This is nbc nightly news with lester holt reporting tonight from los angeles. Good evening. Amid warnings about threat of attacks over the july 4th weekend, the images we saw plastered across the tv screens from washington this morning were exactly the kind we feared most. Ambulances and police cars racing to reports about a shooter on the rampage. Of course by now we all know that what happened at the Washington Navy yard this morning was a false alarm, but the sheer size of the Police Response not only at the navy yard but across the Nations Capital spoke volumes about the disturbing and very Real Security climate we all find ourselves in this Holiday Weekend. We start tonight with Peter Alexander and a nation on edge. [ sirens ] reporter this morning fears of another mass shooting sparked a massive response in a city already on edge. The 911 call came after 7 00 a. M. A woman inside a Washington Navy yard building reported hearing possible gunshots workers scrambled for cover. I heard someone yelling get out of the building. Stay away from the cafeteria. Get out of here and everyone started running toward the exits. Reporter police swarmed the scene. Helicopters circling overhead. West and northeast corner. Make sure its clear. Reporter the lockdown lasted hours and the drama playing out on live tv. Reports are telling us that there is an active shooter. Reporter s. W. A. T. Teams searched a navy yard one mile from the capital one building at a time before giving the all clear. There was no criminal act and no shots fired and no one was hurt. A huge relief after a lone gunman roamed the hallways killing 12 people. D. C. s police chief stressed todays caller did exactly what she should have done, that it wasnt a malicious hoax. We take every event serious and our posture remains high. Across the country Law Enforcement agencies are on alert with isis supporters urging attacks along the july 4th holiday and Law Enforcement and military personal, top targets. The concern even reaching overseas. The air forces 48 fighter wing canceling fourth of july events at a base in england citing local threat assessments. New york city, with one of its Largest Police presences ever for Independence Day and boston and l. A. Beefing up patrols focusing on lone wolf attacks and a specific warning to be on the lookout for bulk purchases of fireworks that could be used as explosives. Here in the Nations Capital, thousands of tourists are already arriving. Moms got it all laid out. Were doing the metro. We can walk to our hotel so our planning is our safety measure. Reporter the holiday jitters are getting so much attention now that one purported isis supporter today tweeted, quote, americans are terrified of july 4th. Thats not the response officials are looking for. They want them to turn out, be on the lookout and enjoy. Thanks. Another big story were following, a toxic air emergency in tennessee after a train carrying poisonous chemicals flew off the tracks in the middle of the night. Thousands of homeowners awakened and evacuated over fears for their safety. We get the latest on this from Janet Shamlian in maryville, tennessee. Reporter without warning, a train carrying poisonous materials derailed and caught fire near knoxville, forcing more than 5,000 people to evacuate their homes in the middle of the night. By 2 00, 2 30 it smelled bad. I grabbed what i could and got out as fast as i could. My thought was is the air pows noise . I was worried that breathing was going to be an issue. 52 people went to the hospital. At least 25 were admitted after being exposed to the toxic chemicals. Rail line company csx says there were no injuries, but nbc news has learned the area is so toxic crews are being told to use extreme caution. Were in the process of controlling the fire and containing the fire. Reporter this afternoon the thick plume of smoke billowing from the train was still visible miles away. I was kind of confused. I didnt know what was going on. My heart was beating out of my chest. Reporter Officials Say the Freight Train was traveling from ohio to georgia when the tanker went off the track after midnight. 27 of the 57 cars were carrying dangerous substances including 24,000 gallons of a toxic and flammable chemical used to manufacture plastic. If inhaled at high levels it can cause headaches, nausea and kidney irritation. A twomile evacuation zone was quickly put into place. When youve got an official, fireman or policeman coming to the door telling you youve got to go its time to go. Reporter businesses were forced to close and res dant dents warned not to drink the water. Tonight many remain at red cross shelters waiting for the allclear to return home. Reporter and the epa is on the scene right now. Theyre taking samples of the air while the fire is largely out at this hour, no one is going home tonight. Authorities will reanalyze and make a decision on that in the morning. Lester, back to you. Janet, thank you. Tonight five years after one of the worst environmental disasters this country has ever seen bp has agreed to pay a record 18. 7 billion to the federal government and five states so badly damaged by the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill. Youll recall it poured millions of gallons of oil into the gulf for 87 days. Even years later, a lot of places there are still struggling to come back and people there are saying tonight say this settlement isnt going to cut it. We get details from nbcs Kerry Sanders in Plaquemines Parish, louisiana. Reporter five years after an explosion killed 11 men and americans watched millions of gallons of oil gush into the gulf of mexico bp and five coastal states announced an historic agreement. This morning at simultaneous news conferences, state officials called it a major achievement. Todays settlement is a game changer for louisiana, its communities and its families. Reporter bp will pay 18. 7 billion to the federal government and the five gulf coast states for economic and environmental losses as well as penalties for federal clean water act violations. The payout is 54 more than bps profits last year and will be distributed over the next 18 years. Thats nearly 215 million for each of the 87 days oil gushed into the gulf of mexico. This agreement settles claims with 400 local communities, but in especially hard hit Plaquemines Parish in louisiana local politicians say the deal is not enough. What were doing is making sure that the future generations in Plaquemines Parish are being justly compensated. Reporter at P J Oyster Company in new orleans, a 139yearold institution, today only enough oysters for two shuckers on the line. This is what it looked like before the impact of the oil spill. Who would have thought five years ago we wouldnt have oysters enough to sell to provide to the customers that we had . You know, who would have thought that the public oyster grounds east of the Mississippi River would be nonproductive to this day . Reporter bp officials said today that this agreement will pay a significant amount of money for the restoration of natural resources. This agreement, this settlement is in addition to the estimated 10 billion settlement being paid to individuals for their losses like the oystermen that own these boats over my shoulder here. Lester . Kerry sanders, thank you. There is new fallout over the fiery debate over the Confederate Flag. Nascar after making it clear last week that the flag has no official place at its events is now going even further with a request many of its fans may not like ahead of one of the biggest racing weekends of the year. Nbcs Kevin Tibbles explains. Reporter it is brash and fast and fans of nascar have never been shy about showing their patriotism or southern roots, but while flags fly in the infield, one is no longer welcome. The Confederate Flag. In a statement today, nascar asked fans to refrain from flying it, saying we are committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere free of offensive symbols. In a show of support, 32 speedways hosting nascar events signed the announcement. Theyre creating an environment where more fans and especially africanamerican fans in this instance can feel welcome. Reporter reaction on twitter was passionate on both sides. Shout out to nascar for turning their backs on their fan base in favor of Political Correctness said one. Bravo, nascar asking fans to leave their Confederate Flag at home. Its a repressive symbol and not welcome said another. Earlier, number 88 Dale Earnhardt jr. , stated he supports nascars stand. Its offensive to an entire race and really does nothing for anybody to be there flying. It belongs in history books and thats about it. Reporter the flag ban will not be in effect at the Daytona International speedway for this sundays race to allow fans time, but nascar is offering a free stars and stripes to those who want to trade in their stars and bars. Kevin tibbles, nbc news, chicago. There is mixed news to report today on the economy. While new numbers show that employers added a healthy 223,000 jobs last month and the Unemployment Rate dropped to 5. 3 economists say wages didnt increase at all and many people gave up looking for work reflecting some discouragement for many in the job market. Turning now to politics and the newest candidate to join the democratic race for candidate. Former virginia senator jim web entering a field that includes Hillary Clinton and vermont senator Bernie Sanders who raised a reported 15 million since announcing his campaign in april. Last night he drew a crowd of nearly 10,000 for a rally in madison, wisconsin. In the gop race, the Serta Mattress Company is the latest to cut ties with donald trump. By some estimates trump has lost over 50 million in deals over controversial comments he made about immigrants from mexico. Tonight, there are no plans to close down beaches along the North Carolina coastline this Holiday Weekend despite a recent rash of shark attacks. Safety officials are scrambling to find a pattern of the attacks while some businesses say theyre noticing a drop in tourists. Nbcs Gabe Gutierrez has more from the outer banks. Reporter the rescue was frantic. First responders respond to lifeguard beach. We have a subject that has an injury from possible shark. Reporter 67yearold Andrew Costelo now in Good Condition after a shark bit him on his leg, hip and both hands. You could see a pretty decent size, about baseballsize gash taken out of his knee. Reporter it was North Carolinas seventh shark attack in three weeks, a record. I rm viewing with the Public Safety personnel to make sure we have the personnel in place to respond to any potential emergency. Reporter but this Holiday Weekend officials have decided not to close any beaches. We have no indication that we need to do that and we want to make sure people are aware when they go into the water that there are risks there. Water temperatures are warm, warmer than normal at this time of year which means summer arrived sooner and with it came the sharks that move from the south as well as many of the things that they eat. Reporter so far this year there have been 25 unprovoked shark attacks in the u. S. 11 of them in florida, seven in North Carolina, four in south carolina. Patrick thornton is among the survivors. I could see the fin slowly coming by me. A shark is upon me. Its attacking me. Reporter this is an upclose view of divers in florida when tiger sharks got curious. At this North Carolina coffee shop all the unwanted attention has already taken a bite out of their business. This is our livelihood. The couple of months that we have during the season is what kind of sustains us through the winter. Reporter tonight, North Carolina is hoping the sharks stay away, but the tourists dont. So far there have been 25 shark attacks throughout the u. S. This year compared to 52 all of last year, but here in North Carolina, emergency crews will remain on high alert throughout the weekend. Lester . All right, gabe. Thanks. Still ahead tonight, we have sharks on one coast, drought on the other. A once hugely popular july 4th spot nearly run dry. The summer may never be the same in the west where record drought is ruining much more than holiday fun. Also kids who grew up watching her now watch with kids of their own, but after 44 years a beloved face from sesame street is moving out of the neighborhood. Cept that im not 21. 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Were back a top the nbc news were back atop the nbc news bureau in los angeles where the hottest days of the year are arriving with no relief from the blistering drought here. Californians cut their water use by a record 29 in may. Thats, of course, vitally important, but theres no conserving your way out of a drought like this. Meantime, it has severely altered the california lifestyle in so many ways, ways that will be especially apparent as people head off for outdoor adventures this Holiday Weekend. We get more from nbcs jacob rascon. Reporter the San Antonio Reservoir used to be one of californias largest and a popular Independence Day getaway, but after four years of extreme drought there is almost nothing usable left. Its near what they call dead pool which means you cant release any more water out of it. Reporter and for the first time ever, the lake is now closed indefinitely. Theyre used to coming to having the lake, to picnic, to swim, boat, to fish and its gone. My family is sick about it because its in my backyard. Its a sad thing. Reporter up and down the coast, californians are changing the way they live. The kids cant run around the sprinklers like we grew up. We cant wash our cars. Reporter lush lawns like the reservoirs are vanishing. The community of mountainhouse recently came within bonn day of running dry before buying expensive water on the open market. Another community, East Porterville relies on donated Water Bottles and tanks after hundreds of its wells simply dried up. The fixes are only temporary. A lot of people are very concerned about what could happen if we get another dry winter. You wont be the only community . No, this will be a statewide, epic crisis. Reporter another major reservoir, folsom lake, the primary water source for hundreds of thousands of northern californians is losing 1. 4 billion gallons every day, an entire region facing a new reality, buying time desperate for lasting relief. Reporter another fourth of july tradition is also suffering because of the drought. All personal fireworks are banned in dozens of Community Across the west including here in california. Lester, an increasing number of cities have canceled their fireworks shows saying it is simply not worth the fire risk. I can only imagine what an anxious weekend this will be for firefighters. One of the more anxious weekends. Firefighters have been preparing for this weekend for months. Jacob rascon, good to see you. Thanks. We are back with a heartbreaking selfdefeat. If you have to lose, you dont want to lose like this. Theres a more enjoyable way to get your fiber. Try phillips fiber good gummies plus energy support. Its a new fiber supplement that helps support regularity and includes b vitamins to help convert food to energy. Mmmmm, these are good nice work, phillips the tasty side of fiber, from phillips. Your kids get used to sweaty odors in their room. 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Not realizing his mistake until it was too late. 43 people were killed in that crash and amazingly, there were more than a dozen survivors. New yorks newest millionaire is one of the brave First Responders from 9 11. Carmelo mercado won a 5 million jackpot from a scratchoff lottery ticket. He was forced to retire from the fd in y in 2004 from a lung condition he developed at ground zero. A lot of people arent going to like the sound of this or lack of sound because the maker of bubble wrap is unveiling a new design that will no longer make that satisfying pop when you burst the bubbles. The old version will still be available, but shippers may decide to go with the new one because its designed to take up less space in warehouses, and a bit quieter, too. A heartbreaking finish at the womens world cup in canada, japan taking on england in the semifinals and it was all tied up in the final minute of the match when a ball off the foot of england defender Laura Bassett bounced off the crossbar and landed in her own teams goal, giving japan the goahead score and the victory and theyll take on the u. S. In the championship on sunday and your heart has to go out to her. Up next after more than four decades, sesame street is about to lose one of its friendly neighbors opinion. Why settle for this . Enter sleep number. Dont miss the lowest prices of the season, going on now. Sleepiq technology tells you how well you slept and what adjustments you can make. You like the bed soft. Hes more hardcore. So your sleep goes from good to great to wow only at a sleep number store. Right now, find the lowest prices of the season with the c4 Queen Mattress set only 1499. 98. Know better sleep with sleep number. Listen up. Im reworking the menu. 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Ducolax provides gentle overnight relief, unlike miralax that can take up to 3 days. Dulcolax, designed for dependable relief. Finally tonight, after a remarkable 44 years with big bird grover and oscar the grouch the actress who plays the beloved maria is moving away from sesame street. So many of us either grew up watching her or watched along while our kids did and now the neighborhood just wont be the same without her. Heres rehema ellis. My name is maria. Reporter millions of us have grown up watching her. For 44 years, maria has been the darling on public televisions most beloved show sesame street sunny day, sweeping the clouds away reporter now Sonia Manzano who has played a wife mother and fixit shop owner is retiring from the show that joined her with adorable characters including oscar the grouch. Ill give you something nice that you really like. I got it just for you. What is it oscar . A pie in the face or Something Like that . Reporter she got to sesame street when she was only 21 a drama student at Carnegie Mellon university a firstgeneration puerto ricanamerican from the bronx. What is the spanish word for amazing, estupendo manzano was one of the first hispanics to appear on National Television a cast member and much more winning an impressive 15 emmy awards for writing. The challenge is taking a very complex issue and making it very simple. Something that a 4yearold could understand. Reporter in many ways playing maria mirrored her life. The character maria got married the same time sonia did. Today manzanos sesame street fans were buzzing about her retirement tweeting heart you, sonia. The first latina i saw on tv in the 70s. Ive always enjoyed the maria moments with oscar the grouch. Was she something of a role model for you . Yeah. I thought she was a very positive influence. Shes just like part of the family. Shell be missed . She will. Who are the people in your neighborhood a Television Legend who charmed children and adults in all of our neighborhoods. Rehema ellis, nbc news new york. And that will do it for us on a thursday night. Im lester holt reporting from los angeles. I hope you have a wonderful and safe Holiday Weekend. For all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching and good night. Night. What is happening on this show . Your housewives of Beverly Hills is so good or so bad. Im billy bush with a reality