NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Episode Date: June 25, 2026

Millions endure brutal heat wave in Europe; Trump and GOP senator in shouting match during closed-door meeting;  Plane’s emergency crash landing caught on camera; 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 news tonight, life-threatening heat gripping tens of millions here at home and abroad. Massive Western wildfires burning out of control. Crews trying to get the upper hand under blistering conditions. And the record high temperatures turning deadly overseas. Paris shutting down iconic landmarks are reporters on the ground. The shouting match behind closed doors after President Trump's shocking blow to a plan both parties approved to make it easier to buy a home. The tensions escalating in the GOP with new reporting from inside that combative meeting. Emergency crash landing caught on camera, this rare video from inside, capturing the moment this plane went down,

how everyone managed to walk away. Camp Mystic, where dozens of girls and their counselors died in historic floods, filing for bankruptcy. Our interview with the parents of the victims and why they say this nightmare could have been avoided. The former youth pastor charged with his wife's murder. after she fell to her death at a national park, why he was arrested now two decades after it happened. The powerful earthquake jolting Northern California, look at that food flying off-store shelves. What could be a new clue about where Taylor Swift might say I do with speculation at a fever pitch. So are the New York City permits a hint or a head fake? And there's good news tonight,

a lost, stuffy, devoted airport staffers, and an emotional reunion captured. on camera. Nightly News starts right now. This is NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Good evening. I'm Halley Jackson in for Tom tonight. And as we come on the air, a brutal and dangerous heat wave is baking tens of millions of people across the country and around the world with some of the worst heat some spots have ever seen. Here at home, those temperatures are fueling big wildfires in the West. You see those massive flames on the side of this highway in New Mexico. And in Utah, look at this. Skisks. very seen on this doorbell camera, the flames just feet from the front door. And with so many American

travelers in Europe, the heat dome there is tightening its grip as extreme temperatures already hitting records soar even higher, including in Paris, broiling with its hottest day ever, prompting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to shut down. The heat's also being blamed for dozens of deaths, including at least 48 people who drowned trying to cool off. Al Roker is here with the latest forecast, but we begin with Danielle Hamamgen from what of the hottest places on the planet. Tonight, firefighters battling out of control wildfires out west. From Colorado to Utah to New Mexico, the fires scorching thousands of acres.

The intense smoke seen here covering the sky in Utah. This ring camera capturing flames surrounding this home. Oh, And in New Mexico, watch as this fire gets dangerously close to a highway. The blazes fueled by extreme heat across the country. The brutal temperatures also being felt in France as more than 50 million suffer a brutal heat wave. Unbearably hot. It's just ridiculous. You can't seem to escape it.

While thousands of Parisians are flocking to the Canal Saint-Martin to cool off, the city reached 106 degrees breaking a June record, while Paris once again had to close iconic landmarks, including the Louvre. There would normally be hundreds of people here waiting in line to step inside the most visited museum in the world. But look at it now. It's the middle of the afternoon and the doors have just closed. Around the country, at least 48 people have drowned since last week while trying to escape the heat. Americans in Paris trying to catch a break. We booked an Airbnb, spent one night there. It had air conditioning, but the air conditioning was not anywhere near sufficient. No one slept.

as so many struggle to cope during the extreme heat. Danielle is joining us now from Paris. And Danielle, the heat's being linked to tens of thousands of power outages there, right? Yeah, and so many have been left without power. Meanwhile, here in Paris, the parks are open all night. Swimming pools have extended hours and a lot of people, Halley, spending a lot of time in their car where there is guaranteed air conditioning. Danielle Hamamjan, thank you.

bring in Al Roker now, who's tracking all of this heat. And Al, it sounds like it's going to get worse before it gets better. That's right, both there and here, Hallie. Good morning. You can see from Presidio, Texas, Los Angeles, we've got 19 million people under heat advisories, heat watches and warnings. Now, here's what's happening. We've got this very dry air moving to the west. That's causing all the heat and the fires. We've got humid air to the south and moving to the east. Now, triple digits, Phoenix, Roswell, near triple digits for Dallas. And over in this big heat dome is keeping it all right there close to the ground. Paris, triple digits.

Same in Vienna, Milan and Marseille. And in fact, half the western half of France today, Hallie, over 104 degrees. Some relief by the time they get to the weekend. Hallie is wild. Al, plenty to track. Thank you for being here. Here in Washington, new developments after a blow up behind closed doors between the president and some in his own party.

The escalating tensions coming after President Trump suddenly pulled the plug on plans for a popular bipartisan housing bill. Gabe Gutierrez explains. The stage had been set, but tonight in abrupt cancellation, President Trump suddenly scrapping a plan signing ceremony for a bipartisan bill to lower housing costs. I'm proud of the work of the House and Senate to get this to get people to yes. But as that news conference was unfolding, President Trump pulled the plug, posting the signing ceremony, was canceled until, much time as we passed the desperately needed Save America Act. Part of his rift was some Senate Republicans. Then came a tense lunch with the Senate GOP.

We're very proud of the party. We like our leader. We like everybody really in the room. I don't like a few people, but that's okay. The deepening divide coming a day after four Senate Republicans joined Democrats to pass a symbolic measure, urging the president to end the war with Iran. Iran is making very big concessions.

We'll see what happens. of those Republicans, Senator Bill Cassidy told us he'd lost his temper, and said the president also raised his voice while talking about that vote. I feel like his answer to need to be given and they've not been given. The president now saying he won't sign the housing bill, which cuts regulations to spark construction, unless Congress first passes the Save America Act, which mandates photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote. We have to press for election integrity measures.

That's why we've made it a top priority. Democrats oppose it, arguing the sweeping bill would place too many, restrictions on voting. Instead of doing what the American people need and want, he's off saying, I'm going to keep a bunch of them from voting. While President Trump is now asking the Justice Department to investigate oil companies, saying with oil prices plummeting, gas prices should be falling faster, which the oil industry disputes. The oil companies are possibly gouging. I hope they're not, otherwise they're going to be in big trouble. Gabe is joining us now from the National Mall, where the president is set to speak at a Freedom 250 celebration.

So, Gabe, how far is the president willing to go to oppose this housing bill? Well, Halley, the president did not directly answer that question today. Some House Republicans tell the NBC News, they are just stunned by how this all went down today. One calling it, quote, crazy. Meanwhile, if the president takes no action, the housing bill becomes law in 10 days. Hallie. Gabe Gutierrez here in Washington. Thank you.

Now to some breaking news just into us, an apparent major earthquake out of Venezuela. Let's get to Aaron Gilchrist with the latest. Halley, two major distinct earthquakes hitting Venezuela within just a couple of minutes of each other. A magnitude of magnitude, 2 and a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, really less than 30 miles apart from each other as well. We are getting images in now from more than 100 miles away in Caracas, where that's the capital where we know that homes and other buildings have collapsed as a result of these earthquakes. first responders were seen helping the injured here, digging through debris from those collapsed buildings. This shaking started just after 6 p.m. Eastern time. People were seen running into the streets as buildings swayed, debris clouds seemed to rise into the air as well. At this point, we don't know

the extent of any injuries or damage in this area, but we do know that the government is telling people warning them that they should stay outside because there may be aftershocks that could do more structural damage. Hally? Aaron Gilchrist, thank you. We are also learning tonight a plane diverted to Boston after the captain experienced a medical emergency in flight. The plane, you see it here, landed without issue. He was taken off on a stretcher to the hospital. And in Alaska, an aviation close call captured on camera when a commuter plane crash landed in the wilderness. Tom Costello has the details on how everyone incredibly managed to walk away safely. The harrowing moments caught on camera as a right.

Air Flight was forced to crash land in Alaska's Glacier Pass. Despite a terrifying few moments, no screaming, no panic. Everyone's safe on the ground. It's not ideal. One pilot and eight passengers, including Brett Felipe, who filmed it all. How's this for your first time in Alaska? Does this happen? No, no, this doesn't usually happen.

Flight 4AW flew from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, then on to Anuctivok Pass. but along the way developed engine trouble. In a blog post, Felipe says the pilot turned back to us and said that he was looking for a spot to land. I cinched my seatbelt tight. Suddenly, an open clearing in the Alaskan wilderness. The impact dug skid marks in the ground, but the dirt-covered plane left mostly intact. Having an emergency crash landing out here in the bush. Thank you.

Thank you. 30 minutes later, a search plane was overhead. They found us. Two hours later, a helicopter began lifting everyone out. Everyone's safe, and that's what matters. Soon, all nine were back in Coldfoot. The Sesta 208 Caravan is a reliable, rugged plane with an equally reliable engine. Tonight, passengers are crediting the pilot with saving their lives.

Halley? Tom Costello, thank you. Nearly a year after the flood, the devastated. Texas Hill Country, Camp Mystic, the summer camp where 27 young girls and counselors died, has filed for bankruptcy. Our Morgan Chesky explains what it could mean for the families still seeking justice. Tonight amid tragedy, lawsuits, and no license to operate, the 100-year-old Camp Mystic filing for bankruptcy. The overnight filing by the All-Girls Camp, raising questions over its future and litigation against it. Following the deaths of its owner, 25 campers, and two

counselors last July when the Guadalupe River surged nearly 40 feet out of its banks. Documents obtained by NBC News show Mystic claiming total debt exceeds $10 million. The filing pausing all wrongful death and negligence suits scheduled for next year. Camp owners admitting in April, they wish they had evacuated sooner. We tried our hardest that night and it wasn't enough to save your daughters. The fight for accountability led by Heavens 27, formed by the family, who lost their daughters. As a mother or a parent, really,

there's a desperate need to know what did you go through? Were you alone? Were you with someone? Were you afraid? Was it fast? Eight of those mothers sitting down with our own Lester Holt.

Could this tragedy have been averted? 100%. Yes. Our girls should be here. With the time from there, there's time for them all, the whole camp mystics attorney telling luster staff did follow their policy of sheltering in place but suffered without a better flood detection system every time it rains there's a risk of flash floods

but that's not the same thing as what happened here this was a thousand-year flood that nobody's ever seen before and tonight an attorney representing multiple mystic victims tells me that bankruptcy will not stop people from being held accountable adding these innocent young girls deserve justice Hallie. Morgan Chesky, thank you. And you can see much more of Lester's reporting on Dateline this Friday at 10-9 Central. When we are back in just 60 seconds, the former youth pastor charged with his wife's murder 20 years after she fell to her death in Zion National Park.

And the earthquake shaking California today, reports of injuries and new video of the damage. Plus, what we've just learned about the permits requested in New York City and why some suspect they're connected to Taylor Swift's wedding. Back now with a dramatic arrest today in Las Vegas, a former youth pastor charged in his wife's death 20 years after she died while hiking in Zion National Park. And tonight, her family is speaking out. Here's Liz Kreutz. It's been 20 years since Bernadette Vandermere died after falling more than 1,000 feet while hiking with her then husband, former youth pastor, David Vandermere, on the iconic Angels Landing Trail at Zion National Park. At the time, the 29-year-old's death was ruled an accident. But now, two decades later, police have arrested her former husband and charged him with murder.

Utah investigators saying new evidence proves he intentionally and knowingly caused her death. There was a motive for David Vandermere to commit this crime. There were several motives. According to prosecutors, David Vandermere had been unfaithful to Bernadette for years after he began a relationship with an underage girl who was part of the church youth group he ran. Investigators say that woman recently told them Burundette's death happened two days after she had. told David she wanted to break off the relationship and that David had previously said to her the only way they could be together is if Bernadette was not alive. The two later married but then divorced. David is now a yoga instructor recently seen here preaching about mindfulness.

We can uncover a whole lot about ourselves by noticing more. Tonight, Bernadette's parents speaking out saying their daughter's death always seems suspicious. I suspected him all along. Three weeks when they were dating. I said there, I don't trust him. And I did not. And I never did trust it. And Hallie, prosecutors say they reopened the case after receiving a new tip about Van Damir. He's expected in court tomorrow. We've not been able to reach his attorney. Hallie. Liz Kreutz, thank you. We are back in a moment with the historic earthquake rattling northern California.

Store windows shattered as that region shook. Plus, a major update on the drug charges announced yesterday against Olympic ski legend Bodie Miller. Next. Welcome back to Northern California. California now, which was hit today with its biggest earthquake in the area since 1940. We're talking 5.6 magnitude. Look at this. You can see video capturing these bottles and cans toppling off store shelves. And then the aftermath here, huge chunks of glass from the windows at another market littering the street. Some injuries have been reported, but fortunately, no word of any deaths. Also tonight, Bodie Miller's attorney says the drug possession charges against him. We told you about last night

are being dismissed. The Olympic gold medal winning skier posted he was pulled over in Idaho for speeding on a highway, and a friend with him had a small amount of cannabis and a cannabis pipe. Miller's lawyer said that passenger claimed ownership of all drugs found. Now to the worldwide wedding watch, fueling frothy speculation. Everybody wanting to know, where will Taylor Swift tie the knot? Chloe Malas has more on the new clues we're learning tonight. Love story has captivated millions. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey. Now the speculation around their wedding reaching a fever pitch with signs pointing to 4th of July weekend in New York City. A source at Madison Square Garden telling NBC News that the famed venue is booked from July 2nd to July 4th

for a big event but would not share further details. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the mayor's office says a permit was filed for the area around MSG requesting street closures and a tent be put up. NBC News has reached out to Swift, Kelsey, and MSG for comment. The hype around their nuptials even hitting prediction markets on everything from the guestless to the ceremony location. But until the big day arrives, the speculation may be almost as big as the wedding itself. Chloe Malas, NBC News, New York. When we come back, the special reunion for a young boy and his beloved stuffy and the high-flying adventure while the two were apart next. Finally, there is good news tonight and an extra special reunion thanks to the kindness

of strangers. For 10-year-old Asher Egan, Athena the dog has been a lifelong companion. She gives me a lot of comfort. She helps me through hard times. A stuffy, much loved, modeled after a real pet who died when Asher was just one. This adorable German shepherd now goes with him everywhere. She's been around the globe to like Sweden, Finland, Solania, Canada. But last week, returning home to Minneapolis from Boston, Athena made an unexpected detour. When it was time for bed, I just realized I didn't have her. So I got the idea to host a TikTok to get some help. So Asher's mom, Romina, started pleading for a safe return.

It doesn't take that much time out of my day to make a kid happy. Enter MSP Airport officer Luis Olivaura, who heard about Asher's search. After scouring CCTV footage, he managed to track down Athena to Delta's lost and found. You missing something? All leading up to this incredible moment. That's the one. Anything? Good job, man.

I don't think words can express how thankful we are. There is still so much kindness out there. Strangers willing to help, willing to do whatever it's. takes to help others. After all, any parent knows you got to have the right stuffy. That's nightly news for this Wednesday. I'm Hallie Jackson. For all of us at NBC, thanks for watching and have a great night.