ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - Dec. 22, 2025

 

David Muir, ABC's World News Tonight. America's most-watched newscast. Now streaming same day with all the breaking news of the day on Disney+.

 

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00:00 Intro

 

Tonight, the dangerous storms on both coasts just as the record holiday travel crush begins. Relentless rain and flooding slamming the west.

 

Dramatic new video showing first responders rescuing a baby above roaring rapids as millions in the northeast brace for a blast of rain and snow. More than 122 million Americans set to travel over the holidays. Our weather team tracking the impacts.

 

Tonight, President Trump announcing the U.S. is still actively pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker after the U.S. Coast Guard tried to seize it in the Caribbean.

 

The Jeffrey Epstein files triggering a fight for transparency. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi under fire facing a wave of backlash tonight as demands grow for all of the documents to be released.

 

And the new statement from a spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton. The swimmer reported missing after reports of a possible shark attack. What witnesses say they saw in the water.

 

An alarming high-speed car chase and crash. Police say an 11-year-old boy was behind the wheel with two more young children inside. What they allegedly told officers about where they learned to steal cars.

 

Barry Manilow's health battle. The legendary singer sharing his cancer diagnosis.

 

An encounter with a shoplifting suspect taking a frightening turn. Body camera video showing the chilling moments a man pulls a gun on an officer inside a Walmart.

 

An aviation first. A small plane losing contact with the control tower landing itself with two people on board.

 

The Steelers DK Metcalf accused of taking a swing at a Lions fan and the punishment handed down just moments ago.

 

take a swing 揍(人)

 

The Powerball jackpot soaring to 1.6 billion dollars for tonight's drawing. The fifth biggest prize on record.

 

drawing [ˋdrɔɪŋ] n. something decided by drawing lots; lottery

 

And America Strong tonight remembering the nation's oldest park ranger passing away at 104 years old. Her trailblazing legacy of commitment and service.

 

From ABC News World Headquarters in New York, this is World News Tonight with David Muir.

 

2:18 Storms hit both East and West coasts with millions on the move for the holidays

 

Good evening, I'm Whit Johnson and for David tonight we begin with the dangerous weather threats on both coasts. Just as millions of Americans are on the move ahead of the Christmas holiday. Major roads and airports bracing for what's on track to be a record-setting travel period.

 

More than 30 million people across California on alert facing days of heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding. And a close watch on the Northeast tonight. A quick blast of rain and snow along the I-95 corridor just in time for the morning commute.

 

We'll get to the forecast in just a moment, but first Matt Rivers leads us off from LaGuardia Airport tonight.

 

Tonight, dangerous storms threatening millions on both coasts as the record holiday travel rush kicks into high gear. Harrowing new video showing first responders rescuing a baby.

 

harrowing [ˈhærəɪŋ] adj. 悲惨的

 

Carefully sliding its baby carrier across a ladder just feet above the roaring rapids northeast of Sacramento, California. Rounds of heavy rain, flooding and mountain snow pummeling the west. Authorities in Redding say one person was killed.

 

This family forced to turn around to avoid flooding in Bella Vista. And tonight, major cities from Detroit to New York and Boston bracing for a blast of rain and snow that could snarl the morning commute and holiday travel.

 

snarl [snɑr!] v. 缠结; 交缠起来; 使…交缠

 

More than 122 million Americans set to travel more than 50 miles from home this holiday season.

 

That's a record. And here at LaGuardia Airport, one American flight set to take off every 10 minutes.

 

Some flyers getting to the airport early ahead of that incoming storm.

 

flyer [ˋflaɪɚ] n. 乘飞机的旅客

 

We wanted to get here early just to make sure everything was good.

 

Storms causing a temporary ground stop in San Francisco. That after a substation fire knocked out power to 130,000 customers across San Francisco just days before Christmas.

 

Traffic lights out, leading to incredible scenes. Self-driving Waymo taxis blocking intersections, causing major traffic backups. And Whit, back here at LaGuardia Airport with that storm expected to move in overnight.

 

Concerns mounting over delays and cancellations tomorrow morning. Whit. All right, Matt Rivers for us. Thank you.

 

4:25 Tracking holiday weather across the U.S.

 

Let's get right to meteorologist Dani Backstrom from our New York station WABC. And Danny, more dangerous weather on the move tonight.

 

Yeah, Whit, we are still watching the dangerous flood threat developing in the West. But let's start in the northeast where a quick burst of rain and snow will create slick travel conditions starting first thing Tuesday morning.

 

Slushy roads from New York City to Boston with several inches of snow for upstate New York and interior New England moving on by Tuesday night.

 

slushy [ˋslʌʃɪ] adj. 泥泞的

 

While in the west, California still dealing with downpours, heavy mountain snow and then high wind. The focus of the heavy rain in northern California on Tuesday night before shifting south early Wednesday.

 

A rare high risk for flash flooding issued for parts of southern California on Christmas Eve.

 

When inches and inches of rain will lead to life threatening flash flooding, especially near burn scars. The rest of the country looks relatively quiet. Christmas Eve chilly and quieter here in the northeast.

 

burn scar 指之前火灾后焦黑受损区域

chilly [ˋtʃɪlɪ] adj. 冷飕飕的；冷得使人不舒服的

 

A record challenging warmth in the center of the country. Whit. All right. Thank you, Dani Backstrom.

 

5:16 Trump: U.S. is pursuing sanctioned oil tanker that fled after Coast Guard tried to seize it

 

President Trump tonight addressing the latest high stakes chase off the coast of Venezuela. U.S. officials saying an oil tanker steered out of the Caribbean and into the Atlantic Ocean after the Coast Guard tried to seize it.

 

It comes as the president late today announced a new class of battleship named after him that will make what he calls a golden fleet. ABC's Selena Wang following the president in Palm Beach.

 

Tonight, President Trump announcing the U.S. is still actively pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker that fled into the Atlantic Ocean after the Coast Guard tried to seize it on Sunday.

 

We're actually pursuing it. Can you imagine? Because it came from the wrong location. It came out of Venezuela and it was sanctioned.

 

According to a U.S. official, the tanker called Bella One was on its way to pick up oil in Venezuela and was not carrying cargo when the U.S. attempted to board.

 

The ship was not flying a legitimate national flag, the official says, giving the Coast Guard legal authority to intervene. It marks the third time in less than two weeks that the U.S. has targeted oil tankers linked to Venezuela.

 

The Trump administration ramping up pressure on the country's oil exports, the economic lifeline of President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

 

Trump asked tonight, what is his goal with Venezuela? What's your answer? He can do whatever he wants. I mean, we have a massive armada formed, the biggest we've ever had, and by far the biggest we've ever had in South America.

 

armada [ɑrˋmɑdə] n. 舰队；（飞机）机群

 

He can do whatever he wants. It's all right. Whatever he wants to do.

 

If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough.

 

The president pressed again. Does he want regime change?

 

What's your goal in Venezuela to force Maduro from power?

 

Well, I think it probably would. I can't tell. That's up to him what he wants to do. I think it would be smart for him to do that. But again, we're going to find out.

 

And with tonight, President Trump also announced a new class of battleships named after himself as he moves to revamp the U.S. naval fleet. Trump claims that they'll be 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built. Whit.

 

revamp [riˋvæmp] v. 修补；改造；改写

 

Selina Wang for us tonight. We appreciate it.

 

7:30 Growing backlash after DOJ misses deadline to release Epstein files

 

Turning to the growing backlash over the Jeffrey Epstein files, the Department of Justice missing a key deadline to release all of the Epstein photos and documents.

 

Now, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is under fire facing a bipartisan threat of legal action from lawmakers pushing to have her held in contempt.

 

contempt [kənˋtɛmpt] n. 轻视，蔑视

 

And tonight, the new response from a spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton. ABC's Jay O'Brien reports from Capitol Hill.

 

Tonight, growing backlash after the Department of Justice missed the legal deadline to release all of its Jeffrey Epstein files. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle now threatening legal action.

 

The two congressmen behind the new law forcing the release of the files, pressing for a House vote to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt.

 

They're flouting the spirit and the letter of the law. It's very troubling the posture that they've taken.

 

flout [flaʊt] vt. 藐视；嘲笑；嘲弄

 

By law, the DOJ had until last Friday to release all of its Epstein-related records.

 

But sources tell ABC News what the department published was just a fraction of its Epstein files. And reams of released records are heavily redacted. Entire pages blacked out.

 

redact [rɪˋdækt] vt. 编写；拟定；编辑

 

In a statement, more than a dozen Epstein survivors, including Danielle Bensky, writing, We are told there are hundreds of thousands of pages of documents still unreleased.

 

These are clear-cut violations of an unambiguous law. We have pages and pages of grand jury testimony that are completely black.

 

clear-cut [ˋklɪrˋkʌt] adj. 轮廓清晰的；明确的，清楚的

unambiguous [͵ʌnæmˋbɪgjʊəs] adj. 不含糊的；明白的；清楚的

 

And then there have been survivor names that have been released. And so it just feels absolutely intentionally careless at this point.

 

Among the thousands of records already released, photos of former President Bill Clinton and Epstein.

 

No Epstein survivor has ever accused Clinton of wrongdoing. And tonight, a Clinton spokesperson challenging the DOJ to immediately release any remaining materials referring to, mentioning or containing a photograph of Bill Clinton.

 

refer to 与...关连

 

Refusing to do so will confirm the widespread suspicion the Department of Justice's actions to date are not about transparency, but about insinuation.

 

insinuation [ɪn͵sɪnjʊˋeʃən] n. 谄媚求宠；曲意奉承；影射；含蓄的批评

 

Tonight, in his first remark since the files started to be released, President Trump asked about the photos made public so far.

 

A lot of people are very angry that pictures are being released of other people that really had nothing to do with Epstein. But they're in a picture with him because he was at a party.

 

And you ruin the reputation of somebody. So a lot of people are very angry that this continues.

 

And with the DOJ drawing scrutiny tonight for removing more than a dozen previously released photos, including one of President Trump saying it was double-checking to make sure the identities of victims were not released.

 

This photo was later restored. The Deputy Attorney General promising that any photo or mention of President Trump in these files will be made public. Whit.  

 

All right, Jay O'Brien, thank you for that.

 

10:18 Woman missing off California coast after possible shark attack

 

Tonight, a swimmer who witnesses say was attacked by a shark is missing off the coast of Monterey, California. The 55-year-old woman last seen Sunday afternoon. Here's ABC's Melissa Adam with the latest on the search efforts.

 

Tonight, a woman still missing off the central California coast after a possible shark attack setting off an urgent search.

 

set off 触发

 

The first calls coming in around noon on Sunday, according to Pacific Grove Police. A group was in the area near Monterey for a weekly swim, but one of the swimmers never returned.

 

… was that the subject was about 50 to 100 yards from shore.

 

There was a large splash that was seen by a witness up here on the shoreline. And from that, all the other swimmers came in because they thought maybe it was possibly a shark attack.

 

The U.S. Coast Guard telling ABC News at least one witness reported seeing a shark with a person in its mouth before it went back underwater.

 

But they are still investigating. Police say the missing swimmer is reported to be a 55-year-old blonde woman with blue eyes.

 

Whit. Late today, the Coast Guard suspended its search for that swimmer who remains missing. This, as several beaches along California's central coast will be closed through tomorrow. Whit.

 

Okay, Melissa Adan, thanks so much.

 

11:38 Officers chase stolen car with 11-year-old driver and 2 other kids inside, police say

 

Now to the wild police chase involving an 11-year-old driver and two other kids who police say learned to steal and drive cars on the Internet. The car ended up crashing into a house in Cleveland. And the video tonight of the three young suspects caught and placed in handcuffs.

 

ABC's Stephanie Ramos with new details.

 

Tonight, dramatic new video showing police in hot pursuit of a stolen car in Cleveland with three young children inside. The dangerous chase reaching speeds of more than 70 miles per hour before suddenly the car crashes into a house.

 

Several children seen running away as police arrive. Body camera video shows the moment officers caught the young suspects at gunpoint. On the ground! On the ground! On the ground! I'm sorry. You're in there? Get over here now!

 

at gunpoint 在枪口威胁下

 

A 12-year-old boy, an 11-year-old boy who police say was driving, as well as his 8-year-old brother. We'll call parents in a second. You guys are doing good.

 

Thank you for complying. We're going to jail? We're not going to jail right now. You're going to be detained, okay?

 

comply [kəmˋplaɪ] v.（对要求、命令等）依从，顺从，遵从

 

All placed in handcuffs. Tonight, authorities say the children told officers they learned how to steal cars by watching videos online.

 

And Whit, the three kids were not injured. They're now facing charges in juvenile court. Whit.

 

Such an alarming case. Stephanie Ramos, thank you.

 

13:00 Dramatic video captures accused shoplifter allegedly pulling a gun on Ohio police officer

 

A routine shoplifting incident at the Walmart in Canton, Ohio, turned into a terrifying scene last week when the thief suddenly pulled a gun on the police officer making the arrest.

 

shoplifting [ˋʃɑp͵lɪftɪŋ] n. 商店行窃

 

Body cam footage shows the suspect aiming straight for the officer. Fortunately, the gun did not discharge despite multiple attempts. The suspect is being held on a million-dollar bond.

 

discharge [dɪsˋtʃɑrdʒ] v. 射出；开（炮等）

 

13:20 Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis at 82

 

Legendary singer Barry Manilow revealing tonight he's been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-old sharing the revelation to fans on social media. Manilow putting his concerts on pause and preparing for surgery.

 

Here's ABC's Victor Oquendo.

 

Oh, I can't smile without you.

 

Tonight, Barry Manilow, the iconic American singer and songwriter with a career spanning more than 60 years, revealing he has lung cancer.

 

Celebrated around the world for his string of number one hits. Beginning in the 1970s. Tonight, the 82-year-old saying his lung cancer was found by surprise during an MRI after suffering from months of bronchitis.

 

bronchitis [brɑnˋkaɪtɪs] n.【医】支气管炎

 

Sharing that he will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his left lung. Saying it's thanks to, quote, pure luck and a great doctor that it was found so early. Adding the doctors do not believe it is spread.

 

cancerous [ˋkænsərəs] adj. 癌的；恶性的；像癌的；步步扩散的

 

It was just five years ago Manilow battled and successfully recovered from throat cancer. He's told reporters in the past he was a smoker for years. Tonight, he is encouraging others to not ignore symptoms and get tested.

 

Barry Manilow is postponing his 2026 tour by a few weeks, including here in Florida. Adding his treatment includes, quote, no chemo, no radiation, just chicken soup and I love Lucy reruns. Whit

 

That sense of humor, we are thinking about him and his family.

 

Victor, thank you. When we come back here tonight, the breaking news just coming in.

 

A plane crash in Texas also had three inmates, including a murder suspect, breaking out of a Georgia jail this morning, setting off a manhunt.

 

Plus, an aviation first. A plane safely lands itself after losing contact with the air traffic control tower. And the NFL handing down a punishment after a physical exchange between DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Detroit Lions fan.

 

15:21 Mexican Navy plane on medical support mission crashes in Texas

 

Next tonight, breaking news. A small plane crash near Galveston, Texas just moments ago. The Mexican Navy confirming that one of their planes on a medical support mission went down near Galveston.

 

The Coast Guard launching a boat and helicopter to search for the plane. Multiple agencies are on the scene and the FAA is heading there as well. Tonight, there are reports of casualties.

 

15:42 Urgent search underway in Georgia for escaped inmates, including murder suspect

 

The urgent search for three inmates, including a murder suspect. The three escaped from DeKalb County Jail early this morning. Stevenson Charles is accused of murder and armed robbery.

 

The other two inmates face charges that include armed robbery and arson. Authorities say they should all be considered armed and dangerous.

 

When we come back, the NFL star suspended for two games after an altercation with a fan.

 

altercation [͵ɔltɚˋkeʃən] n. 争论；争吵

 

And could you become a billionaire before Christmas? The Powerball jackpot soars to $1.6 billion.

 

16:15 Plane lands itself near Denver after cabin pressure forces pilots to wear oxygen masks

 

To the Index now on what could be a remarkable aviation first. A small plane switching to automated technology for an emergency landing.

 

It happened after the cabin lost pressure and the two pilots aboard the plane were forced to use oxygen masks on Saturday. The plane landed safely at an airport near Denver. Both pilots are okay.

 

The FAA is now investigating.

 

16:38 Steelers receiver DK Metcalf suspended for 2 games after altercation with Detroit Lions fan

 

The NFL suspending the Pittsburgh Steelers' D.K. Metcalf for two games after an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan yesterday. Metcalf appears to grab the fan, then shove him.

 

shove [ʃʌv] v. 推；撞；推挤

 

The fan claims that Metcalf was upset about being called by his full name. His attorney also denying a report that the fan used a racial slur during the encounter.

 

slur [slɝ] n. 污辱，毁谤

 

Meanwhile, ESPN confirms that Metcalf had previously reported the same fan to the security team for the Seahawks before he was traded to the Steelers.

 

17:08 Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.6 billion ahead of Monday night drawing

 

Ahead of tonight's Powerball drawing, the jackpot has surged to $1.6 billion, making it the fifth largest drawing in U.S. lottery history.

 

jackpot [ˋdʒæk͵pɑt] n.（赌博中）累积奖金

 

The pot grew after no tickets matched all six numbers Saturday night. The chances of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292 million.

 

A single jackpot winner would have the choice of taking the lump sum payment estimated at $735 million. Good luck. When we come back, America strong, remembering a trailblazer and the nation's oldest park ranger.

 

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, sponsored by Progressive.

 

17:46 America Strong: Remembering Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest National Park Service ranger

 

Finally tonight, remembering Betty Reid Soskin, America's oldest park ranger, America strong. Tonight we remember Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest park ranger in America, passing away at the age of 104 in Richmond, California.

 

Born in Detroit in 1921, she was the great-granddaughter of a slave. In 1942, she became a file clerk in a segregated union hall that served black shipyard workers during World War II. Here she is at 20 years old, April 1942.

 

shipyard [ˋʃɪp͵jɑrd] n. 造船厂；修船厂；船坞

 

When so many other women joined the war effort by working in the defense industry and other related jobs, Betty was excluded from those traditional Rosie the Riveter era roles.

 

exclude [ɪkˋsklud] vt. 拒绝接纳

riveter [ˋrɪvɪtɚ] n. 铆工；铆钉枪

 

As a young woman of color, I could have been either working in agriculture or I could have been a domestic servant. Working in a Jim Crow union hall was a step up.

 

She went on to marry and raise a family near Oakland, California, working on civil rights and equality, later helping to launch the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.

 

At 85 years old, becoming a park ranger there, retiring when she was 100 years old.

 

It is so important that we go back and revisit history to measure how far we've come.

 

Her Bay Area community even naming a school after her, the Betty Reid Soskin Middle School.

 

Betty challenging injustice through her life's activism, encouraging others to find their purpose too.

 

People need heroes, and I may be one of those.

 

I think it's important we all follow our passions. We all need passions.

 

An inspiration to so many. I'm Whit Johnson in New York. Good night.

 

David Muir, the most-watched newscast in America.

 

And now, ABC's World News Tonight has won the Emmy for Best Live News Program for the third year in a row.