Announcer from nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with, lester holt. Good evening, im Peter Alexander in for lester tonight. As americans celebrate the countrys birthday, the u. S. Is also caught in an escalating showdown with north korea. That rogue regime today crossing a dangerous threshold, for the first time successfully launching what u. S. Officials believe is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable possibly of reaching u. S. President trump tonight is condemning the North Koreans latest test, warning that america is prepared to act what are the options and risks of dealing with the dictator kim jongun . We have it covered beginning with nbcs hanse nichols. Tonight pentagon officials confirming the launch was an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The North Koreans releasing this these images which could threaten the u. S. The Missile Launch announced as a miracle on north korean state tv. The countrys dictator shown watching the launch through binoculars and on tv screens. Aides celebrating afterwards. Fired will have straight up into the atmosphere, the missile flew for a record 37 minutes, traveling nearly three times higher than the 570 miles it covered on the ground. Splashing down near japan. But fired at a lower trajectory, the missile could possibly travel more than 4,000 miles, putting alaska into range. The launch, the 10th test since President Trump assumed office, all in violation of u. N. Resolutions and grabbing the president s attention. Tweeting this morning about kim jongun, doss does this guy have anything better to do with his life . Hard to believe that south korea and japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps china will put a heavy move on north korea and end this nonsense. Earlier this year the Top Commander in the pacific admitting that north korea has put hawaii on guard. Kim jongun is clearly in a position to threaten hawaii today. U. S. Officials say that their own successful test of a Missile Interceptor in late may that took down a missile during a simulated attack on california can keep the continental u. S. Safe until 2020. This represents an incremental improvement in their missile capability. But it is a gamechanger if they can hit the united states. Pentagon Officials Say that a functioning icbm is only onehalf of the nuclear threat. The other is a miniaturized Nuclear Warhead that can survivor reentry. But they have long said by the time north korea has achieved both, it may be too late. Peter . Hanse nichols, thank you. How will the u. S. Respond to the latest test . For more, President Trumps possible options here, we get details from Nbcs Kristen Welker in washington. President trump marking his first fourth of july in office. Happy fourth of july, everybody. Celebrating the country while trying to protect it. Grappling with the new missile threat from north korea after toughening his tone with kim jongun last week. The era of strategic patience with the north korean regime has failed. Now once again, urging china to rein in its north korea ally. Not only requesting china make a heavy move against north korea. But over the weekend a stern call with chinese president xi. Warning the u. S. Is prepared to act alone if necessary. The reality, china hasnt stepped up since that diplomatic dinner at maralago in april. The relationship developed by president xi and myself i think is outstanding. Before taking office, President Trump had warned north korea that obtaining an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile wont happen. Tonight the white house is weighing options, including more sanctions. There are not many diplomatic options. I think that were very close, much closer than weve been in previous administrations to a real military collision with north korea. Still, the white house sees military action as a last resort. The bottom line is, it would be a catastrophic war if this turns into combat. The president will have the chance to again press chinas leader when the two meet at the g20 summit. The chinese president met with russias president putin, both leaders pushing for negotiations with north korea. But the higher stakes come on friday when President Trump and president putin meet. Their first meeting being billed as an official event. Sending a signal the white house wants warmer relations, despite revelations russia meddled in the 2016 u. S. Election. He needs to be very clear with putin if he wants to engage in a cyberwar, that america is prepared to engage in that war. Tonight, ambassador to the u. N. Nikki haley is requesting an emergency u. N. Security Council Meeting about north korea. The secretary of state released a statement moments ago calling for Global Action to stop a global threat. Pete centre. Kristen welker at the white house. Thank you. Across the country as families and friends gather for tonights firework festivities, authorities are taking no chances. Stepping up security on the streets and in the skies with a major show of force. Nbcs ron allen has more for us. With the nations birthday bash well under way, the constant threat of lone wolf attacks. In new york, 100 trucks filled with sand, 32 tons each wall off streets for the first time where crowds gathered for the macys fireworks. Police warning Vehicle Rental companies to watch out for suspicion transactions that could signal a ramming attack like in nice last july. Thousands of cops now on normal part of the festivities. We have to Pay Attention to whats going on in the nation and world. We saw what happened in nice. In boston, new drones keeping watch. First used over the boston marathon. Able to zoom in on an object nearly a quartermile away. While america celebrates, a reminder of the risks officers take. Capital Police Special agents david bailey and crystal greiner honored for their heroism, saving lives during a firefight with a gunman at a congressional baseball practice last month. Im greatly honored to be here. Ed kind of attack, a soft target, a lone assailant, extremely difficult to stop police say. Authorities continue to say there are no specific credible threatser in in the country. Here in new york, thousands are beginning to gather for what promises to be a massive and hopefully safe celebration. The biggest anywhere. Peter . Thank you. It was back to the beach in new jersey. State beaches reopened after lawmakers reached a latenight budget deal. While announcing the end of the Government Shutdown that closed state beaches to the public, governor Chris Christie was unapologetic after photos showing him soaking up the sun on one of those beaches. A frightening scene caught on camera in missouri. A house blown to pieces, Authorities Say three people were hurt two men and a woman, pulled from that home by neighbors who fortunately ran to the rescue. Thankfully their injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening. The explosion happening in st. Joseph, north of kansas city. The cause is still under investigation. Now to a growing and dangerous problem for police and First Responders across the country. As the wildfire season heats up, recreational drones are hampering firefighters efforts to save homes and in some cities triggering accidents, even blackouts. Nbc News National correspondent Miguel Almaguer takes a look at the danger in the sky. As hot, dry conditions fan flames across the west, a critical moment for the air attack. Tonight, in prescott, arizona, a drone has halted air operations for the second time. Just last week, investigators say Gene Carpenter flew his drone into restricted air space, forcing all 14 aircraft to the ground. Weve got homes threatened. We have firefighters on the ground that are threatened. We cant do anything aerially to support these folks. The 54yearold, who declined comment, charged with 14 felony counts of endangerment. Authorities say they suspect carpenter in part because he posted these aerial photos online. If you fly, we cant fly. And what that does, is that puts those firefighters at risk on the ground. Officials say recreational drones are a growing problem for fire commanders across the country. With at least 50 incidents over the last two years alone. And tonight, as wildfire season heats up there are more than 30 large wildfires burning across the west. And its not just fires. Drones pose a threat to everything from commercial airlines to infrastructure. This one falling from the sky, into a pack of cyclists. In february, a drone pilot in seattle was sentenced to 30 days in jail. After his drone struck a woman in the head at a pride parade in 2015. Tonight in prescott, where a community is still reeling from the tragic loss of 19 firefighters who died here four years ago, an urgent call to ground drones before theres another disaster. Miguel almaguer, nbc news, los angeles. Now to the story of a british baby who has become the center of global attention. Both President Trump and pope francis have weighed in. And today as Little Charlie gard turned 11 months old, a dispute is pitting his parents against the doctors and the courts we get details from nbcs kelly cobia. In a new picture, baby charlie gards parents stand watch over their son, waiting for the hospital to remove his life support. We cant take our own son home to die. Weve been denied that. You dont think weve been put through enough . Charlie was born with a rare genetic disease. Hes deaf and blind, cant move or breathe on his own. Doctors say theres no cure. Still, his parents wanted to try to experimental treatment in the u. S. If it doesnt work, we will let him go. But we will know that weve done everything that we possibly can. British courts sided with the doctors, who argued that the treatment would only prolong charlies suffering. Last week the European Court of human rights rejected the appeal. The case has ignited a global debate. President trump tweeting support for charlies parents monday. If we can help Little Charlie, we will be delighted to do so. Pope francis said the parents rights should be respected. Under british law, the rights of the child generally come first, unlike in the u. S. The court sees itself as the final guardian, if you will. Of charlie and charlies best interests. And they have found that any effort to stepped the treatment, which only extend his suffering, sufrting of a baby that is going to die. Supporters of charlies parents are calling on the Prime Minister to step in. But charlies fate has already been decided. Tonight charlie is still being cared for at this hospital in london. Doctors say theyre working with the parents to give them more time to say goodbye. Kellie cobiya, nbc news, london. An nbc news investigation what our team uncovered about a hidden danger on the high seas, hidden danger on the high seas, for families planning cruise hidden danger on the high seas, for families planning cruise testinhuh . Sting is this thing on . Come on your turn where do pencils go on vacation . Pennsylvania laughter crunchy wheat frosted sweet kelloggs frosted miniwheats. Feed your inner kid you on a perfect car,rch then smash it into a tree. Your Insurance Company raises your rates. Maybe you shouldve done more research on them. For drivers with accident forgiveness, Liberty Mutual wont raise your rates due to your first accident. Liberty mutual insurance. If you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,. Isnt it time to let the real you shine through . Maybe its time for Otezla Apremilast . Otezla is not an injection or a cream. 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But an nbc news investigation also found a hidden risk that parents may not be aware of. We get more from nbcs tammy lightner. At first, 16yearold abe by smith didnt understand what was happening. He took my measurements and he was like lifting my shirt and all that. And pulling down my shorts and you know i thought he was just being professional. When did you realize he shouldnt have been doing that . When he extremely touched me in places where he shouldnt have been touching me. Abby said she was sexually assaulted by an instructor at a gym on a carnival cruise. When you go on a cruise, you have a false sense of security. An nbc news investigation uncovered that these floating cities pose a danger. Sexual assault is the number one crime on cruise ships and a congressional report found that more than onethird involved minors. I was led to believe that my daughter is in a teen club, theres supervision. We interviewed eight families across the u. S. And canada who say their children were sexually assaulted at sea. At no point in time did i think about my kid being given cocktails and walked to a room and forcefully thrown down on a bed and raped. Some were given alcohol. Others . Targeted by older passengers or crew members. They got me very drunk and they proceeded to take off my clothes. He walked in behind me and then he like grabbed my waist and started kissing my neck. The cruise line industry says it has a robust system of security. Keeping its more than 24 million passengers a year safe. And then allegations of serious crimes are rare. A small fraction compared to rates of crime on land. But maritime attorney jim walker, who has sued cruise lines says these ships harbor the same dangers as any city, but with no real police and complex jurisdictional issues, crimes, especially sexual assaults, can go unreported and unprosecuted. It happens more often than the cruise lines will admit. And it happens more often to little children than the cruise lines have ever admitted. Most of the alleged victims we spoke to say theyre suing because that is their best hope for justice. As for abbys case, carnival told us the employee was a thirdparty contractor and because of conflicting information and lack of evidence, no criminal charges were filed. But carnival acknowledged that something did happen in email sent to the smiths, our heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate incident. The carnival offered them a refund, a complimentary cruise and to pay for counseling for abby. Many of the young victims we spoke with are now in counseling. One reportedly attempted suicide after the assault and all are still traumatized. So it really did take away my innocence. Tammy lightner, nbc news, bedford, texas. Were here in a moment with a battle under way to prevent a dog mmm. This new beneful grain free is so healthy. Oh farmraised chicken mmm. Thats some really good chicken. 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Ever since brandy hall in miami discovered she was pregnant, doctors visits include routine tests for zika. The mosquitoborne virus that can lead to severe birth defects. Its always going to stay in the back of my mind. Until i give birth, the zika scare will always be something that im thinking about. Since the crisis last year, 2,000 pregnant women have been diagnosed with united states, 80 babies born here with birth defects. In florida last year, almost 300 locally acquired zika cases. I am very much on the front line. I am one of the boots on the ground. You know somebody who got zika . Yes. Where there had been 17 miees, theres a budget for 59. So far, no zika found. The only u. S. Area with a travel warning . Brownsville, texas. But a new study shows the mosquitos that can carry zika are in more counties than previously suspected. The warning for those who are pregnant . Use repellent, wear long sleeves and avoid travel overseas where zika is waning, but still a threat. Although we expect transmission to be lower in many countries, the risk is still there. But even with all this effort, mosquitos are not the only way zika spreads. The virus can also be transmitted sexually. Until there is vaccinations, its going to be something thats very hard to prevent. Most at risk with zika . The unborn children, their mothers now taking all precautions, Kerry Sanders, nbc news, miami beach. And when we come back, on this independence day, Wounded Warriors on a new mission right here at home. Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmmm. Ugh. Nothing spoils a moment like heartburn. Try new alkaseltzer ultra strength heartburn relief chews. Its fast, powerful relief with no chalky taste. [ sings high note ] ultra strength, new from alkaseltzer. Enjoy the relief. I wneverever wash my hair again now, i fuel it new pantene doesnt just wash your hair, it fuels it. With the first prov nutrient blend, making every strand stronger because strong is beautiful. Testinhuh . Sting is this thing on . 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Finally tonight, theyre among americas most celebrated heroes, men and women injured on the battlefield. Return home with both physical and emotional scars in chicago this weekend, the u. S. Armed forces are waging a very different type of battle. Competing against one another in the annual warrior games, a test of skill and endurance, but more than that, a chance to renew their spirits. Heres nbcs ron mott with tonights inspiring america. Every day is a journey for Mike Nicholson. Just getting from point a to point b is a feat for any triple amputee. But the retired marine sergeant makes a splash every time he pushes his body shattered by an ied in afghanistan in 201. P nicholson is competing at this years warrior games, organized by the defense department, including teams from the uk and australia. Much more than fun and games to you. Absolutely. What do they mean to you . They mean a lot and you have that thought in the back of your head making your family proud, making your country proud, making your service proud. After two years of recovering, darkness settled in with depression and drinking. It was hard at first, it really was. I stayed inside a lot. I wouldnt come outside when the sun was up and hang out in the bars too much. Luckily i met my wife zblext credits wife katy, who he met at a mutual friends birthday party. Daughter cally and newborn son sawyer for helping him find happiness again. I could see how much he wanted the sense of normalcy and how much he wanted to be himself again and he was very lost and i saw the passion behind all this with the sports. Its really inspiring. It really helps me like achieve what i think i can do. Strong wrist. And athlete before his injury Mike Nicholson is determined as ever to regain his top form in these games, winning three golds and a silver in track. Basketball and swimming finals to come. Dont be defined by a disability. Dont think were out yet. Were still in it were still in the fight. A fight to win. Above all else, always a warrior. Ron mott, nbc news, tampa. That is what is worth celebrating on this independence day. Thats newtly news for this tuesday night. Im Peter Alexander, for all of us here at nightly news and nbc, have a happy and safe fourth of july. Good night. [ cheers and applause ] time to rejoice, remember and regame our freedom and independence with a bang. It was right here in the Pennsylvania State house in 1776 that we met to declare our freedom from british rule. So on americas birthday. In americas birth place. An electrifying musical concert featuring allstar performanc