US News

Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey denied medical release from prison

July 31, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

An Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, who was convicted of killing Sonya Massey, was denied early medical release from his 20-year prison sentence despite having advanced cancer. The prisoner review board unanimously rejected his request, stating the medical condition was already considered at sentencing.

Key Facts

Sean Grayson was convicted in October of second-degree murder for killing Sonya Massey.
Massey, a Black woman, was shot after calling 911 about a possible prowler in her home.
Grayson had colon cancer before the shooting and it had spread to his liver and lungs by January 2024.
The Illinois prisoner review board voted unanimously to deny Grayson’s early medical release.
Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence for his crime.
Grayson claimed Massey attacked him with boiling water, but bodycam footage contradicted this.
Sonya Massey’s family and their attorneys supported the denial of early release.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called Massey’s killing a serious loss and emphasized the need for justice.

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Guardian World

Epstein survivor Dani Bensky calls Todd Blanche "walking perjury"

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse went to Capitol Hill to ask senators not to approve Todd Blanche as attorney general. Dani Bensky, one of Epstein’s survivors, spoke out against Blanche, calling him "walking perjury" because of concerns about his truthfulness and suitability for the job.

Key Facts

Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse are lobbying senators in Washington, D.C.
They want senators to reject Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, publicly criticized Todd Blanche.
Bensky called Todd Blanche "walking perjury," implying he is not truthful.
The nomination is currently being considered by U.S. Senators.

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CBS News

"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Aug. 2, 2026

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The guests for the August 2, 2026 episode of CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" have been announced. They include lawmakers from both parties, a CEO of a tech company, and an independent former senator.

Key Facts

The program airs on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona will be a guest.
Republican Representative Mike Turner from Ohio will appear.
Clément Delangue, CEO of the tech company Hugging Face, is a guest.
Independent former Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia will join the show.
Heather Manchin, founder and CEO of Americans Together, is also a guest.
The show airs on CBS News at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
It also streams at 12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com.

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CBS News

Trump blames Minnesota, not Iran, for cyberattack on water systems

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. government is looking into whether Iran caused a cyberattack on water systems in seven states, including Minnesota. Over 30 community water systems in Minnesota were affected. President Donald Trump said Minnesota, not Iran, is to blame for the attack.

Key Facts

There was a cyberattack on water systems in seven U.S. states.
More than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were affected.
The U.S. government is investigating if Iran is behind the attack.
President Donald Trump said Minnesota, not Iran, should be blamed.
The attack targeted the systems that manage water supply.
Homeland security officials are involved in the investigation.

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CBS News

ICE Detainee Diagnosed With Leukemia Dies After Transfer From Detention

July 31, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Prisciliano Trejo Ricano, a 29-year-old man from Mexico, died shortly after being released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention in Georgia. He was diagnosed with leukemia while in custody and had been arrested for driving-related offenses before being transferred to ICE.

Key Facts

Prisciliano Trejo Ricano died on July 22 after spending about three weeks in ICE custody.
He was released from ICE detention on July 16 with an order of recognizance, meaning he was allowed to go free under certain conditions.
He was initially arrested in North Carolina on June 19 for driving while intoxicated (DWI), hit-and-run, no driver’s license, and driving the wrong way.
ICE took custody of him on June 25 and transferred him to the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia on June 27.
Trejo Ricano was diagnosed with leukemia during his time in ICE custody.
His family said he had been in the DACA program but did not renew his status last year.
The detention center is managed by CoreCivic, and the group expressed sadness over his death and said detainee safety is a priority.
At least 55 people have died in ICE custody under President Donald Trump’s current administration, with concerns about medical care in detention centers being raised.

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Newsweek

Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges

July 31, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, brother of the slain Mexican cartel leader "El Mencho," pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to conspiracy to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine. He faces at least 15 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation linked to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).

Key Facts

Antonio Oseguera Cervantes admitted to conspiring to bring large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.
His brother, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), was the leader of CJNG and was killed by the Mexican army in February.
The death of "El Mencho" caused violent protests and blockades across 20 Mexican states, resulting in over 70 deaths.
CJNG is one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by President Trump's administration in 2023.
Antonio faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and will be sentenced on November 13.
He was involved in trafficking approximately 992 pounds of cocaine and 99 pounds of methamphetamine from 1998 to 2022.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing a gun during the drug trafficking conspiracy.
The U.S. recently sanctioned more than 50 people and groups linked to CJNG, including its new leader Juan Carlos Gonzalez.

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CBS News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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