The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.”
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

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.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Data centers become flashpoint in gubernatorial races

Data centers become flashpoint in gubernatorial races

Summary

Data centers that support artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming a key issue in governor races across the United States. Both current governors and candidates are responding to public worries about AI, energy costs, and the use of land for these facilities.

Key Facts

  • Data centers house equipment that powers AI technology.
  • These centers require a lot of electricity and land.
  • Some people are concerned about how data centers affect energy prices.
  • Others are worried about the amount of land used for building these centers.
  • Governors and candidates must address these concerns during election campaigns.
  • The issue is gaining attention as AI becomes more common in everyday life.
  • The debate over data centers influences voters in many states.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Georgia teen charged in Apalachee High School shooting to appear in court for plea and sentencing

Georgia teen charged in Apalachee High School shooting to appear in court for plea and sentencing

Summary

A 16-year-old named Colt Gray is scheduled for a plea and sentencing hearing after being charged with killing four people in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia in September 2024. Colt Gray pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder, and the case will proceed without a plea deal, meaning a judge will decide the sentence.

Key Facts

  • Colt Gray, 16, is charged with killing two students and two teachers in a September 2024 school shooting in Georgia.
  • The shooting injured another teacher and eight students, seven of whom were shot.
  • Colt Gray pleaded not guilty and will have a plea and sentencing hearing starting July 24, 2024.
  • The hearing is a "non-negotiated plea," so there is no agreement on sentencing between defense and prosecutors.
  • Gray’s trial was moved from Barrow County to Columbia County about 100 miles away.
  • Colt’s father, Colin Gray, was convicted of second-degree murder for providing the assault rifle used in the shooting.
  • Investigators said Colt planned the shooting carefully, including leaving a notebook with instructions and a diagram.
  • Colt Gray was 14 when the shooting happened and was charged as an adult with 55 counts, including murder and aggravated assault.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

What is the process for filling Lindsey Graham's vacancy in the Senate?

What is the process for filling Lindsey Graham's vacancy in the Senate?

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly before the November election, creating a sudden vacancy. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement, and the state will hold a special Republican primary in August to select a candidate for the seat.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham was running for his fifth term in the Senate.
  • Graham died suddenly, causing a vacancy.
  • Governor Henry McMaster will appoint someone to finish Graham’s term.
  • Republican candidate filing opens July 21 and closes July 28.
  • A special GOP primary will take place on August 11.
  • If no candidate gets over 50%, a runoff is scheduled for August 25.
  • Potential candidates include Lt. Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
  • Congressman Joe Wilson will not run for the Senate seat and will stay in the House.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Rep. Mike Turner hopes passing Russia sanctions bill will be part of Lindsey Graham's legacy

Rep. Mike Turner hopes passing Russia sanctions bill will be part of Lindsey Graham's legacy

Summary

Republican Representative Mike Turner said the Senate passing a bill to sanction Russia should be part of Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy. Senator Graham supported the bipartisan bill shortly before he died on Saturday.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Mike Turner spoke about the Russia sanctions bill on the program "Face the Nation."
  • The bill targets Russia with sanctions, which are penalties or restrictions.
  • Lindsey Graham was a senator who helped push this bill with members from both parties.
  • Senator Graham died on Saturday before the bill passed in the Senate.
  • Passing this bill is seen as an important achievement linked to Lindsey Graham’s work.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.