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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

State department to offer Trump-branded US passports to Americans outside Washington DC

State department to offer Trump-branded US passports to Americans outside Washington DC

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The U.S. State Department will offer special limited-edition passports featuring a picture of President Donald Trump to Americans outside Washington, DC. These "patriot passports" mark the country’s 250th anniversary and will be available at selected passport offices starting in August.

Key Facts

  • The special passports show a picture of President Donald Trump on an inside page.
  • These passports celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
  • More than 250,000 of these limited-edition passports will be issued nationwide.
  • Previously, the Trump passports were only available at the passport office in Washington, DC.
  • Selected passport offices in cities like Chicago, Dallas, and New York will offer the Trump passports at one-day events starting August 8.
  • Applicants must apply in person on specified days to get the special edition passport.
  • The passport cover has unique gold lettering and a small gold American flag with "250" to mark the anniversary.
  • Current U.S. passports usually feature images like Mount Rushmore and national symbols but do not show living presidents.
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Guardian World Guardian US
WATCH: Happy ending for runaway dog found in train tunnel

WATCH: Happy ending for runaway dog found in train tunnel

July 31, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A dog named Roo was found in a train tunnel in San Francisco two days after running away. Train operators spotted Roo, and he has now safely returned to his owner.

Key Facts

  • Roo, a dog, ran away and stayed in a train tunnel in San Francisco.
  • Train operators noticed Roo in the tunnel after two days.
  • Roo was safely rescued and returned to his owner.
  • The incident took place in San Francisco.
  • Roo was found hunkered down, meaning he was curled up or resting in the tunnel.
  • The situation ended positively with Roo’s safe return.
  • The rescue involved spotting the dog during routine train operations.
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ABC News
How Trump Accounts Could Put Future Disability Benefits at Risk

How Trump Accounts Could Put Future Disability Benefits at Risk

July 31, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Trump Accounts program helps families save money for their children, but it could cause problems for disabled kids who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. When the child turns 18, the account balance may count as assets and could exceed the $2,000 SSI limit, risking loss of benefits.

Key Facts

  • Trump Accounts allow families to save money for children, with a $1,000 federal contribution for babies born from 2025 to 2028.
  • Disabled children who receive SSI face a strict $2,000 asset limit to keep their benefits.
  • While kids are under 18, Trump Account balances do not count toward SSI asset limits.
  • Once the child turns 18, the full Trump Account balance counts as assets for SSI eligibility.
  • With an average 4% growth, the $1,000 starting amount could grow past $2,000 by age 18.
  • Exceeding the asset limit can suspend or end SSI payments and Medicaid services.
  • The old $2,000 asset limit law has not changed for nearly 40 years and limits savings for disabled people.
  • Families might protect savings by moving funds to ABLE accounts, designed for disability-related expenses.
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Newsweek
Trump: Cornyn didn’t object to ‘anti-weaponization’ fund before challenger endorsement

Trump: Cornyn didn’t object to ‘anti-weaponization’ fund before challenger endorsement

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized Senator John Cornyn for not opposing the "anti-weaponization" fund before Trump endorsed Cornyn’s opponent in the primary race. Trump said Cornyn only withheld support for the acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination after the endorsement.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke out on Friday about Senator John Cornyn’s actions.
  • Cornyn withholds support for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination.
  • The reason for withholding support is related to Trump’s proposed "anti-weaponization" fund.
  • Trump claims Cornyn did not object to the fund before Trump endorsed Cornyn’s primary opponent.
  • The endorsement by Trump may have influenced Cornyn’s change in position.
  • Senator John Cornyn is a Republican from Texas.
  • The issue involves political support within the Republican party before primary elections.
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The Hill
Police fear further victims in funeral home case

Police fear further victims in funeral home case

July 31, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Robert Bush, owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for 67 crimes related to mishandling bodies and funerals. Police discovered that he kept bodies after funerals, gave families the wrong ashes, sold fake funeral plans, and stole from charities.

Key Facts

  • Robert Bush committed crimes including giving families wrong ashes and keeping bodies after funerals.
  • He sold fake funeral plans and stole money from charities.
  • Police found 35 bodies and half a tonne of human ashes in the funeral home.
  • One body was kept for a year, including the remains of a premature baby whose family had received incorrect ashes.
  • A whistleblower reported the issues to police while Bush was on holiday in the United States.
  • The funeral home was described as chaotic and disorganized with ashes and personal items scattered around.
  • Bush apologized in court but police doubt he showed real remorse.
  • Some crimes dated back to 2012; Bush had conducted about 2,000 funerals during his career.
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BBC Top Stories
Stephen A. Smith on Fauci: ‘You can’t show up on Capitol Hill and plead the fifth 111 times’

Stephen A. Smith on Fauci: ‘You can’t show up on Capitol Hill and plead the fifth 111 times’

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith said that Dr. Anthony Fauci should have answered questions from lawmakers during a Senate hearing instead of refusing to answer by using the Fifth Amendment. Smith believes Fauci should explain his actions since he was a key figure in the U.S. COVID-19 response.

Key Facts

  • Stephen A. Smith is a sports commentator.
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci is the former White House chief medical adviser.
  • Fauci appeared at a Senate hearing and invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times to avoid answering questions.
  • The Fifth Amendment allows people to refuse to answer questions that might incriminate them.
  • The Senate hearing was described as hostile.
  • Fauci was the public face of the U.S. COVID-19 response.
  • Smith said Fauci owes the public an explanation for his work and decisions.
  • The hearing happened earlier in the same week as Smith’s comments.
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The Hill
Hull funeral director who left bodies to rot in mortuary jailed for 20 years

Hull funeral director who left bodies to rot in mortuary jailed for 20 years

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A funeral director named Robert Bush was sentenced to 20 years in prison for mishandling dozens of bodies and giving families the wrong ashes. His actions affected hundreds of families over 12 years, including leaving bodies in poor conditions and preventing proper burials.

Key Facts

  • Robert Bush owned Legacy Independent Funeral Services in Hull.
  • He pleaded guilty to 67 offenses, including 30 counts of preventing lawful burials.
  • Bodies were found uncovered, decomposing, with damp, mold, and bodily fluids on the floor.
  • The remains of a stillborn baby, believed to have been cremated, were found left in the mortuary for almost two years.
  • Families received ashes that did not belong to their loved ones, sometimes with what looked like animal remains.
  • One elderly man’s body was kept in a cardboard coffin for nearly 11 months.
  • Police discovered over 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at the funeral home in March 2024.
  • Bush was arrested returning from a holiday in Arizona, a trip paid for with money obtained through his fraudulent actions.
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Guardian World
U.S. investigating whether Iran hacked dozens of water systems

U.S. investigating whether Iran hacked dozens of water systems

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. government is looking into reports that Iran may have hacked over 30 water systems in Minnesota. Authorities are investigating to understand the situation and any possible risks.

Key Facts

  • The investigation involves more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota.
  • Iran is suspected to be behind the hacking attempts.
  • The U.S. government is actively looking into these potential cyberattacks.
  • Water systems are critical infrastructure because they provide drinking water to communities.
  • Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of any damage or disruption.
  • The investigation aims to protect public safety and prevent future attacks.
  • This issue relates to cybersecurity, which means protecting computer systems from attacks.
  • The information comes from CBS News reporting on the situation.
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CBS News
Top Democrats accuse Republicans of becoming ‘gelatinous blobs’ on Iran war | First Thing

Top Democrats accuse Republicans of becoming ‘gelatinous blobs’ on Iran war | First Thing

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Several senior Democrats criticized Republican members of the US Congress for not opposing President Donald Trump's plans for war with Iran and for not protecting Congress’s power to declare war. Meanwhile, President Trump said he might temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general due to opposition from two Republican senators over a controversial $1.8 billion fund and tax immunity deal.

Key Facts

  • Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen said Republicans in Congress are not standing up to President Trump on the Iran war issue.
  • They urged Congress to protect its constitutional role to declare war, separate from the president’s power.
  • President Trump announced he might temporarily pull the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general but keep him acting until objecting senators leave office.
  • Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis oppose Blanche’s nomination until the Justice Department confirms in writing it will not proceed with a $1.8 billion compensation fund and tax immunity agreement linked to political investigations.
  • Blanche said publicly that the payout fund plan will not move forward due to bipartisan criticism.
  • More than 34 migrants died trying to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, where about 49,000 crossed the border recently.
  • Spain sent military and police reinforcements to handle the crisis, which local officials describe as serious and ongoing.
  • The reasons for the large border crossing spike remain unclear.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump's surprising announcement on Gaza includes claim that Hamas will disarm

Trump's surprising announcement on Gaza includes claim that Hamas will disarm

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to move forward with the next step in a peace deal for Gaza. This next phase will reportedly include Hamas giving up its weapons.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made a public announcement about a Gaza peace deal.
  • Hamas, the militant group in Gaza, is said to have agreed to the next phase of the deal.
  • The next phase will include Hamas disarming, meaning they will give up their weapons.
  • The information was reported by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
  • The announcement was described as surprising by news sources.
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CBS News
Trump to meet cabinet at Camp David as Iran war drags on – US politics live

Trump to meet cabinet at Camp David as Iran war drags on – US politics live

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump is meeting his cabinet at Camp David to discuss how to handle the ongoing war with Iran and ways to lower gasoline prices before the November midterm elections. The conflict with Iran has lasted five months, causing rising gas prices and low public support. The Senate recently voted against a resolution aiming to limit Trump's war powers in Iran.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will hold a cabinet meeting at Camp David to talk about the Iran war and gas prices.
  • This is Trump's third trip to Camp David during his second term.
  • The war with Iran started with expectations it would last only a few weeks but is now five months long.
  • Gasoline prices have increased due to the conflict, impacting Trump’s popularity.
  • A Reuters-Ipsos poll shows only about 33% of Americans support the war in Iran.
  • The US Senate voted 49-50 against a resolution to end hostilities in Iran, narrowly rejecting it.
  • Trump announced a plan for the total disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, but Israel has not officially responded.
  • Trump may delay the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney-general until certain Republican senators leave office due to demands related to his IRS lawsuit.
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Guardian World Guardian US
I’m a Haitian TPS holder. 350,000 of us hold our breath as Congress decides our future | Josianne Valsaint

I’m a Haitian TPS holder. 350,000 of us hold our breath as Congress decides our future | Josianne Valsaint

July 31, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

More than 330,000 Haitians in the U.S. depend on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that lets people stay in the country if their home country is unsafe. President Trump tried to end TPS for Haitians despite ongoing violence and problems in Haiti. The U.S. House has voted to extend TPS, and the decision now rests with the Senate.

Key Facts

  • TPS protects people who cannot safely return to their home countries, like Haitians facing violence and disasters.
  • Over 330,000 Haitians in the U.S. currently have TPS.
  • President Trump’s administration chose not to renew TPS for Haitians.
  • Haiti suffered a deadly 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010 that killed over 220,000 people.
  • Haiti has also faced food shortages, hurricanes, gang violence, and a cholera epidemic since the earthquake.
  • This has forced many Haitians to leave their country to find safety and stability in the U.S.
  • The U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend TPS for Haitians for three more years.
  • The Senate will soon vote on whether to approve the TPS extension for Haitians.
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Guardian US
In disgracing himself, Fauci finally gets the attention he craved

In disgracing himself, Fauci finally gets the attention he craved

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci cited his right to avoid self-incrimination over 100 times during a Senate hearing, meaning he chose not to answer many questions. This happened while he was being questioned by U.S. senators.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Anthony Fauci is a prominent U.S. public health official.
  • He appeared before a Senate hearing recently.
  • During the hearing, he used his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times.
  • The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves.
  • By invoking this right, Fauci refused to answer many questions.
  • The hearing focused on topics related to Fauci's work or actions.
  • This action is unusual for a public official in such a setting.
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The Hill
Senate Republican warns Trump against delaying Blanche nomination: ‘This place could be very different’

Senate Republican warns Trump against delaying Blanche nomination: ‘This place could be very different’

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator John Kennedy warned that President Trump’s plan to delay Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general until 2027 might not work as expected. Kennedy said the Senate could be controlled by a different party after the November elections, which would change how the nomination is handled.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Kennedy is part of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • President Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
  • Trump plans to resubmit Blanche’s nomination in 2027 to avoid Republican critics now.
  • Kennedy warned this strategy could fail if the Senate changes party control in November.
  • The Senate controls the confirmation of the attorney general nomination.
  • A shift in Senate control could lead to a different outcome for Blanche’s nomination.
  • The situation highlights the political risks involved in delaying nominations.
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The Hill
Sheriff at heart of Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation shares new details on case

Sheriff at heart of Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation shares new details on case

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke about the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. He provided new information about the case during an interview with CBS News.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie is missing, and authorities are investigating her disappearance.
  • Sheriff Chris Nanos is leading the investigation in Pima County.
  • Sheriff Nanos gave an interview to CBS News reporter Jonathan Vigliotti.
  • New details about the progress of the investigation were shared during the interview.
  • The case is currently active and being closely reviewed by local law enforcement.
  • CBS News is covering updates on this story for the public.
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CBS News
As progressives seek to take on inequality, some cite religion as a motivating factor

As progressives seek to take on inequality, some cite religion as a motivating factor

July 31, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Progressive Democratic politicians, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, are using their religious beliefs to support their efforts to address economic inequality. El-Sayed, who is Muslim, emphasizes accountability to a higher power as motivation to help people in need, while progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez back these ideas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Progressive Democrats have won major elections recently amid concerns about inequality and affordability.
  • Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim candidate running for U.S. Senate in Michigan, links his faith to his progressive political views.
  • El-Sayed promotes policies like “Medicare for All” and is supported by liberal groups, including some members of the Democratic Socialists of America.
  • If elected, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim U.S. senator.
  • Progressive candidates and supporters cite religious beliefs as a reason to address economic issues.
  • High-profile progressive politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have campaigned alongside El-Sayed.
  • The article notes that religious support for workers’ rights and economic justice has a long history in the U.S.
  • El-Sayed faces criticism from Republicans and more moderate Democrats for his left-leaning positions.
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AP News
New poll shows many Americans don't see economic relief from either Republican, Democratic parties

New poll shows many Americans don't see economic relief from either Republican, Democratic parties

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A recent CBS News poll found that many Americans believe neither the Republican nor the Democratic parties are helping improve their cost of living. The poll reflects widespread public dissatisfaction with how both parties handle economic issues.

Key Facts

  • The poll was conducted by CBS News.
  • Many Americans feel their cost of living is not improving.
  • Both Republican and Democratic parties are seen as responsible for this issue.
  • The poll results suggest frustration with current economic policies from both sides.
  • CBS News reporters Anthony Salvanto and Aaron Navarro covered the story.
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CBS News
Why Trump says he may pull his Todd Blanche attorney general nomination

Why Trump says he may pull his Todd Blanche attorney general nomination

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump said he might withdraw his nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. Todd Blanche’s future in the role is uncertain, but no final decision has been made.

Key Facts

  • President Trump nominated Todd Blanche for attorney general.
  • There is uncertainty about whether Blanche will be confirmed.
  • President Trump mentioned he might pull the nomination.
  • The situation is still being discussed and not finalized.
  • CBS News reported on this development with commentary from reporter Taurean Small.
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CBS News
US admits 'unfortunate error' after mislabelling countries on map of Africa

US admits 'unfortunate error' after mislabelling countries on map of Africa

July 31, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A U.S. official showed a map at an HIV conference that incorrectly placed and labeled six African countries. The U.S. State Department apologized and said the error happened because someone quickly changed the presentation slide before the event.

Key Facts

  • The wrong map was shown during a U.S. presentation about HIV programs at a conference in Brazil.
  • Six African countries were mislabeled or placed incorrectly, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Uganda, and Cameroon.
  • The map had distorted shapes and wrong locations for these countries.
  • The State Department said it was an “unfortunate error” and took full responsibility.
  • The mistake happened when a team member rushed to change the slide before the talk.
  • An expert shared the wrong map photo online, leading to criticism.
  • The image on the map had an AI watermark, showing it was partly created with artificial intelligence.
  • This happened during a time when the Trump administration reduced U.S. foreign aid for global health.
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BBC Top Stories
Governors are putting early childhood education ahead of partisanship

Governors are putting early childhood education ahead of partisanship

July 31, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Governors from different political parties in some states are working together on early childhood education. This issue brings them together more than politics usually does.

Key Facts

  • Early childhood education is a focus for governors in several states.
  • Governors from different parties support this issue.
  • This cooperation is uncommon compared to other political topics.
  • The cooperation helps avoid confusion or frustration among voters.
  • Early childhood education is seen as important across political lines.
  • The article highlights unity rather than political conflict on this matter.
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The Hill
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