ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - July 29, 2026

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+.Most -watched, most -trusted.Now on Disney +, every night.

Tonight, breaking news, deadly storms slamming the East Coast, nearly a foot of rain sparking urgent flood rescues north of New York City.First responders wading through chest deep water, transformers exploding, cars destroyed, buildings swept away.Lee Goldberg timing it all out.Fireworks on Capitol Hill.Dr. Anthony Fauci facing a blistering barrage of questions during a Republican led Senate hearing on the COVID pandemic.The 85 year old asserting his Fifth Amendment rights.

His lawyer removed from the hearing.And what we're now learning about Dr. Fauci's diary.Oscar -winning Hollywood star Jared Leto facing new allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in a BBC documentary.How the actor is responding tonight.Also breaking, stocks plunge on Wall Street.The Dow suffering its worst day in more than a year.

What's behind the sell -off amid growing concerns about the economy?Tonight, the war with Iran expanding.Iran taking aim at American bases.President Trump vowing to strike back.Late today, a drone strike on an American tanker in Egypt, Saudi Arabia entering the fight in Iraq, and our Lindsay Davis sitting down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Newly released body camera video showing the DUI arrest of former NFL star Tony Romo.

The new images coming in, an FDNY drone coming to the rescue of a swimmer in distress.The frightening scene in Philadelphia, a flying tire smashing into an SUV.Dramatic road rage confrontation, a driver allegedly chasing a couple driving in reverse for more than a mile.Tributes from some of the biggest names in music for Oscar -winning singer Glenn Hanser and the remarkable discovery a treasured gift from the past found in an unlikely place.

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

Good evening, I'm Whit Johnson.And for David tonight, we begin with the deadly storm slamming the northeast and the flood threat for upstate New York and New England after nearly a foot of rain.This historic building in the Hudson Valley washed away.More rain falling tonight.Water rescues outside Albany, New York.Storm winds in Hackensack, New Jersey, downing a power line, setting fire to cars.

Lee Goldberg with the forecast in just a moment.But first, ABC's Morgan Norwood in the storm zone.

Tonight, howling winds, transformer explosions, and water rescues in the Northeast from a sprawling storm system that's not done yet.Nearly a foot of rain north of New York City, washing out some major roads.Outside Albany, New York, first responders and colony wading through chest deep water, others in boats.This 300 -year -old historic building in New York's Hudson Valley, demolished by the floodwaters.Teams rescuing drivers in Redding, Pennsylvania, too.And this is what the tarmac looked like at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.

In Hackensack, New Jersey, transformers exploding after a power pole fell.Multiple cars incinerated.Gusty winds combined with saturated grounds were a recipe for downed trees across the region.In Haworth, New Jersey, this tree slamming through Dave Sipliky's dining room, feet from where he was having breakfast.

I didn't know what direction to run in because I didn't know which direction the tree was falling.

The storm stretching all the way into the Carolinas.Authorities in Raleigh say a man was killed when a tree fell on this home.And went with the ground already saturated.it won't take much more to bring down massive trees just like this.But look, we've got more rain on the way for parts of the Northeast tonight, of course, raising that threat for flash flooding.

Yes, it's not done yet, Morgan.Thanks.Let's get right to ABC's senior meteorologist Lee Goldberg.Lee, this storm still packing a punch overnight.

Oh, I mean this is a lingering low that's still punishing parts of the northeast.It's going to have a very slow exit.It's spinning around the Albany area right now.We've already seen 5 to 10 inches of rain in this area and flash flooding is continuing with training thunderstorms from Hartford all the way to Springfield, Mass tonight.If you look at this area in red, it's basically centered right over the Berkshires in Massachusetts.It's rainfall rates of up to two inches an hour and we can expect several more inches of rain and this system is really taking the scenic route as it actually dives down into the New York New York area and then exit south of New England.

so Boston could actually see some rain right into Thursday, scattered showers into New York.Meanwhile, it's heat across the country from the desert southwest to the deep south.

Witt?All right, Lee, we know you'll be tracking it.Thank you.We turn now to that fiery hearing on Capitol Hill, focused on the origins of the COVID pandemic.Dr. Anthony Fauci called before a Senate committee facing a blistering assault from Republicans.The 85 -year -old Fauci refusing to answer questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.

ABC's Jay O 'Brien is on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the man millions of Americans turn to for answers during the COVID pandemic.The whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.Today, refusing to answer a single question from the Senate's Homeland Security Committee, accusing the Republican chairman, Senator Rand Paul, of having an unhinged obsession with him.

The sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words,quote, behind bars.

In three hours, Fauci invoking the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.On the advice of counsel, I respectfully declined to answer.Paul, at one point, threatening to kick Fauci's lawyer out of the chamber.I said, sit quietly.You are not recognized.Another word and you're gone.

About a minute later.Security, please remove him from the room.The 85 -year -old Fauci, who served in government for 54 years and has testified in more than 200 hearings, sitting stone -faced as Republicans needled him.

Nothing says honesty like taking the Fifth, huh, Doc?Let's try something.What day of the week is it today?

On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.

What color tie are you wearing?

On the advice of counsel, I respectfully declined to answer.

Paul pushing Fauci on whether he covered up the origins of COVID.While most scientists believe the virus likely jumped from an animal to humans, some U .S.intelligence agencies conclude it more likely leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China.It's against the law to obstruct an investigation of Congress, there will be repercussions to your refusal to testify today.Fauci insisting Paul is out to embarrass and intimidate him, pointing to the release of his personal diaries, which were discovered and handed over by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In them, Fauci reflecting on his exploding fame as the virus spread, writing, I am the most famous and talked about person in the country and one of the most recognizable in the world.The doctor describing his interactions with celebrities, including Julia Roberts, Kim Kardashian, and Barbara Streisand, who once called him for vaccine advice.

He loved every newspaper profile, every photo shoot, every fancy dinner with the elites.

Democrats defending Fauci saying he's being turned into a scapegoat.

The campaign to vilify you, Dr. Fauci, is just one part of this larger campaign against science and facts, a campaign that has made Americans less safe.

And Witt, Senator Paul saying tonight that his committee will vote next week on whether to hold Fauci in contempt.It's worth remembering Fauci has a blanket preemptive pardon from President Biden.Today, President Trump saying that he respects that pardon, calling it powerful, Witt.

And Jay, there's breaking news on another front, trouble for President Trump's nominee for attorney general.

That's exactly right, Witt.Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn is standing in the way of Todd Blanche's confirmation.One of Cornyn's demands is that Blanche put in writing that that $1 .8 billion fund that would have used taxpayer money to pay Trump's allies is officially dead.Cornyn canceling a meeting with Blanche.It is in limbo tonight now, Witt.

two who claim he sexually assaulted them when they were teenagers.Leto calling their claims absolutely and categorically false.Here's ABC's Kana Whitworth.

He's the rock star turned actor who won an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club.Starring in a string of Hollywood movies like Tron Aries and Masters of the Universe.But tonight, Jared Leto is facing new allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women in the BBC documentary, Jared Leto, Hollywood's Dark Secret.ABC has not independently verified these claims.Four of the women say they were teenagers when they met Leto, who was in his 30s and 40s.This woman claiming Leto sexually assaulted her when she was 17 at a motel after he approached her at a mall.

I don't even know how to say this part, but he grabbed my hand and he, I guess, started touching himself with my hand.

Another woman telling the BBC Leto knew she was underage.

I had mentioned to him that my dad was in law enforcement, that I knew with certainty that here in California, the age of consent is 18.He just kind of shrugged it off like it wasn't a huge concern for him.

She alleges they had sex when she was 17.

He told me, I would like you to call me daddy.And it was either pretend to be a little girl or my little girl.

Tonight, Leto denying the allegations, saying in a statement, I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life.These claims are absolutely and categorically false.And when Leto has faced allegations of sexual misconduct in the past, which he also denied.

Kaina Whitworth, our thanks to you tonight.We turn now to the economy.Late today, the Dow suffering its worst day in more than a year.The Fed voting to keep interest rates unchanged for now between 3 .5 and 3 .75 percent.All three major indexes plunging on the news.Let's bring in ABC's Elizabeth Schulze.

And Elizabeth, what's driving this sell -off?

When Wall Street investors are worried that the Federal Reserve is not acting fast enough to combat soaring inflation, the Dow tumbling 1100 points in its worst loss since April 2025.The Fed, under its new chairman, Kevin Warsh, decided today to keep interest rates on hold.But it was a divided decision, with three Fed officials voting to raise rates now to rein in stubbornly high prices.Skyrocketing oil, which was up another 8 % today, is driving inflation higher.The national average for a gallon of gas, now $4 .08.That's back where it was in June before the Iran war ceasefire was announced.

And with prices also going up for other staples like groceries, a new Reuters Ipsos poll finds nearly 60 % of Americans now describe the economy as weak.

Yes, Americans feeling the pinch.Elizabeth, thanks.And despite the concern about oil prices, the war with Iran appears to be expanding tonight.President Trump vowing to retaliate after Iran launched attacks on U .S.bases overnight.

And now an American tanker has been struck by a drone in Egypt.And Saudi Arabia is entering the fight in Iraq.Here's ABC's chief White House correspondent, Mary Bruce.

President Trump had hoped a brief pause in fighting would jumpstart negotiations.But tonight, the war with Iran only widening.Iran overnight firing on American bases in Jordan, an attempted surprise attack which the U .S.deflected.But today, an American -owned tanker in Egypt seen smoldering after being hit by a drone.

And Saudi Arabia now entering the fight, joining the U .S.to fire missiles at Iranian -backed militias in Iraq.Just two days ago, Trump said the U .S.and Iran were in very deep talks, which he described as very friendly.

But tonight, the U .S.launching a barrage of powerful new attacks, hours after the president leveled this threat.

We're going to be hitting them very hard, because it's our turn to hit them.

Americans increasingly gloomy.A new Quinnipiac poll shows 66 percent of voters say the war with Iran has not been worth fighting.Trump says he's still hoping to strike a deal with Iran.

We'll see if we get there with an agreement at some point.

One person who's not optimistic, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump at the White House yesterday and spoke with ABC's Lindsay Davis.

You said just yesterday that you think that a diplomatic solution is unlikely.Why do you think that you all have such different assessments of the outcome here?

Well, I don't know if it's unlikely, but I'm skeptical about Iran's you know, mode of operandus, I mean, the method of operating.They always lie, they always cheat, and they always play for time.Could that, with insufficient pressure, diplomatic, economic pressure, could that change?Give it a try.

And Whit, amid this war, President Trump today unveiling his plans to revamp Washington's Dulles Airport.Some Republicans are worried Trump's construction projects are a distraction.With the midterms approaching, that new poll shows 68 % of voters say Trump isn't focused enough on the problems facing most Americans.Whit.

Mary Bruce at the White House, thank you.Now to the newly released police body cam video of the arrest of Tony Romo, the broadcaster and former NFL quarterback, pulled over and taken into custody in Milwaukee for allegedly driving under the influence.Here's ABC's Aaron Katursky.

Tonight, the former NFL quarterback on film, but it's no highlight reel.This is body camera footage from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy who stopped former Dallas Cowboys star turned television analyst Tony Romo for driving in a breakdown lane.

How many drinks have you had?

Romo, remaining calm and courteous, asks to call his lawyer.

Step out of the vehicle.

He's handcuffed and transported to the police station to perform a field sobriety test.The deputy informs him why he's there.

The red glassy eyes.and then the odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage from your back.

She says a search of his backpack turned up small, unopened bottles of booze, and documents obtained today by ABC News say police found an open bottle of alcohol on the passenger side of the vehicle.Before performing the test, Romo takes off his shoes and limbers up.The 46 -year -old seemed to have trouble understanding the instructions, and ultimately, the deputy decided Romo failed the field sobriety test.He declined a breath test.

We're not doing that.I've already heard from all the lawyers, don't ever do that.

You're under arrest for operating...We'll get to that.

No comment tonight went from Romo's attorney and we heard nothing today from CBS Sports where Romo's the lead NFL analyst.He has not been formally charged with a crime that he's due in court in Wisconsin in September.

Okay, Aaron, thank you very much.Overseas in Japan tonight, the death toll rising after that powerful 6 .8 magnitude quake.At least 18 people killed, dozens more injured.New images tonight of the search and rescue inside a shopping mall where a gas explosion erupted after the quake.Four confirmed deaths there, several people still missing.When we come back, the new video coming in.

A terrifying incident on a Philadelphia highway.A tire flying into the front of an SUV.The alleged road rage caught on camera.A driver appearing to chase a car while traveling in reverse.How this played out.A drone to the rescue of a swimmer in distress at a New York City beach.

And we have a winner where one very valuable Mega Millions ticket was sold.Next night, a terrifying incident on an expressway in Philadelphia.A tire flying off a truck, slamming into the front end of an SUV.The SUV coming to a complete stop.It's not clear if anyone was hurt.A wild, alleged road rage incident caught on camera.

A man and his wife in Washington state calling 911, saying they were being chased by a man they thought had a gun.

Oh my God, this guy's crazy.

They said the man was following them, driving in reverse, police eventually arresting the other driver on charges of reckless driving and menacing.When we come back, the images just coming in.The FDNY using a drone to help rescue a swimmer in distress and remembering an Oscar -winning singer -songwriter.To the Index now.A dramatic drone rescue in the waters off of New York City.The FDNY robotics unit locating a swimmer in distress here, deploying flotation devices from a

and providing real -time support to help rescuers reach the swimmer and bring him safely to shore.There is a winner in that massive Mega Millions jackpot.Lottery officials say one winning ticket matched all the numbers in last night's $800 million drawing.That ticket sold in Bradenton, Florida at a Wawa.The winner has 180 days to claim the prize.And by the way, there's still time to get tickets for tonight's Powerball drawing valued at $663 million.

Good luck.Tributes tonight for Oscar -winning singer -songwriter Glenn Hansard.Hansard co -wrote and performed Falling Slowly for the 2007 film Once.Police in his native Ireland say he died in a motorcycle crash early this morning.Bruce Springsteen calling Hansard a great musician, good friend, and generous and gracious man.Glenn Hansard was 56.

Still ahead, the wallet lost for more than 50 years and why it means so much to one family.ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, sponsored by the Farmer's Dog.Finally tonight, America Strong, the remarkable discovery in a library wall.Tonight in Lowell, Massachusetts, outside Boston, behind these walls, an incredible discovery in an old school library.More than five decades ago in 1972, Lowell High School librarian Kathleen Regan, second from the left there in the black blazer, lost her red wallet.Now, 54 years later, Suffolk construction workers Christian Ramirez and Jeremy Rogers knocking down a wall and finding the wallet with all the treasured family photos inside.

I found a couple old relics.One of them was this wallet.Opened it up, saw that it had some pictures in it.I felt it was very important to try to find the owner.You know, these are things that we don't necessarilyanymore in a digital age.

The two eventually learning the librarian passed away more than 20 years ago, but tracked down her family to return the wallet.Her daughter, Kathy, seen some of those family photos for the very first time.

That's what really touched me was that That's what she carried in here.That's what meant the most to her.

Tonight, Kathy and her family grateful for those construction workers.

In today's world, it's so nice to have people that are kind and spending time to do something so, so special.Absolutely.You're welcome.Thank you.

A special moment.Thanks so much for watching tonight.I'm Wade Johnson.Good night.

David Muir, the most trusted, most watched newscast in America.And now, World News Tonight has won the Emmy for Best Live News Program for the fourth year in a row.