family, their four children drowning in the floods the explosive wildfire in california turning deadly. the state's biggest inferno this year our team in the fire zone. the longest sentence yet handed down to a capitol rioter. nfl quarterback deshaun watson suspended after two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct why critics say it doesn't go far enough and my conversation with the parents of austin tice, marking ten years since the american journalist vanished in syria the new plea to president biden. announcer: this is "nightly news" with lester holt." a u.s. drone strike in afghanistan is believed to have killed one of the world's most notorious terror master minds wanted in the deaths of hundreds including americans abroad u.s. officials say ayman al-zawari successor to osama bin

laden was successfully targeted in a weekend drone strike in afghanistan. to this day he has been on the fbi's most wanted list for his role in the 1998 bombings of u.s. embassies in tanzania and kenya that killed 224 people including 12 americans also a key figure in the 9/11 attack president biden addressing the nation tonight about the operation. kelly o'donnell is at the white house with late details. >> lester, the importance of this strike against al qaeda's leader, the most significant blow to the terror group since the death of osama bin laden, comes with an unusual circumstance for this white house. president biden has covid and tonight will address the nation from a balcony to the tv camera is outside and at a distance of about 15 feet. officials called this a successful counter terrorism operation importantly with no civilian casualties. that played out over the weekend

in afghanistan and, of course, it was one year ago this month that president made his decision to withdraw u.s. forces from that long war and resulting exit turned chaotic and deadly with that attack on the kabul airport. but to night a very different outcome with the death of the wanted 71-year-old terrorist the president will explain how they found him and killed him coming up. lester >> kelly o'donnell, thank you. his signature was on many of the worst terrorist attacks of our time tonight our chief foreign correspondent richard engel with details. >> reporter: al-zawahiri was succeeding osama bin laden, in dozens of videos attacking u.s. and allies he directed al qaeda's thinking, led the operation and was a key planner of the 9/11 attacks and the 1998u.s. embassy bombings in east africa we know it was his urging that bin laden really took an

interest in attacking the united states >> reporter: he meticulously planned mass murder. tried to arm al qaeda with weapons of mass destruction and wrote the declaration of war against the u.s. his transformation into the world's most wanted terrorist had an unlikely start. he was born in 1951 into a wealthy egyptian family, of doctors and scholars he became radicalized as a teenager after joining muslim brotherhood before training to be a surgeon at 31, he was one of hundreds assassinated after the assassination of the egyptian president. he was tortured during three years in an egyptian jail and left to seek revenge by his mid 30s, he was a leader in egypt's islamic jihad he met the saudi osama bin laden who was fighting the soviets in afghanistan. they bonded. zawahiri became bin laden's

personal doctor. by 1998, the islamic jihad and al qaeda merged. he was second in command bin laden was a relative newcomer to the world of jihad zawahiri had established credentials. the two uniting up provided a team that could not be broken. >> reporter: america was their next target. the world trade center in their sights after 9/11, zawahiri was seen in afghanistan and then went into hiding at $25 million reward on his head he kept al qaeda alive as isis became the west's main target. by the ruthless brains behind the world's worst terrorist attackeven in the final video. he was calling on muslims to attack america >> richard, what is the significant that this strike took place in kabul? >> so there are indications that it took place not just in kabul but right in the center of kabul, not far from the

presidential palace. and the united states has been cooperating, many people don't know this, with the taliban in the fight against isis but the counter-terrorism cooperation against al qaeda has been very poor so this seems like it was a target of opportunity for the americans. the pinnacle of arrogance from the taliban to host such a senior leader and the united states sending a message to the taliban that they won't tolerate the group once again hosting al qaeda. >> richard engel with the breaking news tonight. thank you. also in washington, a federal judge sentence a convicted rioter who stormed the capitol on january 6th to more than 7 years in prison guy rapid of texas was armed with a gun and zip ties. in court today he called himself an idiot and said he no longer wants to associate with militia groups days into a historic flash flood, rescuers in kentucky are uncovering layers of death and

misery the death toll now at least 37 tonight new images of the search and rescue operation and jesse kirsch has exclusive access with the national guard as they bring relief from the air. >> reporter: in eastern kentucky tonight, flood survivors getting food, water, even diapers by air. the national guard delivering supplies including donations to thousands of people still largely cut off from the world more than four days after deadly floodwaters tore even kentucky apart. some areas so isolated even this blackhawk helicopter couldn't easily reach the community where a main road was obliterated. >> you can see there is a home down there it is between the hills and we're told that the roadway has been completely cut off. they need food and water and this helicopter is going to bring it to them >> reporter: the deadly once in a thousand year flood destroyed bridges, ripped down power lines and snapped homes like tooth picks. overhead it is clear much of the water receded.

but the desperate searches continue >> i don't think we still know how big the situation is it could go on for a couple weeks. it could go on for a month >> reporter: at least 37 killed. the death toll likely to climb among the lives lost, four children, all siblings the governor says they'll be finding bodies for weeks >> we are not going anywhere >> reporter: the national guard already rescuing more than 1,000 people by air including an 83-year-old woman and her family trapped in their attic >> i did not think we were going to survive >> christy turner's two kids and husband barely escaped the floodwaters. she and her father-in-law were trapped on the porch when the waters ripped the home from the foundation >> i was just thinking how am i going to survive how am i not going to drown? how am p i going to be able to hold myself up >> reporter: 12,000 people remain without power, 25,000 without water and 44,000 under boil advisories. all as more rain continues soaking the region making cleanup for survivors even

harder some areas hit with another round of flash floods. >> everything has been destroyed. you can't destroy much p anymore. >> reporter: and amid all this destruction, now there is concern about excessive heat in the region so many people are still without power or clean water lester >> jesse, thank you. in california, deadly wildfire the state's biggest of the year is ripping through a national forest area just miles from the oregon border. we are on the front line >> reporter: the apocalyptic landscape now commonplace, homes in ruins, trees becoming flame throwers tonight this is the scene as firefighters struggle to save anything they can. raging near the oregon border, the mckinney fire now the biggest wildfire in california this year is more than 85 square miles of pure destruction.

nearly the size of baltimore already claiming two lives, a pair trapped in their car when flames overtook them >> my house is gone. all my furniture, all my clothes. >> reporter: the inferno is burning so hot this massive 40,000 foot come um of smoke is creating its own weather system, lightning storms inside of it sp sparking new fires and fanning the blaze in multiple directions with 2,000 already forced out of their homes, authorities are urging residents to drop everything and evacuate. but even as flames creep closer to this area these doctors aren't going anywhere. >> we made the decision to stay for the hospital in case the hospital needed us >> reporter: as the blaze explodes across mountain ranges, deputies called to rescue 60 desperate hikers on the scenic pacific crest trail. tonight the golden state red hot

and once again going up in flames lester, there is still no firm number on how many homes have been destroyed that number is easily in the dozens some 5,000 structures still lie in the path of this fire now the weather is cooperating with firefighters today. it's more of a wet and gloomy day here that will change this fire is still 0% contained. lester >> all right miguel, thank you. one of the nfl's top quarterbacks deshaun watson of the cleveland browns was suspended for six games today over allegations of sexual misconduct but the order by a special judge may not be the last word on all this sam brock has late details >> reporter: at browns practice today, business as usual for deshaun watson but off the field, shock waves and disbelief. after a disciplinary officer hired by the nfl and its players association suspended the quarterback six games without pay. concluding he engaged in sexual assault and conduct that puts at

risk the integrity of the nfl. 24 women all massage therapists filed civil lawsuits for sexual assault. the disciplinary officer relied on the testimony of four of them in a ruling she stated while watson's behavior does not fall noo under violent conduct, the allegations are more egregious than any before reviewed by the nfl. on mind, outrage i just don't think deshaun watson should play another game in the nfl another person writing, he got suspended one quarter for every woman he sexually assaulted. that's insane. both the league and players association have three days to appeal >> one of the things the nfl likely will do is see what the reaction has been, what do the columns say and the various newspapers what are they saying on the sports talk shows? >> reporter: the final decision comes down to the commissioner watson has denied all wrongdoing, no criminal charges were filed and every civil case accept one was settled >> he wants to be best version

of himself i believe that wholeheartedly. >> reporter: watson and the players union previously stated they don't plan to appeal the decision but like the nfl to do the same sam brock, nbc news, miami in 60 seconds, abortion on the ballot in kansas voters mounted to decide if it should be restricted in the state in the first kind of its case after the supreme court y deturned roe v. wa whso many americans are watching it closely. well believe it baby! because wayfair always delivers. the look you want at the prices you want. so you can have the home you want! see we told you. wayfair always delivers small prices for big dreams. ♪ wayfair you've got just what i need ♪ flo, you're here. this pipe just burst on me. well, you bundled home and auto with progressive, so you have round-the-clock protection on all your stuff.

like that cardboard tv. i told props to switch that out. okay, everyone, that's a wrap. [ bell rings ] wait, you faked this whole thing? i knew it was the quickest way to see you. i'm sorry, jon, but i'm already in love with insurance. you know that's weird, right? well, any weirder than faking a burst pipe? got a little carried away. yeah. hours from now voters in kansas will go to the ballot with abortion on the ballot. the supreme court overturned roe v. wade. here's dasha burns >> this planned parenthood is one of just five abortion clinics in kansas. one of the few left in the entire region. >> we're trying to really explain to kansasians we have seen what the crisis looks like. we know what patients' faces look like when they realize it's going to be days on the road and

we're hoping that kansas people take steps to avoid that crisis here >> reporter: on tuesday, kansas will be the first state to vote on abortion since the recent supreme court decision right now the state constitution protects abortion rights here. but on the ballot is the value them both amendment which in past would open the door to restrictions or a ban. for months volunteers have been knocking on doors. they've been rallying throughout the state including here at the capitol. activists holding concerts to get voters to the polls. recent polling shows 47% support the amendment and 43% oppose the rest undecided now a final push from both sides. >> this is your first time canvassing and doing the whole -- >> i loved the pro-life movement my whole life. >> what's at stake here? >> the right to choose >> reporter: abortion rights activists believe fit passes an abortion ban is inevitable many of those in favor of the change deny that a ban is their

goal >> we are putting this decision in the hands of the people >> reporter: if passed the conservative state legislature including representative susan humphries would determine the future of abortion in kansas >> we'll see what happens. i honestly don't know. i haven't talked to people about it i don't really know what is next >> reporter: why haven't you talked to people about it? it's a huge issue:why haven't you had that conversation? >> because we're really focused on august 2nd. >> reporter: a day and decision putting physicians like this doctor on edge >> i cannot imagine not being able to provide people health care for me, that would -- that would be really, really hard to go through. >> reporter: you're getting emotional thinking about it. >> yeah. i don't want it to stop on my watch. >> reporter: the nation now watching the state that's become a bellwether dasha burns, nbc news, kansas city, kansas and up next for us tonight, the american journalist missing in syria for a decade. my exclusive interview with his

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this month marks ten years since american freelance journalist austin tice disappeared in syria while covering the civil war this there. recently i met up again with his parents in texas as that heartbreaking anniversary approaches the family with an urgent new plea tonight for president biden. >> he's the longest held american >> reporter: it's been a devastating decade for deborah

and mark tice, ten long years without any word from their son austin who went missing in syria. i've been speaking to you for years. and you have never, ever wavered on your belief that austin is coming home. what sustains you? >> mostly my faith >> reporter: the freelance journalist and marine veteran was detained near damascus in august 2012. the last time he was seen came a month later when this video was posted online. >> we have faith that austin is going to come home but that it's going to take some action >> reporter: the tices pushed for action with three u.s. administrations. >> i have anger with the united states government. and frustration. >> reporter: in may they met with president biden and his team the president gave a very specific directive the president said meet with the syrians. listen to them find out what they want. and work with them

>> do you think there is any doubt within the administration that austin is alive >> no. >> no. >> there is no doubt >> they believe he's alive >> yes >> they do >> reporter: but three months later, no progress and tonight the tices have a message for president biden. >> i would like to tell him, mr. president, you need to know that no action has been taken on your clear directive. >> very obvious step that needs to be taken is for somebody in the united states government to reach out directly to officials in the syrian government >> and request the meeting >> reporter: the tices wasn't the u.s. to engage with syria like they were with the russians negotiate to bring home americans b americans brittney griner and paul whelan, a strategy that worked to bring home trevor reid >> does this give you hope that the administration may be able to focus on others including your son in a better way >> well, i mean for me, it tells

me that it's absolutely possible for our government to interact with the syrian government >> reporter: tonight the tice family remains hopeful even as they celebrate another birthday without their son. austin will turn 40 next week. >> we have the kind of peace that he's alive and waiting for us >> we reached out to the white house and responded said they're engaged extensively with syrian officials to try to bring austin home but that syria has never acknowledged holding him up next tonight, honoring nba hall of famer bill rse d his powerful legacy in civil rights aughter's playtime. wait 'till you hear this— thankfully, meta portal helps reduce background noise. zero lace model. adjusts to low light. and pans and zooms to keep you in frame. take a look at this. so the whole team stays on track.

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finally, nba legend bill russell who died this weekend at age 88 is being remembered as well tonight as a champion of civil rights here's anne thompson bill russell, a backbone in the boston celtics >> reporter: bill russell never backed down on the court or off it while winning an unmatched 11 nba titles in 13 years with the boston celtics, he used his famous stature to fight for civil rights >> i did what i thought i could do to help change it >> it is very easy to hide your head in the sand you know, when you make money and things are going well for you, you don't want to risk it but he was willing to put everything on the line to use his position to move our society

forward. >> reporter: he led a walkout of black celtics players when refused service at a kentucky restaurant in 1961 joined dr. martin luther king jr. in the march on washington and sported mohammed ali z >> nine top negro oathletes mee. >> reporter: russell was asked to be a paul bear yoer at jackie robinson's funeral he was described as a flea market of racism, the star was taunted and heckled, his home vandalized four decades later -- >> bill russell the man is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. >> president obama giving russell the presidential medal of freedom and a thank you. >> he just said that guys like me that made it possible for him to be president. >> reporter: today in boston, there is a statue of russell not at the boston garden but in city hall plaza, a champion for all

anne thompson, nbc news. and that's "nightly news" for this monday. thank you for watching, everyone i'm lester holt. please take care of yourself and odig other go nht ♪ ♪ ♪♪ it ticks just like a timex ♪

♪ it never lets up on you ♪ ♪ who said life was easy ♪ ♪ the job is never through ♪ ♪ it'll run us till we're ragged ♪ ♪ it'll harden our hearts ♪ ♪ and love could use a day of rest ♪ ♪ before we both start falling apart ♪ ♪ pray that it's raining on sunday ♪ ♪ storming like crazy ♪ ♪ we'll hide under the covers all afternoon ♪ ♪ baby whatever comes monday ♪ ♪ can take care of itself cause ♪ ♪ we got better things that we can do ♪ ♪ when it's raining on sunday ♪

♪ pray that it's raining on sunday ♪ ♪ stormin' like crazy ♪ ♪ we'll hide under the covers all afternoon ♪ ♪ baby whatever comes monday ♪ ♪ can take care of itself ♪ ♪ cause we got better things that we can do ♪ ♪ when it's raining on sunday ♪♪ [cheers >> kelly: welcome to "the kelly clarkson show"! give it up for my band, y'all! [cheers and applause] yes! that was "raining on sunday" by the one and only keith urban, i

love that song. just in our audience requested that, why did you want to hear it? >> hi, kelly, thank you for singing that song for me. >> kelly: i love, keith urban, that's all right. >> when i was growing up i was a huge hopeless romantic, and m until this day. but you watch these movies and see people falling in love and realize it's not that simple and that we should never settle, because we all deserve something ron amazing and someone to spend all day with on sunday being cozy, thank you pursing in that for me. >> kelly: i hope i am always a hopeless romantic, you know, we all deserve a movie kind of love. thanks, jess, i love that song so much. lots of good stuff to get to this hour, he has a massively successful businessman who you have seen make big time investments on shark tank, robert herjavec is here! [cheers and applause] we love him, then we will meet wish of otago educator helping the littlest kids develop scholastically and emotionally.

you do not want to miss. and new music from the '80s new wave band tears for fears. let's talk to a man who like me is taking a break from coaching "the voice" this season to stay at home and vote against blake shelton, because it feels good. he has a new show out now a competition series called "dancing with myself" premiering may 31st on nbc. and you can also catch him at the jonas brothers residency at the park mgm in las vegas next month. it's a great show and you don't want to miss it. give it up for nick jonas! [cheers and applause] ♪ ♪ [cheers and applause] ♪ ♪ >> kelly: you look so good! >> nick: thanks! all right, okay!

[cheers and applause] >> kelly: that is not i mean... are >> nick: wow. >> kelly: i think they like you. of fans here. that does not happen, nick. i hope you feel really good about yourself. >> nick: thank you all for that great welcome. >> kelly: thank you for being here. how are things? you look fantastic. >> nick: thank you, it's good to be here. i feel like i am here once a month and it's really nice. >> kelly: i was going through, gifting people vinyl, i am like i have given him like five vinyl. what did i not give them less time? i hope it's okay. >> nick: all great gifts, i hope it was a new one. i think it was. you deserve some congrats as well. you are daddy now! [cheers and applause] it's so exciting!

it's the first time you have been on here since you have been a daddy. >> nick: it's pretty wild, yes, there she is a little heart face. and she is the best. it has been a magical season of our life, and also pretty wild, but it is amazing to have her home and has been wonderful. you have a lot to celebrate. is it nine? >> kelly: our show got nine mes. it's so fun. are we going to drink? i love when we drink on my show. okay, oh, wait. y'all have fabulous drinks at your house, is this the tequila? this is good. [cheers and applause] >> nick: it just seems right. >> kelly: it just feels like home. it's so good. it is fancy fantastic what this little number. >> nick: the little blood orange really elevates the drink. it's beyond just had to drink

again to make sure i liked it. are y'all able to take a vacation? or is it like you and the burros hanging out at the residency? >> nick: we have it starting in a few days really. [cheers and applause] and the whole idea for the show was to build a really fan-centric show, and what i mean is we want the fans to be involved in every step of the process from the cure ration of the set list to the show itself. and we are in a season of our life and career where i feel like we are really incredible fans of now 17, 18 years how much we appreciate their support and -- [cheers and applause] >> kelly: that is so cool! >> nick: to be clear now that we were always appreciative, but when we get this far down the road and we are in our career and you are thinking about seeing some of those same faces and what that means to you as an ar