Transcripts For WRC SsRC Nightly News 20140121

From nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with brian williams. Good evening. The winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in sochi, russia, is 18 days away. The russians from Vladimir Putin down, have been telling the world, in effect, weve got this. Despite the very real threat of terrorism, they have been assuring the athletes and tourists and media who plan to attend, these will be the safest and most heavily defended games ever. The problem is, the threat has become more real in just the past few days. It now includes specific people, some of whom may have tried to infiltrate the games in advance. So we begin here tonight with our chief foreign correspondent, richard engel, in moscow. Richard, good evening. Reporter good evening, brian. Russia has described its security perimeter around sochi as a ring of steel. Well, it may not be as impenetrable as they hoped. At the sochi airport today, travelers were closely watched, as Russian Security forces search for as many as four women, suspected suicide bombers who may be planning an attack on the olympics. One of them, who may have already made it into sochi, is 22yearold ruzana ibragimova. Police distributed wanted posters. Ruzana is a socalled black widow. She reportedly got that scar on her cheek from a raid by Russian Forces last year. Her husband was killed. All this follows a threat from the grave yesterday. Two men in a video claiming theyre preparing to carry out last months Suicide Attack in volograd, and warning of attacks on the olympics to come. They, like ruzana, come from dagestan, the heart of russias islamic insurgency. We recently visited dagestan, a poor muslim republic, where many hate Vladimir Putin and want independence from russia. Some want islamic law. Instead, they have gotten a harsh crackdown. At a mosque, men told us, Russian Forces burst in during prayers. I was hit with a police club, policemen beat me, he said. They were asking, why do you go to the mosque . Anger is raw on both sides. Shamils brother was killed on this corner by islamic militants. This was your brother . Yeah. Reporter his brother was a policeman. Now shamil is joining the force too. He said he wants justice. Its this old russian conflict in the caucuses that could explode during the olympics. Militants showed us that they have capabilities. They have organizations, they have people, to carry out the suicide bombing attacks. Reporter islamic militants hoping to show the world their cause and destroy putins prized Olympic Games. U. S. Officials have complained they are not getting enough Security Cooperation from russia. Specifically, they worry that sochi doesnt have the infrastructure in place, the road, the hospitals, to manage a crisis should one occur. Brian . Richard engel starting us off in moscow tonight, thanks. In this country, the attention has now intensified surrounding a political scandal involving the administration of governor Chris Christie in new jersey. The latest development involves hoboken, new jersey. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of frank sinatra. The mayor of hoboken is alleging she was given an ultimatum by the Lieutenant Governor to support a Development Project or lose out on Hurricane Sandy recovery funding. A charge the Lieutenant Governor today angrily denied. Nbcs Kelly Odonnell is in trenton for us again tonight. Reporter today in union beach, new jerseys Lieutenant Governor, kim guadagno, joined volunteers at a rebuilding event. And she hammered at a new political crisis. The suggestion that anyone would hold back sandy relief funds for any reason is wholly and completely false. Reporter that allegation comes from hoboken mayor, democrat, dawn zimmer, who this weekend went on television and met with the u. S. Attorneys office. Zimmer claims that last may, the Lieutenant Governor and another top official, richard constable, seen with the governor just last week, both told her relief funds would be held up unless zimmer backed a major commercial development. She said, i know its not right. I know these things should not be connected, but they are. And if you tell anyone, ill deny it. Reporter today, guadagno acknowledged a conversation, but i am very surprised by the mayors allegations. And i deny wholeheartedly those allegations. Reporter constable called zimmers allegations patently false and absurd. The Lieutenant Governor would not take questions, citing pending investigations. Why would she make these allegations, Lieutenant Governor . Reporter reached today, zimmer says she is genuinely disappointed in guadanos response, but stands by her word. Zimmer says hoboken only received 342,000 directly from the state. Today in a conference call, a christie recovery official said the administration helped deliver 70 million in mostly federal aid to hobokens residents and businesses. Im scratching my head a little bit about, you know, any community thats getting the short end of the stick. Reporter zimmer had requested an additional 95 million to prevent future storm damage, not sandy relief. The Administration Says that its about onethird of whats available for the whole state. Governor christie has given a new interview to yahoo news, talking about his trouble, saying im going to learn from this. I cant tell you yet what it is igoing to learn. But i intend to learn from this. This is all politically awkward, brian. Tomorrow the governor and Lieutenant Governor take the oath of office to begin their second term. Brian . Kelly odonnell at the State Capitol in trenton tonight, thanks. Tonight officials in omaha say there have been at least two fatalities in a massive explosion at an animal feed processing plant. At least 17 people were injured. Some in Critical Condition tonight. And after hours of searching for survivors, First Responders have now moved into what they call a recovery effort. The cause of the blast has not yet been determined. Just hours from now, another big winter storm is going to hit across a big part of the country, bringing bonechilling temperatures from the upper midwest right on up through new england, and because this follows that bitter cold from the socalled polar vortex a while back earlier this month, some states are worried about propane supplies for heating homes. That story tonight from nbcs john yang. Reporter for jeff dahl in stacy, minnesota, north of minneapolis, its already been a rough winter. He has closed off rooms in his house to cut his gas use. We have a Propane Fireplace that we have just turned off. Reporter but its still expensive. Last year, we were paying about 8 a day to heat the house. And this year were up about 15 a day. Reporter with the polar vortex plunging so much of the nation into the deep freeze so early this year, theres a shortage of propane gas in the midwest and northeast. In rural areas, beyond the reach of utilities, its used to heat about 7 million homes and businesses. That early demand has made it very difficult for us to catch up. Reporter across the midwest, propane prices have spiked, up as much as 46 over last winter, according to government data. Demand isnt going to ease any time soon as another blast of arctic air heads south. The polar vortex returns, at least a part of it will spread from the Northern Plains and canada all the way across the great lakes, with more sub freezing temperatures, subzero wind chills for the next couple of days. Reporter 15 states from oklahoma to maine have emergency declarations in place, easing limits on how many hours propane Truck Drivers can be on the road. The Transportation Department has declared a home heating fuel emergency, relaxing regulations in 24 midwest and northeast states. Industry Officials Say theyre talking to regulators about further steps. But it could take a while. And in the meantime, homeowners like jeff dahl are hit with a double whammy. We have been watching our numbers to make sure were able to keep heating the house to a comfortable level through the remainder of the winter. Reporter with a lot more winter to come. John yang, nbc news, south holland, illinois. The federal government said something today about iran that we dont hear very often. They said that iran has taken, quote, concrete actions that represent an important step forward. This came after iran moved to scale back its nuclear program, and the u. S. And europe started to lift some sanctions as part of that interim agreement. We get the story tonight from nbcs andrea mitchell. Reporter the seal of approval came from u. N. Weapons inspectors today. Disconnecting the centrifuges that have been producing irans highgrade 20 enriched uranium. Fuel that can easily be upgraded to power a nuclear weapon. Everything going as planned. The 20 enrichment has been stopped. Reporter iran has complied by limiting its uranium enrichment to lower levels, granting full access to u. N. Inspectors diluting current uranium stockpiles. Halting construction on a separate plutonium plant. Within hours, europe and washington lifted some of the sanctions that have cripple irans economy, permitting some oil exports, imports of auto and airplane parts, and trade in gold and other precious metals. The suspension of these sanctions will enter into force today. Reporter as expected, israels prime minister, netanyahu, said today, irans entire program should be shut down. And now comes the hard part, a final agreement requiring iran to disclose all its nuclear secrets. Its going to have to answer basic questions about did iran work on Nuclear Weapons in the past, and do some of those efforts continue. Reporter todays breakthrough came 33 years to the day after american diplomats were freed. Now irans new president rouhani offers hope of a new beginning, unless rouhani is blocked by hard liners. A major open question is whether president rouhani can actually implement any deal inside iran. Reporter or unless the deal is blocked by its many critics in congress. While iran is cooperating on the nuclear issue, it is still arming syrias president assad. So after intense pressure from the u. S. , tonight the u. N. Has withdrawn its invitation to iran to take part in peace talks this week on syria. The first talk since the war started more than two years ago. Brian . Andrea mitchell in our d. C. Newsroom tonight, thanks. We heard today from an american missionary jailed in north korea for over a year. Kenneth bae appeared a news conference, appealed to the u. S. Government to negotiate for his release. He said he had apologized for antigovernment actions against north korea. It was not immediately possible to confirm whether he was speaking freely or speaking from a preprepared script. In ukraine, violent new antigovernment protests today on the streets of kiev where about 1,000 people confronted police after a much bigger demonstration just yesterday. These protests have been going on for weeks now, after a tilt away from the west and toward russia on trade and new laws to limit public protests. Still ahead for us tonight, the National Debate over legalizing recreational pot smoking. Tonight the president has weighed in. And later, back on track. A woman who fell just short of glory at the summer games, shes getting another shot at the Winter Olympics. Im phyllis and i have diabetic nerve pain. When i first felt the diabetic nerve pain, of course i had no idea what it was. I felt like my feet were going to sleep. It progressed from there to burning like i was walking on hot coals. To like 1,000 bees that were just stinging my feet. I have a great relationship with my doctor. He found lyrica for me. [ female announcer ] its known that diabetes damages nerves. Lyrica is fda approved to treat diabetic nerve pain. Lyrica is not for everyone. It may cause serious allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts or actions. Tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worsening depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Or swelling, trouble breathing, rash, hives, blisters, changes in eyesight including blurry vision, muscle pain with fever, tired feeling, or skin sores from diabetes. Common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of hands, legs and feet. Dont drink alcohol while taking lyrica. Dont drive or use machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. Those who have had a drug or alcohol problem may be more likely to misuse lyrica. Having less pain its a wonderful feeling. [ female announcer ] ask your doctor about lyrica today. Its specific treatment for diabetic nerve pain. To hear more of phylliss story, visit lyrica. Com. I have a big meeting when we land, but i am so stuffed up, i cant rest. [ male announcer ] nyquil cold and flu liquid gels dont unstuff your nose. They dont . Alka seltzer plus night fights your worst cold symptoms, plus has a decongestant. [ inhales deeply ] oh. What a relief it is. Last night, as soon as we knew the two teams that were headed to the super bowl, the headline all over social media was, it would be the first super bowl among teams from states that had voted to legalize Recreational Use of marijuana. In this case, Washington State and colorado. It has been slowly trending that way in some places. And because its been in the news, the new yorker magazine asked president obama about it during an interview, and his answer on it is making news. Our report tonight from our chief white house correspondent, chuck todd. Reporter legalization of marijuana in colorado and washington is sparking a National Debate. People like me who is a regular everyday mom probably will give it a try. Reporter and now even the president has weighed in, it telling the new yorker magazine, i dont think it is more dangerous than alcohol. But the president is not exactly condoning its use, either. Even though hes tried it. Heres how he views it. As a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes i smoked as a young person, up through a big chunk of my adult life. But as a father, the president has his limits. And ive told my daughters, i think its a bad idea, a waste of time, not very healthy. But mr. Obamas live and let live attitude is in stark contrast to past white house positions on the drug. What you talking about, mrs. Reagan . Reporter in the 80s, nancy reagan appeared in a popular sitcom to boost her just say no campaign. Im concerned about drug abuse, especially among the young. Reporter later that decade, marijuana use torpedoed. One of Ronald Reagans Supreme Court picks, douglas ginsburg. By the early 90s, as baby boomers admitted to smoking a joint didnt necessarily snuff out ones political future. I experimented with marijuana a time or two and didnt like it. And didnt inhale. Reporter its been a long journey. In 1969, 84 of americans were against legalization of marijuana. Today 58 are in favor. And the president may have just helped that number grow. And the president says marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol, thats going to affect a lot of people, could change history. Reporter but general barry mccaffrey, who ran the Clinton White house office of National Drug control policy says legalization is a bad idea. Early onset exposure to marijuana, to ecstasy, to beer consumption, is a pathway to a lifetime of addiction. Reporter the question now, how will the president s comments impact the debate . Chuck todd, nbc news, washington. Were back in a moment with the staggering news out today about the growing gap between the haves and the have nots. [ male announcer ] staples has everything you need to launch your big idea. Adding thousands of Products Online every day. From hard hats and goggles. To tools and cleaning products. To state of the art computers, to coffee to keep you fueled. From the sign over the door to the boxes to get it out the door. Yes, staples has everything you need to launch your big idea. Except your big idea. So when you get an idea, were ready with everything else. Staples. Make more happen. Her long day of pick ups and drop offs begins with arthritis pain. And a choice. Take up to 6 tylenol in a day or just 2 aleve for all day relief. All aboard. In fact, they depend on a unique set of nutrients. [ male announcer ] thats why theres ocuvite to help protect your eye health. As you age, your eyes can lose vital nutrients. Ocuvite helps replenish key eye nutrients. Ocuvite is a vitamin made just for your eyes from the eye care experts as bausch lomb. Ocuvite has a unique formula thats just not found in any leading multivitamin. Your eyes are unique, so help protect your eye health with ocuvite. So help protect your eye health my dad has aor afib. Brillation, he has the most common kind. Its not caused by a heart valve problem. Dad, it says your afib puts you at 5 times greater risk of a stroke. Thats why i take my warfarin every day. But it looks like maybe we should ask your doctor about pradaxa. In a clinical trial, pradaxa® Dabigatran Etexilate mesylate . Was proven superior to warfarin at reducing the risk of stroke. And unlike warfarin, with no regular blood tests or dietary restrictions. Hey thanks for calling my doctor. Sure. Pradaxa is not for people with artificial heart valves. Dont stop taking pradaxa without talking to your doctor. Stopping increases your risk of stroke. Ask your doctor if you need to stop pradaxa before surgery or a medical or dental procedure. Pradaxa can cause serious, sometimes fatal, bleeding. Dont take pradaxa if you have abnormal bleeding or have had a heart valve replaced. Seek immediate medical care for unexpected signs of bleeding, like unusual bruising. Pradaxa may increase your bleeding risk if youre 75 or older, have a bleeding condition or stomach ulcer, take aspirin, nsaids, or blood thinners. Or if you have kidney problems, especially if you take certain medicines. Tell your doctors about all medicines you take. Pradaxa side effects include indigestion, stomach pain, upset, or burning. If you or someone you love has afib not caused by a heart valve problem. Ask your doctor about reducing the risk of stroke with pradaxa. A another by an intruderht by the reservoir. Who forced his way in through her bedroom window. And for so many, traumatized again by facing the criminal in court. Im jennifer wexton, and as a prosecutor i put violent offenders in prison. In the virginia senate, ill fight just as hard against Tea Party Republicans who would take away a womans healthcare and her right to choose, even in cases of rape and incest. On election day, help me stand up for her. On this king holiday 2014, president obama volunteered for service. In this case, a d. C. Kitchen that distributes meals to the homeless. Organizers urge americans to make this as they call it a day on and not a day off every year, in keeping with dr. Kings question decades ago, which he said was lifes most urgent and persistent question, what are you doing for others. Today washington, d. C. Led the nation in Service Events to honor dr. King and the holiday. John mcginty has died. He was a recipient of the medal of honor for his combat actions in vietnam. During a threeday firefight in july of 66, mcginty, a second lieutenant, third battalion, fourth marines, was a oneman war movie. While badly wounded himself, he ran through automatic weapons and mortar fire in order to care for 20 marines, cheering them on. Directing their fire. With complete disregard to his safety, he called in artillery to within 50 yards of his own position. And at one point turned around and killed five of the enemy at pointblank range with a side arm. He was awarded the medal by president lincoln johnson. John mcginty was 73 years old. His death now leaves 76 living recipients of the medal. Some new figures came out today as we mentioned on Global Wealth and income disparity. And they are so shocking, it takes a while for them to sink in. A study commissioned by oxfam says the worlds richest 85 individuals have the same wealth as 3. 5 billion people around the world. Once again, 85 people on this planet have the same amount of wealth as the poorest 3. 5 billion people on this planet. The top 1 of families own 46 of our total Global Wealth. Their share equals 110 trillion. These numbers have come out on the eve of the World Economic forum in davos, switzerland, which, while attended by the rich and powerful, is this year going to be focused in large part on this growing and dangerous income disparity. If youre a football fan, where to begin. Two epic games this weekend narrowed four teams to two. The broncos will meet the seahawks in the super bowl in the new jersey meadowlands. It might have been the last postseason meeting of Peyton Manning and tom brady. And of the two, manning was perfect. He sent the patriots back home to boston. And about the 49ersseahawks game. While the seattle crowd came to play, it was Richard Sherman who deflected the pass that led to the pick that won the game. And then he stole the attention after the game. He flashed that choke signal to the losing sideline and followed that with a loud rant on live television, calling himself the best in the game. It will not win him any awards for modesty or sportsmanship. When we come back on a monday night, the comeback for a remarkable woman, an olympian, doing now what few have ever done before her. Done before her. Body pain . Back pain . Try bayer back and body. Its bayer aspirin plus a special pain relief booster, to relieve sore backs and soothe aching muscles fast. Get moving again, with bayer back and body. Weve crafted our power bowls to help you power your day. 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As your life and career change, fidelity is there for your personal economy, helping you readjust your Retirement Plan along the way, rethink how youre invested, and refocus as your career moves forward. Wherever you are today, a fidelity i. R. A. Has a wide range of Investment Choices to help you finetune your personal economy. Call today, and well make it easy to move that old 401 k to a fidelity i. R. A. You she has competed in two summer Olympic Games, but has never taken home a medal. This weekend, lolo jones learned shell be heading to the Winter Olympics in sochi, putting her speed in track and field to use on the u. S. Bobsled team. She was one of six women, including one other track and field athlete, named to the team this weekend. And as nbcs Anne Thompson reports tonight, its been a long journey. Reporter america loves a comeback. But will it love lolo jones again . Its always been about getting to the olympics first. Second, getting on the podium. And thats not going to stop for me until i have that moment. Reporter now 31 years old, jones will try again in sochi, as a brakeman on the u. S. Womens bobsled team. After falling short in the summer games 100 meter hurdle. Sometimes your failure is your biggest motivation. Reporter gold within her grasp in beijing, jones clipped hurdle and finished seventh. Two years ago in london, finished fourth. Disappointment compounded by a scathing article in the new york times, criticizing the photogenic athlete for profiting from what it calls a sad and cynical marketing campaign, capitalizing on her cover girl looks. It brought jones to tears on the today show. The fact that they tore me apart was just heartbreaking. Reporter shes always had to fight. One of five children, jones grew up poor in des moines, iowa. Living in the salvation armys basement washroom when her mom lost the house. One time we were just driving around, they thought we were just taking a ride to the park. Because i didnt want to tell them we didnt have anywhere to go. Lolo jones, making her debut in the sport of bobsledding. Reporter to be Strong Enough to push, jones gained 25 pounds. She happily shares the spotlight with the sixwoman team who call themselves the wolf pack. Here with driver jasmine phenolater and track star williams, a gold and silver olympic medalist, they say there is no fear of jones fame. For me, its lolo jones is why we won a medal. Im going to use that as a catalyst to promote my sport and the possibility that dreams can happen. Reporter lolo jones working to make sure the third time is the charm. Anne thompson, nbc news, new york. By the way, lolo jones and the entire womens bobsled team will appear tomorrow morning here on today. That is our broadcast for nbc nbc nightly news on this monday night as we begin a new week. Thank you for being here with us. Im brian williams. We, of course, hope to see you right back here tomorrow evening. Good night. Back here tomorrow evening. Good night. Okay. Do you want to meet him now. No. No. Dont do it. No no no. Stop it. What . 1, 2, 3. My gosh. Oh,