Good morning. It's Thursday, July 23, 2026. The House of Representatives took decisive action on national security and farm aid by passing a budget resolution that opens the door to a $95 billion package to support the war with Iran and help farmers hurt by higher costs.
This move comes as tensions with Iran continue to rise and as diesel prices have jumped to five dollars and thirteen cents a gallon. The increase from three dollars and fifty six cents is tied directly to the conflict and is expected to push up the price of groceries and other goods that rely on trucking.
The Top Stories
The House passed a budget resolution by a vote of 216 to 214 that paves the way for a ninety five billion dollar package. The money would fund the ongoing war with Iran and provide aid to farmers facing higher fuel costs.
Lawmakers from both parties supported the measure even as two Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against it. Why it matters: This spending sets clear priorities for defense and agriculture at a time when energy prices are climbing and global tensions remain high.
The Pentagon also briefed a bipartisan group of House lawmakers on the latest developments with Iran. Officials shared details on the current military situation and possible next steps.
The briefing took place behind closed doors as lawmakers weigh further action. Why it matters: Direct communication between the Pentagon and Congress helps ensure lawmakers have the facts they need to make informed decisions on funding and strategy.
Diesel prices have risen to five dollars and thirteen cents per gallon. That is up from three dollars and fifty six cents before the conflict intensified. The higher cost of diesel affects trucking companies that move food and other essentials across the country.
Why it matters: Many families on fixed incomes will feel the impact at the grocery store and at the gas pump in the months ahead.
Washington & the Nation
The House passed a one point one five trillion dollar defense bill on Wednesday. The legislation includes stronger defense cooperation between the United States and Israel.
It now moves to the Senate for further action. Separately the House voted on the Stop Insider Trading Act. The bill would place tighter rules on stock trading by members of Congress and their families.
Supporters say it would restore public trust while opponents argue it could limit lawmakers access to important economic information. The measure still faces a difficult path before becoming law.
In Arizona Mark Lamb won the Republican primary for the Fifth Congressional District. He defeated Daniel Keenan who had centered his campaign on past allegations of misconduct against Lamb.
Lamb now advances to the general election. In Mississippi a state senator defended the local sheriff against criticism from the NAACP in the case of Nolan Wells. The senator called the accusations unfair and said local officials continue to support the sheriff and his investigators.
Around the World
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations criticized the mayor of New York City over comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ambassador rejected any suggestion that Netanyahu could face arrest if he visits the city.
The exchange highlights ongoing friction between some American local leaders and the Israeli government. In Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores now have a trial date of June first two thousand twenty seven in a United States federal court.
They face charges of drug trafficking. The long delay before trial reflects the complex legal and diplomatic issues involved in bringing a sitting head of state to justice in an American courtroom.
The Pentagon provided a detailed briefing to House lawmakers on the situation with Iran. Officials described current threats and the status of American forces in the region.
The closed door session came as lawmakers prepared to vote on additional funding for the conflict.
Your Money
Stock markets moved lower today. The Dow the S and P five hundred the Nasdaq and the Russell two thousand all finished the day down. Gold prices rose while oil prices also moved higher.
The yield on the ten year Treasury note sat near four point six seven percent. Diesel prices have climbed sharply to five dollars and thirteen cents a gallon because of the conflict with Iran.
That is an increase of one dollar and fifty seven cents from earlier levels. Higher diesel costs usually lead to higher prices for groceries and household goods because most of those items travel by truck.
The new budget resolution aims to provide relief to farmers who are also feeling the pressure from elevated fuel expenses. Families planning budgets for the rest of the year may want to watch fuel prices closely.
Even small increases at the pump can add up to hundreds of dollars over a year for people who drive regularly or rely on delivered goods.
Health & You
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level Two Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. Health officials report an outbreak of chikungunya a mosquito borne virus that causes fever joint pain and fatigue.
Adults over fifty are more likely to develop serious complications from the illness. Travelers to the area should use insect repellent wear long sleeves and pants and stay in air conditioned or screened rooms when possible.
People with existing health conditions should talk with their doctor before travel. Most people recover within a week but the joint pain can last for months in some cases.
Simple steps to avoid mosquito bites remain the best protection.
One Good Thing
A quiet act of neighborly help in rural New Mexico reminds us of the good in everyday life. When a local utility crew worked to safely remove a bear that had climbed a pole local residents brought water and shade for the workers during the hot day.
The small kindness helped the crew finish the job without incident and the bear was returned to the wild. Stories like this show that communities still pull together when challenges appear.
On This Day
In 1903, The Ford Motor Company sold its first automobile, the Model A. In 1962, Telstar relayed the first live transatlantic television broadcast between the United States and Europe.
In 1885, Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general and eighteenth president of the United States. In 1936, Don Drysdale, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
Higher fuel costs and global tensions will shape family budgets and national policy for months to come. Take time this week to review your own spending on gas and groceries.
Small changes such as combining errands or buying in bulk can stretch your dollars further. Stay informed about travel health notices if you have trips planned. Simple preparation protects your health and your wallet.
And that's the way it is.
Sources
- U.S. House of Representatives, 'Roll Call Votes,' July 22, 2026
- U.S. Department of Defense, 'Briefing to House Members on Iran,' July 2026
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 'Travel Health Notice - Costa Rica,' July 2026
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, 'Weekly Petroleum Status Report,' July 23, 2026
- U.S. Department of Justice, 'Sentencing in FEMA Fraud Case,' July 2026
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom