Good News Tonight

Two-year-old Ayanna Sanchez was born deaf, so for the toddler’s birthday her whole family learned to sign the American Sign Language version of “Happy Birthday.” Her mom posted the video, which has received tens of thousands of views. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports.

Sean Steo is a physical education teacher in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was in for a major surprise when his middle school students came together to salute him before he leaves to join the U.S. Navy. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports. 

When Miles Jones saw his best friend, Rory Prodan, standing in his kitchen, he burst into tears. It had been months since the best friends had seen each other. Their moms helped organize a reunion after Rory and his family moved away. The emotional moment went viral, resonating with so many. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports.

A high school class brought their teacher to tears with a small but thoughtful gift. One of the students filmed the moment, and it went viral, but there was one more surprise no one saw coming. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports.

A Team USA figure skater retired from her sport after battling burnout. But now after a break to reset, she’s back on the ice and chasing a new dream. NBC News’ Hallie Jackson reports.

At Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis, 12-year-old Henry Hinson and his mom Erin got a major surprise when his care team threw him a party and special performance about his favorite artist, Taylor Swift. NBC News’ Jose Diaz-Balart has that story and more in this week’s Good News Wrap-Up.

87 year old photographer Cecil Williams has seen decades of history through his camera lens. He witnessed the civil rights movement in South Carolina and around the country. NBC News’ Marquise Francis spoke to Williams about his photos and the new museum he plans to open to show his work.

In Times Square, hundreds of thousands of people have written their wishes for 2026 on small pieces of confetti that will drop down tonight to ring in the new year. NBC News’ Peter Alexander has the story.

Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran and Battle of the Bulge survivor, stunned the crowd at UBS Arena with a saxophone rendition of the national anthem. Watch the emotional moment that had fans chanting "USA!" in unison. NBC News’ Hallie Jackson reports.

Fifty years after Charlie McMahon became one of the last Americans killed in the Vietnam War, NBC News staffer Dawn DiCicco discovered a ring that once belonged to him among her late mother’s belongings. Charlie was her mother’s high school sweetheart. DiCicco recently visited Charlie’s loved ones and presented them with the ring. NBC News’ Sam Brock reports.

Throughout the year, there were many special moments that united us during difficult times. As 2025 comes to a close, NBC News’ José Díaz-Balart and Hallie Jackson take a look back at some of the inspiring stories from the past year.