NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Monday, June 29, 2026

Episode Date: June 30, 2026

Around 162 million under heat alerts; Miraculous rescues days after deadly earthquakes; Pilot says he hit drone on final approach to JFK airport; and more on tonight’s broadcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight the extreme weather emergency, 160 million people bracing for a dangerous heat wave as deadly storms and wildfires spread. Powerful weather crushing these silos and flattening buildings, deadly floods leaving parts of the south in chest-deep water and out of control wildfires out west lighting up the night sky. Plus, Al Rokers in to track a life-threatening heat dome for tens of millions this holiday week. miraculous rescues from the rubble five days after deadly earthquakes slammed Venezuela. American teams look at this pulling this baby out alive. But why that government's response to the disaster is now sparking anger. A major Supreme Court moment expanding the president's power, how that could affect dozens of federal agencies,

and why the justices won't overturn a civil sex abuse case against President Trump. The unexpected court hearing holdup for accused CEO killer Luigi-Money, Mangione, why he had to be rescued from an elevator. Midair scare for a jet blue flight with the pilot saying they hit a drone just before landing. Disgraced lawyer Alec Murdoch in shackles and a prison jumpsuit back in court after his murder convictions were overturned, the fiery moments there and when he'll be retried. A deadly crocodile attack near a popular beach resort here from the couple who tried to save the victim. Rodeo horror, a bull rider thrown and trample. how he managed to survive.

Dramatic apartment explosion. Firefighters, you see it there, pushed back after this powerful blast. Taylor Swift Wedding Watch, new reporting on the invites to a celebration and the non-disclosure agreements apparently coming with them. And our series, Great Americans with the story of the family running America's oldest U.S. flag company. Their legacy literally woven in to the fabric of our country. Nightly News starts right now. This is NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Good evening. I'm Hallie Jackson in for Tom, and we are coming on the air tonight with the dangerous and deadly weather affecting millions.

And that stifling heat dome descending on nearly half the country in what is now an extreme start to this holiday week. In the West, wildfires burning out of control in Colorado and in Utah, where here you can see it from above, thick smoke blanketing those mountains. In the south, the aftermath of deadly fire. flooding that killed at least four people. And for survivors, the agonizing work of picking up the pieces. You can see the chest deep water they're working it. And that heat wave is starting to hit hard. 36 states and more than 162 million people under alerts right now. Temperatures in some places set to feel like 110. Al will have our forecast in a minute. Dana Griffin's on the ground in Utah. But we start with Shaquille Brewster in Chicago. From brutal heat to powerful storms.

It's raining hard now. Tonight, a dangerous mix of severe weather. Wind gusts up to 131 miles an hour, leaving devastating damage in South Dakota. While further west, crews battling massive wildfires in Utah and Colorado, plumes of smoke seen from miles away. Look at that thick orange haze blanketing the sky. Here, the fires glow reaching far into the distance. Crews scrambling to fight the fast-moving flames.

In Utah, the nation's largest active wildfire exploding. to some 93,000 acres. NBC's Dana Griffin is there. Those plumes of smoke are hot spot flares. Firefighters are working around the clock to put out as afternoon wind and heat fuel the flames. Tanner Larson is a volunteer firefighter who just lost his own home. Just couldn't absorb it at the moment. I'm sure that when we go up there, especially today, there will probably be a couple of tears shed. In Colorado, officials honoring three firefighters killed while battling the flames over the weekend. Meanwhile in Kentucky, flash floods killing at least four people and triggering dozens of rescues and evacuations. This man pulling a refrigerator from the basement

of the flooded home, the water up to his chest. All while dangerous heat stretches across more than half the country, 162 million people under heat alerts. Record setting temperatures and humidity hitting folks from the Midwest to the east coast. Unrelenting heat marking a brutal start to the holiday week. Shack is joining us now from Chicago, and Shaq, part of what makes this so dangerous is that it'll stay so warm even overnight. That's right, Halley, and that's why officials here are taking this so seriously. Even when the sun goes down and in those overnight hours, you can expect temperatures

to feel like they're in their 80s, especially downtown. That's why over the next couple of days, Chicago is under a heat warning going into Wednesday night. Hallie? Shaq, thank you. joining us now. And Al, it's not just Chicago. So many of us are bracing for a staggeringly hot holiday week. That's right, Halley, as you heard, 162 million from New England, the northeast, down to Florida, and out into the plains. The heat indexes will be up to 115, this high pressure, big dome of

high pressure, heat indexes, triple digits for Kansas City, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Houston. Air temperatures, Columbus, upper 90s, triple digits, New York, also in Nashville, down in Raleigh. add in the humidity and the heat indexes all triple-digit New York, Washington, Nashville, Columbus, and Chicago, and this goes into the weekend. Hally? Al Roker, plenty to watch. Thank you. To Venezuela now, where we are seeing miraculous rescues, even a full five days after those deadly double earthquakes, relief for some families. But for others, hope is beginning to fade. Here's Camilla Bernal. Tonight, from beneath the rubble, the miracles. You can hear this.

babies cries as it's freed by American rescue teams, rushing off the pile for medical attention. And amazingly, moments later, from that same collapsed building, the baby's mother, is also pulled out alive, greeted by cheers from her neighbors. Rescues still happening five days after those deadly back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela. This man was trapped for 106 hours. But there's also growing anger with the Venezuelan government. People saying officials have not moved fast enough to find those traps. And to help survivors in La Guaira, people who lost everything are picking through piles of donated clothes. Ana Vanessa Herrero is there.

Hundreds behind me are sleeping on tents. They tell me that the government has not informed them what the next steps could be. In Los Angeles, Kelly Montano tells us her parents. are still missing. They don't believe it. No, I don't believe it. She heard from them minutes before the earthquake hit. They were packing their car to leave the apartment.

My hope was that they were leaving from the parking. But today's Monday and they doesn't appear any of them. Now she's organized an aid donation site at her restaurant. Back in Venezuela, the hours are growing desperate to find more survivors. Telemundo Zulu Bakero is there. This was a 13-floor apartment building. Right now, they're not trying to find any people alive. They are just trying to find dead bodies.

And tonight, the U.N. estimates the death toll could hit as high as 10,000 people. The current debt toll up to more than 1,700 people, among them three Americans. Meanwhile, the U.S. is now sending more than $300 million for disaster response. and the Venezuelan government says it's working to evaluate damaged buildings and setting campments for those displaced. Hallie? Camila Bernal, thank you. Here in Washington, the Supreme Court today is delivering a win to President Trump that could

expand his presidential powers. Laura Jarrett is joining us now, but Laura, a separate ruling on the Federal Reserve shows that power may only go so far, right? Hallie, that is right. Federal Reserve Board of Governor Lisa Cook will be able to stay on the job for now as her lawsuit plays out in the lower courts. The justice is saying today that the Fed is simply unlike other traditionally independent agencies at the nation's central bank. Of course, the body that sets interest rates for the country

must be protected from political interference. Yet, it's a different story, Halley, when it comes to most other federal agencies. The justice is saying Congress cannot saddle the president with those that he doesn't want to work with, allowing the president to fire a Democratic appointee to the Federal Trade Commission, President Trump, praising that ruling, saying it gives strength to the presidency, Halley. And Laura, the High Court is also now letting a $5 million civil verdict against President Trump stand in the E. Gene Carroll lawsuit? Yes, Hallie.

A jury in that case, you'll remember, had found Mr. Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of writer E. Jean Carroll, which he's denied repeatedly. The president's last hope was a Supreme Court, but they refused to take up that appeal today. Carol is saying this is a win for every woman. Hallie. Laura, Jared, thank you. Also today, a hearing for accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione was delayed for a bit after he got stuck in the courthouse elevator, according to a court official familiar with what happened. Mangione stayed in handcuffs as engineers worked to free him.

He ended up arriving at the courtroom more than a half hour late. In those proceedings, we learned Mangione's federal trial is now set to begin on January 5th. He has pleaded not guilty. And a scare in the skies tonight with the latest incident of a close call between a plane and a drone, this time in New York. Aaron McLaughlin reports. Tonight, the FBI is investigating. We collided with a drone. After the pilot reported, a drone struck a JetBlue flight on final approach to New York's JFK Airport.

You said you collided? You require any assistance? You just continue to the runway? Permanent. We don't need any assistance. We're just going to go in line. It happened at 7.15 this morning. Flight 948 from Las Vegas was about 3,000 feet in the air.

JetBlue tells NBC. news, the flight landed without incident and a post-flight inspection found no damage. Minutes later, according to air traffic control audio, another JetBlue flight reported seeing a drone flying quite close. JetBlue 2769 just observed a drone path to our right, slightly below us. As they scrambled to figure out whether it was safe to land the plane. And last Friday, another drone sighting as a United flight arrived in nearby Newark. We almost hit a drone. Right there. Many times these are false positives. In other words, it's a bird strike or some other balloon or object like that. And if it was a drone, well, that's very serious. Aaron McLaughlin, NBC News, New York. To the fallout from South Carolina's so-called trial of the century now.

And Alec Murdoch back in court after the state tossed out his double murder conviction, setting the stage for a retrial. Aaron Gilchrist is there. Alec Murdoch back in a South Carolina courtroom today for the first time in more than two years. I see we have a full house. Good morning. With a new judge diving headfirst into his second murder trial. Murdoch in an orange prison jumpsuit and shackled. His lawyer having him stand to make a point about biasing potential jurors before trial. Chained around the way. Chained with the hands.

Chained on the feet. I mean, this guy is not a serial killer. He's not, you know, Ted Bundy. The state says it's a routine security measure. It is a security risk. and what was to be a routine status conference quickly became contentious. We don't know what we don't know. And I'm giving an example.

Murdoch's lawyers arguing there may be evidence available that wasn't shared with them during the first trial in 2023. State prosecutors pushing back. I know that my obligation must provide that information to the defense. And if I'm aware of it, then it's been provided it. And we have done that. They've had it since well before the original trial. And we will continue to do that. Guilty?

A jury convicted Murdo. a once prominent and powerful attorney of killing his wife Maggie and son Paul back in 2021. South Carolina's Supreme Court overturned that conviction last month, citing interference by former court clerk Becky Hill, who the court said placed her fingers on the scales of justice with comments she made to jurors. The new judge setting April 5th as the start date for the new trial, the judge also delaying a decision on a request for a new analysis

of unidentified male DNA found under Maggie's fingernail, as the defense signals someone other than Alec could have been at the crime scene. Aaron is joining us from South Carolina, and Aaron, this new judge already seems to be setting the tone for the retrial. Hallie, as soon as Judge Deborah McCaslin sat down, she launched into a series of pointed questions about evidence, and she ended the hour-long hearing by telling the lawyers, quote, when I set a trial date, I don't do continuances. Hallie? Aaron Gilchrist, thank you.

We are back in 60 seconds with the deadly crocodile attack near a popular resort beach and the American couple who tried to save the victim. Then the close call for these firefighters after a dangerous explosion caught on camera. And the new details we're learning tonight about plans for Taylor Swift's wedding celebration. Is New York ready for it? A horrifying scene for people vacationing at a popular resort in Mexico after a man was attacked and killed by a crocodile. Liz Croix has the story. Tonight, new video shows a massive crocodile at the beach near a popular resort in Puerto Vallata, shortly after officials say a 28-year-old man was attacked and killed by one over the weekend.

Jamie Yetter and Chris Burry were vacationing at the Marriott, Porta Vallarta, when they witnessed the horrifying attack. It was a really, really big crock, and he never let go of the man. He just kept taking him under, rolling him, and every time we saw him surface, it was deeper, and deeper every time. The couple says they had no idea the beach near their hotel is known for crocodiles.

In 2021, a California woman was also attacked while staying on the property. Did anyone warn you when you checked in at this hotel that were crocodiles in that water? No. No one said a word about it.

Did the hotel close down the beach after this attack? No. Even the next morning, hours later, there's little children playing in the water. Marriott tells NBC News the hotel has appropriate signage as well as night patrolling and red flags to indicate caution in the area and all were and are properly in place.

Jamie and Chris say the only warning they saw about crocodiles was this one sign they took a picture of at the entrance to the beach. There's only one small little white sign with several marine animals on it. This isn't appropriate. The terrifying incident comes as officials in Florida say a 30-year-old woman died after she was attacked by an alligator while swimming in a river outside Orlando. She was bitten on both of her arms. Officials now issuing a warning as they report three alligator attacks across central Florida in just the last week. Liz Croyd's NBC News. We'll be right back with the frightening moments as a bull throws a rider to the ground in New York.

And the new reporting we have on what may be the most speculated about nuptials of the decade with Taylor Swift's Wedding Watch. Back now with the massive apartment explosion caught on camera. Look at it here. Firefighters were responding to a call about smoke and then you see it happen. Officials say an electrical failure set off some flames, and then that sparked this big explosion. Eight buildings had to be evacuated nearby, but incredibly, none of those first responders you saw were hurt. And a warning here, this next video is disturbing, showing the terrifying moments at a rodeo in New York. You see it here, the bull hurls a rider to the ground and then tramples him, dragging him through the dirt before people then start rushing in.

You see it to save him. That rider is recovering in the hospital tonight. And an update close to home here with our parent company, Comcast, announcing today it plans to spin off NBC Universal into a separate company. That independent NBCU will include the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks and peacock, among others. The split is expected to be completed next summer and isn't likely to change how you watch your favorite shows, movies, and news anytime soon. Also tonight, the new inside info our team's learning about what may be the wedding of the year between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey, or at least three. party to celebrate it. Chloe Malas explains. Just days away from Taylor Swift's possible wedding and it feels like the whole world is ready for it. Now more details are emerging about the singer's highly anticipated I-dos to football star Travis Kelsey,

a source with knowledge of the matter who is among the invited guests telling NBC news that 1100 people are expected to attend wedding festivities this Friday at New York's iconic Madison Square garden. Adding that the invites arrived electronically and required guests to sign NDAs. NBC News has reached out to Swift, Kelsey, and MSG for comment, but is not heard back. The source also saying multiple performances are expected from various artists, including Stevie Nix. NBC News has reached out to Nix for comment. But not everyone is convinced. Is she getting married to MSG? There's no way. As questions still swirl around the big day. Chloe Malas, NBC News.

When we come back, our series, Great Americans, and the generations of family behind the longest running U.S. flagmaker. This week, in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of America, we will end our broadcast every night with our series, Great Americans. And tonight, Tom has the story of a sixth-generation flagmaker, whose family history is woven deeply into American history. Our great American this week, Carter Beard. Stitch by stitch.

These long rolls of fabrics are cut, sewn, and stamped into something more. I get to make the symbol of our country that is so important to so many people. I'm really proud that I'm doing this. American flags from Annan Flagmakers created on factory floors like this, then woven into iconic moments of American culture, draping athletes in Olympic glory. Beautiful, just beautiful. Even planting on the surface of the moon. We were the supplier of flags to NASA during the Apollo program.

For sixth generation CEO Carter Beard, this is actually Lewis Ann in Ames. He was my great-grandfather. His family history. This is a shot from the Civil War. Is American history. I think the flag that went up on Mount Suraboard. Iwo Jima, who was raised by the Marines, is probably the most emotional flag,

and I break up even thinking about it. In times of trouble, people turn to the flag. It's a comforting thing to them. It represents all that's great about America. You know, it represents our strengths and our weaknesses. In times of crisis, like in 9-11, it's emotional to think that the first thing those rescue workers sought to do

was go grab an American flag and raise it on that rubble. It's a powerful symbol. Making that symbol right here in the USA takes a lot of hard work. I feel very patriotic. And much of the process has stayed the same for generations. We still make American flags very similar to the way we made them in 1950 or 1930s. It's still a manual process, and it's a highly trained skill. Ida Maudev has been working at Annan Subsidiary Flag Zone for 20 years.

I enjoy working here. I enjoy making the American flag. She now trains new employees. Many of them, first-generation Americans. He makes me proud that I'm making the American flag just because they gave me an opportunity to be part of being an American. These flags threaded together by the same ideals that connect us all. So I think that's what America represents, that opportunity, that you can become anything that you're willing to work for.

A longtime legacy and a symbol of so much. That's nightly news for this Monday. I'm Hallie Jackson. For all of us here at NBC, thanks for watching and have a great night.