Top 5 US stories, October 18, 2026: Trump backs Netanyahu, warns Iran

The five for Sunday, October 18, 2026: an endorsement abroad tied to the Iran war, new strain with Ukraine, two midterm polls, a deadly crash at a Kansas soccer game and a court fight over a Washington golf course.

Trump endorses Netanyahu and renews his warning to Iran

President Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection on Sunday, calling him a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" in a social media post. In the same post he said the US could "soon finish the job" against Iran unless Tehran changes course. He added that if Israelis pick someone else, "America will have to do this work ourselves," which he said he is "not inclined" to do.

Trump tied possible US action on Iran to the outcome of Israel's election. Trump had held back his support for months while the two leaders differed on strategy during the nearly eight-month war, the AP reported. Netanyahu thanked him on X: "Together we will complete the mission." In the US, 65% of Americans call the use of force against Iran a mistake, an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found.

Israelis vote on Oct. 27. What comes next depends on that result and on whether Iran changes course, as Trump demanded.

Ukraine strikes Russian oil site as Zelenskyy and Trump disagree

Ukraine hit a Russian oil terminal in a large drone attack on Sunday, October 18, CNN reported. On NBC's "Meet the Press," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that formally siding with Putin would be a "historic mistake" for the US, though he still counts Trump as an ally. Trump, who on Friday waived new Russia sanctions that Congress had passed, wrote Sunday that he did not want to push Russia "away from the bargaining table."

The dispute reaches Ukraine's defenses. Zelenskyy said US intelligence on incoming Russian ballistic missiles is flowing again after a pause of several days, but a speed limit remains on Starshield, the military version of Starlink. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., defended the sanctions waiver, saying Trump is balancing pressure on Russia against helping Americans facing high gas prices.

Zelenskyy planned a call with US negotiators later Sunday and still hoped to meet them soon. The White House did not immediately comment.

Two polls show Trump at new lows as Democrats lead the race for Congress

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll published Sunday put Trump's approval at 33%, his lowest in that poll, with 66% disapproving. An NBC News Decision Desk poll found 34% approval among adults, a second-term low in that survey.

Both polls give Democrats an edge for Congress: 52% to 44% among likely voters in the ABC poll and 55% to 45% among registered voters in NBC's. Neither party is popular: NBC found 43% view Democrats favorably and 37% view Republicans favorably. Prices weigh on the public, with 71% in the ABC poll calling gasoline unaffordable, up from 28% in February.

Republicans hold the House and Senate going into the Nov. 3 election. NBC's online survey of 19,135 adults ran Sept. 28 through Oct. 12.

Kansas driver released without charges after deadly soccer field crash

Wichita police said Sunday that the woman who drove a pickup onto a youth soccer field at the Stryker Sports Complex on Saturday, killing a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, has been released. Police are waiting on a toxicology report and an inspection of the truck, and no charges have been filed.

Ten people were hospitalized with injuries police called noncritical, ranging in age from 5 to 68. Both people killed were from McPherson. The driver, 34, is from Garden City; police said she had been parked near the fields before driving onto one.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office asked for patience and will review the case first, and police want any video or photos. The complex reopens at 3 p.m. Monday behind temporary barriers while the city reviews security.

Trump sets a Nov. 15 start for a Washington golf course rebuild as a lawsuit continues

Trump announced Sunday that work to rebuild East Potomac Golf Links in Washington would start Nov. 15 and take about 15 months. He said the new public course could host events such as the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. A preservation group and two D.C. residents are suing to stop the project.

The course serves recreational golfers and cyclists. Trump says it is in poor condition with dangerous trees, a description preservation groups dispute, CNN reported. The administration told the court it plans to clear nearly 730 trees as routine maintenance.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has barred more tree cutting through Oct. 26 and set a Monday hearing where Park Service and Interior officials must testify under oath. In a Sunday night filing, the Justice Department argued the plans are preliminary and not yet a final action a court can review.

Quick answers

What did Trump say about Iran on October 18, 2026?

In a post endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the US could "soon finish the job" against Iran unless it changes course, but that he is "not inclined" to do it alone if Netanyahu loses (CBS News).

What do the latest polls show before the midterms?

The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll put Trump's approval at 33% and Democrats ahead 52% to 44% among likely voters (ABC News). NBC News found Democrats ahead 55% to 45% among registered voters (NBC News).

Has the driver in the Wichita soccer field crash been charged?

No. Police said Sunday she was released while they wait for a toxicology report and a vehicle inspection, and no charges have been filed (KCUR).