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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

F-35B jet crashed near Marine Corps in San Diego, pilot ejected safely – officials

F-35B jet crashed near Marine Corps in San Diego, pilot ejected safely – officials

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

An F-35B fighter jet crashed near a Marine Corps base in San Diego on Friday morning. The pilot safely ejected and suffered minor injuries; the cause of the crash is still unknown.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened near the Marine Corps Miramar air base in San Diego.
  • The pilot is not publicly named but is in stable condition after treatment.
  • The crash caused a small fire that firefighters quickly put out.
  • Officials called it a “Class A mishap,” meaning severe damage over $2 million or destruction of the aircraft.
  • Each F-35B jet costs about $109 million.
  • The F-35B is a stealth fighter jet capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.
  • A similar Marine fighter jet crash occurred in Washington last month.
  • Investigations into such crashes can take several months to complete.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Children face higher threat of US deportation as legal support deal expires

Children face higher threat of US deportation as legal support deal expires

July 31, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A government contract that funded legal help for about 24,000 children in the U.S. without legal guardians has expired. This may leave many unaccompanied children without legal support, increasing their risk of deportation. The Trump administration has not said who will provide this help going forward.

Key Facts

  • The federal contract paid legal groups to represent unaccompanied children in deportation cases.
  • The contract ended recently, and there is no clear plan to replace it.
  • About 24,000 children in government-funded shelters received legal aid through this contract.
  • Legal groups could enter shelters to meet and represent these children under the contract.
  • The Trump administration has not explained why it let the contract expire.
  • Some providers said the government was withholding payments before the contract ended.
  • U.S. laws require legal help for unaccompanied children facing deportation.
  • Two Democratic lawmakers asked government officials to explain how children will continue to get legal services.
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Al Jazeera
Trump's anti-weaponization fund comments reignite Blanche confirmation fight

Trump's anti-weaponization fund comments reignite Blanche confirmation fight

July 31, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump supports confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche despite opposition from Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who want assurances that an "anti-weaponization" fund will not proceed. The dispute centers on whether the fund compensating alleged government victims is truly ended, delaying Blanche’s confirmation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wants Todd Blanche confirmed immediately as Attorney General.
  • Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (North Carolina) oppose confirming Blanche until they get written proof the "anti-weaponization" fund is canceled.
  • The "anti-weaponization" fund would compensate people who were allegedly mistreated by the government.
  • Trump said on Truth Social that he wishes the fund were not dead and wants victims compensated.
  • Tillis disagrees publicly, saying Trump’s statements suggest the fund might still be active.
  • The White House is pushing for a quick Senate vote, with support from law enforcement and former DOJ officials.
  • Trump suggested withdrawing Blanche’s nomination but keeping him acting until the Senators leave the Senate in January.
  • Trump’s legal team is appealing a judge’s order disapproving a separate settlement related to an IRS lawsuit.
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Axios
7/31: The Takeout with Major Garrett

7/31: The Takeout with Major Garrett

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting at Camp David. Meanwhile, seven U.S. states reported cyberattacks targeting their water systems.

Key Facts

  • President Trump met with his Cabinet at Camp David.
  • Seven states in the U.S. experienced cyberattacks on their water systems.
  • The cyberattacks aimed at disrupting water system operations.
  • The incidents are part of growing concerns about cybersecurity in public utilities.
  • Officials are investigating the attacks to determine their source and impact.
  • The government is working to protect critical infrastructure from future cyber threats.
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CBS News
A timeline of the Nancy Guthrie disappearance and investigation

A timeline of the Nancy Guthrie disappearance and investigation

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Savannah Guthrie returned to hosting the “Today” show after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Arizona over two months ago. Despite a large search and family pleas, no sign of Nancy has been found, and authorities suspect she was kidnapped.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, when she took an Uber home for dinner and arrived at her house around 9:48 p.m.
  • On February 1, Nancy’s doorbell camera was disconnected early in the morning, and her pacemaker app stopped connecting shortly after.
  • Her family reported her missing after she missed church and could not be reached by February 1 afternoon.
  • A large search involving police, drones, and dogs was launched immediately after the report.
  • Investigators found signs of forced entry at Nancy’s home on February 3.
  • Authorities believe Nancy was abducted or taken against her will.
  • A ransom note demanding money was received by investigators.
  • Blood found on the porch tested positive for Nancy Guthrie’s DNA, and the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information.
  • President Donald Trump commented on the case, calling the situation “terrible.”
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AP News
George Santos settles with CFTC over Kalshi bets

George Santos settles with CFTC over Kalshi bets

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

George Santos, a former U.S. representative from New York, agreed to pay $35,000 to settle a case with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The case involved bets he made on Kalshi, a prediction market, about whether he would attend President Trump’s State of the Union address in February.

Key Facts

  • George Santos is a former Republican representative from New York.
  • He placed bets on Kalshi, a platform where people can make predictions on future events.
  • The bets were about whether Santos would attend President Trump’s State of the Union address in February 2024.
  • The CFTC, which regulates markets involving futures and bets tied to real-world events, investigated these wagers.
  • Santos agreed to pay $35,000 to settle the investigation with the CFTC.
  • No further penalties or admissions of wrongdoing were mentioned in the announcement.
  • The settlement was announced by the CFTC on a Friday.
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The Hill
Trump appeals ruling finding he colluded with DOJ in $10B IRS suit

Trump appeals ruling finding he colluded with DOJ in $10B IRS suit

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration appealed a federal judge’s decision in Florida that said he worked together with his own government to sue the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for $10 billion. This lawsuit was connected to the Justice Department’s creation of a $1.776 billion fund aimed at preventing misuse of government power.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge in Florida ruled that President Trump colluded with the government in a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
  • The Trump administration appealed this ruling.
  • The $10 billion suit was linked to the Justice Department’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund.
  • The anti-weaponization fund is meant to stop the misuse of government power.
  • The case involves the Justice Department and the IRS.
  • The appeal was filed on a Friday as part of ongoing legal actions.
  • The ruling questions the cooperation between the president and his government in legal matters.
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The Hill
Gavin Newsom Just Shared Tax Returns—Net Worth Compared to Other Governors

Gavin Newsom Just Shared Tax Returns—Net Worth Compared to Other Governors

July 31, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared over 700 pages of his tax returns from recent years while under investigation by the Department of Justice, led by President Donald Trump’s administration. His tax records show he and his wife earn about $1.7 million to $2 million annually, pay significant taxes, and have a net worth estimated around $30 million, which is less than some other U.S. governors.

Key Facts

  • Governor Newsom released tax returns covering four years amidst a DOJ investigation.
  • He and his wife made between $1.7 million and $2 million per year from 2022 to 2024.
  • They paid roughly $500,000 in taxes annually during that period.
  • Newsom’s governor salary in 2025 is $245,929, but most income comes from businesses before politics.
  • Newsom co-founded the PlumpJack Group, now managed by relatives after he entered politics.
  • His estimated net worth is about $30 million, including business holdings and real estate.
  • Newsom bought a $9 million home near San Francisco in 2024.
  • Other governors, like Illinois’ JB Pritzker, have much higher net worths, reaching billions.
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Newsweek
Social Security Update: Republican Wants to End Required Worker Payments

Social Security Update: Republican Wants to End Required Worker Payments

July 31, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Tommy Tuberville called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme" and said workers should be allowed to keep and invest their own retirement money instead of paying mandatory taxes into Social Security. He warned the program’s trust funds may run out money in the future unless lawmakers act, but he did not propose changes for current retirees.

Key Facts

  • Senator Tommy Tuberville made his comments during a Senate speech.
  • He called Social Security a "scam" and "Ponzi scheme."
  • Tuberville criticized mandatory payroll taxes that fund Social Security.
  • He suggested workers should be able to invest their Social Security money independently.
  • The Social Security trust funds are projected to run out unless Congress makes changes.
  • Tuberville said government uses Social Security money for other spending.
  • He did not propose specific legislation to end Social Security or change current retiree benefits.
  • Experts say calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme oversimplifies how it works as a social insurance program.
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Newsweek
Seattle mayor defends ousting police chief after festival shootout

Seattle mayor defends ousting police chief after festival shootout

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended her decision to remove Police Chief Shon Barnes after a deadly shooting at a city food festival. The shooting resulted in three deaths, including a suspect, and multiple injuries, and the mayor said the decision to change leadership involved several factors.

Key Facts

  • A gang-related shooting happened at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle.
  • Three people died, including one suspect, and four others were injured, one being a 2-year-old child.
  • A 15-year-old was arrested at the scene and charged with assault, but his gun was not linked to the deaths.
  • Police Chief Shon Barnes was asked to resign by Mayor Wilson and was replaced by Andre Sayles as interim chief.
  • Barnes faced criticism for slow communication about the shooting and whether other suspects were at large.
  • Mayor Wilson said the shooting was one reason, but there were multiple factors for the leadership change.
  • Barnes was the city’s second Black police chief and credited with improving officer recruitment and reducing downtown crime.
  • Interim Chief Sayles said police will increase staffing at public events and that they are close to arresting more suspects.
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AP News
Nancy Guthrie Update: Two Ransom Notes Released—Read in Full

Nancy Guthrie Update: Two Ransom Notes Released—Read in Full

July 31, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Two ransom notes were sent to the media after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie went missing nearly six months ago in Tucson. Authorities are using the notes and doorbell camera footage to find clues about what happened to her.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 and reported missing the next day.
  • The first ransom note demanded $4 million in Bitcoin to release Nancy Guthrie safely.
  • The second ransom note claimed she died shortly after being taken, but this is not confirmed.
  • Investigators are analyzing the writing style of the ransom notes to identify the author.
  • Authorities are asking the public to report anyone who showed unusual behavior around the time of her disappearance.
  • Police want homeowners nearby to share any surveillance video that might help the investigation.
  • The case is being investigated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office.
  • The notes and footage have not yet verified the truth about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts or condition.
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Newsweek
Trump says 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is 'dead,' but says he still wants payouts

Trump says 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is 'dead,' but says he still wants payouts

July 31, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump confirmed that the $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" has ended but said he wishes it still existed to compensate people who were harmed. The end of this fund and Trump's IRS settlement have caused delays in the approval of Todd Blanche as attorney general.

Key Facts

  • The "Anti-Weaponization Fund," planned to provide $1.8 billion, is no longer active.
  • President Trump expressed a desire for the fund to continue to help those who suffered harm.
  • Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general is delayed partly because of issues around the fund and IRS settlement.
  • Republican Senator John Cornyn wants official written confirmation that the fund is ended.
  • Cornyn and Senator Thom Tillis, both leaving office in January, are blocking Blanche’s confirmation vote.
  • Trump suggested Blanche’s nomination might be withdrawn temporarily until after Cornyn and Tillis leave office.
  • The IRS settlement gave Trump and his family immunity from current tax audits, which is also under scrutiny.
  • Trump insists that Blanche should be approved quickly, stating Blanche is a rare candidate for the role.
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ABC News
Trump says US has not agreed to Ukraine producing Patriot missiles

Trump says US has not agreed to Ukraine producing Patriot missiles

July 31, 2026 • France24

Summary

President Donald Trump said the United States has not agreed to let Ukraine produce Patriot missiles, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement after their recent meeting. Talks between the two leaders covered many topics, but the U.S. remains cautious about allowing Ukraine to build these advanced missiles.

Key Facts

  • President Trump contradicted President Zelensky’s claim that the U.S. agreed to license Patriot missile production in Ukraine.
  • Trump emphasized the need to be careful about letting other countries build Patriot missiles.
  • Zelensky and Trump met at the White House earlier this week for about an hour to discuss the war in Ukraine.
  • Ukraine is seeking to defend itself from ballistic missile attacks amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
  • Ukraine is in talks with the U.S. Pentagon about possibly producing Patriot PAC-3 missiles, but this could take 12 months to five years.
  • Discussions include a long-term purchase of PAC-3 missiles and swapping production slots with other buyers.
  • U.S. defense contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have sent experts to Ukraine to assist with missile defense.
  • Ukraine faces increasing missile attacks and is looking for new defense capabilities for the coming winter.
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France24
Trump says anti-weaponization fund in IRS settlement is ‘dead’ even as he defends it

Trump says anti-weaponization fund in IRS settlement is ‘dead’ even as he defends it

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump said his $1.8 billion fund to compensate political allies targeted by the Justice Department is no longer going forward, but he continued to support the idea. Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are blocking the confirmation of Trump’s attorney general nominee until they get a written promise that the fund will end.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced the anti-weaponization fund, intended to compensate some prosecuted individuals, is "dead."
  • Trump still expressed support for compensating those affected by Justice Department actions.
  • Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (North Carolina) are withholding support for Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general.
  • Cornyn and Tillis want a formal, written guarantee that the fund will not be created.
  • Todd Blanche is currently acting attorney general and has been involved in talks with the senators.
  • The fund is linked to a settlement and was seen as benefiting Trump’s political allies.
  • Cornyn and Tillis also want clarity on tax audit protections for Trump and his family offered in the same settlement.
  • Cornyn noted that tax audits might still apply to many Trump company subsidiaries despite claims of immunity.
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AP News
Ex-deputy who shot Sonya Massey is denied a request for medical release from prison

Ex-deputy who shot Sonya Massey is denied a request for medical release from prison

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, was denied early medical release from prison where he is serving a 20-year sentence for killing Sonya Massey inside her home in 2024. Despite having advanced colon cancer, a review board decided not to grant him early release after considering his health and the circumstances of the case.

Key Facts

  • Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, was convicted of second-degree murder for killing Sonya Massey.
  • The killing occurred in July 2024 after Massey called 911 about a possible prowler.
  • Grayson shot Massey inside her home while she was moving hot water on the stove.
  • He received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the murder.
  • Grayson was diagnosed with colon cancer before the shooting, which later spread to his liver and lungs.
  • His request for early medical release was denied unanimously by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
  • Officials and Massey’s family said releasing Grayson early would be unjust and disrespectful to Massey’s memory.
  • The case led to protests about systemic racism and attracted a U.S. Department of Justice review.
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AP News
Massachusetts is close to giving doctors the final word on whether to perform late abortions

Massachusetts is close to giving doctors the final word on whether to perform late abortions

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Massachusetts is close to passing a law that lets doctors have the final say on whether a late abortion can be performed, removing a list of specific reasons currently required. The state Senate approved the measure, and it now goes to Governor Maura Healey, who supports abortion rights.

Key Facts

  • Current Massachusetts law allows abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and later only for certain medical reasons.
  • The proposed law would allow late abortions based solely on a doctor’s professional judgment.
  • Supporters say the change is needed because some hospitals have refused to perform late abortions even when the fetus is not viable.
  • Opponents worry the law could permit abortions until birth, including in cases of healthy fetuses.
  • Governor Maura Healey has signed other laws that strengthen abortion access in Massachusetts.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, leading many states to restrict or ban abortions.
  • Massachusetts has a shield law protecting doctors who provide abortion services via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is banned.
  • Other states are making different changes, such as Colorado requiring student health centers to provide abortion pills and Oklahoma criminalizing certain abortion pill sales.
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AP News
FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Minnesota governor for cyberattacks against the state. Cites no evidence

FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Minnesota governor for cyberattacks against the state. Cites no evidence

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump said Minnesota’s governor is responsible for recent cyberattacks on water systems in the state, but he gave no proof. Experts and authorities say Iranian hackers are likely behind these attacks, which targeted critical water system controls in Minnesota.

Key Facts

  • Over 30 water systems in Minnesota, including Plymouth, were hit by cyberattacks.
  • President Trump blamed Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz for the attacks without providing evidence.
  • Security agencies have warned Iranian hackers are focusing on U.S. water and other critical systems.
  • FBI and other agencies say Iranian cyberattacks on water systems have happened before.
  • Experts say it is reasonable to suspect Iran until proven otherwise.
  • The Minnesota governor and others say several states were attacked and point to a lack of U.S. cyber defense planning.
  • Local water plants often lack resources for strong cyber defenses, making them vulnerable.
  • The dispute occurs amid ongoing tensions between President Trump and Governor Walz over policy issues like immigration.
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AP News
Authorities release early ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case, hoping someone recognizes it

Authorities release early ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case, hoping someone recognizes it

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Authorities released an early ransom note in the case of Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared from her home near Tucson on February 1, 2026. Police hope that someone will recognize the writing style of the notes, which include a demand for $4 million in cryptocurrency and a message saying Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being kidnapped.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home near Tucson on February 1, 2026.
  • Two ransom notes were sent to a Tucson TV station days after her disappearance.
  • The first note said Nancy was safe but scared and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release.
  • The ransom would increase if the first demand was not met, with a threat to kill her if unpaid.
  • The second note stated Nancy died shortly after being taken and was buried outdoors.
  • Authorities want people familiar with the writing style to come forward.
  • Two videos from Guthrie’s doorbell camera may show an unidentified man preparing before the kidnapping.
  • Police ask for information on anyone acting strangely, changing appearance, or leaving the Tucson area suddenly.
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AP News
Jurors in Lindsay Clancy murder trial visit home where children were killed

Jurors in Lindsay Clancy murder trial visit home where children were killed

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Jurors in Massachusetts toured the home where Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children in January 2023. The visit helped jurors see the crime scene and nearby places connected to the case during the murder trial.

Key Facts

  • Jurors viewed the inside of the Clancy family home and the basement where the children died.
  • They also saw the yard where Lindsay Clancy was found after jumping from a second-story window.
  • Clancy’s lawyers say she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness after childbirth.
  • Prosecutors say Clancy planned the murders and used errands as a trick to get her husband away.
  • Lindsay Clancy killed her children ages five, three, and eight months.
  • She is paralyzed from the waist down after attempting suicide that night.
  • If convicted, Clancy faces life in prison without parole; if found not responsible due to mental illness, she would be sent to a mental health facility.
  • It is unusual but allowed for jurors to visit crime scenes when it helps their understanding.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released by sheriff's department

Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released by sheriff's department

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Pima County Sheriff's Department released ransom notes related to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. One note demanded $4 million in bitcoin for her release, while a later note claimed she died shortly after being taken.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped, and ransom notes were sent to a local TV news station.
  • The first ransom note was sent on February 2 and demanded $4 million in bitcoin by February 5.
  • The note warned that if payment was not received, the ransom would increase to $6 million by February 9.
  • The kidnappers claimed Nancy Guthrie was safe but scared and threatened harm if the ransom was not paid.
  • The second note, sent on February 6, said Nancy Guthrie died from a heart-related issue soon after the kidnapping.
  • The sheriff’s department released the notes because of unique writing patterns that might help identify the kidnapper.
  • They asked the public to report if they recognize the writing style.
  • The investigation is ongoing.
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CBS News
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