Multiple injuries and reports the shooter was a sixthgrade girl what were learning about that the school bus hijacked with 18 children on board. The suspect an army trainee with a rifle who abandoned his post the new u. S. Warning to russia as the Kremlin Masses troops on the Ukraine Border Andrea Mitchells exclusive conversation with Secretary Of State blinken. New images inside a migrant Holding Facility that was overcrowded with children two months ago. And why a Texas Democrat says they dont tell the whole story. And the price you pay for summer travel. The Surprise Fees to watch out for. Announcer this is nbc nightly news with lester holt good evening, everyone as america eases open the doors of familiar life this week, the number of people weve lost in this country to covid has quietly ticked above 580,000 over 600 deaths today alone. A reminder the battle has not been won but a dramatically slowing rate of deaths and Covid Infections tells us the vaccinations are working. And were seeing what tangible victory could look like tonight. The major city pulling together, rolling up its sleeves and creating a level of Community Immunity well take you there to see whats working. And as a country is it too soon to say were turning the corner weve got a lot to tell you about on the covid front tonight. Lets start with miguel almaguer. Reporter tonight as u. S. Covid cases and deaths drop to their lowest levels since last fall San Francisco may now be leading the nation in Community Immunity a National Model for its Vaccination Rate nearly 75 of those eligible here have at least one dose already higher and two months ahead of the president s goal of 70 . Were hoping by the middle of this month well get to 80. Reporter after early vaccination outreach covid cases in the city are in a freefall, averaging 26 infections a day today San Francisco and los angeles joining chicago and new york, dramatically easing restrictions. In every part of New York City Life is coming back. Reporter across the country more than 40 of all adults are fully vaccinated a new study finds when half the u. S. Is inoculated the nation could prevent 6. 8 million covid cases and billions in medical costs. But the numbers havent convinced everyone iowa is declining 71 of vaccines earmarked for the state. Demand for vaccine in iowa and nationwide is waning. Reporter with pfizer announcing theyll help vaccinate olympians before they arrive in tokyo, moderna confirms early trial results show its booster shot is highly effective against variants tonight vaccines are bringing loved ones back together. In new jersey more than 100 families separated because of the virus now reunited because of vaccinations moments of joy after a year of sorrow miguel, as more get vaccinated, more restrictions are easing but what is the cdc guidance for returning to the office . Reporter well, the white house has said those new guidelines could be coming out soon they could redefine what it looks like when you return to work but of Course Vaccinations could mean less restrictions lester okay, miguel, thank you. Protecting the vote or preventing it . That debate raging tonight in florida where the governor just signed a controversial new voting law, prompting immediate legal challenges sam brock is there reporter tonight Florida Governor ron desantis signing the latest controversial State Voting Law that he says will make elections more secure. Were going to make sure our elections are transparent. Were also going to continue with voter i. D. , which is very, very important and make sure that you are who you say you are. Reporter desantis raising eyebrows, making it official on fox news im actually going to sign it right here. Reporter with no other Media Outlets allowed in though fox says it did not request or mandate that the event be exclusive. It was on national tv it wasnt secret reporter the new law zeros in on voting by mail, requiring an i. D. To request a mailin ballot, limiting drop boxes to where they can be monitored in person and prohibiting socalled ballot harvesting its not for some political operative to get a satchel full of votes and dump them off. A lot of this legislation to me looks like a large straw man. Youre constructing an enemy. Youre constructing fraud. Youre constructing an opponent that doesnt practically exist. Reporter the naacp and other groups now suing, saying the law deters minority voters and slamming it as an attack on the right to vote noting twice as many black voters cast mailin ballots in 2020 as compared to previous years. Voter suppression and this is direct backlash to the increased black Voter Turnout in florida that we saw in 2020. Reporter and tonight the Texas Legislature is primed to vote on bills that would limit early voting hours and empower poll watchers. Lester sam brock tonight thank you. Russia tonight is still massing troops on its border with ukraine despite pulling back some as Secretary Of State Antony Blinken promises to defend ukraine from any russian threat he spoke exclusively with Andrea Mitchell in ukraine reporter u. S. Officials say russia still has nearly 80,000 troops on the Ukraine Border instead of withdrawing most of its forces by may 1st as it claimed. Tonight the Secretary Of State on russias alarming show of force. Will the u. S. Defend ukraine if Vladimir Putin invades . So what weve seen, andrea, is that there was a massive buildup of forces on the Ukrainian Border some of those forces have pulled back, but significant forces remain some of the heavy equipment has been pulled back, but other heavy equipment remains. And they can turn that around fairly quickly. Reporter Secretary Blinken is also warning ukraine of a problem from within. Rampant corruption doesnt that show that ukraine has not proved that it can reform well, ukraine has aggression coming from outside, from russia but also inside in terms of corruption that potentially eats away at its democracy. Corruption is a tool that russia uses to try to erode ukrainian sovereignty from the inside reporter and for the past year the governments total failure dealing with the pandemic with a population of 42 million people, only 419 are fully vaccinated now yielding to international pressure, the white house agreeing to support waiving Vaccine Patents so more nations can manufacture their own. Critics say that this will affect Supply Chains and that we could face shortages ourselves back in the u. S. If the virus is replicating anywhere, it could be mutating and if its mutating with a new variant it could come back here and bite us even after people have been vaccinated so we have to get ahead of that and we have to get ahead of it around the world. Reporter the biggest challenge for ukraine is russia. The biden administrations commitment is to help ukraine defend itself with weapons but not to get involved militarily if russia decides to cross that border lester Andrea Mitchell in ukraine. Thanks in just 60 seconds new images from inside a Border Facility for unaccompanied Migrant Children is the emergency getting any better getting any better . Customizes your Car Insurance so you only pay for what you need . Just get a quote at libertymutual. Com. Really . Ill check that out. Oh yeah. I think i might get a quote. Not again aah, come on rice. Do your thing. Only pay for what you need. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Wealth is breaking ground on your biggest project yet. Worth is giving the people who build it a solid foundation. Wealth is shutting down the office for mikes retirement party. Worth is giving the employee who spent half his life with you, the party of a lifetime. Wealth is watching your business grow. Worth is watching your employees grow with it. Principal. For all its worth. Terrifying moments today at a middle school in rigby, idaho where two students and a custodian were shot and wounded. Authorities say a teacher disarmed the suspect, a sixthgrade girl, and held her until Police Arrested her. The injuries are described as nonlifethreatening and a harrowing morning for some School Children near columbia, South Carolina after a u. S. Army trainee got on a school bus with a rifle and held the children and the Driver Hostage after a short time he let them all go, drove the bus himself for several miles, and was eventually arrested. Officials say the rifle was not loaded and believe it was all a desperate attempt to leave training and get home to new jersey now an update on the record Migrant Surge at the southern border and new images from inside a Border Patrol detention facility for unaccompanied children which one democrat tonight says are misleading Gabe Gutierrez is there. Reporter this is new video provided by customs and Border Protection from inside the Makeshift Processing Facility in donna, texas its much less crowded than it was months ago, and now Officials Say children are being kept here for an average of 24 hours, much less than before. But a texas congressman, a democrat whod previously leaked these photos of packed conditions at the facility in march, says the claim that the problem is under control is misleading. What theyre doing now is theyre moving the kids from the Border Patrol tents over next door to the hhs facility with all due respect, its all a shell game. Reporter the number of unaccompanied minor children in Border Patrol custody has dropped dramatically to around 700. But the number with the department of health and Human Services has soared to almost 22,000. A plan takes time, and especially so because we have to rebuild an entire system that was dismantled reporter still, at the border the current surge is stretching not just federal but state and local Law Enforcement agencies to their limits. These bps agents right now are trying to talk to one of the suspected smugglers. Reporter Officials Say 160,000 unaccompanied children are expected to cross the border this year, shattering the previous record. One woman told us the twomonth journey from honduras was hard. And that she and others came here because they lost everything during two massive hurricanes last year. Gabe, you just toured that Border Patrol processing facility what struck you the most reporter lester, it was not chaotic but still very busy. There are more than 800 migrants here. That is still over covid capacity and last month this facility alone cost more than 19 million to operate lester all right, gabe, thank you. New details about the handful of families separated under the Trump Administration that have now been reunited Jacob Soboroff just spoke with the Homeland Security secretary. Reporter as some families separated by the Trump Administration reunite this week we asked Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas if theyd be given permanent status we are very much focused on providing stability to the reunited families. Its not something we can guarantee at this point in time. Reporter over 1,000 families are still separated from the policy ended in 2018 the Task Force Director says there may be more. We are finding evidence of separations. We still have to go through and match up data and look at what led to those separations. Reporter mayorkas responding to calls for Trump Officials to face accountability. Accountability would not deliver necessarily justice for just the families. You dont believe that any of those people deserve to be held accountable for their role in this thats not what i said what i said was that we are focused on reuniting the families that is the justice that we are focused upon achieving right now. Reporter the secretary also told me that not just parents but siblings of separated children might also be able to get permanent legal status here. Lester all right, jacob, thank you. Theres new data out showing more than 6,600 antiasian hate incidents have been reported to the group Stop Aapi Hate since march 2020 vicky nguyen now on the troubling rise and we have to warn you the video is disturbing reporter in new York City Police have recorded at least 40 antiasian attacks this year, including an assault with a hammer another man beaten into a coma while gathering cans today dozens of Business Owners gathered in brooklyn to stop asian hate we will not accept any of this going on in not only our community, not only in our city, but in this country. I was so scared what if the guy go crazy, have a gun or knife . Reporter earlier this week in washington, d. C. Store owner chong foo lu says he received 14 stitches after a man punched him. [ bleep ] you chinese people, i hate you. Reporter and in San Francisco a man has been booked on charges of attempted murder, accused of stabbing two asian women who were waiting for a bus. Police data from 16 major cities showed a 164 increase in reports of antiasian hate crimes compared to the same time last year this could be my mother it scares me and it frustrates me reporter the newly formed Asian American foundation has raised 250 million to respond to the rise in antiasian violence and discrimination were going to invest in data and research were going to fund education. Asian American History should be a part of American History Asian American advocates say one way anyone can help, take Bystander Training so that when you see something happening you have skills to safely intervene lester all right, vicky nguyen, thanks for that President Biden traveled to a republican stronghold today to sell his massive Infrastructure Plan our Kristen Welker now with the gop objecting to the price tag and how the president plans to pay for it. Reporter with republicans opposing his 2. 3 trillion plan to overhaul the nations infrastructure, President Biden today going to bright red lake charles, louisiana to make his case joined by the republican mayor standing in front of a bridge 20 years older than its intended life span across the country we have failed we have failed to properly invest in infrastructure for half a century reporter but republicans in congress blasting it as a massive tax and spending spree they say focuses too little on traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges. To pay for the plan the president wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and large corporations i cant imagine that theres republican support for bringing socialism to america. Its mortgaging everybodys future in order to do what fund a bunch of liberal pet projects, Cancel Energy jobs reporter but the president says his plan will create jobs. Hell host leaders from both parties here at the white house next week. Lester okay, kristen, thank you. Now to the Hunger Crisis in america. A staggering 1 in 8 people are reportedly having Food Insecurity even in places that may surprise you heres Cynthia Mcfadden reporter despite these amber fields of grain, americas heartland is hungry. In iowa 1 in 7 children struggle with hunger in nebraska its 1 in 6. Brian box runs a food bank that stretches over 93 counties in those states we followed their work since the start of the pandemic, when things were really rough. How are things now still hard. We have not seen a light at the end of the tunnel people are still struggling and still hurting. Reporter food bank for the heartland was started 40 years ago. Is that the onion got the bread . Reporter while there have been plenty of hard times over the years, nothing has been as rough as this. How many in your household . Five. Reporter the month before the pandemic struck they were spending 80,000 a month on food. And now we will spend about 1. 5 million per month purchasing food. Reporter in 2020 they distributed 42 Million Pounds of food up 45 from 2019 many here had jobs and mortgages and wellfed children only a few months ago we need food. I work maybe once or twice a week and its hard to pay my bills, my rent. Reporter brian barks says roughly one in four people seeking help since the pandemic are doing so for the first time and many dont qualify for federal programs there are some serious questions that Everyday Americans are asking themselves. Do i get the medicine that i need or do i buy Food Reporter but food banks cant do it alone. He says the federal governments decision to extend the 15 increase in food stamp benefits known as snap through the summer will help. For every meal that a food bank distributes snap can do nine. I mean, when you do the math it just makes sense. Reporter tonight in the heartland proud americans are asking for help grateful for those who will give it Cynthia Mcfadden, nbc news after a short break those travel fees are coming back what to know in the price you pay. Price you pay s was knocking me out of my zone, but lowering my a1c with onceweekly ozempic® helped me get back in it. Oh, oh, oh, ozempic® my zone . Lowering my a1c and losing some weight. Now, back to the show. Ozempic® is proven to lower a1c. Most people who took ozempic® reached an a1c under 7 and maintained it. And you may lose weight. Adults lost on average up to 12 pounds. Ozempic® isnt for people with Type 1 Diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Dont share needles or pens, or reuse needles. Dont take ozempic® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer, or have multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2, or if allergic to it. 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Other serious side effects include dehydration, sudden Kidney Problems, genital yeast and bacterial infections in women and men, urinary tract infections, and low blood sugar. Stop taking farxiga and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis which is serious and may lead to death. More time with her . Sounds good to me. Farxiga if you cant afford your medication, astrazeneca may be able to help. Wanna help kids get their homework done . If you cant afford your medication, well, an Internet Connections a good start. But kids also need computers. And sometimes the hardest thing about homework is finding a place to do it. So why not Hook Community centers up with wifi . For kids like us, and all the Amazing Things were gonna learn. Over the next 10 years, comcast is committing 1 billion to reach 50 million lowincome americans with the tools and resources they need to be ready for anything. I hope youre ready. cause we are. Nearly 3 4 of americans say theyre planning a Summer Vacation our Kristen Dahlgren looks at how those plans could hit your pocketbook pretty hard reporter its not just travel coming back this summer some travelrelated fees are making a comeback too consumers should look at the total picture when they travel there are now fees to enter countries, mandatory health insurance, mandatory covid testing, and especially for families those fees can add up very quickly. Reporter while Many Airlines did away with change fees during the pandemic, on some of the lowest price or basic fares those fees are back this month it might make sense to spend a little bit more, especially if you want that flexibility. Reporter many people are turning to travel agents to help navigate The New Travel Landscape but that could cost you. Some may charge upfront fees. Bottom line, do your research including on your destination, your hotel, even restaurants to find out what extra costs you might incur. And dont be afraid to ask for a refund of a Hotels Resort fee if usual perks arent available because of the pandemic also, use those points or miles when you want to change or cancel frequent flyer miles tickets you can now do that in most programs and get all of your miles and cash back. Reporter making sure that beach trip doesnt leave you drowning in debt Kristen Dahlgren, nbc news up next here tonight, well meet a nurse whose personal struggles made her even more effective at her job. And take. It. On. With rinvoq. Rinvoq a oncedaily pill can dramatically improve symptoms. Rinvoq helps tame pain, stiffness, swelling. And for some, rinvoq can even significantly reduce ra fatigue. Thats rinvoq relief. With ra, your overactive Immune System attacks your joints. Rinvoq regulates it to help stop the attack. Rinvoq can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. Serious infections and blood clots, sometimes fatal, have occurred as have certain cancers, including lymphoma, and tears in the stomach or intestines, and changes in lab results. Your doctor should monitor your bloodwork. Tell your doctor about any infections. And if you are or may become pregnant while taking rinvoq. Take on ra. Talk to your rheumatologist about rinvoq relief. Rinvoq. Make it your mission. If you cant afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help. If you cant afford your medicine, announcer you can quit. For free help, call 1800quit now. Whats the 1 Retinol Brand used most by dermatologists . Its neutrogena® rapid wrinkle repair® smooths the look of fine lines in 1week, Deep Wrinkles in 4. So you can kiss wrinkles goodbye neutrogena® two medical societies have strongly recommended to doctors to treat acute, nonlow back muscle and joint pain with topical nsaids first. A formulation they recommend can be found in salonpas. A formulation they recommend can be found in salonpas. Salonpas. Its good medicine. Hisamitsu. groan, bleat there once was a colt who was raised by goats. He struggled at first on the snow, the rocks and the rivers. Then he became strong. Capable of handling any terrain. And the colt became a bronco. With seven available g. O. A. T. Modes that adapt the vehicle to go over any type of terrain. This is the allnew bronco sport. Certain hpvrelated cancers . Youre not welcome here get out of my face hpv can cause certain cancers when your child grows up. Get in its way. Hpv can affect males and females. And theres no way to predict who will or wont clear the virus. The cdc recommends Hpv Vaccination at age 11 or 12 to help protect against certain cancers. Hey. Cancer not. My. Child. Dont wait. Talk to your childs doctor about Hpv Vaccination today. Finally, celebrating service. And on this National Nurses day we meet a nurse who learned from personal experience what they dont teach in school. Sona daldumyan has cared for Pediatric Oncology Patients at Los Angeles Childrens hospital for more than two decades. I wanted to be a nurse since my very first memory as a child. Reporter its where she met her husband, jed, a physicians assistant. It was his second month on the job he was like, yeah, sure, you can follow me im going to pretend i know what im doing. Reporter they started a family in 2016 jed was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The couple decided to make memories. Jed liked to get married a lot, didnt he he just had a thing about marrying me over and over again im the luckiest woman on earth reporter 18 months after his Diagnosis Jed passed away. A month later sona returned to work was it hard for you to work in oncology after going through your personal struggle and the loss of jed . It was. But it was never a doubt in my mind that i was going to come back to it you can read books but once you experience it yourself your advice that you give to families is a lot more practical reporter families like nicole shahari. Her daughter gaby had a rare bone cancer she walked right alongside you. And she just gives so much love and so much comfort. Reporter a gift her patients give back i just love them. I love them for who they are that really touches a place in my heart. And just appreciate them for who they are. And one more note before we leave you tonight. Be sure to check out the new episode of nightly news kids edition posting online tonight. Thats nightly news for this thursday. Thank you for watching, everyone im lester holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night. Right now at 6 00, recruiting new members to join the fire fight, California National guardsmen get trained in the south bay. Its a steep Learning Curve but were all learning very fast. How todays exercise could help save your home, this fire season. And the drought, its expanding across the state, well take a look at the bay area numbers in a few minutes. Plus, given The Green Light to reopen for the first time in more than a year. I will take whatever business i can get, even at 25 . One of the businesses benefiting the most by San Franciscos move into the yellow tier, and what it might mean for your weekend plans. The news at 6 00 starts right now. Thanks for joining us. Im jessica aguirre. Im janelle wang. We begin with climate in crisis, one of the most dangerous fire seasons predicted for california, cal fire is now calling in the national guard. The bay areas Cal Fire Unit was busy Training National guard members in the Santa Clara County foothills. Nbc bay areas robert honda who broke the story on Twitter Joins out from the san jose Training Stiet to show us while cal fire will need all the get. Cal fire says this is the B Firefighters soon. A fourmile hike through the San Jose Hills is part of the Mission Today for almost 50 California National guard members