Nightly Rundown: Esper warns of new attacks; U.S. troops to Mideast; Trump’s vaping ban; Castro drops out; Family of reporter killed in plane crash speaks out

The Nightly News - with Lester Holt - Nightly News: 1.2.20

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts | View in browser By Dan Donahue, NBC Nightly News Good Thursday afternoon. Here's what's in our Nightly Rundown tonight. Defense chief warns of more attacks as hundreds of U.S. troops deploy to Middle East Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned today that Iran or its proxies may be planning more attacks after the siege on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, as hundreds more American troops deploy to the Middle East. Andrea Mitchell is on the story for us tonight. “Do I think they may do something? Yes, and they will likely regret it,” Esper told reporters at the Pentagon. “And we are prepared to exercise self defense, and we are prepared to deter bad behavior by these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed, and resourced by Iran.” In an interview today with Mitchell, Esper called the deployment of approximately 750 U.S. troops a "prudent precautionary measure" and said the reinforcements will arrive over the coming days to ensure the security of American personnel and facilities in the region. Esper said the situation at the embassy is stabilized, but there is "minor damage" after the violent two-day siege by pro-Iranian protesters, who set fires and attempted to scale the walls. The protesters, largely supporters of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, have now withdrawn after more than 6,000 swarmed the compound perimeter at the height of the demonstrations, a U.S. official said. The violence at the embassy followed U.S. airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah targets that killed dozens of fighters. Esper was also critical of the response to the attack by Iraqi security forces, calling their performance "slow." "It is the sovereign responsibility of the Iraqi government to defend not just our embassy, but all other embassies in that country," Esper said. Esper: U.S. could 'take preemptive action' if Iran prepares additional attacks Trump administration announces ban on most flavored e-cigarettes The FDA announced a ban on most flavors of e-cigarette cartridges today, months after President Trump vowed to take action amid the growing number of vaping-related deaths and illnesses across the country. The measure bans the sale of all the sweet-tasting e-cigarette pods that health officials say are driving the rise of vaping among teens. However, menthol and tobacco-flavored pods will still be available, and vape shops will still be allowed to sell flavored liquids, intended to allow adults to create their own e-cigarettes. The announcement marks a compromise for Trump, who initially promised to ban all flavors in September. The $24 billion vaping industry organized against that proposal, and threatened to withhold political support from the president. The CDC has confirmed 55 deaths and 2,561 hospitalizations from vaping-related illnesses. Tom Costello will have much more on the new vaping ban tonight. Julián Castro Drops Out of Presidential Race Julián Castro, the former Housing and Urban Development Secretary under President Obama, has announced he’s ending his bid for president, with just a little over a month until the Iowa caucuses. Geoff Bennett will report on this shake-up in the 2020 race tonight. Castro was the only Latino candidate in the field, and ran a campaign that focused heavily on immigration issues. Castro ultimately could not gain enough traction, and was not included in last month's debate after failing to meet the polling and fundraising thresholds to qualify. "I've determined that it simply isn't our time," Castro said in a video message announcing his decision. "Today, it's with a heavy heart, and profound gratitude, that I will suspend my campaign for president." Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden said with was a "privilege" to work with Castro in the Obama administration, and added that it was "a true honor to be in this talented field of candidates with him." Sen. Elizabeth Warren called Castro a "powerful voice" and said he "made this race stronger." Sen. Bernie Sanders offered Castro his "deepest gratitude" and thanked him for "tireless efforts to elevate all voices." Family of NBC affiliate reporter killed in plane crash speaks out Tonight Sam Brock will have an interview with the grieving parents and husband of Carley McCord, the sports reporter for NBC affiliate WDSU who was one of five people killed in a plane crash on Saturday in Lafayette, Louisiana. McCord was on the way to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners when tragedy struck. "She's my everything," said McCord's husband, Steven Ensminger Jr., "I mean I will forever be stronger, hopefully, because she'd want me to be." Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4 at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge. McCord's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a memorial scholarship fund created in her name. Husband of late reporter Carley McCord speaks out Watch us this evening at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC, or check your local NBC station listing. 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