonna be the day that... Oasis fans will never forget. When both come together, you have greatness. A surprise announcement on social media from the famed British rock band on a long-awaited reunion tour, known for their mega-hiton, of the 90s, including Wonderwall, streamed more than three billion times, and Champagne Supernova, a comeback 15 years since the band's bitter split between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.

The swagger, the fighting, the songs, the tunes. It was mega. Oasis will tour the UK and Ireland next summer, writing, The Guns have fallen silent. The stars, have aligned. The great weight is over. Stop crying you're out of. With an estimated 75 million records sold, OASIS helped shape the brick pop wave of the 90s. But the band couldn't keep the music going. Their songs iconic, but their fights, epic. I just said, fuck it, that's it. I can't, I can't do it anymore.

OASISS split in 2009, Noel saying he couldn't work with his brother while touring. The biblical breakup stemming from years of sibling rivalry. Liam, the monobrout arrogant frontman. Noel, the brash musical genius behind the hits. The brothers often battling it out in the tabloids. He thinks that I'm sort of like desperate to get the band back together and for money. Whatever the reason, fans are no longer seen a mirage. Oasis is back and seeming to live the lyrics of one of their biggest hits.

We can only hope they pull it off. Finally tonight, one Florida mom adding another title to her resume, football coach. She's teaching her son the value of hard work and respect through the game, and her skills are getting quite a bit of notice in the process. Week nights are about. business casual blitz for Tariq Williams. This Florida mother and her son going viral for videos like this. After working long days as a social services director at a skilled nursing facility,

William snaps into coaching mode. Okay, I'm going to tell you where you messed up at. Showing her nine-year-old sons are how it's done, often still in her work clothes. You're the defense again. Come push me. I ain't moving. Realistically, if I go inside and get in the AC and I change clothes after a full day's work, I am that's going to be it for me.

Williams, who had spent years watching the game as a high school cheerleader, spotted her son's potential. He's been playing football since he was five. And about game three, he had not touched the field at a real football game. And with just the two of them at home, Williams took the coaching job upon herself. I started studying more and learning the game, falling in love with the game, so that I could better equip him to be more of an effective. during those times, and the next season, he started, and it was the most exciting thing ever. Now, Zahar is reaping the rewards of their hard work with plenty of show-stopping plays. There you go, Zah!

I see she working with me, making much better. I don't know why I'm about to cry. Sorry. But. I love my mom and I love football. That's all I got safe. And the progress has not gone unnoticed. Our coaches, even at practice, have invited me to the coaching staff.

I'm over the moon. As for Zahar's future, he's keeping his options open. Make it to the NFL. I want to be on the news. I want to be a meterologist and a baseball player. Williams hoping no matter which path or son chooses, the lessons learned in their evening practices go well. beyond the game of football.

Work ethic, how to be involved and devoted and dedicated without giving up, no matter how tired you may feel or how long your day may have gone. I have to show up for him and be full regalia, ready to give him my all. Pursuing his passions with his forever teammate by his side. I don't know what to say. I'm speechless. Now I'm just proud of my mom. That's it. Loving his mom at football.

Sounds like he's got his priorities pretty straight. Thanks for watching, Top Story. I'm Morgan Chesk, in for Tom Yamas. Stay right here. More news now is on the way.