is appalling to me. >> reporter: the smithsonian will also close, long with yosemite, mountain rushmore. the leisure destinations that are the bread and butter to surrounding businesses. >> if that happened, it would shut us down. we come out here doing ligake tests. >> reporter: the last time the government shut down was in the mid-'90s for three weeks. >> we have employees that have families to take care of, bills to pay. we are very concerned about the -- about the effect on them for any sort of shutdown. >> reporter: the impact to national parks visitors is just the start of a ripple effect. an estimated 800,000 civilian workers will be furloughed. government back home loans will be delayed. and if the shutdown drags on to

october 17th, the stakes grow even higher. >> if congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling and the u.s. treasury can't meet its obligations, that could raise interest rates, credit card rates and plunge the economy back into recession. >> reporter: there are still some programs that will remain untouched if the government shuts down. including mail service delivery, funding for social security and also air traffic controllers and screeners at airport. >> laying out where we stand and what's at stake. now for more on how this is likely to play out, we're joined by nbc political director chuck todd. >> reporter: well, i can tell you what's going on at the white house. not much of anything. president obama con veeped a meeting of his senior staff earlier today. they talked about the government shutdown but also don't forget,

tuesday is the day of open enrollment for the president's signature health care law. all of that coming together. but what's tomorrow going to look like? well, the senate will do its deal sometime tomorrow afternoon. send a bill back to the house. and at that point, sometime between i'd say dinner time tomorrow night and midnight, the house of representatives is likely to send back one more bill. maybe it's a clean bill with no riders or anything like that that would keep the government open for say a week or maybe it only has one demand on . but this isn't over yet. it's likely to see one more account to this play before the government does shut down. >> we learned this weekend about a major new component to the government's secret surveillance program. one that may now be coming back to haunt the very nature of social networking.

>> reporter: more classified documents leaked by ex-contractor and federal fugitive edward snowden disclose yet another nsa program that secretly collects permanent data on american citizens. the documents show the agency since 2011 has been building large scale graphics of foreign intelligence networks that include the social connections of some american citizens. accessing facebook, twitter accounts, bank codes, and even gps locational data. >> the government is putting together databases from other personal and professional lives to basically tell a comprehensive story of how we live every day. >> the nsa that all queries must be conducted for a purpose. and at a rare meeting, the u.s. intelligence committee

vigorously defended the nsa's efforts and denounced the leaks lie snowden. >> there's no way to make up for the damage that's already been done. >> reporter: but they dodged questions about what is currently being done such as this exchange that tracks where a person has been from the cell phone in their pocket. >> has the nsa ever collected or ever made any plans to collect american cell site information? >> what i don't want to do is put out in an unclassified form anything that's classified here. >> reporter: the nsa has repeatedly said there's been no willful instances. but they've been caught spying on their girlfriends, boyfriends and spouses. >> in arizona investigators released a 120 page report that leaves almost as many questions as answers about why 19

firefighters died in the yarnell hill fire. it was the worst firefighting tragedy since nine seven. he with covered the story tonight. >> i can feel it, you know. >> reporter: these radio transmissions are believed to be some of the final communications from the grand the mountain hotshots. shortly after this video was taken, 19 firefighters lost their lives in arizona. investigators now believe that poorly programmed radios made communication a major problem. just before flames swept over the hotshots, there was a 33 minute radio blackout. >> nothing will bring them home. >> julian as craft and their four children lost andrew. >> that being my husband and a loved one, i'm not okay with 30 minutes unaccounted for.

>> reporter: the report says they were in a safe zone when they descended into a valley. when crews couldn't out run fires they deployed emergency shelters. no one knows why the men headed into the valley. >> we don't know that information. we don't have it. that's the decision making process of the 19 men. >> reporter: when the hotshots were surrounded by flames, a dc-10 full of fire retardant was over head. but they never received the crews' location. >> they did everything they could. and they stayed together and they loved each other. >> reporter: the report places no blame. 19 families never got to say good-bye and now they may never have answers. nbc news, los angeles. >> overseas a week after terrorists gunned down and

tortured dozens of people inside a popular mall in kenya, nbc news has obtained photos that show what the scene looked like after the attack. in the meantime, investigators have taken a ninth suspect into custody. here is the latest. >> reporter: these inclusive pictures reveal the utter devastation inside the westgate mall. four floors of upscale malls in american. it was crowded with families enjoying a typical saturday afternoon. after four days of warfare between ten to 15 militants and hundreds of kenyan forces. that's what's left of the food court. the grocery store is where sources say the most intense fighting took place. today kenyan leader stone walled a government report that said there had been recent warnings about a possible attack at the

westgate mall. >> [ inaudible ]. >> reporter: also today, a mystery solved. who is the mother seen in this video protecting her children? all of them playing dead until the help arrived? >> the bullet casings dropping near on the floor. you could smell the gun powder. >> reporter: she is now safely home with her son and daughter and husband. she spent 4 1/2 hours on the floor keeping her young children quiet. >> it was absolutely no way to move. now i was praying, god, please protect us and provide a way out for us. >> reporter: they hope to find out who the officer is and thank him for saving the family. >> across the continent now to nigeria where gun men stormed a college campus killing as many as 50 students as they slept.

most of the victims in their late teens and early 20s. they say they were islamic militants but say they have no conclusive evidence yet. we turn now to iran after so many years of hostility. when president obama called iran's president on friday, many viewed it as a sign of progress. but do the iranians welcome a warming with the west? >> reporter: he was greeted at the airport by hundreds of supporters pleased at the possibility of a recess in relations with the west. while dozens of people accused him of selling out by talking to president obama. hard lined newspapers wrote, death to america. and criticized him for giing too much and getting nothing back. the west wants him to solve the

nuclear dispute. but at home, people expect him to fix the economy. i've been walking around the streets of teheran gauging the mood among the people about how they feel about better relationships to the united states and everybody, without question, favors better relationships. they want iran to come in from the cold. >> i think the time to change that attitude and go towards, you know, peace and friendship. >> lots of people want to go to america but they're not able to because of the situation. >> reporter: this lady is a single mother struggling to support herself and 16-year-old daughter. she told me the last few years everything has become so expensive. she worries about her daughter's future. she wants to stud law or medicine, especially in america. she said, i am pleased he spoke with obama. we should have peace with other countries. the real test will come in

mid-october when they meet to try to hammer out a deal on the disputed nuclear issues. >> when "nbc nightly news" continues on this sunday, what's behind a major environmental threat to a huge part of the coastline? and later, a wing and a prayer. a man who gets his thrills flying through a narrow opening between two mountain peaks. so we could be a better, safer energy company. i can tell you - safety is at the heart of everything we do. we've added cutting-edge technology, like a new deepwater well cap and a state-of-the-art monitoring center, where experts watch over all drilling activity twenty-four-seven. and we're sharing what we've learned, so we can all produce energy more safely. our commitment has never been stronger.

i'to guard their manhood with trnew depend shields and guards. the discreet protection that's just for guys.

now, it's your turn. get my training tips at guardyourmanhood.com i'm on expert on softball. and tea parties. i'll have more awkward conversations than i'm equipped for, because i'm raising two girls on my own. i'll worry about the economy more than a few times before they're grown. but it's for them, so i've found a way. who matters most to you says the most about you. at massmutual we're owned by our policyowners, and they matter most to us. ready to plan for your future? we'll help you get there. in florida, scientists say time is running out for a vital waterway now so polluted that soon the damage could be irreversible. thousands protests along the dying east coast threat. more tonight from nbc's mark

potter. >> reporter: environmental threat that has sign tifts on residents on high alert covers about a third of the florida's east coast. they're now fouled with pollution and algae. some areas so toxic that they've urged people to stay out of the water. >> it's not only beyond critical, it's disastrous. it's outrageous. >> reporter: this is a lady who manages a boast store in florida. she took these pictures by her dock. >> it burns your eyes and throat. it has a lot of different uncomfortable effects. >> reporter: it's the indian river la goon system. home to 4300 plants and animal species. for years, the la goon has been filling up with fertilizer and

sewage from agry culture and killing wildlife. >> we're messing with mother nature and we don't want to get to the point of no return. >> reporter: normally this sand bar is covered along the edges by boats and sunbathers. but now, with all that algae and posted health warnings, most people are staying away. in the south lagoon area, scientists say the natural balance is upset from lake water being released from lake okeechobee. and in there's an unusual high number of manatees and dolphins dying this year. and they're trying to protect them. >> i'm angry. it needs to be fixed. it's not a -- it's not rocket science. there are solutions. they're all political solutions. >> reporter: scientists warn

efforts must begin soon to save this treasured waterway. >> and up next as we continue this sunday night, big time college football coach, who was sacked this weekend. [ agent smith ] i've found software that intrigues me. it appears it's an agent of good. ♪ [ agent smith ] ge software connects patients to nurses to the right machines while dramatically reducing waiting time. [ telephone ringing ] now a waiting room is just a room. [ static warbles ] [ telephone ringing ] now a waiting room is just a room. so i can reach ally bank 24/7, but there ar24/7.branches? i'm sorry, i'm just really reluctant to try new things. really? what's wrong with trying new things? look! mommy's new vacuum! (cat screech) you feel that in your muscles? i do... drink water. it's a long story.

well, not having branches let's us give you great rates and service. i'd like that. a new way to bank. a better way to save. ally bank. your money needs an ally. she'and you love her for it.ide. but your erectile dysfunction - that could be a question of blood flow. cialis tadalafil for daily use helps you be ready anytime the moment's right. you can be more confident in your ability to be ready. and the same cialis is the only daily ed tablet approved to treat ed and symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently or urgently. tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as this may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. do not drink alcohol in excess with cialis. side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. to avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours. if you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or if you have any allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing,

stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. ask your doctor about cialis for daily use and a 30-tablet free trial. a tense few minutes on the water today in london. one of those tourist ducks boats caught fire. about 30 people onboard. and many jumped in the water to avoid the flames. they were quickly rescued. all the passengers were acted for. eight of them treated for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries. back in this country, big time college football. just hours after a crushing loss to arizona state, usc announced the firing of lane kiffin. they said it was time to make a change. the trojans have now lost 7 of their last 11 games.

and the score last night, 62-41. and here is a scene where the torch was lit for the sochi olympics. it will ultimately pass through russia's nine time zones and it takes an unlit space towards space walk. and in a moment, when a man admits that he is scared by a stunt, well, you know you've got to see it. and you will. coming up next. sease, relief is at hand. sease, for many, nexium provides 24-hour heartburn relief and may be available for just $18 a month. there is risk of bone fracture and low magnesium levels. side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. if you have persistent diarrhea, contact your doctor right away. other serious stomach conditions may exist. don't take nexium if you take clopidogrel. relief is at hand for just $18 a month. talk to your doctor about nexium.

help the gulf when we made recover and learn the gulf, bp from what happened so we could be a better, safer energy company. i can tell you - safety is at the heart of erything we do. we've added cutting-edge technology, like a new deepwater well cap and a state-of-the-art monitoring center, where experts watch over all drilling activity twenty-four-seven. and we're sharing what we've learned, so we can all produce energy more safely. our commitment has never been stronger. see, i knew testosterone could affect sex drive, but not energy or even my mood. that's when i talked with my doctor. he gave me some blood tests... showed it was low t. that's it. it was a number. [ male announcer ] today, men with low t have androgel 1.62% testosterone gel. the #1 prescribed topical testosterone replacement therapy increases testosterone when used daily. women and children should avoid contact with application sites. discontinue androgel and call your doctor

if you see unexpected signs of early puberty in a child, or signs in a woman, which may include changes in body hair or a large increase in acne, possibly due to accidental exposure. men with breast cancer or who have or might have prostate cancer, and women who are or may become pregnant or are breast-feeding, should not use androgel. serious side effects include worsening of an enlarged prostate, possible increased risk of prostate cancer, lower sperm count, swelling of ankles, feet, or body, enlarged or painful breasts, problems breathing during sleep, and blood clots in the legs. tell your doctor about your medical conditions and medications, especially insulin, corticosteroids, or medicines to decrease blood clotting. in a clinical study, over 80% of treated men had their t levels restored to normal. talk to your doctor about all your symptoms. get the blood tests. change your number. turn it up. androgel 1.62%.

finally tonight it's a kind of stunt you know you should be watching with your eyes closed but you can't help yourself. it was all about jeb in a wing suit diving 6,000 feet into the history books this weekend in china. >> this was his target aiming to fly through the narrow crevice on the right. >> i'm definitely scared. >> reporter: he calls this his most challenging yet. but early saturday it looked like it wouldn't happen. >> the wind is way too strong right now. this landing area is pretty much off limits. >> reporter: but the in valley below, thousands of villagers were gathering to witness the stunt. there was growing anxiety in the camp. >> you can see the mist is touching the top and the ceiling

is too low. >> reporter: they prepared to scrap the jump. >> we wouldn't even jump any way. >> and late afternoon the weather broke. the clouds have cleared and wind speeds have dropped. but there's real concern about the turbulent air inside that crack. his chopper circled the mountain lining up for the precise ankle to jump. then he was flying. diving down at 100 miles an hour and into the crack between the rocks. there were gasps around the valley as he emerged unscathed pulling his chute for a hard but safe landing. when we caught up with him, he was happy. >> it was the single gnarliest thing that i've done without a doubt. i have never experienced anything more hard core period. i was 100% sure that that was not happening. >> reporter: but he conquered

the mountain mountain and achieved what had seemed impossible. nbc news, china. >> and that's "nbc nightly news" for this sunday. coming up, football night in america followed by the falcons patriots game. i'm lester holt reporting from new york. for all of us here at "nbc nightly news," good night.

. a look from above at atlanta, georgia, where tonight beneath the georgia dome, the records don't tell the whole story as the unbeaten new england patriots visit the down but dangerous atlanta falcons on "sunday night football." after a pair of narrow road losses matt ryan and the falcons 1-2 but with the quarterback at the helm of a explosive attack the falcons still have time to make a run at the playoffs. despite starting 3-0 for the first time since the franchise's undefeated season in 2011, devin mccourty and the patriots come to atlanta a road victory would come a long way toward beginning to answer them. once they kick it off an hour and a half from now, the guys with the answers, as always, will be al michaels and cris collinsworth as we zoom in to

the sideline inside the mostly empty georgia dome. alfalfa, we pose this question. if saints beat miami tomorrow night and falcons 1-3 the division is pretty much out of the question. >> one of the problems with the falcons they used to be the kings of the comebacks. matt ryan fourth quarter. last year able to win the game against seattle in the playoffs last year. blew a lead to san francisco and cost them a trip to the super bowl. all of a sudden, this is a team that can't finish this season. they need to finish tonight. jets here next week and tampa bay here in two weeks. at arizona, at carolina. they win tonight, they are rolling again. >> yeah, could be. when you look at the patriots 3-0 record, they beat the bills narrowly. e.j. manuel is a surprise as a rookie but still a rookie quarterback. they beat geno smith, a rookie quarterback.

they beat the bucs and josh freeman has been benched and now against matt ryan with an explosive attack. >> they have an explosive attack but their offensive line isn't up to maybe they were a season ago. and then for bill belichick, what is he going to do out there? you know he is going to try to take away julio jones and try to take away tony gonzalez. a guy like roddy white has to have a big game. he has a sprained ankle. he still limping around. you can see it. so pressure on receivers like harry douglas and roddy white tonight to try to make plays. >> obviously, we will be talking about this on the pregame and throughout the game. wes welker to denver. aaron hernandez, sitting in jail. rob gronkowski still out with an injury. danny amendola, the same. neither made the trip. here is tom brady, perhaps the best of the best or there with peyton manning but he has got some problems. >> a little bit stunning to me actually that they are already 3-0 at this point in the season. you thought if you were going to get them, you better get them early. >> we are going to get to new york where dan patrick and tony

dungy and rodney harrison are standing by. >> thank you, bob. headlines for the early games? >> who is the hottest team in the afc north? the cleveland browns. they are playing great football. good defense. >> 4-0 teams. seattle and denver clearly the best teams in the league and looking at kansas city i think they are a legitimate contender in the afc west. >> time for the "sunday seven." seven best plays of the day selected by our viewers. starting with vintage adrian peterson in london. >> handoff to adrian peterson. adrian is inside the 30. to the 20. 10. touchdown! a 60-yard touchdown run! >> carson palmer takes. dropback. looks left. throws. end zone. caught, fitzgerald. touchdown! >> takes the snap. play action fake.