Nightly news begins right now. Announcer from nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with lester holt. Good evening. Wildfires are exploding coast to coast right now, an early and destructive start to the fire season due in part to a blistering heat wave, gripping much of the country. One of the biggest fires burning right now is in southern kra, near santa barbara, where drivers on a major freeway had a close call, coming face to face with a virtual wall of flame. Nearly a dozen states from california to florida are battling wildfires. Nbcs Gadi Schwartz is on the front lines and has late developments. Reporter an orange glow over californias Pacific Coast highway. Plumes of smoke darken the sky. That fires moving really, really quick. Reporter forcing that major artery to shut down as flames moved closer. You see this wall of flame coming down the hill. When people saw that on the 101 freeway, they stopped. Up ahead, nobody can go any further because theres zero visibility. Firefighters held back the flames, at one point a helicopter dousing the freeway. Hundreds evacuated like the key family who had to sleep in their car. We were wondering is it going to consume us . This is pretty close. Reporter in new mexico, the doghead fire has destroyed dozens of homes, torched 16,000 rural acres. Were trying to fight the fire. The border line around the town right now. Just to control it. Reporter the governor declaring a disaster and calling in the national guard. There are now fires burning in ten states. So far this year, nearly 2 million acres burned, compared to only half a million this time last year. Fueled by five years of drought and now fanned by an enormous heat wave stretching from georgia to california. Everythings coming together to be a worst case scenario. Reporter two deaths in two days in texas, one where a child climbed inside a hot car. Some 60 Million People under heat watches and advisori advisories. The worst of the heat expected this weekend. Air operations continue out here with these drops being made around the clock. And there are very serious concerns tonight about air quality issues in this area. People with respiratory issues are being asked to stay inside. Lester . Gadi schwartz in the chick of it tonight, thanks, gadi. Possible warning flags raised by the orlando nightclub gunman in the months before his attack, and about his relationship with his wife. As chilling new accounts emerge of that night from survivors who took refuge in a restroom during the massacre. Nbcs Miguel Almaguer has late details. Oh, my god. Reporter much of the massacre that left 49 dead was captured on multiple cameras. Law enforcement Officials Say the video likely shows dozens hit by gunfire. This as we learn more about the gunmans wife, salman. A source close to salman said she turned over an ipad, laptops, and cell phones. A Family Member tells nbc news she was beaten and battered though she never told investigators she was abused. Salman did not deny her husband was mentally unstable and would snap. Investigators say prior to the shooting, mateen made more purchases on his credit card, as if he wasnt worried about paying them back. And also transferred his share of a home to his sister for 10. Two and a half months before the shooting, his wife a witness. The fbi showed salman pictures of the couple shopping at walmart, where mateen bought ammunition, which we now know was not used in the shootings. I just remember him laughing reporter miguel was inside this bathroom as mateen pumps round after round into his victims. 30 people were trapped inside. Six made it out alive. You can hear him, like in different rooms, dropping the clips to the guns and putting in a new one and shooting people again. You know he was shooting at people when you heard the screaming and people begging for their lives. Reporter tonight the heartbreaking memorials for those who didnt survive. Funerals across the region are under way. So much unimaginable grief. So many unanswered questions. A senior Law Enforcement official tells nbc news, so far no gay dating apps have been found on the gunmans phone, despite earlier claims. We know documents revealed that in 2007, the gunman who was taking a Correctional Officers class talked to another student about bringing a gun to campus. Lester . So much continuing to unravel. Miguel, thank you. Now the race to the white house and now gop anxiety tonight over donald trump. And a shaky poll numbers, and what his candidacy could mean for republicans running all across the country. Trump having none of it, telling Party Leaders to toughen up. Now the Top Republican in washington is raising eyebrows with what hes telling nbc news. Our Hallie Jackson has details. Reporter in texas today, where everythings bigger, so is Donald Trumps gap nationwide with hillary clinton. A trump slump starting to show in his sinking poll numbers. With today, the most powerful republican in congress telling Nbcs Chuck Todd his house members dont have to back trump. The last thing i would do is tell anybody to do something thats contrary to their conscience. Of course i wouldnt do that. This is a very strange situation. Its a very unique nominee. I feel as speaker of the house that i should not leave a chasm in the middle of the party. That would definitely knock us out of the white house. Reporter donald trump with his own advice to Party Leaders either stick together or let me just do it by myself. Reporter he might have to. Eventually. Abandoned by more highprofile republicans with some conservatives concerned trump will be a down ballot drag. Its why former president george w. Bush is now hitting the campaign trail, not for the top of the ticket, but for vulnerable senators, to help the gop keep its majority in case trump implodes. And today, nbc news has learned from gop delegates in colorado theyre moving forward with plans for a convention coup in cleveland. Hoping to oust trump. Donald trump on the phone with me late tonight, says president bush helping those vulnerable senators, cant be thrilled trump beat jeb bush. Trump told me hes not worried about the polling, insisting hes not really started his campaign yet. Hes been a nominee since early may. Now to an olympic stunner. Russias track and field team told there will be no change of heart. The team is banned from competing in the rio summer games because of a massive doping conspiracy. Russian president Vladimir Putin is calling the ruling unfair. But the International Association of Athletics Federation says russias doping program went too deep for the team to be allowed back on the world stage. Kiera simmons has details. Reporter unprecedented ban. Russias track and field team told not to travel to rio. Russian athletes could not credibly return to International Competition without undermining the confidence of their competitors and the public. Reporter after an avalanche of doping allegations the deepseated culture of tolerance, or worse, for doping that got rousseff suspended in the first place appears not to have been changed materially to date. Reporter russias head of athletics i think the main feeling is a bit disappointing. Reporter acknowledging weeks ago, russia has a doping problem. Do you accept doping has been widespread in russia . Also mainly, yes. I think mainly, yes. Reporter he says russia has been cleaning up. President putins lastminute lobbying today, calling it a mistake to mix politics with sports, failed. For seven months, russia fought to get its track and field ban lifted in time for rio. Nbc news given rare access to a top moscow training facility. Hundreds of russian athletes train here in 32 different sports. The entire elite facility, a symbol of russias determination to win. World champion high jumper maria is unlikely to compete. Have you ever doped . No. Never . Never. Reporter russia says their dreams are being destroyed. After broken promises and bribe, track and field ran out of patience. The decision today left the door open for some russian athletes training abroad to try to compete as neutral athletes. Tonightment putin called the pan unjust and said hell seek the intervention of the ioc and the worlds antidoping agency. Thank you. Now to major developments tonight in the fight against isis. Iraqi forces looking to retake one of the largest cities in the country, fallujah. A name familiar to a lot of americans, because so Many American troops died there fighting. Our chief Foreign CorrespondentRichard Engel has the latest on this critical mission. Reporter the liberation today for some desperate iraqis trapped in the city of fallujah. They ran for help when Iraqi Counterterrorism forces moved in. They claim isis was holding them as human shields. We lived in fear, and in starvation, one woman said. Fallujah, where 100 u. S. Troops died fighting extremists 12 years ago, has been the target of a drawnout iraqi assault. Until suddenly today, isis resistance in the center of the city seemed to collapse. Although isis continues to hold pockets in the city, its still the First Successful operation against isis in iraq in months. A major boost for the iraqi government. Across the border, in syria, another government is making advances, too. President assad, a man president obama said should go, has been on a devastating campaign, taking land, killing civilians, while the white house has remained mostly silent. And now that inaction has triggered more than 50 state Department Officials to break ranks. Launching a sharp internal complaint calling for air strikes, saying washington should do more to pressure assad. Secretary kerry responded tonight. I think its an important statement, and i respect the process very, very much. Reporter analysts say the white house is unlikely to change its policy of focusing on isis while critics say turning a blind eye to assads forces responsible for the vast majority of the 400,000 deaths in syria over the past five years. Lester . All right, richard, thank you. Disturbing new allegations about the man accused of killing a rising lawmaker in great britain. Police now looking into possible ties between the suspect and neo nazis. All of it coming before a crucial vote that will impact the u. S. And the world. Heres nbcs kelly cobialla. Reporter possible new clues behind the deadly ambush of jo cox. Police now investigating whether the reported suspect, 52yearold tommy mair, had links to rightwink extremists. These documents uncovered allegedly tying mair to the neo Nazi Organization the National Alliance. We have documentary proof of his connections with the National Alliance between 1999 and 2003. Reporter like this receipt for books, including one on how to make a gun. In a country where gun laws are strict, and gun violence rare, witnesses said the weapon could have been homemade. Probably a homemade gun. Reporter new clues to the suspects motives may tie into a historic vote next week about whether writ tan will break away from euro. He reportedly yelled, britain first, a rally cry for the group who wants to leave the eu. Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration. Reporter the high stakes vote critical for the u. S. , too. If britain leaves, a domino effect could send american 401 k s plunging. The stock Market Impact will be immediate and significant, much more so than an economic one. Reporter tonight both sides here are suspending their campaigns while a stunned nation mourns. Kelly cobiella, nbc news, london. Police discovered an apparent house of horrors in bucks county, pennsylvania. 12 girls ranging from 6 months to 18 years old were found in the home of a 51yearold man who is under arrest on statutory Sexual Assault charges. Police say he also fathered two of the children with the oldest girl, and theyre looking into claims that she was sold to the suspect by her parents. They are also in police custody. Theres more to tell you about here tonight as disney world remains under fire for a fatal gator attack. What the theme park is doing to prevent more tragedies. While yet another family comes forward with claims of a dangerous encounter there. Also, the oncourt meltdown from the nbas mvp. [ guitar playing ] ugh. Heartburn. Sorry maam. No burning here. Try new alkaseltzer heartburn relief gummies. They work fast and dont taste chalky. Mmmm. Incredible. Looks tasty. You dont have heartburn. New alkaseltzer heartburn relief gummies. Enjoy the relief. Disney world is now adding more protective barriers and warning signs following a deadly alligator attack earlier this week. Taking action after that awful tragedy. But as more people come forward, claiming disney should have seen this coming, new questions are being raised. Nbcs Gabe Gutierrez has more. Reporter facing a barrage of criticism for allowing alligators near its guests, today disney world started building temporary barriers and adding these signs around the seven seas lagoon. 2yearold lane gray was attacked. Katy said its about time. They should have put up signs and barriers a long time ago. Reporter four years ago her three Young Children and niece were playing on a resort beach with buckets and shovels provided by disney workers. Wild alligators are living on the disney property, on these lakes, on these beaches that they encourage people to go to. Reporter disney said today its working on longterm solutions for its beaches, reinforcing the training of its employees when dealing with wildlife and expanding its communication to guests. State Officials Say there are 1 million gators in florida. But disney world has a particular challenge. Its mam mouth 43 square miles built on a swamp. The attractions are connected by canals, easy for wildlife to navigate. At another park universal orlando, most of the bodies of water are separated by busy streets and parking. Still, universal says out of abundance of caution, weve begun an audit of all our water bodies and signage. Today the gray family came together over blue ribbons and lemonade. I dont think words can describe it. Reporter the death of a little boy now prompting changes for millions of families at one of the Worlds Largest tourist destinations. Gabe gutierrez, nbc news, lake buena vista, florida. Well take a short break. When we come back, a scary sight caught on when we come back, a scary sight caught on came be the you who doesnt cover your moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Be the you who shows up in that dress. Who hugs a friend. Who is done with treatments that dont give you clearer skin. Be the you who controls your psoriasis with stelara® just 4 doses a year after 2 starter doses. Stelara® may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections and cancer. Some serious infections require hospitalization. Before treatment, get tested for tuberculosis. Before starting stelara® tell your doctor if you think you have an infection or have symptoms such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough. Always tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection, have had cancer, if you develop any new skin growths or if anyone in your house needs or has recently received a vaccine. Alert your doctor of new or worsening problems, including headaches, seizures, confusion and vision problems these may be signs of a rare, potentially fatal brain condition. Some serious allergic reactions can occur. Do not take stelara® if you are allergic to stelara® or any of its ingredients. Most people using stelara® saw 75 clearer skin and the majority were rated as cleared or minimal at 12 weeks. Be the you who talks to your dermatologist about stelara®. Grain free pet food committed to truth on the label. L when we say real meat is the first ingredient, it is number one. And we leave out corn, wheat and soy. For your pet, we go beyond. But i keep it growing by making every dollar count. Thats why i have the spark cash card from capital one. With it, i earn unlimited 2 cash back on all of my purchasing. And that unlimited 2 cash back from spark means thousands of dollars each year going back into my business. Which adds fuel to my bottom line. Whats in your wallet . A rock star said to be on the mend this evening after a scary moment on stage caught on camera. Fans were terrified when meat loaf collapsed near the end of his concert last night in canada. The 68yearold was suffering severe dehydration. He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Now to the high drama on the hardwood. A superstars meltdown and ejection last night as the topsyturvy series is headed for a conclusive seventh game. Fans cant get enough. Heres kevin tibbles. Reporter meltdown. The crucial Fourth Quarter of the crucial game six, golden state golden boy steph curry hurled his mouthpiece into the crowd, nailing this unsuspecting guy in the blue shirt. Curry ejected for the First Time Ever apologized to the fan, the son of a cavs owner and the warriors went on to lose. Currys wife even tweeted the game was rigged for money or ratings. She deleted that. Later tweeting, it was a heat of the moment thing. Afterwards curry readily admitted he was a repeat offender. I was off aim. Reporter curry apparently had enough of the needling from amp nemesis lebron james. The prodigal son who returned home to unmake the cavaliers mistakes on the lake and win their first championship. Now a sunday showdown looms. Game seven. Whos going to be the face of the league, steph curry, lebron james. Everything gets settled in game seven. Reporter curry was fined 75,000 for a mouth guard tantrum that might have included some double dribbling. Kevin tibbles, nbc news, chicago. Up next here tonight, the incredible moment in orlando. Terror survivor rises to his feet again, as the with my moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, the possibility of a flare was almost always on my mind. Thinking about what to avoid, where to go. And how to deal with my uc. To me, that was normal. Until i talked to my doctor. She told me that humira helps people like me get uc under control and keep it under control when certain medications havent worked well enough. Humira can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. Serious, sometimes fatal infections and cancers, including lymphoma, have happened; as have blood, liver, and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions, and new or worsening heart failure. Before treatment, get tested for tb. Tell your doctor if youve been to areas where certain fungal infections are common, and if youve had tb, hepatitis b, are prone to infections, or have flulike symptoms or sores. Dont start humira if you have an infection. Raise your expectations. Ask your gastroenterologist about humira. With humira, control is possible. Its easy to love your laxative when that lax loves your body back. Only miralax hydrates, eases and softens to unblock naturally, so you have peace of mind from start to finish. Love your laxative. Miralax. This just got interesting. Why pause to take a pill . Or stop to find a bathroom . Cialis for daily use is approved to treat both erectile dysfunction and the urinary symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently, day or night. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, or adempas for pulmonary hypertension, as it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid longterm injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. If you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or any symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. Ask your doctor about cialis and a 200 savings card finally tonight, this week in orlando may have been the toughest in the citys history. But in the aftermath of tragedy, upon tragedy there, weve also seen the goodness in people. And now signs of healing, too. Heres nbcs joe fryer. Reporter weve been here before, yet we still struggle to make sense of it all. How does one respond to the murders of so many innocent people. Greg answered by hand delivering 49 white crosses to orlando, driving from chicago. My message today is love your neighbor, talk to them, love your brother. Reporter the Human Rights Campaign reacted by turning its headquarters into a massive memorial to the victims, while utahs conservative Lieutenant Governor spencer cox offered a public apology for how he acted toward the Gay Community when he was young. I regret not treating them with the kindness, dignity and respect, the love that they deserve. For that, i sincerely and humbly apologize. Reporter those who survived the shooting are moving forward, too. Tony is now walking, his family briefly recording the moment like hes a kid taking his first steps. And angel is giving thanks. Im one of the ones that helped you get out of harms way. Reporter uniting with the officer who pulled him out of the nightclub. Just blocks away, in gloom florist is providing free flowers, creating arrangements for at least 34 of the funerals. Its hard for me to wrap my head around that. Reporter their flowers a reminder this world is designed to make beautiful things. Let us remember the beauty that was lost and cherish all that remains. Joe fryer, nbc news. That will do it for us on this friday. Im lester holt. For all of us at nbc news, thank you f or prodders, shuckersers, and sniffers, [ inhales ] all giant produce is triple checked. Farm, crate, and store. Were focusing on fresh. So you dont have to guess. My giant. Celebrating africanamerican heritage here at Citizens Bank park as the phillies kick off a fourgame series against the arizona diamondbacks. The dbacks are kind of in the same boat as the phillies. Over the last several weeks. So they get together for the first time this year. Hi, everybody. Im tom mccarthy joins by matt stairs. Early in the month of aerp the diamondbacks were close to the giants and then the giants started to peel away from