From nbc news World Headquarters in new york this is nbc nightly news. Reporting tonight, lester holt. Good evening. With the grief still palpable in this country over the death of a young arizona Woman Held Captive by isis president obama today asked congress to authorize the use of force against the terror group. The request at first glance may seem academic given that u. S. Warplanes have been pounding isis targets since last summer. But the president s request for a threeyear campaign against isis carefully spells out what the fight will and will not look like including under what circumstances american boots will set foot in the combat zone. Senior White House CorrespondentChris Jansing joins us now with full details. Hello, chris. Reporter good evening, lester. The president s critics have been calling for this more authorization since the first fighter jets went up over iraq. But the november election that gave republicans control of both houses of congress had leaders in both parties agreeing that now is the time for a substantive debate over a war the president vows isis will lose. Almost six months after the u. S. Began a Bombing Campaign against isis president obama is formally asking congress for continuing the war against a group he says poses a great threat to national security. Im optimistic it can win strong bipartisan support. And we can show our troops and the world that americans are united in this mission. Reporter the proposed authorization would be limited to three years, but could allow the fight to expand beyond syria and arack to wherever isis goes. And will be in the most contentious part of the debate no offensive Ground Combat operations. But the plan would allow the Ground Forces to hunt down the enemy, like the raid that killed osama bin laden. Or try to rescue american hostages like the unsuccessful attempt to free 26yearold american Kayla Mueller back in july. The resolution mentions mueller by name as well as three other americans murdered by isis. And late today nbc news confirmed the mueller family asked the white house to commute the sentence of a convicted al qaeda prisoner in exchange for kayla, but the white house with a policy of not negotiating with terrorists didnt approve the trade. Her death is lending new urgency for congress to act, so is the inspirational letter that was smuggled to her family where she wrote i have been shown in darkness light. And have learned everyone in prison one can be free. The draft legislation comes weeks after unusually close negotiations between the white house and congress. But it will be difficult to thread the needle. Vocal republicans doubt enough to contain is sglis if were going to authorize use of military force, the president should have all the tools necessary to win the fight were in. Reporter and Many Democrats worry it opens the door to a wider war. The language pertaining to Ground Troops which is very broad, very ambiguous. None of us really know what enduring offensive combat operations means. Reporter setting the stage for a potential le divisive debate with a unifyied goal to take down a barbaric enemy. The Senate ForeignRelations Committee will hold hearings on the authorization when Congress Comes back from a recess at the end of the month. A vote could come as early as march. Lester. All right, chris, thank you. Were joined now by our political director moderator of meet the press, chuck todd. Chuck, we have a president ial resolution around the corner. It would extend into the next term. What does that mean for the debate . Its healthy for the american democracy. The elected leaders should have to go on the record on how to use force and where its done and when its justified. This will force president ial candidates potential commanders in chief, who will inherit if this new authorization is approved will inherit this power if they take the oath of office. So its very healthy for the american voter. Now, the questions going to be is this going to happen. And you said it was academic because if they dont pass anything the president still can keep conducting this power. But this is what you need to watch out for. What kind of case how well does the administration sell a theory apart from this policy. Going after isis in iraq has been careful. Going after isis in syria has been not. How they define their ability to get this done is going to determine whether republicans in particular will support this resolution. Chuck todd good to have you here. Thank you. One more note from washington late today, the house passed a bill that approves construction of the keystone pipeline. The Senate Previously approved the bill which now goes to the president who has threatened a veto. In matters closer to home a shocking triple murder in the college town of chapel hill North Carolina is being called a hate crime by the victims family. All three victims were muslim. But authorities dont believe that was the reason they were gunned down. Nbcs mark potter is in chapel hill for us tonight. Mark good evening. Reporter good evening, lester. The shooting suspect lived in the upstairs condo there, the victims on the first floor behind him. Police say this may have simply been a fight over parking spaces. Showing no emotion, 46yearold Craig Steven Hicks came to court today facing firstdegree murder charges for allegedly shooting to death three of his young neighbors. It occurred late yesterday afternoon in a quiet chapel hill condo complex. Residents called 911. I just heard gunshots. I dont know what building it came from but i heard kids veem screaming. Reporter a Family Member the victims were muslim who had grown up in america. Theyre identified at a 23yearold dental student at the university of North Carolina whod planned a trip this summer to help syrian refugees. And the woman hed just married in late december 21yearold user abu about to start dental school. Also killed her sister 19yearold rizan studying architecture at n. C. State. Because of islamic faith there was immediate concern the victims were targeted because of their religion. This is a hate crime by the neighbor. All children spoke they were uncomfortable with. Reporter a Chapel Hill Police and other Authorities Say they believe the shootings were the result of a parking dispute at the condo. The events of yesterday are not part of a targeted campaign against muslims in North Carolina. Reporter the suspects wife agreed it was a dispute over parking. I cant say with my absolute belief that this incident had nothing to do with religion or victims faith. Reporter tonight at the condo complex residents are mourning the loss of three young neighbors. As the university of North Carolina tonight a candlelight vigil is planned and theres widespread grief throughout this Small College town. Lester. Mark potter, thank you. An emotional first day of testimony in the trial of the man accused of murdering chris kyle the former navy s. E. A. L. Who inspired the hit movie american sniper. The defendant is now officially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. And after Opening Statements kyles widow took the stand. The report tonight from nbcs jacob rascon in stephenville texas. Reporter the defendant who walked into the courtroom today looks a lot different than the marine corps veteran arrested two years ago. Back then the d. A. Told the jury Eddie Ray Routh shot two men in the back who were there to help him. One time in the side one time in the stomach. Reporter that night rouths sister called 911. He says he killed two guys they went to a shooting range. Hes acting all crazy. Hes psychotic. Reporter the defense told the jury routh is not responsible for his actions that day. He was in the grip of a psychosis. Reporter a psychosis so severe the defense said routh feared for his life. He thought in his mind at that point in time it was either him or them. Reporter the world is watching the american sniper trial just as it watched the movie which depicts kyle coping with posttraumatic stress by helping others struggling. Kyles wife taya took the stand first, not looking at routh, fighting back fears. Friendship final moments with her husband and phone conversation just before he died. I could tell something was up she said. He was just quiet. And then the tragedy, which the prosecution argues routh could have easily prevented. Do drugs, alcohol was wrong. And that he knew what he was doing was wrong. Reporter taya says the last time she spoke to her husband said we loved each other and gave each other a hug and kiss. Just before it happened saying in a text to a friend this dude is straight up nuts. Lester. Jacob rascon tonight, thanks. The captain who wrecked the cruise ship Costa Concordia three years ago and then abandoned ship while passengers and crew were still onboard has been convicted of multiple counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years behind bars. 32 people were aboard the ship. The captain told the court hes been turned into a scapegoat. Now a followup to an investigation news investigation. The navy has ordered new Safety Measures on the mh53e helicopter just days after nbc reported on Numerous Accidents involving these choppers. 30 members of the navy have died aboard seadragons over the years. Now certain components implicated will undergo a more rigorous inspection process. But there are no plans to take the sea dragon out of service until at least 2025. As millions in and around the city of boston continue to dig out from under six feet of snow the embattled head of that citys Transit System beverly scott, announced today shes stepping down in april. Shes come under fire after trains were halted for over a day after historic snowfall. Meantime tonight much colder across a much bigger part of the country, bone chilling cold. Nbc meteorologist dylan dreyer is in boston tonight with the forecast. Dylan, what are we looking at here . Reporter well lester the sun came out earlier this afternoon, but its going to take more than an afternoon of sunshine to get rid of all this snow. Look at this. This car is just completely buried under this mound of snow. So its good news that the next clipper system moving in tomorrow night its only going to produce about an inch of snow. No problem at this point. But the cold air is going to continue to settle in. By friday morning it stretches all the way down into the carolinas starting off today in the 20s. We have another clipper moving in for saturday. That one has potential to strengthen bringing heavy snow from new york to new england. The european model is more aggressive producing another foot of snow across parts of new england. But the american model puts the heavier snow up across maine but still keeps boston in that 9 to 12inch band of snow. Really at this point, lester i dont know what we could possibly do with another foot of snow. Well see how the models play out over the next couple days. Dylan dreyer in boston thanks. Now to a story many of you were talking about tonight. Not only hits close to home but in our home. Nbc reporter Brian Williams has been suspended for six months without pay. Debra turner said on friday january 20th brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the iraq war in 2003. It then became clear, she says that on other occasions brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. She adds this was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in brians position. In a statement Nbc Universal chairman steve burke said by his actions, brian has jeopardized the but he had it. Brian deserves a Second Chance and we are rooting for him. And now if i may on a personal note say, its an enormous difficult story to report. Brian is a member of our family but so are you, our viewers. We will work every night to be worthy of your trust. Well take a break now. Much more still ahead on this wednesday evening. Scandal rocks the Little League world series as the u. S. Champions, the pride of chicago, are stripped of their title for breaking the rules. Also the excitement building in the lines growing tonight, half a billion dollars up for grabs. Sunday dinners at my house. Its a full day for me, and i love it. 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Stripped of their title. Its not the kids accused of bending the rules, its the adults entrusted to lead them. The report tonight from nbcs john yang. Say thank you for all the support. Reporter they were a storybook team. Africanamerican kids from chicagos south side who made it to the Little League world series as u. S. Champs, and even went to the white house. Today, it came crashing down. Prompted by a complaint from a suburban coach, an investigation stripped Jackie Robinson west of its title because some players lived outside the teams geographic boundaries. Manager Darryl Butler was suspended. He couldnt be reached for comment today. In a statement, the head of Little League international called it a heartbreaking decision. What these players accomplished on the field is something kids can be proud of but it is unfortunate that the actions of adults have led to this outcome. Players parents are angry. If a mother had no idea that there were boundaries and there were rules beyond living in the city of chicago. Reporter their children heartbroken. Me and my teammates, we worked hard all year long. And we went down there to play baseball. And we werent involved in anything that could have caused us to be stripped of our championship. But we do know that we know that were champions. Our parents know were champions. And the teams know were champions and chicago knows were champions. Reporter todays ruling gives the title to Mountain RidgeLittle League from los angeles vegas. I was happy to get the title but sad for Jackie RobinsonLittle League. Reporter one analyst says violations are not uncommon but often go undetected. Every time you go to a Little League tournament or another amateur tournament for that matter theres always a buzz in the crowd among the families and fans about another team having a kid whos not eligible. Reporter at Jackie Robinson west home field today, a team supporter cleared away snow. Were going to stand with them. Were going to stand behind them. Reporter for him the achievement of these young men undimmed by controversy. John yang nbc news chicago. Were back in a moment with a Vital Mission to space thats had trouble getting off the ground. [announcer]when we make beyond natural dry dog and cat foods. We start with real meat as the first ingredient. We leave out corn,wheat and soy. And we own where our dry food is made100 percent can other brands say all that . For nutrition you can trust and your pet will enjoy. Does your food go beyond . Learn more at purinabeyond. Com. If you have Medicare Part d, walgreens gets that you might be at the corner of looking for a good deal and sheesh, i wish id looked some more. Thats why walgreens makes it easy to switch your prescriptions and save money. Just stop by. And leave all the legwork to us. 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The goal positioning the satellite nearly a million miles from earth to keep watch for solar storms heading for our planet. This was the third try for spacex. The private company had to scrub two previous attempts in part due to weather. Hall of Fame College Basketball CoachJerry Tarkanian has died. He led the unlv runnin rebels to four final four appearances winning a National Championship in 1990. He was noun for chewing on a towel during games. His teams were flashy just like los angeles vegas, the city they played. He had a complicated history with the ncaa including a 2. 5 million settlement after he accused the organization of trying to run him out of college basketball. His health had declined in recent years including a heart attack in 2012. Jerry tarkanian was 84. In south korea a massive pileup involving about 100 cars left a mass of twisted metal along a bridge near the countrys main airport. At least two people were killed more than 60 injured as vehicles slammed into one another in a violent chain reaction. Its unclear what started the pileup, but the weather was foggy at the time. There wasnt a car accident that stopped traffic today in downtown boston. It was a boat of all things that got stuck in the tall snow banks along the streets. The boat a 33feet yacht being towed by a tractortrailer to the new england boat show. Crews eventually dug it out and got it back on its way. When we come back, lines across the country of people thinking about one thing. What would you do with half a billion dollars . Nobody told us to expect it. Intercourse thats painful due to menopausal changes its not likely to go away on its own. So lets do something about it. Premarin vaginal cream can help it provides estrogens to help rebuild vaginal tissue and make intercourse more comfortable. 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Lines are long for tickets, but possibly none longer than the line at the lot toe store in nipton. Its so long it fills up our frame. We get the latest from nbcs hallie jackson. Reporter waiting since sunrise will be worth it if somebody in this line actually wins the fifth biggest jackpot in u. S. History. It doesnt come around that often. Reporter sure half a billion dollars may not buy what it used to. Feeling lucky . Reporter you need to hit power ball 157 times to get as rich as bill gates, even winning once only gives you onethousandth of apples 700 billion market cap. And you still wouldnt have enough to build the newest nfl stadium. Just half of it. But if youre more into basketball 500 million is plenty. Id buy a Michael Jordan rookie card. Reporter enough to buy these new englanders a break from the bitter cold. First thing i would buy is a beach house. And a few jet skis. Hoping you have the magic touch, my friend. Reporter magic may help because hate to be a down oreer the math will not. The odds of winning, one in 175 million. You have a better chance of getting attacked by a shark, or flesh eating bacteria. And youre more likely to date a super model or have 11 toes than win tonights power ball. You know the odds are against you, yet here you are dropping two dollars. Right. Reporter why . Im feeling lucky today. Reporter hey, we cant all hit the jackpot. But one of us could. I got great expectations. Reporter that plus some great luck could pay off. Im going to give good karma. Reporter it probably wont, but point is it could. Hallie jackson, nbc news los angeles. That will do it for us on this wednesday night. Im lester holt. For all of us at nbc news thank you for watching. Good night. [screams] oh [howls] adam youre going down, son. [laughs] anchors away. Brian williams suspended, john stewart stepping down. Who will replace them . Now, on extra. Tvs two hottest chairs suddenly up for grabs. The brianwilliams john stewart double whammy. Crazy speculation they could actually swap jobs. Lester holt in for brian. Could he take over williamss 10 million job. Why his nickname on 30 rock is iron pants. Then is john stewart leaving to direct movies . Five things you never knew about americas top fake newsman. Plus. The other famous tv news anchor that was