NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Episode Date: December 25, 2025

State of emergency in California from intense rainfall; Search for a cause in deadly nursing home explosion; Christmas celebrations return to Bethlehem; 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.

Breaking tonight, the state of emergency here in California, as heavy rains bring catastrophic flooding to millions, tens of millions under flood alerts across the west as a powerful storm triggers flash floods and evacuations here in Los Angeles. Heavy rains turning hills into mudslides, life-threatening floodwaters, washing out homes and first responders rushing to save people trapped inside their cars. This new storm set to bring heavy snow to the East Coast right after Christmas. We are tracking all of it. In the search for answers after a terrifying nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania, rescuers pulling dozens to safety and desperate family members finally reaching their loved ones. The big question tonight, why did it happen? And just in tonight, the Justice Department saying there may be a lot more Epsine files than previously thought, tens of thousands of documents and images already released,

but tonight there may be more than a million more on the way. The little drummer boys and girls are back for Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. After years of bloodshed in nearby Gaza, the moving message from the First American Pope as he celebrates his first Christmas Eve Mass. Then their parents had to push to get these boys the same life-changing gene therapy, but now they finally got it just in time for the holidays. And there is good news tonight about the heartwarming bond between a boy and man's best friend and how they found it when they needed it the most. This is NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Good evening from alongside a raging Los Angeles River. I'm Gotti Schwartz, in for Tom.

And right now we are just behind our studios. And this is what the L.A. River looks like in the middle of an atmospheric river. Usually it's just a trickle, but you can see it is a torrent of water. Meanwhile, up in the hillsides, inches of rain have turned into mudslides impacting so many homes. Hundreds of people right now under evacuation orders. Meanwhile, rescue crews have been braving the elements trying to get to stranded drivers. Our Dana Griffith starts us off in this California state of emergency headed into Christmas Eve. Tonight, torrential rain is drenching the West in snarling traffic for people still trying to get out.

An area in San Bernardino urging residents to shelter in place as heavy mud flow and debris inundate the community. Water rescues being reported across the region. Streets like this one completely off limits after being overcome by raging water. Officials are warning people to stay off the roads as widespread flash flooding alerts warn of a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Prepare yourself. It is critical. It could save your life.

A FedEx truck crashed on this Los Angeles highway during today's messy morning commute. Its trailer ripped apart with packages spilling out. Rescuers also responded to this car, swept away in Southern California. Officials say those inside were safely rescued. In San Diego, one man died after being struck by a falling tree limb. We have crazy rain. We have crazy weather. And Mother Nature, unfortunately, we'll bring the wind and the rain.

And in Sacramento, a sheriff deputy was killed, driving this morning to work in the storm. The intense downpour expected to dump up to 12 inches of rain in some areas by the end of the week. As 41 million people remain under weather alerts, including those in areas hard-hit earlier this year by those catastrophic wildfires, leaving this region vulnerable. A tree fell over there. Now, more than 300 homes are under evacuation orders in L.A. Evacuation orders are not issued lightly. The risk is real, and the time to act is now. Dana, we've seen the destruction this massive storm can do. What do you seen out there in Altadena? So, Gotti, we have seen mud trickled down this hillside.

That's why these K-Rails are in place to prevent debris from flowing over, potentially making roads like this impassable. Gotti? Dana, thank you so much. Back here in the studio, we've got meteorologist Ryan Hanahan out of NBC, Connecticut, tracking all of it. Ryan, what does it look like in the coming hours here? Yeah, the heaviest rain is beginning to shift east from Los Angeles,

but the damage has already been done. Flash flood warnings in effect. for most of Southern California and 41 million people at risk for flooding through the weekend across California because the storm is not done yet. In fact, by this weekend, rainfall totals in some spots up to one foot. That is a tremendous amount of rain in just a couple days. On the other side of the country, we've got a winter storm. It won't be in time for a white Christmas, but by Friday afternoon and Friday evening, snow in New York City, snow and ice down toward Philadelphia. Looks like four to eight inches of accumulation in and around New York City

back into portions of Pennsylvania. Gavi? Ryan, thank you. And the investigation into what caused a deadly explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home yesterday is just getting underway in a community still shocked by that fiery scene. Sam Brock is there for us tonight. After a shocking explosion at a nursing home

in eastern Pennsylvania that claimed two lives, hospitalized 20, and sent first responders racing to save residents, some with dementia. I've never seen such heroism. Emotions today were really, raw in Bristol Township. It scares me because I have family that have health issues, and I can't even wrap my head

around how these families feel with no answers. Police say everyone is now accounted for, and two women killed, one resident and one 52-year-old employee. The NTSB, which investigates major pipeline accidents, scoured the scene today, along with state and local agencies, probing whether there might be a connection to a gas pipe. pipeline. Until we excavate that area and remove the walls and roofs that collapsed, we won't have any idea what may have occurred in there. Utility company Pico said a few hours after their crews arrived on scene because of reports of a gas odor, the explosion occurred. The company

telling us it is not known at this time if Pico's equipment or natural gas was involved in this incident. State records show a host of health violations at the nursing home as recently as late October from failure to provide required smoke barrier partitions to failure to maintain portable fire extinguishers. To your knowledge, were any of the previous concerns that were raised potentially relevant in what happened in this tragedy? I can't comment on that because it's an ongoing investigation. Pennsylvania's governor says ownership of the nursing home recently changed hands. This was a tragedy for our caregivers, for the residents they serve. Saber Healthcare describes its role as a consultant. How many issues did Saber,

Well, we're working to not only improve and fix prior issues, but to uncover those prior issues, we'll continue to work on those issues in the wake of this event. And tonight, the NTSB says it won't be able to fully evaluate that natural gas line until a safe path is cleared, and that, Gotti, could take several days. Sam, thank you. And a new twist in the Jeffrey Epstein case at Justice Department tonight announcing there may be one million more documents related to the case, and it had previously. known. Julie Serkin joins us. Julie, where did these records come from?

Great question, Gotti. Tonight, the Justice Department says federal prosecutors in New York and the FBI uncovered potentially more than a million documents related to the Epstein investigation. DOJ had already missed a December 19 deadline mandated by law to release all Epstein-related material and now says in a statement due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks. Congressional Democrats threatening legal action if the department does not comply. The 30,000 documents Gotti released so far include new details of Epstein's crimes, as well as his proximity to well-known men, including President Trump, who has never been accused of

wrongdoing related to Epstein. Gotti? Julie, thank you. And on this Christmas Eve, Bethlehem is once again filled with celebrating pilgrims and tourists. It's a very different scene than the one we've seen over the last two years in the war-torn region. And Matt Bradley is there. The little drummer boys and girls are back in Bethlehem. And this Christmas, there's more to celebrate.

Christmas started here in Bethlehem about 2,000 years ago. And now, after a two-year break, Christmas is making a comeback right where it was born. Out of respect and reverence for the huge loss of life in the Gaza Strip, where despite 11 weeks of a tenuous truce, some fighting continues, and winter is bearing down on nearly 2 million displaced people most. living in tents. Despite the continued suffering, Gaza is celebrating again too. At the enclave's only Catholic Church this week, a Christmas Mass and some rare sightings of joy. It's why Bethlehem's mayor decided to bring back the city's Christmas parade.

We need to live. We need to send the message of life, the message of peace from Bethlehem. And Bethlehem needs tourists. The war and COVID before that scared away millions of visitors, the city's lifeblood. When Jaros Atrash isn't playing The bagpipes, he used to make a living, selling souvenirs. But he left the business when the tourists stopped coming. Is this a Merry Christmas for the Palestinians here? Christmas is back. We are happy from our faces, but in our heart we are not that much heavy.

But even if this Christmas doesn't feel quite the same, folks here hope it sends a message to the world. We're bringing the spirit back and the Christmas vibes back, even though we had a two years ago. Returning the spirit of Christmas to where we're going to be. was always meant to be. Matt Bradley, NBC News, Bethlehem. And tonight, Chicago-born Pope Leo the 14th is celebrating his first Christmas Eve Mass as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Here's NBC's Molly Hunter. Tonight, the first American pope speaking in Italian to a crowd of thousands in St. Peter's Basilica, emphasizing a message of hope and humanity. Quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis, this time of year rekindles in us the gift and

task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost. He described Christmas as a season of gratitude and mission. St. Gratitude for the gift received and mission to bear witness to it before the world. In his first eight months, the pontiff has been busy, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon, speaking out about U.S. immigration policy and the situation in Gaza, and in recent weeks, sharing a message with Americans of all faiths. to encourage all people to try and promote peace and harmony. At the Vatican this month, getting into the holiday spirit.

The Christmas tree and nativity scene all lit up in St. Peter Square, and Leo, meeting with the youngest of nativity actors, even a holiday concert with Michael Boubley. It's beginning to look a lot like this world. Michael Boubley, your Italian is wonderful. Thank you so much. And tonight, the faithful gathering to celebrate the message of hope at Christmas. And tomorrow, Pope Leal, will bring back the tradition of celebrating Christmas Day Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica.

That hasn't been done since the 1990s. And then he will go to the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square for his Irby at Orby Blessing. Gotti. Molly Hunter, thank you. And it's looking like Santa Claus's rally came early to Wall Street today. The Dow closing up big. The S&P 500 hitting an all-time high. But there is growing worry from economists about a so-called K-shaped economy.

Senior business correspondent Christine Romans explains. Wall Street all smiles this Christmas Eve as the stock market soared to new heights. The S&P 500 hitting a record and adding to the data painting a picture of a strong U.S. economy. GDP growing at 4.3% in the third quarter, inflation coming down, and unemployment remaining at relative. low levels. And yet, why do you shop here? It's the best store. Like, the prices, you can't beat them. At discount grocer, Aldi, shoppers hunting for bargains. We're just buying what we need right now. It used to be at least, you know, date night here and there, but that's something we're now sacrificing because everything is just too expensive. Their experience part of what

economists call the K-shaped economy. The K-shaped economy means that some Americans, usually the wealthiest Americans are doing just fine. They're in the top of the K, their incomes are rising, their spending is rising. But those at the bottom of the K feel like their paychecks can't keep up with rising costs for food, housing, electricity, and child care. They feel like they're falling behind or if on a good day maybe treading water. Increasingly, the top 10% of earners are driving the economy. One analysis finding they're responsible for nearly half of consumer spending, a record level. trend not lost on Fed Chair Jay Powell. It's a good question, how sustainable that is. An economy growing, but increasingly by those who can most afford it. Christine Romans, NBC News,

Totawa, New Jersey. And we'll be right back with our series, The Cost of Denial, an incredible update for the family fighting to get two brothers the same potentially life-changing medical treatment. In our series, The Cost of Denial, we introduce you to two brothers, Hunter and Noah both with the rare disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their parents had to push to get the boys the same potentially life-changing gene therapy. And Maggie Vespa now has this update on how they're doing. These photos show incredible moments, months in the making for 11-year-old Hunter Small, all smiles, and finally getting the medicine his Chicago area family fought for for so long.

What great are you in? It's great. The slew of follow-up appointments and weeks of observation at Arkansas Children's Hospital all the same treatment that younger brother Noah received back in March, helping him battle the same devastating disease that both brothers share. What was that like for you as a mom to see Hunter finally get the treatment? It was such an amazing moment, but also it's very nerve-wracking because during the infusion, there can be things that happen. We were so excited and so grateful to finally be there and be having it done. Hunter and Noah were both born with Dishen muscular dystrophy or DMD, a rare genetic disorder that progressively attacks a person's muscles.

Experts say most patients are in a wheelchair around 12 and don't live to see 30. How does it make you feel? Tired a lot? It makes you feel tired a lot. Nightly news first met the small family, including oldest son Carter, back in August. Parents, William and Allison, were furious. Hunter's coverage for a levidus, that same $3.2 million one-time dose gene therapy had been denied by their insurer twice. This after the insurer approved NOAA for the exact same treatment. Your insurance company is denying one son. Correct.

The same treatment your other son has received and seems to be thriving after receiving. Yes. After our first story aired, the small family saw a ground swell of so. support. At Sacred Heart School, where the boys' legs tire easily, prompting them to use elevators and scooters, their classmates launched a letter-writing campaign. Perhaps the strongest case made by Noah himself in a letter to their insurance company. I'm writing to ask you to accept my brother Hunter for gene therapy. I received gene therapy in March. Now I am able to swim and learn how to ride my bike. Soon after, a crucial pivot announced at school by the boys' principle. We're happy to announce that Hunter did get approved.

Fast forward to now, Hunter received his one-time dose of Elevedis in late October, followed by a period of observation in Arkansas. How were you feeling finally getting that treatment? I was feeling good because I had to wait for a long time to get it. Noah, how did that feel, knowing that your letter probably helped make that happen? I felt really happy. You felt really happy. Did you feel like you made a difference?

Yeah. In Arkansas with dad, William, hunters kept up with school online. The boys' classmates sending letters of support. And they are both signed up when Hunter's back to be a play on a flag football team. Just being with your family, that is what the holidays are about. You really realize it when you're just so far apart. The family grateful for this incredible gift of two brothers given the same. fighting chance. Maggie Vespa, NBC News, Chicago. And we are happy to report. After completing his

observation period in Arkansas, Hunter is now back home with family together again, just in time for Christmas. And we're back in a moment with the sights and sounds of Christmas Eve Mass at Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral. Back now with new charges filed against a man accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. Romano-Law Lackenwall faces federal gun charges in connection with last month's attack that killed a number, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, and seriously injured another. The DOJ is now considering whether they should pursue the death penalty is already charged with first-degree murder. And overseas tonight, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrating its Christmas Eve Mass. It is the second time Notre Dame held its

Christmas Mass since it reopened last year after that massive fire ripped through it back in 2019. And check this out. Hundreds of surf-loving Santas traded in their slaves for boards in Cocoa Beach, Florida. That was today. The annual Surfing Santa's event brings thousands of visitors dressed as everything from Santa to elves to snowmen and women. It is all to raise money for local charities. And when we come back, you never know who's going through the same thing you are, the boy and his unexpected companion who walked through their hardest chapter together. And finally tonight, this special bond between a teenage boy and his best friend, a 10-year-old

therapy dog who found each other at just the right time. Steve Patterson has their story. Yeah, that's good. Truman Caudill was an outgoing and happy teenage boy until earlier this year when he started feeling weak. Our doctor called that it ordered the blood work, and he said, you need to go to the emergency room right now. The diagnosis, immediate, acute myeloid leukemia, cancer. 13-year-old Truman was admitted to Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, that evening. It was kind of rough just being somewhere so different. Then the very next day, walked in 10-year-old Hogan, a cuddly veteran therapy dog.

Hogan jumped on Truman's bed, laid down, and started to snore. And it was just like everything was great for that moment. For the next five months, Truman would receive intense chemotherapy treatments, bringing severe bouts of sickness and boredom. But in a cruel coincidence, Truman and Hogan didn't just share adoration. They shared a diagnosis. Hogan was battling cancer, too. The pair, inseparable, while they both underwent treatment. It kind of connected us more because he was going through similar thing.

And at the end of those five months. So do you think in some strange way you like helped? Heal each other? Yeah, I do. Both now in remission. I don't know if it can be explained. I think they just needed each other at the right moment. And I think when they got together, they just cured each other.

Boy and best friend, beating cancer together. The miracle of love. That's nightly news. Thanks so much for watching. I'm Gotti Schwartz. And from all of us here at NBC News, Merry Christmas and have a wonderful night. I don't know. Thank you.