U.S. troops Killed in Iranian Attack: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir - July 18th, 2026

US Service Members Killed in Jordan Attack [00:14]

• Two US service members were killed and one is missing following an Iranian missile and drone attack on a military base in Jordan.
• This is the first time US troops have been killed in combat since fighting resumed two weeks prior.
• Videos circulating online appear to show projectiles hitting the Mufawak Salty Air Base, which houses US personnel.
• Iran's Supreme Leader issued a warning of "unforgettable lessons" for the American enemy.

Severe Storms and Flooding in the Northeast [05:07]

• 100 million Americans were on alert for severe storms and dangerous flash flooding from Illinois to the East Coast.
• Dramatic rescues occurred in the New York City area, with subway stations inundated and expressways flooded.
• The storms disrupted air travel, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations and 5,000 delays.
• The rain helped push out hazardous smoke from Canadian wildfires, though more smoke is expected in the Great Lakes region.

Expanded Lettuce Recall [08:20]

• Taylor Farms expanded its recall of iceberg lettuce to 27 states due to a parasitic outbreak.
• The recall covers roughly three dozen items, including bagged salads and chopped lettuce, sold to restaurants and stores.
• Over 1600 cases and nearly 100 hospitalizations have been linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states.
• The FDA investigation traced the outbreak to a single supplier in Mexico.

Election Integrity and Mail-In Voting [09:40]

• President Trump is focusing on election integrity with over 100 days before the midterm elections.
• A court ruling paused postal service plans to only deliver mail-in ballots to approved voters.
• Trump has criticized mail-in ballots as "inherently corrupt" and urges ID requirements.
• New questions arise about the administration's claim of non-citizen voters, with some data potentially inaccurate.

World Cup Final Countdown [11:49]

• The World Cup final is set between Argentina and Spain, described as a "powerhouse matchup."
• The game features a 19-year-old phenom against veteran superstar Lionel Messi.
• Spain is unbeaten in 37 matches, aiming to break a record for men's international soccer.
• An estimated 1.5 billion people are expected to watch the final, with unique viewing parties noted in Antarctica and Norway.

Heroic Rescue on Texas Highway [13:41]

• A police officer is hailed as a hero for saving a man trapped in a burning vehicle on a Texas highway.
• Corporal Joshua Swisser of South Lake Police raced to the car, breaking a window to pull the man to safety.
• The officer received the department's meritorious conduct award for his actions.

Debate Over AI Data Centers [14:53]

• Protests against AI data center development are growing across the country.
• Communities cite concerns over heightened water and power usage.
• New York became the first state to halt construction of new large data centers with a one-year moratorium.
• President Trump criticized New York's decision, calling data centers crucial for jobs and the economy.