Transcripts For WRC NBC Nightly News 20150212

From nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news. Reporting tonight, lester holt. Good evening. With the grief still palpable in this country over the death of a young arizona Woman Held Captive by isis, president obama today asked congress to authorize the use of force against the terror group. The request at first glance may seem academic given that u. S. Warplanes have been pounding isis targets since last summer. But the president s request for a threeyear campaign against isis carefully spells out what the fight will and will not look like including under what circumstances american boots will set foot in the combat zone. Senior White House Correspondent Chris Jansing joins us now with full details. Hello, chris. Reporter good evening, lester. The president s critics have been calling for this more authorization since the first fighter jets went up over iraq. But the november election that gave republicans control of both houses of congress had leaders in both parties agreeing that now is the time for a substantive debate over a war the president vows isis will lose. Almost six months after the u. S. Began a Bombing Campaign against isis, president obama is formally asking congress for permission to continue the war against a group he says poses a great threat to national security. Im optimistic it can w strong bipartisan support. And we can show our troops and the world that americans are united in this mission. Reporter the proposed authorization would be limited to three years, but could allow the fight to expand beyond syria and iraq to wherever isis goes. And will be in the most contentious part of the debate no offensive Ground Combat operations. But the plan would allow the u. S. Ground forces to hunt down the enemy, like the raid that killed osama bin laden, or try to rescue american hostages like the unsuccessful attempt to free 26yearold american Kayla Mueller back in july. The resolution mentions mueller by name, as well as three other americans murdered by isis. And late today nbc news confirmed the mueller family asked the white house to commute the sentence of a convicted al qaeda prisoner in exchange for kayla, but the white house with a policy of not negotiating with terrorists didnt approve the trade. Her death is lending new urgency for congress to act, so is the inspirational letter that was smuggled to her family where she wrote i have been shown in darkness light. And have learned even in prison one can be free. The draft legislation comes weeks after unusually close negotiations between the white house and congress. But it will be difficult to thread the needle. Vocal republicans doubt enough if were going to authorize use of military force, the president should have all the tools necessary to win the fight were in. Reporter and Many Democrats worry it opens the door to a wider war. The language pertaining to ground troops, which is very broad, very ambiguous. None of us really know what enduring offensive combat operations means. Reporter setting the stage for a potentialy divisive debate with a unified goal, to take down a barbaric enemy. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold hearings on the authorization when Congress Comes back from a recess at the end of the month. A vote could come as early as march. Lester. All right, chris, thank you. Were joined now by our political director moderator of meet the press, chuck todd. Chuck, we have a president ial election around the corner. This resolution would extend into the next president s term. What does that mean for the debate . Its healthy for the american democracy. The elected leaders should have to go on the record on where to use force and how to use force and where its done and when its justified. This will force president ial candidates, potential commanders in chief, who will inherit if this new authorization is approved, will inherit this power if they take the oath of office. So its very healthy for the american voter. Now, the questions going to be is this going to happen. And you said it was academic because if they dont pass anything the president still can keep conducting this power. But this is what you need to watch out for. What kind of case, how well does the administration sell a theory syria apart from this policy. Going after isis in iraq has been careful. Going after isis in syria has been not. How they define their ability to get this done is going to determine whether republicans in particular will support this resolution. Chuck todd, good to have you here. Thank you. One more note from washington late today, the house passed a bill that approves construction of the keystone pipeline. The Senate Previously approved the bill which now goes to the president who has threatened a veto. In matters closer to home, a shocking triple murder in the college town of chapel hill, North Carolina, is being called a hate crime by the victims family. All three victims were muslim. But authorities dont believe that was the reason they were gunned down. Nbcs mark potter is in chapel hill for us tonight. Mark, good evening. Reporter good evening, lester. The shooting suspect lived in the upstairs condo there, the victims on the first floor police say this may have simply been a fight over parking spaces. Showing no emotion, 46yearold Craig Stephen hicks came to court today facing firstdegree murder charges for allegedly shooting to death three of his young neighbors. It occurred late yesterday afternoon in a quiet chapel hill condo complex. Residents called 911. I just heard gunshots. I dont know what building it came from, but i heard kids screaming. Reporter a Family Member says police told him all three were shot in the head execution style. The victims were muslim who had grown up in america. Theyre identified at a 23yearold deah barakat, a dental student at the university of North Carolina whod planned a trip this summer to help syrian refugees. And the woman hed just married in late december, 21yearold yusor abusalha about to start dental school. Also killed, her sister, 19yearold razan studying architecture at n. C. State. Because of islamic faith there was immediate concern the victims were targeted because of their religion. This is a hate crime by the neighbor. All children spoke they were uncomfortable with. Reporter a Chapel Hill Police and other Authorities Say they believe the shootings were the result of a parking dispute at the condo. The events of yesterday are not part of a targeted campaign against muslims in North Carolina. Reporter the suspects wife agreed it was a dispute over parking. I cant say with my absolute belief that this incident had nothing to do with religion or victims faith. Reporter tonight at the condo complex residents are mourning the loss of three young neighbors. As the university of North Carolina tonight a candlelight vigil is planned and theres widespread grief throughout this Small College town. Lester. Mark potter, thank you. An emotional first day of testimony in the trial of the man accused of murdering chris kyle, the former navy s. E. A. L. Who inspired the hit movie american sniper. The defendant is now officially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. And after opening statements, kyles widow took the stand. The report tonight from nbcs jacob rascon in stephenville, texas. Reporter the defendant who walked into the courtroom today looks a lot different than the marine corps veteran arrested two years ago. Back then the d. A. Told the jury Eddie Ray Routh shot chris kyle and chad littlefield in the back two men who were there to help him. One time in the side, one time in the stomach. Reporter that night rouths sister called 911. He says he killed two guys, they went to a shooting range. Hes acting all crazy. Hes psychotic. Reporter the defense told the jury routh is not responsible for his actions that day. He was in the grip of a psychosis. Reporter a psychosis so severe, the defense said, routh feared for his life. He thought in his mind at that point in time it was either him or them. Reporter the world is watching the american sniper trial just as it watched the movie which depicts kyle coping with posttraumatic stress by helping other struggling veterans. Kyles wife taya took the stand first, not looking at routh, fighting back tears. Friendship, final moments with her husband and phone conversation just before he died. I could tell something was up, she said. He was just quiet. And then the tragedy, which the prosecution argues routh could have easily prevented. He admits. He murdered these two men. That he wasnt doing drugs or alcohol and was knew he was doing wrong. Reporter taya says the las time she spoke to her husband said we loved each other and gave each other a hug and kiss. Just before it happened saying in a text to a friend this dude is straight up nuts. Lester. Jacob rascon tonight, thanks. The captain who wrecked the cruise ship Costa Concordia three years ago and then abandoned ship while passengers and crew were still onboard has been convicted of multiple counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years behind bars. 32 people were killed aboard the ship. Captain Francesco Schettino has been turned into a scapegoat. Now a followup to an investigation news investigation. The navy has ordered new Safety Measures on the mh53e helicopter just days after nbc reported on Numerous Accidents involving these choppers. 30 members of the navy have died aboard sea dragons over the years. Now certain components implicated in these accidents will undergo a more rigorous inspection process. But there are no plans to the sea dragon out o until at least 2025. As millions in and around the city of boston continue to dig out from under six feet of snow, the embattled head of that citys transit system, beverly scott, announced today shes stepping down in april. Shes come under fire after trains were halted for over a day after historic snowfall. Meantime tonight much colder across a much bigger part of the country, bone chilling cold. Nbc meteorologist dylan dreyer is in boston tonight with the forecast. Dylan, what are we looking at here . Reporter well, lester, the sun came out earlier this afternoon, but its going to take more than an afternoon of sunshine to get rid of all this snow. Look at this. This car is just completely buried under this mound of snow. So its good news that the next clipper system moving in tomorrow night its only going to produce about an inch of snow. No problem at this point. But the cold air is going to continue to settle in. By friday morning it stretches all the way down into the carolinas starting off today in the 20s. We have another clipper moving in for saturday. That one has potential to strengthen bringing heavy snow from new york to new england. The european model is more aggressive producing another foot of snow across parts of new england. But the american model puts the heavier snow up across maine but still keeps boston in that 9 to 12inch band of snow. Really at this point, lester, i dont know what we could possibly do with another foot of snow. Well see how the models play out over the next couple days. Dylan dreyer in boston, thanks. Now to a story many of you were talking on the tonight and one that for us not only hits close to home but in our home. Brian williams anchor and managing editor of nightly news has been suspended by nbc management for six months without pay. Deborah turner said on friday, january 20th brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the iraq war in 2003. It then became clear, she says, that on other occasions brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. She adds, this was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in brians position. In a statement Nbc Universal ceo steve burke said by his actions brian has jeopardized the trust millions of americans place in nbc news. But he added, brian deserves a Second Chance and we are rooting for him. And now if i may on a personal note say, its an enormous difficult story to report. Brian is a member of our family, we will work every night to be worthy of your trust. Well take a break now. Much more still ahead on this wednesday evening. Scandal rocks the Little League world series as the u. S. Champions, the pride of chicago, are stripped of their title for breaking the rules. Also, the excitement building in the lines growing tonight, half a billion dollars up for grabs. Sunday dinners at my house. Its a full day for me, and i love it. But when i started having back pain my sister had to come help. I dont like asking for help. I took tylenol but i had to take six pills to get through the day. So my daughter brought over some aleve. Its just two pills, all day and now, im back aleve. Two pills. All day strong, all day long. And now introducing aleve pm for a better am. At ally bank no branches equals great rates. Its a fact. Kind of like shopping hungry equals overshopping. Nobody told us to expect it. Intercourse thats painful due to menopausal changes its not likely to go away on its own. So lets do something about it. Premarin vaginal cream can help it provides estrogens to help rebuild vaginal tissue and make intercourse more comfortable. Premarin vaginal cream treats vaginal changes due to menopause and moderatetosevere painful intercourse caused by these changes. Dont use it if youve had unusual bleeding breast or uterine cancer blood clots, liver problems, stroke or heart attack, are allergic to any of its ingredients or think youre pregnant. Side effects may include headache pelvic pain, breast pain vaginal bleeding and vaginitis. Estrogens may increase your chances of getting cancer of the uterus, strokes, blood clots or dementia so use it for the shortest time based on goals and risks. Estrogen should not be used to prevent Heart Disease heart attack, stroke or dementia. Ask your doctor about premarin vaginal cream. Lilly. She pretty much lives in her favorite princess dress. But once a week i let her play sheriff so i can wash it. I use tide to get out those week old stains and downy to get it fresh and soft. You are free to go. Tide and downy together. Little league is supposed to be a place where kids build character and learn to play for love of the game. But tonight the american Little League champs are champs no more. Stripped of their title. Its not the kids accused of bending the rules, its the adults entrusted to lead them. The report tonight from nbcs john yang. Say thank you for all the support. Reporter they were a storybook team. Africanamerican kids from chicagos south side who made it to the Little League world series as u. S. Champs, and even went to the white house. Today, it came crashing down. Prompted by a complaint from a suburban coach, an investigation stripped Jackie Robinson west of its title because some players lived outside the teams geographic boundaries. Manager Darryl Butler was suspended. He couldnt be reached for comment today. In a statement, the head of Little League international called it a heartbreaking decision. What these players accomplished on the field is something kids can be proud of, but it is unfortunate that the actions of adults have led to this outcome. Players parents are angry. If a mother had no idea that there were boundaries and there were rules beyond living in the city of chicago. Reporter their children, heartbroken. Me and my teammates, we worked hard all year long. And we went down there to play baseball. And we werent involved in anything that could have caused us to be stripped of our championship. But we do know that we know that were champions. Our parents know were champions. And the teams know were champions and chicago knows were champions. Reporter todays ruling gives the title to Mountain Ridge Little League from Los Los Angeles vegas. I was happy to get the but sad for Jackie Robinson Little League. Reporter one analyst says violations are not uncommon but often go undetected. Every time you go to a Little League tournament, or another amateur tournament for that matter, theres always a buzz in the crowd among the families and fans about another team having a kid whos not eligible. Reporter at Jackie Robinson west home field today, a team supporter cleared away snow. Were going to stand were going to stand behind them. Reporter for him the achievement of these young men undimmed by controversy. John yang, nbc news, chicago. Were back in a moment with a Vital Mission to space thats had trouble getting off the ground. Space thats had trouble getting off the ground. [announcer]when we make beyond natural dry dog and cat foods. We start with real meat as the first ingredient. We leave out corn,wheat and soy. And we own where our dry food is made100 percent can other brands say all that . 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For all the confidence you need td ameritrade. You got this. And the wolf was huffing and puffing. Kind of like you sometimes, grandpa. Well, when you have copd it can be hard to breathe. It can be hard to get air out, which can make it hard to get air in. So i talked to my doctor. She said. Doctor symbicort could help you breathe better, starting within 5 minutes. Symbicort doesnt replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. Symbicort helps provide significant improvement of your lung function. Symbicort is for copd, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It should not be taken more than twice a day. Symbicort contains formoterol. Medicines like formoterol increase the risk of death from asthma problems. Symbicort may increase your risk of lung infections osteoporosis, and some eye problems. You should tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high Blood Pressure before taking it. Grandfather symbicort could mean a day with better breathing. Watch out, piggies child giggles doctor symbicort. Breathe better starting within 5 minutes. Call or go online to learn more about a free prescription offer. If you cant afford your medication, astrazeneca may be able to help. A Spacex Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched late this evening carrying a satellite down to the far reaches of space. G the satellite nearly a million miles from earth to keep watch for solar storms heading for our planet. This was the third try for spacex. The private company had to scrub two previous attempts in part due to weather. Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian has died. He led the unlv runnin rebels to four final four appearances winning a National Championship in 1990. He was known for chewing on a towel during games. His teams were flashy just like las vegas, the city they played. He had a complicated history with the ncaa including a 2. 5 million settlement after he accused the organization of trying to run him out of college basketball. His health had declined in recent years including a heart attack in 2012. Jerry tarkanian was 84. In south korea, a massive pileup involving about 100 cars left a mass of twisted metal along a bridge near the countrys main airport. At least two people were killed, more than 60 injured as vehicles slammed into one another in a violent chain reaction. Its unclear what started the pileup, but the weather was foggy at the time. There wasnt a car accident that stopped traffic today in downtown boston. It was a boat of all things that got stuck in the tall snow banks along the streets. The boat a 43feet yacht being towed by a tractortrailer to the new england boat show. Crews eventually dug it out and got it back on its way. When we come back, lines across the country of people thinking about one thing. What would you do with half a billion dollars . With half a billion dollars . Nobody told us to expect it. Intercourse thats painful due to menopausal changes its not likely to go away on its own. So lets do something about it. Premarin vaginal cream can help it provides estrogens to help rebuild vaginal tissue and make intercourse more comfortable. Premarin vaginal cream treats vaginal changes due to menopause and moderatetosevere painful intercourse caused by these changes. Dont use it if youve had unusual bleeding breast or uterine cancer blood clots, liver problems, stroke or heart attack, are allergic to any of its ingredients or think youre pregnant. Side effects may include headache pelvic pain, breast pain vaginal bleeding and vaginitis. Estrogens may increase your chances of getting cancer of the uterus, strokes, blood clots or dementia so use it for the shortest time based on goals and risks. Estrogen should not be used to prevent Heart Disease heart attack, stroke or dementia. Ask your doctor about premarin vaginal cream. How do crest 3d White Whitestrips compare to a whitening toothpaste . Lets see. The paste didnt seem to do much for me. The whitestrips made a huge difference. Thats not fair crest whitestrips work below the enamel surface to whiten 25 times better than the leading whitening toothpaste. Crest whitestrips. The way to whiten i have a cold with terrible chest congestion. Better take something. Theraflu severe cold doesnt treat chest congestion. Really . New alkaseltzer plus day powder rushes relief to your worst cold symptoms plus chest congestion. Oh, what a relief it is. Here we go meet the worlds newest Energy Superpower. Surprised . In fact, america is now the worlds number one natural gas producer. And we could soon become number one in oil. Because Hydraulic Fracturing Technology is safely recovering lots more oil and natural gas. Supporting millions of new jobs. Billions in tax revenue. And a new century of American Energy security. The new Energy Superpower . Its red, white and blue. Log on to learn more. Finally tonight, a lot of folks across the country have come down with a serious case of powerball fever. Thats because half a billion dollars is up for grabs in tonights drawing, the fifth largest Lottery Jackpot in american history. Lines are long for tickets, but possibly none longer than the line at the lotto store in nipton. Its so long it fills up our frame. We get the latest from nbcs hallie jackson. Reporter waiting since sunrise will be worth it if somebody in this line actually wins the fifth biggest jackpot in u. S. History. It doesnt come around that often. Reporter sure, half a billion dollars may not buy what it used to. Feeling lucky . Reporter you need to hit powerball 157 times to get as rich as bill gates, even winning once only gives you onethousandth of apples 700 billion market cap. And you still wouldnt have enough to build the newest nfl stadium. Just half of it. But if youre more into basketball, 500 million is id buy a Michael Jordan rookie card. Reporter enough to buy these new englanders a break from the bitter cold. First thing i would buy is a beach house. And a few jet skis. Hoping you have the magic touch, my friend. Reporter magic may help, because hate to be a downer, the math will not. The odds of winning, one in 175 million. You have a better chance of getting attacked by a shark, or flesh eating bacteria. And youre more likely to date a super model or have 11 toes than win tonights power ball. You know the odds are against you, yet here you are dropping two dollars. Right. Reporter why . Im feeling lucky today. Reporter hey, we cant all hit the jackpot. But one of us could. I got great expectations. Reporter that plus some great luck could pay off. Im going to give good karma. Reporter it probably wont, but point is it could. Hallie jackson, nbc news, los angeles. That will do it for us on this wednesday night. Im lester holt. For all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching. Good night. [screams] oh [howls] adam youre going down, son. [laughs] lights camera access. Brian williams has been suspended from his job for six months. We might see him in late night. Will brian ever come back or is hosting a late night show a possibility. Im billy bush. Five y