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Tariff threats, Pan Am wreckage, most powerful passports: Catch up on the day’s stories
Summary by The El Paso Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by CNN Newsource , KVIA ABC-7
· July 21, 2026
· 3 min read
By Daniel Wine, CNN Welcome to 5 Things PM! My, how the mighty have fallen. The US used to have the world’s most powerful passport but has been on a slow and steady decline, and now an Asian country holds the top spot. Check out the rankings . Here’s what else you might have missed during your bu...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The El Paso Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting CNN Newsource, KVIA ABC-7 Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
Every story comes with a passport. How we work · Corrections log
Key takeaway 5 things 1⃣ Tariff threats President Donald Trump’s planned 50% tariff on Canadian imports would be one of the steepest since the Supreme Court struck down his most sweeping duties.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The decline of the US passport's power has significant implications for El Paso residents who frequently cross the border for business, education, or family visits. As the city's economy is closely tied to international trade, particularly with Mexico, any changes in tariff policies or trade agreements can have a direct impact on local businesses and jobs. The potential 50% tariff on Canadian imports, as threatened by President Trump, may not directly affect El Paso's trade with Mexico, but it sets a precedent for future trade negotiations and could lead to retaliatory measures that harm local industries. Furthermore, the city's unique location on the US-Mexico border makes it a hub for international travel and commerce, making the strength of the US passport a crucial factor in facilitating the flow of people and goods across the border. El Pasoans should closely monitor these developments and their potential effects on the local economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Daniel Wine, CNN Welcome to 5 Things PM! My, how the mighty have fallen. The US used to have the world’s most powerful passport but has been on a slow and steady decline, and now an Asian country holds the top spot. Check out the rankings . Here’s what else you might have missed during your bu...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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