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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Analysis: Trump fumes as top allies back down on his personal battles

Analysis: Trump fumes as top allies back down on his personal battles

August 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

President Donald Trump has faced several recent setbacks, including the dropping of vandalism charges related to the Reflecting Pool and resistance to his choice for attorney general. Some close allies have moved away from his personal positions, creating political and legal challenges for him during his current term.

Key Facts

  • Charges against former Olympian David Hearn for damaging the Reflecting Pool were dropped by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
  • Pirro explained the damage was due to a poor repair job, not intentional vandalism.
  • President Trump strongly disagreed with the decision and criticized Pirro publicly.
  • Todd Blanche, Trump’s former criminal defense attorney, faced opposition in the Senate for his nomination as attorney general.
  • Senators from both parties blocked Blanche’s nomination partly over concerns about a proposed $1.8 billion fund for people claiming politically motivated prosecutions.
  • Blanche withdrew the fund proposal following the Senate’s demands, but President Trump said he would continue to push for the fund’s approval.
  • These events reveal divisions between President Trump and some of his closest allies and political supporters.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World BBC US
Contractors building border wall ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico

Contractors building border wall ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico

August 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Contractors building a border wall in New Mexico have been told by the Trump administration to stop drilling new water wells because the area is facing a drought. Local ranchers say the wells could take too much water, which they need to care for their cattle.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration is building a border wall across four states, with over $46 billion in federal funding.
  • Contractors in New Mexico have been ordered to stop drilling new wells due to drought concerns.
  • Water is needed for making concrete and controlling dust during wall construction.
  • Ranchers say water pumping for the wall could harm their cattle and their business.
  • One well being drilled was expected to pump 300 gallons of water per minute; by comparison, a rancher’s wells pump 3 to 7 gallons per minute.
  • The New Mexico state agency responsible for well permits said some wells were drilled without permission.
  • The wells are located on federally owned land called the Roosevelt Reservation, about 60 miles north of the border.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to work with local authorities to manage the groundwater use.
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AP News
Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit

Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Justice Department asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. The department said the lawsuit was filed too late under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which requires claims against the government to be filed within two years.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed by January 6 defendants claiming they were hurt by police use of force.
  • The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) gives a two-year deadline for filing claims against the government.
  • The alleged injuries happened on January 6, 2021, so the deadline to file was January 6, 2023.
  • The earliest claim filed by these plaintiffs was dated July 29, 2025, which is after the deadline.
  • The Justice Department said some claim forms were incomplete or missing signatures and documents.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche canceled an $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate allies of President Trump, but this does not stop payouts to convicted January 6 rioters.
  • A former Justice Department lawyer said the fund cancellation may not have a legal effect and could be brought back later.
  • Related events include a judge overturning convictions of Proud Boys members and Virginia passing a law about teaching January 6 in schools.
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CBS News
Alan Jones trial live updates: former radio broadcaster in Sydney court for day two of indecent assault case – latest news

Alan Jones trial live updates: former radio broadcaster in Sydney court for day two of indecent assault case – latest news

August 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Alan Jones, a former radio broadcaster in Sydney, is standing trial on 22 charges of indecent assault. The trial involves multiple complainants, with the first witness, known as J, testifying that Jones allegedly assaulted him when he was a teenager and also gave him money.

Key Facts

  • Alan Jones faces 22 charges of indecent assault.
  • The trial is happening in a local court in Sydney and is expected to last about four months.
  • Six complainants are expected to give evidence during the trial.
  • The first complainant, J, alleges the abuse began when he was 14 years old.
  • J says Jones gave him weekly payments and told him not to tell anyone because it was a gift.
  • J described several alleged incidents, including one in a hotel room and another while driving to Jones’s farm.
  • Jones denies all allegations and says they are false or distorted.
  • Jones’s defence claims the complainants were influenced by media rivals and questions their credibility.
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Guardian World
'Rape list' part of misogyny girls face at school

'Rape list' part of misogyny girls face at school

August 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Teenage girls in Tyneside have spoken out about serious violence and sexist abuse they face at school and online. They made a film showing the harmful language and a "rape list" created by boys, highlighting the need for better education and support to stop such behavior.

Key Facts

  • Girls in Tyneside reported threats of violence and rape disguised as jokes by boys at school.
  • A "rape list" ranking girls by boys caused fear and distress among the students.
  • The government plans new measures from September to help teachers combat misogyny in schools.
  • The North East region has the highest rate of violence against women and girls in England.
  • Experts warn that normalizing sexist attitudes can lead to abuse in young relationships.
  • Some girls feel worthless and scared because they do not know the true intentions of boys.
  • Charities say education is key to stopping the cycle of abuse starting from a young age.
  • The film made by the girls is shared with education officials to raise awareness and promote change.
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BBC Top Stories
7 times Trump walked back his threat of devastating strikes on Iran

7 times Trump walked back his threat of devastating strikes on Iran

August 03, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure multiple times during a five-month conflict but repeatedly paused or canceled these attacks while negotiations continued. His approach appears aimed at pressuring Iran to negotiate, though no lasting deal has been reached.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has made at least seven public threats to attack Iran’s civilian energy facilities.
  • The first threat came on March 21, 2026, targeting power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.
  • Two days later, he postponed strikes for five days following talks with Iran.
  • After the initial postponement, he extended the delay by another 10 days at Iran’s request.
  • On April 7, Trump warned of devastating consequences but then called off strikes in favor of a two-week ceasefire.
  • When no peace deal was finalized after two weeks, he announced an indefinite ceasefire.
  • Trump claims these pauses are part of a negotiation strategy to encourage Iran to seek peace.
  • White House officials warned the U.S. remains prepared for military action if necessary.
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ABC News
Senate overwhelmingly advances stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing shutdown

Senate overwhelmingly advances stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing shutdown

August 03, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Senate voted 89-4 to move forward with a temporary funding bill to prevent a government shutdown before the fall midterm elections. This vote allows lawmakers to begin debate on the bill that would keep the government funded for a short time.

Key Facts

  • The Senate voted to invoke cloture, which limits debate and moves the process forward.
  • The vote was 89 in favor and 4 against.
  • The bill is a continuing resolution (CR), which provides temporary government funding.
  • The goal is to avoid a government shutdown before the midterm elections in the fall.
  • This vote is the first major step in passing the funding bill.
  • The bill has bipartisan support, meaning members of both parties favor it.
  • The Senate now begins debating the details of the stopgap bill.
  • A government shutdown happens if funding is not approved in time.
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The Hill
There's a reason child vaccination rates are falling - and it's not social media

There's a reason child vaccination rates are falling - and it's not social media

August 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Child vaccination rates in the UK have dropped over the past 15 years. Health experts say this is mainly because of practical problems like parents struggling to get to clinics, not just because of anti-vaccine messages on social media.

Key Facts

  • Vaccination rates for children in England have fallen, with 81% receiving the four-in-one vaccine, down from 89% in 2014.
  • About 84% of children have received both MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines, down from 88% ten years ago.
  • A new walk-in vaccine clinic was opened in a vacant shop in Keighley, west Yorkshire, to make access easier for parents.
  • Social media anti-vaccine messages contribute to some vaccine hesitancy but are not the main reason for the drop.
  • One major issue is that parents, like new mother Lily, face challenges such as post-partum depression and difficulties traveling to appointments.
  • Some UK politicians are now discussing making childhood vaccinations mandatory.
  • Measles outbreaks have occurred in cities like Birmingham and London, and two children in England died of measles this year.
  • Immunizations, along with clean water and sanitation, have greatly reduced child deaths compared to before the 1800s.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
Pirro’s future in question amid break with Trump on Reflecting Pool

Pirro’s future in question amid break with Trump on Reflecting Pool

August 03, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and President Donald Trump have disagreed about how to handle the Reflecting Pool case, causing uncertainty about Pirro’s future relationship with the president. This disagreement happened after President Trump publicly criticized Pirro, despite their long friendship.

Key Facts

  • Jeanine Pirro is a U.S. Attorney who has known President Trump for decades.
  • They disagreed on the management of a legal matter called the Reflecting Pool case.
  • President Trump criticized Pirro on camera in the Oval Office.
  • Pirro visited the White House later the same evening.
  • The clash has created questions about Pirro’s position with President Trump going forward.
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The Hill
Petrol prices strain US households as oil giants Chevron, Exxon profits soar

Petrol prices strain US households as oil giants Chevron, Exxon profits soar

August 03, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized major U.S. oil companies Chevron and ExxonMobil for making large profits while Americans face high petrol prices. Chevron reported its highest quarterly earnings in six years, benefiting from high global oil prices and less dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Chevron and ExxonMobil made "too much money" in recent profits.
  • Chevron’s adjusted earnings per share were $6.06, totaling $12 billion in profits this quarter.
  • Oil prices rose due to tensions between the U.S. and Iran, affecting global supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Chevron relies mostly on American oil production (over 70%) and has less than 5% exposure to Middle Eastern oil.
  • Chevron rewarded workers with bonuses equal to half their monthly pay.
  • ExxonMobil posted $9.2 billion in profits, its best in four years, but below analysts’ predictions.
  • Valero Energy also reported record second-quarter profits of $3.7 billion.
  • U.S. petrol prices average $4.09 per gallon, significantly higher than $2.98 when the U.S. and Israel first struck Iran in February.
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Al Jazeera
Donald Trump Blames Big Oil as Gas Prices Threaten Republican Midterm Hopes

Donald Trump Blames Big Oil as Gas Prices Threaten Republican Midterm Hopes

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump has called on major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil to lower gasoline prices, criticizing them for making large profits during international conflicts that have raised fuel costs. His remarks come as many Americans face high gas prices ahead of the November midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump blamed big oil companies for high gasoline prices and urged them to reduce prices for consumers.
  • He responded to Chevron CEO Mike Wirth’s interview where the CEO did not credit Trump’s administration for the industry’s recent success.
  • Trump said Chevron and ExxonMobil are making too much profit and should share some money back with the public.
  • Major U.S. oil companies have seen strong profits due to higher crude oil prices from conflicts like the Iran war.
  • Chevron posted its highest quarterly earnings in over six years recently, while Valero Energy also reported strong profits.
  • The national average for gas prices remains above $4 per gallon, with some states paying even more, such as California.
  • Experts say global oil prices, influenced by international events and OPEC decisions, largely determine what consumers pay at gas stations.
  • Refiners can affect prices when supplies are tight, but many refineries are already working at near full capacity.
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Newsweek
NHS radiographers report rise in overt racist abuse by patients

NHS radiographers report rise in overt racist abuse by patients

August 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

NHS radiographers in the United Kingdom have reported a rise in racist abuse from patients, including name-calling and refusal of care based on skin color. A survey found many radiographers experienced or witnessed racism over the past 18 months, leading NHS leaders to call for zero tolerance of such behavior.

Key Facts

  • NHS radiographers have been called racist names like “monkeys” and “dirty foreigners” by some patients.
  • Some patients refused to be treated by black or Asian staff.
  • A survey of 381 radiographers showed a noticeable increase in racist incidents over 18 months.
  • Patients made offensive comments about immigration and job competition.
  • Some patients pretended not to understand radiographers who spoke with accents.
  • The NHS Race and Health Observatory calls for strict rules against racism in the NHS.
  • Past surveys show that racism toward NHS staff has increased significantly, including abuse and bullying.
  • NHS England says racist abuse is unacceptable and has plans to support affected staff and take actions against abusive patients.
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Guardian World
Man who killed top lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance

Man who killed top lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance

August 03, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Vance Boelter, who is serving two life sentences plus 40 years for killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, made his first appearance in state court on similar charges. He pleaded guilty to federal charges to avoid the death penalty and now faces state charges including murder and attempted murder.

Key Facts

  • Vance Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court to killing Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
  • Boelter received two life terms plus 40 years in federal prison.
  • He appeared in Minnesota state court for the first time on the same case, now facing state charges.
  • The state charges include two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty.
  • Minnesota abolished the death penalty in 1911 and has not had a federal death penalty case.
  • Boelter’s state court hearing was mostly procedural, with his attorney preparing for future arguments.
  • The shootings severely injured the Hortman family’s dog, which had to be put down.
  • Boelter’s next state court date is scheduled for September 2, 2026.
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ABC News
What we know about the In-N-Out Burger shooting suspect

What we know about the In-N-Out Burger shooting suspect

August 03, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A man named Chad Williams shot and killed three people outside an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho. He then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and police believe he acted alone. The police are still investigating the reason for the shooting.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened near an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho.
  • Chad Williams, 24 years old, was the suspect and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • Three people were killed, including an In-N-Out employee, and seven others were injured.
  • Williams attended the College of Southern Idaho but did not graduate.
  • He was once a student government senator but was impeached in 2023.
  • Police say the suspect acted alone.
  • An off-duty state trooper and a private citizen confronted the shooter, likely stopping more harm.
  • The FBI is helping local police with the investigation and asks for any videos or information about the shooting.
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ABC News
Blanche wins support from GOP holdouts after vowing to scrap 'anti-weaponization fund'

Blanche wins support from GOP holdouts after vowing to scrap 'anti-weaponization fund'

August 03, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made a deal with two Republican senators who were blocking his nomination to lead the Department of Justice permanently. Blanche agreed in writing that the DOJ will cancel a $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing weaponization, which might have been used to pay settlements to allies of President Donald Trump, including people involved in the January 6 events.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
  • He wants to become the permanent head of the Department of Justice.
  • Two Republican senators had threatened to block his nomination.
  • Blanche reached an agreement with these senators.
  • He agreed to end a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund.
  • The fund could have been used to settle claims for allies of President Trump.
  • Some potential beneficiaries were connected to the January 6 Capitol events.
  • This deal removed a major obstacle in Blanche’s confirmation process.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump comments on calls for Rep. Max Miller to resign amid abuse allegations

Trump comments on calls for Rep. Max Miller to resign amid abuse allegations

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Republican Representative Max Miller is being asked by many people to resign because of accusations that he abused his ex-wife and their child. President Donald Trump made a comment about these calls on Monday.

Key Facts

  • Max Miller is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • He is accused of abusing his ex-wife and their child.
  • There are increasing calls for Miller to resign from his position.
  • President Donald Trump spoke publicly about the situation on Monday.
  • The news was reported by CBS News and their correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
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CBS News
Cornyn and Tillis say they'll support Blanche for AG after rescinding "anti-weaponization fund"

Cornyn and Tillis say they'll support Blanche for AG after rescinding "anti-weaponization fund"

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Todd Blanche is closer to becoming the permanent attorney general after he withdrew a fund created by President Trump called the "anti-weaponization fund." This move helped him gain support from Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche is a candidate for permanent attorney general.
  • Blanche withdrew the "anti-weaponization fund" established by President Trump.
  • Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis now support Blanche.
  • The "anti-weaponization fund" was a program started by President Trump.
  • Blanche's action of rescinding the fund influenced key Republican support.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Nicole Sganga.
  • John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are influential Republican senators.
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CBS News
WATCH LIVE: Massachusetts' U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate

WATCH LIVE: Massachusetts' U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate

August 03, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton are debating in Massachusetts for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. The debate is set for 7 p.m. Eastern Time and takes place ahead of the September 1 primary election.

Key Facts

  • The debate lasts one hour.
  • It is the second debate between Markey and Moulton, following one in July.
  • The event is held at Boston 25 studios in Dedham, Massachusetts.
  • The debate is moderated by Kerry Kavanaugh from Boston 25 News and Adam Reilly from GBH politics.
  • The debate is part of the Democratic primary campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts.
  • The primary election will be held on September 1, 2024.
  • Viewers can watch the debate live online.
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PBS NewsHour
James Talarico Uses Trump's Own Words Against Texas Republicans' THC Ban

James Talarico Uses Trump's Own Words Against Texas Republicans' THC Ban

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico criticized a new Texas ban on certain THC products, saying it will push people to buy from illegal sources. He used President Donald Trump’s past statements supporting marijuana regulation to argue against the ban.

Key Facts

  • Texas recently banned the sale of THC products containing delta-8 and delta-10 variants.
  • THC products with delta-9 under 0.3 percent remain legal in Texas.
  • The ban was allowed after a Texas Supreme Court ruling classified these THC variants as Schedule I drugs.
  • Possessing banned THC products can lead to jail time and fines in Texas.
  • James Talarico, a Democrat, opposes the ban and says it benefits drug cartels by pushing sales underground.
  • Talarico quoted President Trump’s 2025 executive order supporting adult access to regulated marijuana products.
  • Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico’s Republican opponent, opposes marijuana decriminalization but hasn’t commented on the ban specifically.
  • Polls show Talarico leading or close to Paxton in the Texas Senate race ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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Newsweek
Manchin on supporting socialist candidate with ‘good ideas’: ‘Are you crazy?’

Manchin on supporting socialist candidate with ‘good ideas’: ‘Are you crazy?’

August 03, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia rejected the idea of supporting a socialist candidate. He made these remarks during an interview on CBS News’s "Face the Nation" amid growing attention to democratic socialists in U.S. politics.

Key Facts

  • Joe Manchin is a current U.S. senator from West Virginia.
  • He was formerly a senator and is now actively serving.
  • Manchin spoke on CBS News’s program "Face the Nation."
  • The interview included a question about supporting a socialist political candidate.
  • Manchin responded by firmly rejecting the idea.
  • The discussion happened as democratic socialist ideas gain attention nationally.
  • Manchin’s comments reflect his political position against socialist candidates.
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The Hill