The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US politicians and foreign leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

US politicians and foreign leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

July 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 from a brief illness, reported as cardiac arrest. He was recognized for his strong influence on US foreign policy, especially regarding Iran, the Supreme Court, and support for Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina, aged 71 at his death.
  • He died suddenly from a brief illness, reportedly cardiac arrest, near his Washington DC home.
  • President Donald Trump and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster publicly honored Graham’s legacy.
  • Graham had a strong hawkish stance on Iran and helped shape a conservative US Supreme Court.
  • He visited Ukraine ten times during the war with Russia and advocated for bipartisan US support.
  • Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy called Graham a defender of freedom and highlighted their recent meetings.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Graham’s dedication to US-Israel security ties.
  • NATO Secretary General and German Chancellor also expressed grief and recognized his support for Western alliances.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.

Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.

July 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to build a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Veterans and preservation groups are suing over its impact on historic Washington, D.C. landmarks and lack of public input, while Trump pursues many projects reshaping the city.

Key Facts

  • The proposed arch would be taller than most buildings in Washington, D.C., located near Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Veterans suing the administration feel the arch is disrespectful to those buried at Arlington.
  • Critics say the arch will block important historic views, such as between Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
  • President Trump has initiated multiple projects, including resurfacing the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool and planning a "Garden of Heroes" with 250 sculptures.
  • Trump demolished the White House East Wing last year and added his name to the Kennedy Center, which a judge later ordered to be removed.
  • Preservation experts say Washington, D.C.’s historic design is carefully planned and new projects risk damaging its symbolic and visual integrity.
  • Several lawsuits have been filed over Trump’s projects, citing lack of public input, Congressional approval, and the use of no-bid contracts.
  • Some completed projects, like the Reflecting Pool resurfacing, have had problems such as sealant failure and algae growth.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Scott on Graham death: ‘America’s lost a true statesman’

Scott on Graham death: ‘America’s lost a true statesman’

July 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Tim Scott expressed sorrow after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, calling him a true statesman and a friend. Scott said Graham's passing is a reminder of the fragility of life.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died.
  • Senator Tim Scott, also from South Carolina, spoke about Graham's death.
  • Scott described Graham as a true statesman, meaning a respected and experienced leader.
  • Scott called Graham his friend and said he feels mourning.
  • Scott’s comments were made publicly on a Sunday.
  • The event highlights the importance of valuing life and leadership.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
MAGA More Motivated Than Democrats for 2026 Midterms: Poll

MAGA More Motivated Than Democrats for 2026 Midterms: Poll

July 12, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A recent poll shows that supporters of President Donald Trump’s "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement are more eager to vote in the 2026 midterm elections than Democrats or traditional Republicans. However, more people currently say they would vote for Democratic candidates, despite higher enthusiasm among MAGA voters.

Key Facts

  • The poll surveyed 1,019 registered voters between July 9 and 10.
  • 75% of MAGA supporters said they are "definitely going to vote" in the 2026 midterms.
  • 70% of traditional Republicans and 63% of Democrats said the same.
  • When combining likely voters ("definitely" and "probably" voting), 85% of MAGA supporters planned to vote compared to 78% of Democrats and traditional Republicans.
  • Only 1% of MAGA supporters said they would definitely not vote, versus 7% of Democrats and Independents.
  • Despite higher MAGA enthusiasm, 44% of respondents said they would vote for a Democrat if the election were today, compared to 41% for a Republican.
  • When forced to choose between Democrat or Republican, 52% favored Democrats and 48% favored Republicans.
  • The poll shows enthusiasm but does not guarantee actual voter turnout or election results.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Remembering tenacious, ubiquitous Lindsey Graham

Remembering tenacious, ubiquitous Lindsey Graham

July 12, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died suddenly at age 71. He was known for his long career in Washington, close friendship with Senator John McCain, and for working closely with President Donald Trump during his time in office.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham died at 71 due to a brief and sudden illness.
  • He first became well-known in 1999 during President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial.
  • Graham was elected to the Senate in 2002 and supported President George W. Bush.
  • His closest friend in the Senate was John McCain, with whom he shared similar political views.
  • Graham was known for being friendly with reporters and telling stories from South Carolina.
  • During President Trump's term, Graham worked closely with him and often aligned on issues like Iran.
  • Graham pushed for stronger sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, unlike Trump who preferred engagement options.
  • He remained active and communicative with the media until shortly before his death.
Read the Original

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

Axios
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a 'brief and sudden illness,' his office says

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a 'brief and sudden illness,' his office says

July 12, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of President Donald Trump and an influential voice on U.S. foreign policy, has died after a brief and sudden illness at age 71. He was known for his strong support of U.S. military actions abroad and his role advising the Trump administration on issues like Iran and Russia.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly following a brief illness.
  • Graham was 71 years old and represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
  • He was a close adviser to President Trump on foreign policy matters.
  • Graham had just returned from Ukraine and was involved in arranging new sanctions against Russia.
  • He served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee during President Trump’s second term.
  • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement until the next election.
  • Graham was initially a critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign but became one of Trump’s top allies after the election.
  • He was part of the Senate "Three Amigos" group known for pushing strong military and foreign policy views.
Read the Original

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

PBS NewsHour
Lindsey Graham, longtime Republican senator, dies at 71 after 'brief and sudden illness'

Lindsey Graham, longtime Republican senator, dies at 71 after 'brief and sudden illness'

July 12, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-serving Republican from South Carolina and close ally of President Donald Trump, died at age 71 after a sudden illness caused by a rupture in his aorta. Graham was known for his strong support of U.S. military intervention and played a key role in foreign policy and budgeting during Trump’s presidency.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham died on Saturday night from an aortic dissection caused by hardened arteries.
  • He was 71 years old and served more than 30 years in Congress.
  • Graham was a close advisor to President Trump and frequently communicated with him.
  • President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening in honor of Graham.
  • Graham was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and supported aggressive U.S. foreign policies.
  • He traveled often with Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman as the "Three Amigos" to promote foreign policy.
  • South Carolina's governor will appoint a temporary replacement until a special primary and November’s general election.
  • Graham originally criticized Trump during the 2016 campaign but later became one of his top allies in the Senate.
Read the Original

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

PBS NewsHour
A child transforms a North Carolina neighborhood

A child transforms a North Carolina neighborhood

July 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A four-year-old boy named Roman Butzlaff in Concord, North Carolina, greeted his neighbors with waves and hellos. His friendly behavior helped bring the neighborhood closer and created a sense of community among the residents.

Key Facts

  • Roman Butzlaff is four years old and lives in Concord, North Carolina.
  • He waves and says hello to people who pass by his house.
  • His simple gestures have helped neighbors feel more connected.
  • The neighborhood feels more like a family because of Roman's friendliness.
  • The story was reported by Steve Hartman on CBS News.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Graham was scheduled to appear on ‘Meet the Press’ after Ukraine trip

Graham was scheduled to appear on ‘Meet the Press’ after Ukraine trip

July 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died suddenly on a Saturday night. He was supposed to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” after coming back from a trip to Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham was a Republican from South Carolina.
  • He died suddenly on a Saturday night.
  • He had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine.
  • Graham was scheduled to appear on the TV program “Meet the Press.”
  • The planned appearance would have been his 64th on the show.
  • Kristen Welker, the host of “Meet the Press,” shared this information online.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
What happens next after Lindsey Graham’s death? South Carolina law lays out the process

What happens next after Lindsey Graham’s death? South Carolina law lays out the process

July 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

South Carolina law sets rules for filling a U.S. Senate vacancy after Lindsey Graham’s death. The state allows a temporary appointment, followed by a special Republican primary, and then a general election in November to choose the next senator.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat in South Carolina is now vacant.
  • South Carolina law requires a temporary appointment to fill that vacancy.
  • A special Republican primary will be held to pick the party’s nominee for the Senate seat.
  • The general election in November will decide who serves the full Senate term.
  • This process is designed to ensure continuous representation for South Carolina.
  • The temporary appointee serves only until the elected senator takes office.
  • The law follows state guidelines for filling U.S. Senate vacancies.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
How white supremacists staged the only successful coup in U.S. history

How white supremacists staged the only successful coup in U.S. history

July 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

In 1898, white supremacists in Wilmington, North Carolina, violently overthrew the city’s legally elected government, which included Black leaders, in what is considered the only successful coup in U.S. history. This event led to the destruction of the city’s Black newspaper and the killing of Black citizens, dramatically changing Wilmington’s political landscape.

Key Facts

  • Wilmington, NC, was a prosperous city where Black and white leaders shared power before 1898.
  • White supremacists, mainly former slave owners, organized a campaign to remove Black political influence.
  • On November 10, 1898, a mob burned down The Daily Record, the city’s only Black-owned newspaper.
  • The mob killed at least three Black men immediately after a shot was fired during the takeover.
  • The coup resulted in the replacement of Wilmington’s elected government with white supremacist control.
  • The event is commemorated by a memorial with six bronze paddles in downtown Wilmington.
  • The story has been largely unknown and is being brought to light through education and a new book titled "They Stole a City."
  • Some local institutions, like Wilmington’s First Presbyterian Church, are working to acknowledge their links to this history.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Bill for Hillsborough Law set to be approved by MPs

Bill for Hillsborough Law set to be approved by MPs

July 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The UK Parliament is expected to approve the Hillsborough Law soon. This law will require public officials, including intelligence services, to be truthful in investigations, aiming to prevent cover-ups like those after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster where 97 fans died.

Key Facts

  • The Hillsborough Law aims to create a legal duty for public officials to tell the truth in inquiries and investigations.
  • The law was delayed earlier due to disagreements about including intelligence services in this duty of candour (a legal term for honesty).
  • A new amendment means intelligence services will not be exempt from this duty.
  • The Hillsborough disaster happened in 1989 at a football match and caused 97 deaths due to a crowd crush.
  • Police wrongly blamed Liverpool fans and hid evidence of their own mistakes after the disaster.
  • Fresh inquests in 2016 found that the police caused or contributed to the deaths unlawfully.
  • The law is seen as a lasting tribute to the victims and a way to ensure accountability and justice.
  • Key political figures have supported the bill, including Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham.
Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories
Nancy Mace eyes run for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Nancy Mace eyes run for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

July 12, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Rep. Nancy Mace is considering running for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. The governor will appoint a temporary replacement, and a special election will be held in August to choose the GOP nominee, who will face a Democratic candidate in November.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly from a quick illness.
  • South Carolina's governor will appoint a temporary senator until January 3.
  • A special election primary for the GOP nomination is scheduled for August 11.
  • The winner of the GOP primary will run against Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
  • Nancy Mace is thinking about running for this Senate seat.
  • Mace ran for this Senate seat in 2014 but lost in the primary.
  • She was elected to Congress in 2020 after serving in the state legislature.
  • Mace's team plans to conduct a poll soon to see if she can win.
Read the Original

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

Axios
Republican Lindsey Graham dies at 71: World leaders, US politicians react

Republican Lindsey Graham dies at 71: World leaders, US politicians react

July 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at 71 after a sudden illness. He was known as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, as well as a close ally of the US, Israel, Ukraine, and NATO.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham died after a brief and sudden illness, with emergency services called for a cardiac arrest at his home.
  • He was a longtime Republican senator and initially a critic of President Trump but became a loyal ally during Trump’s presidency.
  • Graham was a strong supporter of the US-Israel relationship and had close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • He traveled frequently to Ukraine and strongly supported Ukrainian defense during the war with Russia.
  • Graham was praised by President Trump, who called him a dedicated public servant and patriot.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called him a true friend of Germany and the transatlantic alliance.
  • Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Graham’s support for NATO and freedom.
  • Iranian state media expressed hostility to Graham, labeling him a warmonger opposed to Iran.
Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera
Colleagues, leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

Colleagues, leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

July 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died suddenly at age 71 due to a brief illness. President Donald Trump and other leaders praised Graham for his dedication and service.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina.
  • He died on Saturday from a brief and sudden illness.
  • He was 71 years old at the time of his death.
  • President Donald Trump called Graham one of the greatest people and senators he had known.
  • Tributes have come from colleagues and leaders recognizing Graham's hard work.
  • Graham was known for being active and committed in his role as senator.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Platner’s collapse doesn’t mean we should reject outsiders in politics | Bhaskar Sunkara

Platner’s collapse doesn’t mean we should reject outsiders in politics | Bhaskar Sunkara

July 12, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine Senate race after facing serious allegations he denies. His exit raises questions about the challenges outsiders face in politics, especially those not backed by traditional networks or big money.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner left the Maine Senate race amid a rape accusation, which he denies.
  • Some say his failure shows that people without political experience struggle in politics.
  • Established candidates often get support because they have money, connections, and know donors.
  • Most members of Congress come from professional backgrounds, not working-class jobs.
  • Studies show working-class voters prefer candidates with working-class jobs like teachers or construction workers.
  • Platner gained support because he sounded like an ordinary person and spoke about people feeling ignored by the party.
  • Another outsider, Dan Osborn, did well in Nebraska’s Senate race by criticizing wealthy elites.
  • Experts say the problem is not voters rejecting outsiders but the political system making it hard for them to compete.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US
Zohran Mamdani riding high despite New York Post’s daily demonization

Zohran Mamdani riding high despite New York Post’s daily demonization

July 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York City, has grown more popular despite daily negative coverage from the right-wing New York Post. He helped candidates he supported win congressional primaries, showing his increasing political influence.

Key Facts

  • The New York Post, owned by Rupert Murdoch, has criticized Mamdani extensively since his mayoral campaign began in late 2024.
  • Mamdani has been labeled by the Post with strong accusations such as being a communist and antisemitic.
  • A poll in June showed 58% of New Yorkers approve of Mamdani, higher than the approval for the Democratic party in the city.
  • Mamdani’s endorsed candidates won their congressional primaries in June.
  • The Post published 29 negative articles about Mamdani in three days earlier in the week.
  • Experts say Mamdani is unique because he does not seek the presidency and can focus on city issues.
  • Mamdani uses his own ways to communicate and connect with the public, reducing the Post’s influence.
  • Past mayors like Bill de Blasio faced more effective attacks from the Post, unlike Mamdani.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Trump praises Lindsey Graham as ‘one of the greatest people I have ever known’ after senator dies of sudden illness – live

Trump praises Lindsey Graham as ‘one of the greatest people I have ever known’ after senator dies of sudden illness – live

July 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly after a brief illness. President Donald Trump praised Graham as one of the greatest people he has known and said funeral details will be shared later.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died from a sudden illness, with emergency responders performing CPR after he suffered cardiac arrest.
  • Graham grew up in South Carolina, was the first in his family to attend college, and served as an Air Force lawyer and in the Air National Guard.
  • He was elected to the House in 1994 and the Senate in 2002, becoming known for strong support of U.S. foreign military actions.
  • Graham initially criticized Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries but later became a close ally and key foreign policy adviser.
  • He defended Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
  • After the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, Graham briefly distanced himself from Trump but did not support convicting him at impeachment.
  • Graham endorsed President Trump for the 2024 election.
  • His death marks the loss of the last member of the Senate trio known as the “three amigos,” along with Joe Lieberman and John McCain.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
What Lindsey Graham's Death Means for South Carolina's Senate Race

What Lindsey Graham's Death Means for South Carolina's Senate Race

July 12, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died suddenly, creating an open Senate seat and a vacancy for the upcoming election ballot. South Carolina law sets a temporary appointment by the governor and a special primary election process to choose the new Republican nominee before the November midterms.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71 after a brief illness.
  • He had served in the Senate since 2003 and was running for a fifth term.
  • Governor Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement to serve until after the next election.
  • A special primary election will be held on August 11 to select the permanent Republican nominee.
  • Candidates can file to run from July 21 to July 28.
  • If no candidate gets more than half the vote, a run-off will occur on August 25.
  • Votes cast for Graham on the ballot after his death will count for the new nominee.
  • The final nominee must be certified by October 20 to appear on the November ballot.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
New anti-racism standard will force Australian universities to use definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia

New anti-racism standard will force Australian universities to use definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia

July 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Australian universities will be required to adopt new rules on defining and preventing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people starting in 2027. These rules include clear complaint processes and greater transparency about university leadership and spending, with enforcement by a government agency.

Key Facts

  • The new anti-racism standards become mandatory on January 1, 2027.
  • Universities must use definitions for antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism targeting First Nations peoples.
  • Universities can use their own definitions of antisemitism and are not forced to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition.
  • The standards require universities to have transparent complaint processes and provide guidance for students and staff.
  • A government audit found many universities were not properly following existing definitions of antisemitism.
  • The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) will enforce the standards and can fine or deregister universities.
  • The federal government plans to strengthen TEQSA’s enforcement powers with new laws.
  • These measures follow a government plan made after the Bondi massacre and a report finding systemic racism on Australian campuses.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World