ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Aug. 22, 2025

Breaking news as we come on the air. The deadly tour bus crash in upstate New York. Authorities reporting multiple fatalities. And the Justice Department releasing its interview with Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirator, Glenn Maxwell. First, the horrific images coming in.

Multiple people killed after a packed tour bus on its way back to New York City lost control at full speed. Rolling over, passengers ejected. Children among the injured. First responders treating victims on the highway. What we're learning about the cause. Also tonight, the extraordinary move by the Justice

Department and an intense scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The D O. J. Releasing audio and transcripts of the two day interview with Epstein's former associate, Glenn Maxwell, who insisted there is no client list. What she said about President Trump and about former President Clinton. Tonight, the FBI at the front door of John Bolton's home.

Once among President Trump's top advisors, now one of his most vocal critics. Federal agents investigating allegations of his handling of classified documents, the president blasting Bolton in the Oval Office, the court authorized search raising

questions about political retribution Jonathan Carl with new reporting hurricane Aaron causing life threatening rip currents up and down the East Coast warnings posted on beaches during one of summer's last weekends more than 50 million under heat alerts in the West, the growing wildfire threat at this hour after more than 3 decades behind bars for the murders of

their parents, Eric menendez denied parole tonight, his brother Lyle making his plea for freedom. Chilling new body camera video released in the Idaho college murders case police seen inside the House going room to room finding the bodies of 4 victims stabbed to death in the off campus home. Officers talking to the surviving roommates for the first time.

And developing right now, the massive explosion at an oil plant. Thick black smoke pouring into the air, evacuations underway.

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

Good evening and thanks so much for joining us on a busy Friday night. I'm Rachel Scott in for David. We begin tonight with the deadly tour bus crash in upstate New York. The horrific scene on Interstate 90 just outside Buffalo. Authorities say multiple people killed, dozens injured, including children. The bus rolling off the highway landing on its side dozens of people on board several trapped inside others thrown off that bus first responders racing to the scene. The highway shut down in both

directions traffic backed up for miles. The tour bus was returning to the New York City area from Niagara Falls ABC's Morgan Norwood leads us off. Tonight, a horrific bus crash in upstate New

York killing at least five people and sending many more, including children, to the hospital.

The passengers range in age from one to 74 years old. The operator lost control of the

bus exiting the roadway. Authorities say the tour bus left from New York City with 54 people on board and was on its way back from Niagara Falls when it spun out of control at full roadway. Authorities say t York City with 54 people its way back from Niagara out of control at full sp First responders rushing afternoon, dramatic imagi

lying on the side of the attempting to work their to search for survivors.

from the bus others trapped underneath.

I mean heavy rush you with airbags like yesterday.

Emergency crews calling in air support and school buses to evacuate the injured.

I mean all for all for mercy flight. Helicopters we're going to land them side by side on a median. All four are in

rough. Doctor saying several patients are undergoing surgery tonight and Rachel tonight. The investigation is underway into what could have caused that deadly crash. Rachel Morgan are wood on this breaking story. Morgan, thank you now to the remarkable decision by the Justice Department amid growing scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch releasing audio

and transcripts of his two-day interview with Epstein's former associate, Glenn Maxwell. Here's ABC's Chief Investigative Correspondent, Aaron Kuterski.

Tonight, for the first time, we're hearing Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirator, Glenn Maxwell, in her own words, telling the Justice Department she witnessed no inappropriate behavior by any of Epstein's powerful friends, from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump.

And a long-rumored list of Epstein's high-profile clients

does not exist.

There's no list. There's never been a list.

And you never heard Mr. Epstein talk about such a list?

Never.

In her highly unusual two-day meeting last month with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, the country's second highest ranking law enforcement official and President Trump's former lawyer, Maxwell said she witnessed no illegal or concerning conduct by Trump. I never witnessed the

president in any inappropriate setting in any way. The president was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.

Before the meeting which Maxwell initiated, sources tell ABC News top administration officials encouraged Blanche to seek information from Maxwell that could lead to criminal investigations that might quiet the outrage over Epstein by some of the president's own supporters.

I want you to just tell the truth the best you can. So I don't want you to be burdened by what people said at trial or what you know the press says about you.

The Justice Department today turned over to Congress a trove of Epstein files, along with an audio recording and transcript of the nine-hour Maxwell interview. She called former President Clinton truly extraordinary.

And despite Trump's claim Clinton visited Epstein's private Caribbean island more than 20 times, Maxwell said it isn't true.

You're not aware of President Clinton ever going to the island?

He never, absolutely never went, and I can be sure of that because there's no way he would have gone. I don't believe there's any way that he would have gone to the island had I not been there.

Because I don't believe he had an independent friendship, if you will, with Epstein. Maxwell also claims she's innocent, despite a 2021 conviction for trafficking minors

and enabling Epstein's sexual exploitation of girls.

I did introduce him to women. I did, but not underage women.

Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence. President Trump has not ruled out a pardon. Epstein victims, like Annie Farmer, who testified against her, say Maxwell deserves no mercy.

She didn't just procure girls and women for Epstein,

but she herself participated in their abuse.

Shortly after her interview, Maxwell was transferred to a minimum security camp in Texas, a rare move for a convicted sex offender. Maxwell is hoping her cooperation will help get her out of prison, and Rachel, President Trump is no doubt hoping it will help him

quiet an uproar over Epstein among some of his top supporters that has dogged him all summer. We'll see if it works, Rachel.

Yeah, many of his supporters calling for transparency. All right, Erin, thank you. Stunning images tonight, the FBI searching the home and office of John Bolton. He once served as the president's national security advisor. Now he's one of Trump's most outspoken critics. Sources say federal agents are investigating allegations

Bolton may be in possession of classified records. Here's ABC's chief Washington correspondent, Jonathan Karl.

President Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, arrived at his home this afternoon. What is it? What were they looking for? former National Security Advisor John Bolton arrived at his home this afternoon, just moments after FBI agents carried boxes out of his house. And while four agents were still inside. The agents had been there nearly eight hours, arriving shortly after 7 a.m.

Sources telling ABC News the search was related to allegations that Bolton was in possession of classified records. Just moments after the agents arrived, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media, quote, no one is above the law, FBI agents on mission. The question is whether that mission is retribution.

Bolton has been a harsh Trump critic since Trump fired him back in 2019. And for years, Trump has said Bolton belongs in jail. The search of Bolton's Maryland home and also his Washington, D.C. office, where agents were seen removing items this afternoon, were approved by two separate federal judges. Back in 2020, President Trump tried to block the publication of Bolton's White House memoir, The Room Where It Happened, a highly negative portrayal of Trump's handling of national security. Trump accused Bolton of putting classified information in the book.

Today, Trump insisted he didn't know about the search in advance, but he made it clear he still despises his former national security adviser.

I purposely don't want to really get involved in it. I'm not a fan of John Bolton. I thought

he was a sleazebag, actually.

Just 12 days ago, I asked Bolton if he feared being a target of President Trump's. Are you worried that they're going to come after you in some way? I mean, he's hinted at it before.

Well, I think he's already come after me and several others in withdrawing the protection that we had for the Iranians for the attack on Qasem Soleimani. So I think, and I said in the new forward to the paperback edition of my book, I think

it is a retribution presidency.

Bolton is one of many Trump critics who have been targeted by the White House and the Justice Department. The president himself has suggested that many of his political opponents, including former presidents Biden and Obama, should be in prison.

Rachel?

John, thank you. Next tonight, Aaron moving out to sea. The large storm losing strength, but still creating dangerous conditions along the East Coast. And out in the West, more than 50 million

under heat and wildfire alerts. Here's ABC's Stephanie Ramos. Tonight, Aaron is still a massive storm and between the waves the floods and the rip currents, the danger is far

from over normally.

Jones Beach is one of the biggest the largest beaches in the tri-state area you can see it's all pretty much underwater this morning.

Up and down the East Coast, the tides came in with a vengeance police officers pushing stranded vehicles in Ocean City, Maryland cars swamped on the Jersey Shore authorities in Margate New Jersey say they rescued about 50 people overnight. Swimmers banned from most beaches, the conditions

treacherous got to go on Long Beach just outside New York City lifeguards racing into the pounding surf to help a surfer that smashed into the rocks. On North Carolina's Outer Banks, heavy equipment clearing the road, mobile homes caked in sand, crews repairing downed lines. Meanwhile, in the West, extreme heat fueling multiple wildfires.

Three hundred and fifty firefighting personnel battling the out of control picket fire in northern California's Napa County hundreds under evacuation orders. Here on Rockaway Beach, the red flag warnings are up the combination of strong rip currents and perfect beach weather has officials concerned as they try to keep people out

of the water. Rachel all right Stephanie. Thank you. So meteorologist Jeff smith

W. A. B. C. Hey jeff and a post tropical cyclone a from the east coast. Howe the impact still being fe mid atlantic states. We h into this evening into to

advisories continue for t New England coast and for the waters from Florida all the way up to Maine it's a high risk of rip currents all weekend so even as the weather entices people to head down to the beach the water is going to be

pretty dangerous out there in the meantime out West record heat a possibility or a probability from Southern California up to the Pacific Northwest. In addition to that, breezy and dry that can fuel wildfires. Rachel?

Jeff Smith, tracking it all from coast to coast. Jeff, thank you. We move on now to Lyle and Eric Menendez and their new push for freedom 36 years after murdering their parents. One day after Eric Menendez lost his bid for freedom,

his brother Lyle is making an appeal to the board.

Here's ABC's chief national correspondent Matt Gutman. Just a day after his younger brother Eric was denied parole for the notorious shotgun murders of their parents 36 years ago, Lyle Menendez is making his case before a different panel of parole commissioners. Lyle, now 57, was in college when they killed their parents in their Beverly Hills home.

He has fewer infractions in prison than his brother, but a resume filled with lies, starting with his 911 call. Like Eric Lyle will be grilled on the murders and the alleged sex abuse by his father.

If you cry.

It comes after the parole board ruled that Eric still poses an unreasonable risk to public safety. The commissioner excoriating Eric saying his prison record is replete with diverse violations. You have violence, you have manipulation, you have misuse of things, you have criminal acts, you have substance abuse. He also cited Eric cell phones, drugs, even

became addicted to this t you're doing life without

harming anyone. The board among inmates tarnished b to your supporters bel been a model prisoner and frankly we find that little disturbing and the commissioner pointing to the murder of Eric's mother calling it devoid of human compassion rejecting the brothers claim that they

were in imminent fear agreeing with the DA's argument.

It's an entire fabrication that their parents were going to kill them that night as we showed by their premeditated, willful, and deliberate actions, both before and after the killings.

And Rachel, the marathon parole hearing's still ongoing. It's expected that 18 members of Menendez's family will testify on Lyle's behalf, likely to be emotional. And the family's legal team says that because the fates of the two brothers are so closely linked, it's unlikely that Lyle will be granted parole.

Rachel.

All right, Matt Gutman, thank you. Overseas tonight, for the first time, a UN-backed group declaring a famine in Gaza City. At least half a million people facing starvation. Israel calling reports of a famine in Gaza false. Let's bring in ABC's Tom Soufi-Burge.

Tom. Let's bring in ABC's Tom Soufi-Burge. Tom? Yeah, Rachel, famine has been declared in Gaza City in the north of the Strip. The UN-backed assessment saying half a million Palestinians there now face catastrophic conditions of starvation, destitution, and death. The UN calling it a moment of collective shame

for the world, caused, they say, by Israel's policy of restricting aid into the Strip. Israel rejecting that, calling the report an outright lie based on unreliable sources, saying some of them are linked to Hamas. It comes as the IDF begins a military operation

to take control of Gaza City. The families of the hostages calling for a ceasefire to get their loved ones home. Rachel.

Tom, thank you. Next tonight, chilling new body camera video released in the Idaho College murders case. Four victims stabbed to death in a home off campus. One of the surviving roommates describing the moment she saw a masked Brian Koberger inside that house.

Here's ABC's Kana Whitworth.

Where's she at? Tonight, new video obtained by ABC News reveals the moments officers discover a quadruple homicide in Moscow, Idaho. Moscow police officer, Mitch Nunes, quickly making the gruesome discovery.

Stay back there, please.

Slow down.

It's okay, just come here.

They immediately work to secure the scene.

Can you guys go over to the dumpster?

Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen telling Officer Nunes she was afraid, locking herself in her room.

And I just heard this guy's voice and I didn't recognize saying, you're gonna be okay, I'm gonna help you. But it wasn't like, I don't know how to explain it.

Like it wasn't in like a nice way, weird tone. Then nothing. coming face to face with

guy passed by, looked at towards me or say anything confusing. Almost positiv outfit and he had this ma

forehead and over his mou then went downstairs to t only roommate answering her texts and they fell asleep telling themselves nothing ever happens in Moscow.

Rachel.

Kaina, thank you. News tonight about the economy. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaling a possible cut in interest rates in the future. Speaking in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell, under intense pressure from President Trump, says the hiring slowdown and price hike caused by tariffs are creating a challenging situation.

The hint of cutting interest rates, sending the stock market surging. The Dow jumping 846 points today, the NASDAQ gaining 396 points, and the S&P 500 up 96 points. When we come back, remarkable new images

from an oil plant explosion,

a massive fireball erupting from the scene, prompting an emergency.

Next tonight, dramatic images from a massive explosion at an oil plant in Louisiana, a fireball flaring up from Smitty's Supply in Roseland as flames surrounded oil tanks, the blast prompting evacuation throughout the town. No injuries reported tonight. Authorities are looking into what caused that explosion. When we come back, a recall expands for potentially radioactive shrimp. The new alert tonight and a teenager's emotional milestone, the moment of pride being shared by millions

to the index. Now, an expanded recall for shrimp potentially contaminated with radioactive material. The company urging consumers to toss out raw and cooked shrimp sold by Southwind Foods or return it for a refund. The shrimp was sold between July 17th and August 8th. The alert follows a recall of shrimp sold at Walmart under the Great Value brand. Up next, America's Strong, the trip for a sweet treat. That's inspiring millions.

And finally tonight, America's strong, the trip for a sweet treat and the moment seen by millions. That's Jack Dowdell from Utah.

Jack, you're gonna take your money

and go buy your own all by yourself?

Yeah.

If you need any problems,

you just wave to me and I'll come in, okay? Okay. But you could do it, right? Yeah. Get a small serpian. You just pick given the $2 and they'll give you

change. You come. Okay. Okay. He's about to go into 7 11 to buy his favorite drink for the very first time on his own. His father, Devin, capturing the moment. Hey, did you do it? Yeah, Yes. It's a true milestone who has down syndrome. Hi the post online and it's it might not seem like a

you're a parent of a chil you know just how hard th We worry, we hover, we wa meaning to sometimes we h today we want to protect, and without meaning to, sometimes we hold them back. But today, we let go, just a little. Tonight, the Downdells sending this message

to other families.

Our parent human nature is to protect, to coddle,

but we know by doing hard things, you can grow.

They can see that anything's possible, They can see that anything's possible,

and to also see that there's just a lot of joy.