Newly released documentary footage shows Senator Lindsey Graham's close involvement with President Donald Trump and other world leaders during debates over military action against Iran. The footage reveals Graham’s strong support for war with Iran, his relationships with key figures like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and his changing opinions about the conflict.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham recently passed away, and this documentary footage covers three years of his political activities.
The footage was filmed by Alex Holder and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Graham spoke on calls with President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and former U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
Netanyahu persuaded Graham not to push President Trump to extend military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Graham celebrated the start of U.S. strikes on Iran and said that President Trump was very pleased with the military action.
He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was treated with respect similar to that given to a head of state.
Graham criticized two of Trump’s aides, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, saying they were conflicted and ineffective in Middle East diplomacy.
Graham’s prediction that the war with Iran would quickly lead to widespread changes did not happen as he expected.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to open five city-owned grocery stores, one in each borough, offering a 30% discount on meat, produce, and other kitchen staples. The first store is expected to open in the Bronx by late 2027, with all five operational by the end of his term.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a plan for city-run grocery stores to offer food at 30% below market price.
The stores aim to help New Yorkers afford groceries amid rising food prices in an expensive city.
Five stores will open, one in each of the five boroughs of New York City.
The first store will open in the Bronx by the end of 2027.
The city will provide the storefronts and pay rent and property taxes; private operators will run the stores.
The stores will not sell hot food, beer, or cigarettes to avoid harming private store businesses like bodegas.
Some local grocery and corner store owners worry the discounts will hurt their business.
Mamdani sees the stores as a way to guarantee affordable food for working-class New Yorkers.
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A new platform from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) calls for major changes to the U.S. government, including replacing the Senate and presidential system with new structures and expanding voting rights. Republicans are using this platform to criticize Democrats, labeling them as extremists ahead of upcoming elections, although not all Democrats or progressive candidates support the DSA’s full agenda.
Key Facts
The DSA released a platform called "Workers Deserve More" proposing a new U.S. constitution and structural government changes.
Proposed changes include abolishing the Senate, replacing the president and Supreme Court with Congress-appointed leaders, and extending voting rights to all permanent residents.
The platform also suggests public ownership of large corporations and ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions.
Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Ted Cruz, have condemned the platform and called Democrats communists.
The GOP uses the DSA platform to argue Democrats are too extreme, aiming to influence voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Not all Democratic candidates support or align with the DSA platform, and the Democratic Party remains divided between progressive and moderate wings.
President Donald Trump has resumed rhetoric calling Democrats communists who threaten traditional American values.
The DSA co-chair confirmed parts of the platform but noted some proposals are long-term goals rather than immediate plans.
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Democratic insiders name several top potential candidates for the 2028 presidential primary, led by Vice President Kamala Harris. Other strong contenders include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gavin Newsom, and a possible moderate candidate from the party establishment.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris is the frontrunner among Black voters, a key group in the Democratic primary.
Harris performed better in the 2024 campaign than in 2020 and is working to be more genuine in 2028.
South Carolina will be the first Democratic primary state in 2028, which may help Harris.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is seen as Bernie Sanders' successor and could raise large funds if endorsed by him.
Gavin Newsom is considered skilled and has strong Silicon Valley connections but faces challenges due to his California background.
A moderate, center-left candidate is expected to emerge, with possible contenders like Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore.
There is uncertainty about how much support a moderate candidate will attract amid current political anger.
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James Carville, a Democratic political strategist, said on Sunday that David Hogg, a former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), should replace the current DNC chair, Ken Martin. He described the DNC as not working well and shared his thoughts in a video on YouTube.
Key Facts
James Carville is a Democratic political strategist.
Carville said David Hogg should become the new chair of the DNC.
David Hogg previously served as vice chair of the DNC.
The current DNC chair is Ken Martin.
Carville called the DNC “dysfunctional,” meaning it is not functioning properly.
Carville made these remarks in a YouTube video.
Carville mentioned he was recovering from hernia surgery at the time.
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The Pentagon has changed the way it counts U.S. military deaths and injuries in the conflict with Iran by splitting casualties into two time periods: before and after July 7, when a ceasefire ended. This change has raised questions about how the Department of Defense is reporting the toll of the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) tracks American military deaths and injuries in the Middle East.
Since February, 18 U.S. service members have died and 624 have been injured in the Iran conflict.
The Pentagon now lists casualties separately for fighting from February to June and from July 7 onward.
July 7 marks the end of a ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump in June, followed by renewed U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
Four U.S. soldiers died after July 7, including three killed in a strike on a base in Jordan and one during a drone incident in Iraq.
Some lawmakers believe this split may be used to avoid needing Congress’s approval for ongoing military actions.
Congress recently voted to limit President Trump’s authority to conduct war against Iran, reflecting growing political opposition.
Critics say separating casualty counts treats the conflict as two separate wars instead of one continuous fight.
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Andy Burnham has appointed three members of Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group as parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs) for the first time. The new chief whip, Anneliese Midgley, said PPSs will have bigger roles, including media work and helping shape government policy. Burnham aims to unify different parts of the Labour Party by including both leftwing and centrist members in government roles.
Key Facts
Three Socialist Campaign Group members were appointed as PPSs: Olivia Blake (local government), Mary Kelly Foy (housing), and Steve Witherden (energy).
PPS is the lowest government role, often given to rising MPs to help connect government and backbenchers.
Appointments were made with input from cabinet ministers.
Burnham wants to reduce divisions in the Labour Party and build a team from different political views.
PPSs will have more chances to do media appearances and participate in parliamentary work.
Burnham’s own PPS is veteran MP Sir Nic Dakin, who helps with key tasks like preparing for prime minister’s questions.
Some MPs expressed disappointment over many new MPs losing their PPS positions, including Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman PPS to a prime minister.
Midgley called for creating a culture of “one Labour team” to support the prime minister’s agenda.
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A New York school district paused its plan to introduce a humanoid robot in a high school after facing criticism from teachers and the community. The district is now working on stronger student privacy rules and talking with local people before moving forward.
Key Facts
The Salamanca City Central school district planned to use a robot named Sally at its high school.
Sally is a $58,000 humanoid robot made by Realbotix, meant to interact with students using natural conversations and facial expressions.
Realbotix previously bought a company that makes sex dolls, which caused concern among teachers.
The New York State United Teachers union opposed the plan, saying students need real human teachers, not robots.
Teachers worried about data privacy and how the robot’s software would handle student information.
Some community members criticized the choice to test the robot in a school with a large Native American population due to historical trauma.
The school district said it will pause the project while updating privacy agreements and involving the community more.
Realbotix’s CEO said they want the robot program to be safe, approved by the district, and helpful to teachers and students.
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A measles outbreak in the United States has raised concerns about low vaccination rates. Experts say misinformation about vaccines is a major reason why fewer people are getting vaccinated, which helps the disease spread.
Key Facts
Measles cases are increasing in the U.S. due to low vaccination rates.
Vaccine misinformation is causing some people to avoid getting vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented with vaccines.
Public health officials warn that outbreaks can grow if vaccination rates stay low.
Experts encourage people to trust science and get vaccines to stop the spread.
The outbreak highlights the importance of strong immunization programs.
Preventing measles requires widespread vaccination to protect the whole community.
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Lawyers for Andrew and Tristan Tate will meet with federal prosecutors in Miami to arrange dates for their fight against extradition to the U.K., where they face charges of rape and sex trafficking. The Tate brothers deny wrongdoing and are currently held in federal detention.
Key Facts
Andrew and Tristan Tate are social media influencers with dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship.
They are accused in the U.K. of rape, assault, human trafficking, and related offenses spanning from 2010 to 2017.
New charges involve four additional accusers beyond earlier allegations.
The brothers were arrested in July 2023 in the U.S., shortly after moving from Romania.
Their lawyers say the extradition attempt is politically motivated and claim innocence.
The Tates have millions of social media followers and are known for promoting controversial views on gender and society.
The White House has stated it will not intervene in the extradition process.
Previous legal actions against the brothers in Romania have stalled due to procedural issues.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, keeping clocks an hour ahead all year. Some religious groups, especially Orthodox Jews, are concerned this change would delay sunrise in winter and disrupt their morning prayers and routines.
Key Facts
The Sunshine Protection Act aims to stop changing clocks twice a year and keep daylight saving time year-round.
The House voted 308-117 in favor, and the bill is now before the Senate.
Permanent daylight saving time would give more daylight in the afternoon and evening during winter.
Orthodox Jews pray three times daily, with morning prayers needing to be done after sunrise but usually before work or school.
Making daylight saving time permanent would push sunrise an hour later in winter, making it harder for Orthodox Jews to pray in the morning on time.
Some locations like Indiana and Michigan would be more affected, with sunrise after 8 a.m. on many days in winter.
Christian groups are mostly unaffected since most do not have fixed daily prayer times around sunrise.
Religious organizations representing Orthodox Jews have expressed concern that the change could discourage synagogue attendance and disrupt religious rituals.
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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) owes $2 million. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s super PAC has $400 million. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has nearly $130 million available.
Key Facts
The DNC is $2 million in debt.
President Trump controls a super PAC with $400 million.
The RNC has close to $130 million in cash ready to spend.
The figures highlight the financial difference between the parties.
These amounts affect political campaign resources and spending.
The news was reported by The New York Times.
Super PACs are independent groups that raise money to support candidates.
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Senator Mitch McConnell is still in a rehabilitation center undergoing physical therapy and has not been cleared by doctors to leave. He will miss Kentucky’s annual Fancy Farm picnic but plans to return to the Senate and finish his term.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell, age 84, is currently in rehab receiving physical therapy.
He was hospitalized on June 14 due to a fall.
McConnell had polio as a child, which affects his mobility.
The Office of Attending Physician says he is not yet well enough to leave rehab.
McConnell will miss the Fancy Farm picnic, a key political event in Kentucky.
He is not running for re-election but plans to complete his current Senate term.
McConnell expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
His therapy includes multiple sessions daily to regain strength and prevent future falls.
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President Donald Trump asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune to cancel the Senate’s August break until the Senate passes a voting bill called the SAVE America Act. Thune said Republicans don’t have enough votes to pass the bill or to change Senate rules to pass it more easily.
Key Facts
President Trump demands the Senate stop its August recess until it passes the SAVE America Act, a voting law bill.
The SAVE America Act requires proof of citizenship to vote.
Senate Republicans hold a 53-47 majority but need 60 votes to overcome the filibuster, a rule that slows legislation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the GOP lacks enough votes to pass the bill or change filibuster rules.
House Republicans passed a budget framework with $10 billion for voting changes tied to the SAVE Act, hoping to use budget rules to pass the bill with a simple majority.
Thune also says Republicans don’t have the votes to pass the bill through budget reconciliation.
Some Republican senators, like Mike Lee, want the bill passed and warn it could affect GOP leadership and midterm election results.
The Senate’s August break is important for senators to campaign before the midterm elections.
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James Comey, former FBI Director, asked a judge to dismiss federal charges against him related to a photo he posted on social media. The photo showed seashells arranged to represent "86 47," which prosecutors say was a threat against President Donald Trump, but Comey’s lawyers say it was protected political speech.
Key Facts
James Comey is charged with making a threat against President Donald Trump through a social media photo.
The photo showed seashells arranged to mean "86 47," a phrase commonly used to mean "get rid of" or "eject."
Comey’s lawyers say the photo is political speech protected by the First Amendment (freedom of speech).
The government must prove that Comey intended the photo as a real threat, but no clear evidence of intent has been shown.
Comey was previously investigated and charged but had another case dismissed due to issues with the prosecutor’s appointment.
President Trump fired Comey in 2017 and has publicly criticized him since then.
The case is seen by some as part of a wider effort by the Trump administration’s Justice Department to target its critics.
The acting Attorney General said they plan to prove intent with witnesses and documents.
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Federal prosecutors have asked to drop the charge against David Huerta, a California labor union leader who was arrested while protesting immigration enforcement. Huerta was charged with interfering with a federal search but has complied with bond terms, and the case is expected to end soon.
Key Facts
David Huerta is president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California.
He was arrested in June 2025 during a protest against immigration actions in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss charges against Huerta on June 9, 2025.
The original felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor in October 2025.
Huerta was charged with interfering with a judicial search warrant.
Prosecutors said they do not arrest people for peaceful protests.
Huerta has followed all pretrial release conditions and is expected to have charges fully dismissed soon.
SEIU California has over 750,000 members including janitors and security officers.
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A man in Michigan killed his wife and six children before taking his own life. Their bodies were found after a fire was set in their home, which is still under investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Grand Haven Township, Michigan.
The family included a man, his wife, and six children aged 5 to 15.
All family members died from gunshot wounds.
The man, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, killed his family and then himself.
A fire was set in multiple parts of the home after the killings.
The family pets also died in the fire.
Amanda Karolkiewicz, the wife, was known to be a substitute teacher praised for her care toward students.
Officials continue to investigate how the fire began.
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Seattle police are looking for a second suspect connected to a deadly shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to find those responsible.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred at a food festival in Seattle near the Space Needle.
The shooting resulted in at least one death.
Police have identified and are searching for a second suspect.
The investigation is ongoing.
The incident took place during a public event with many attendees.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing new signs near the National Museum of American History. These signs will warn visitors about what the White House calls "ideological capture," accusing the museum of sharing a biased view of American history. Museum officials disagree with these claims and say they present accurate and fair information.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order for signage outside the National Museum of American History.
The signs will warn visitors of "ideological capture," a term used by the White House to criticize the museum’s presentation of history.
A July 4 White House report accused the museum of promoting "a radical view of American history."
The report lists examples of exhibits the White House considers "radical activism."
The Department of the Interior and National Park Service were ordered to install these signs on public walkways near the museum.
New signage will also correct information about the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, whom the White House says the museum did not properly honor on the 250th anniversary.
National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig testified before Congress opposing the White House’s report, stating the museum remains neutral and accurate.
The Smithsonian is reviewing the report’s claims but says it does not fairly represent their work.
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With less than 100 days before the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats face a tough challenge to win control of the U.S. Senate. Polls show close races in states like Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, and Texas, but Republicans currently hold a Senate majority and are favored to keep control.
Key Facts
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Democrats are targeting Republican-held seats in Maine and North Carolina as key opportunities to flip the Senate.
Republicans are aiming to win Democratic-held seats in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped amid concerns about the economy and inflation.
Recent polls show Democrats leading in the generic ballot by 8 to 11 points.
Prediction markets currently give Republicans a 55-56% chance of keeping control of the Senate.
Alaska has been a Republican state since 1964, but Democrat Mary Peltola’s candidacy has raised hopes for Democrats there.
Democrats need to win seats in states with strong Trump support to gain a Senate majority.
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