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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Sen. Lindsey Graham's death elicits bipartisan outpouring of condolences

Sen. Lindsey Graham's death elicits bipartisan outpouring of condolences

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at 71 from a brief illness. His death led to condolences from President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, Vice President JD Vance, and international leaders, highlighting his long career in the Senate and his recent work supporting Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina who died suddenly at age 71.
  • President Trump called him "one of the greatest Senators" and ordered flags across the country to be lowered to half-staff until July 18.
  • President Biden and his wife Jill expressed shock and offered prayers to Graham’s family and supporters.
  • Vice President JD Vance noted Graham’s rise from humble beginnings and his dedication as a powerful lawmaker.
  • Graham had recently returned from his 10th visit to Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
  • Graham and other senators announced a deal on a Russian sanctions bill that he strongly supported.
  • Zelenskyy called Graham a defender of freedom and praised his efforts related to Ukraine.
  • Flags at the White House were also lowered to half-staff in Graham’s honor.
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South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace on Sen. Lindsey Graham's death: "We're all in shock"

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace on Sen. Lindsey Graham's death: "We're all in shock"

Summary

South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace spoke about the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham. She said that members of Congress are shocked by the news and reflected on Senator Graham’s impact in politics.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham passed away suddenly.
  • Representative Nancy Mace is from South Carolina, like Senator Graham.
  • She described the mood in Congress as shocked.
  • Nancy Mace spoke about Senator Graham’s influence in politics.
  • The information was shared during an interview with CBS News.
  • The death of Senator Graham has prompted reflection among lawmakers.
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Trump says he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham shortly before his sudden death

Trump says he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham shortly before his sudden death

Summary

President Donald Trump said he spoke with Senator Lindsey Graham shortly before Graham's sudden death. The news was reported on CBS News.

Key Facts

  • President Trump mentioned speaking with Senator Lindsey Graham shortly before his death.
  • Lindsey Graham was a longtime Republican senator.
  • Graham's death was sudden.
  • The information was shared on CBS News.
  • No further details about the cause or circumstances of death were provided in this article.
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Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next

Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina has died while in office. The state’s governor, Henry McMaster, will appoint someone to finish Graham’s term, and that person will likely have an advantage in upcoming elections to keep the seat.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham passed away unexpectedly while still serving.
  • Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a replacement to serve until January 3.
  • A special primary election is scheduled for August 11 to choose a candidate for the November election.
  • The appointed senator will have better chances due to name recognition and party support.
  • Congressman Joe Wilson has shown interest in the Senate seat.
  • Graham won his June primary with 57% of the vote despite several challengers.
  • Governor McMaster could appoint himself but may resign to let the lieutenant governor, Pamela Evette, make the appointment.
  • Historically, voters often remove appointed senators when they stand for election later.
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GOP senator says Graham ‘really felt he was making great strides’ on Russia sanctions bill before death

GOP senator says Graham ‘really felt he was making great strides’ on Russia sanctions bill before death

Summary

Senator Mike Rounds said that Senator Lindsey Graham believed he was making good progress on a bill to impose sanctions on Russia before he died. Senator Graham passed away at 71 after a brief and sudden illness.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham was working on a Russia sanctions bill.
  • Senator Mike Rounds said Graham felt optimistic about progress on the bill.
  • They attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey together recently.
  • Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71.
  • His death was caused by a brief and sudden illness.
  • Both senators are members of the Republican Party.
  • The news was reported shortly after Graham’s death.
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Scrapping early release for sex offenders could leave no capacity in jails, says David Lammy

Scrapping early release for sex offenders could leave no capacity in jails, says David Lammy

Summary

David Lammy, the UK justice secretary, says a plan to release some prisoners early, including serious offenders, must continue to avoid overcrowded jails. Some Labour MPs want to stop the plan, but Lammy and others warn prisons may run out of space soon.

Key Facts

  • More than 5,000 prisoners, including rapists and killers, will be eligible for early release from September.
  • Early release means prisoners can leave after serving half their sentence instead of two-thirds.
  • David Lammy says not continuing early release could cause almost full capacity in jails by November.
  • Some Labour MPs want to end the early release plan, especially if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister.
  • Lammy argues that prisons need this policy because building new prisons takes about seven years.
  • Lammy visited Wandsworth prison with Amber Rudd, who is leading a review on prison violence and drugs.
  • Amber Rudd plans to find long-term solutions and learn from other countries’ prison systems.
  • The review aims to balance public safety, prisoner management, and costs.
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Face the Nation: Emanuel, Turner, McKenzie

Face the Nation: Emanuel, Turner, McKenzie

Summary

Rahm Emanuel, Representative Mike Turner, and retired General Frank McKenzie appeared on CBS News' Face the Nation. They discussed current topics during the show.

Key Facts

  • Rahm Emanuel is a political figure who appeared on the show.
  • Mike Turner is a U.S. Representative who joined the discussion.
  • Frank McKenzie is a retired General featured in the program.
  • The appearance was part of the CBS News show Face the Nation.
  • Viewers could watch the full episode on the CBS News app or online.
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Maine Dems try to replace Platner: 'Grassroots energy ... needs to find a home'

Maine Dems try to replace Platner: 'Grassroots energy ... needs to find a home'

Summary

The Maine Democratic Party is working quickly to pick a new candidate for the U.S. Senate after Graham Platner withdrew from the race due to a sexual assault allegation he denies. The party plans to hold a convention by July 25 to choose a candidate before the July 27 deadline and aims to involve voters and local party members in the selection process.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner, the original Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, withdrew from the race following a sexual assault allegation he denies.
  • Platner faced other controversies, including explicit messages sent to women and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he said he covered up.
  • The Maine Democratic Party has about two weeks to select a new candidate before the July 27 deadline.
  • A 601-person party convention is scheduled for July 25 to pick the replacement candidate.
  • The convention will include 101 central committee members and 500 delegates from counties across Maine.
  • The party wants the selection process to be fair, transparent, and allow voter input through local meetings.
  • Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson believes the grassroots support for Platner’s campaign will still find a way to back the new candidate.
  • This Senate race is important because it may affect which party controls the U.S. Senate.
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Turner says he hopes Senate will pass Russia sanctions as part of Lindsey Graham's legacy

Turner says he hopes Senate will pass Russia sanctions as part of Lindsey Graham's legacy

Summary

Republican Rep. Mike Turner hopes the Senate will soon pass a Russia sanctions bill as part of Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy. The bill is meant to increase economic pressure on Russia to help end the war in Ukraine and has support from the White House and lawmakers from both parties.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham pushed for stronger Russia sanctions for over a year before his sudden death Saturday.
  • The sanctions bill targets countries that do business with Russia, including those buying Russian oil.
  • Graham worked with senators from both parties and the Trump administration to agree on the sanctions package.
  • Rep. Mike Turner, who was with Graham at a NATO summit and meeting with Ukraine’s president, called the bill an important symbol of support for Ukraine.
  • The House of Representatives has already passed a version of this legislation.
  • Rep. Michael McCaul plans to introduce a House bill to honor Graham by passing these sanctions.
  • Democratic senators Richard Blumenthal and Jeanne Shaheen also urged quick Senate approval.
  • The legislation has broad bipartisan backing and White House support, potentially allowing it to reach President Trump’s desk soon.
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Trump says he spoke with Graham before late senator’s death: ‘It could have been his last call’

Trump says he spoke with Graham before late senator’s death: ‘It could have been his last call’

Summary

President Donald Trump said he talked with Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina before Graham died on Saturday. Trump mentioned that Graham sounded a little tired but was focused on promoting the SAVE America Act.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham passed away on Saturday.
  • President Trump spoke with Senator Graham shortly before his death.
  • Graham sounded tired during the call, according to Trump.
  • Graham was actively supporting the SAVE America Act.
  • President Trump shared this information during an interview with NBC News.
  • The SAVE America Act is a piece of legislation that Graham was promoting strongly.
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Georgia teen to appear in plea hearing over 2024 school shooting that killed four people

Georgia teen to appear in plea hearing over 2024 school shooting that killed four people

Summary

A 16-year-old named Colt Gray is scheduled to appear in court on July 24 for a plea hearing related to a 2024 school shooting in Georgia that killed four people. Gray faces 55 criminal charges and is expected to enter a plea without a pre-arranged agreement on sentencing, leaving the judge to decide his punishment.

Key Facts

  • Colt Gray is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
  • He was 14 years old at the time of the shooting and is now 16.
  • Gray faces 55 charges, including malice murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault.
  • The plea hearing set for July 24 will be "non-negotiated," meaning no sentence agreement has been made between defense and prosecutors.
  • If found guilty of second-degree murder, Gray could face up to 30 years in prison; total sentences could add up to 180 years.
  • Gray’s father, Colin Gray, was convicted of second-degree murder for criminal negligence in giving his son access to the gun used.
  • The shooting involved a semiautomatic rifle Gray brought disguised on a school bus and used inside the school.
  • Four people were killed: two teachers (ages 39 and 53) and two students (both 14), with several others wounded.
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Transcript: Frank McKenzie on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 12, 2026

Transcript: Frank McKenzie on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 12, 2026

Summary

Retired General Frank McKenzie discussed the U.S. military's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz if President Donald Trump decides to use force. He highlighted that Iran typically only responds to strong military pressure and said that controlling the Strait or seizing Iranian territory could influence future negotiations.

Key Facts

  • General McKenzie is a retired commander of U.S. Central Command and president of The Citadel.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
  • The U.S. has the military capability to control or seize parts of the Strait of Hormuz if President Trump chooses to take that action.
  • President Trump prefers a diplomatic solution to the tensions with Iran but holds military options open.
  • Iranian leadership has resisted financial incentives and appears willing to endure hardship rather than make concessions.
  • Iran’s main goal in negotiations is regime survival, and it often delays talks by focusing on minor details.
  • Key issues for negotiation include freedom of navigation in the Strait, Iran’s ballistic missile program, and support for proxy groups.
  • The U.S. Navy is skilled but cautious about operating in narrow waters like the Strait of Hormuz.
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Nancy Mace eyes run to replace Graham in Senate

Nancy Mace eyes run to replace Graham in Senate

Summary

Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate seat left open by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. She plans to conduct polls soon to see how much support she has for a potential campaign.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has passed away, leaving his Senate seat open.
  • Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, is considering running for this Senate seat.
  • Mace made a light comment using the phrase “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) when asked about her interest.
  • She will conduct polls in the upcoming week to check voter support.
  • The seat will be filled through an election process following Graham’s death.
  • Nancy Mace currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • No formal campaign announcement has been made yet.
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Lindsey Graham: 'He was the one who justified Israel's actions'

Lindsey Graham: 'He was the one who justified Israel's actions'

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close advisor to President Donald Trump on foreign matters like Israel, Ukraine, and Iran, has died suddenly at age 71. Graham was known for supporting Israel and had a strong relationship with Trump, frequently visiting the White House.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a U.S. senator and ally of President Donald Trump.
  • He often advised President Trump on foreign policy issues.
  • His key focus areas included Israel, Ukraine, and Iran.
  • Graham supported Israel’s actions publicly.
  • He was a frequent visitor to the White House during Trump’s presidency.
  • Lindsey Graham died suddenly at the age of 71.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham “a great friend of Israel.”
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United States at 250: Seven tests of the American experiment

United States at 250: Seven tests of the American experiment

Summary

This article looks at seven important challenges facing the United States as it reaches 250 years. It discusses topics like the American Dream, culture, immigration, politics, freedom, artificial intelligence, and military power to see if the country can still fulfill its founding goals.

Key Facts

  • The United States is celebrating 250 years since its founding.
  • The article covers seven key themes about the country’s development and challenges.
  • One theme is the American Dream and what it means today.
  • Another area is the country’s cultural influence and power.
  • Immigration and the country’s political system with two main parties are also discussed.
  • The article talks about the costs involved in maintaining freedom.
  • It looks at the race to develop and control artificial intelligence (AI).
  • The U.S.’s dependence on military strength is examined.
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Maine Democrats Issue Update on Process to Replace Graham Platner

Maine Democrats Issue Update on Process to Replace Graham Platner

Summary

Maine Democrats are working quickly to choose a new candidate for the U.S. Senate race after Graham Platner left the contest following sexual assault allegations he denies. The party will hold a special convention on July 25 to pick the nominee, with several candidates preparing to join the race before the deadline on July 27.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegations, which he denies.
  • Major Democratic leaders stopped supporting Platner and urged him to quit the race.
  • The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. ET to submit a new nominee.
  • A nominating convention with 601 delegates will take place on July 25 in Bangor to select the candidate.
  • Delegates include 101 state committee members and 500 county-level members, chosen based on 2024 primary turnout.
  • Four candidates have officially declared, and four more are expected to file soon.
  • The party will hold county meetings on July 18 and 19 to elect delegates.
  • Voting at the convention will happen in rounds, eliminating the lowest vote-getter until one candidate wins a majority.
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Margaret Brennan: I spoke with Lindsey Graham a day before he died

Margaret Brennan: I spoke with Lindsey Graham a day before he died

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine, died shortly after his tenth trip to the warzone. Before his death, he discussed a new bill to punish countries buying Russian oil with financial penalties, hoping to get strong support from Congress.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a South Carolina Republican senator and supporter of Ukraine.
  • He took ten trips to the Ukraine warzone.
  • Graham had recently gotten approval from the Trump White House to push a bill targeting buyers of Russian oil with financial penalties.
  • He believed this bill would pressure China and India, the biggest buyers of Russian fuel.
  • Graham worked closely with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on this bipartisan effort.
  • Graham and Blumenthal had traveled in Europe to encourage European countries to stop buying Russian fuel.
  • Graham had also worked with President Biden on normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
  • After Graham’s death, Senate and House Republican leaders will decide whether to move forward with the bill.
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Shortly before Lindsey Graham's death, he was hopeful about new Russia sanctions bill

Shortly before Lindsey Graham's death, he was hopeful about new Russia sanctions bill

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed optimism about new bipartisan legislation to increase sanctions on Russia by targeting those who buy Russian oil. He shared these thoughts a day before his death.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died recently.
  • One day before he died, he spoke about a new Russia sanctions bill.
  • The bill aims to increase penalties on buyers of Russian oil.
  • The legislation has support from both major political parties.
  • Graham was hopeful about making progress on this bill.
  • This topic was discussed during an interview on "Face the Nation."
  • The sanctions target economic activities related to Russia’s oil exports.
  • The bill is intended to strengthen U.S. efforts against Russia.
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Lindsey Graham obituary

Lindsey Graham obituary

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina has died suddenly at age 71. He was known for his strong support of US foreign policy, especially against Russia, and for shifting from being opposed to President Donald Trump to becoming a close ally.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina for 24 years.
  • He visited Kyiv 10 times since Russia's 2022 invasion, supporting Ukraine.
  • He was a member and leader of important Senate committees like foreign relations and judiciary.
  • Graham was originally critical of President Trump but became a supporter after meeting him in 2017.
  • He worked with politicians from both parties on some issues but opposed gun control, healthcare reform, gay marriage, and abortion rights.
  • He played a key role in blocking President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee in 2016.
  • Graham maintained a close relationship with President Trump and was known as a pragmatic lawmaker.
  • He died suddenly shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine.
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Federal funding and science doubled life expectancy. We can’t do more with less.

Federal funding and science doubled life expectancy. We can’t do more with less.

Summary

The article warns that progress in public health, which has helped increase how long people live, is at risk of reversing. It suggests that cutting funding for scientific research and health programs could harm life expectancy gains.

Key Facts

  • Life expectancy has increased because of advances in public health and science.
  • Government funding supports scientific research and health programs.
  • Reducing this funding may stop or reverse improvements in how long people live.
  • Continued investment is important to maintain and build on current health progress.
  • Public health efforts include disease prevention, medical research, and health education.
  • The article highlights a risk of losing health achievements if resources decline.
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