American senator and attorney from South Carolina
Governor Andy Beshear has pressed for a direct public update on Mitch McConnell’s health, urging him to prove his capacity to serve or resign. The push follows McConnell’s hospitalization after a June 14 fall and limited public updates from his office. Several lawmakers stress transparency amid ongoing questions about the senator’s ability to return to the Senate.
Chipotle has removed jalapeños from restaurants after public health officials have linked a Salmonella Javiana outbreak to jalapeños served at multiple Mexican‑style restaurants. Minnesota has identified 110 cases tied to the outbreak; the FDA has opened an active investigation and has started sampling but has not issued a recall. Chipotle says it has replaced the peppers from different growers.
Troy Jackson has won the Maine Democratic nomination to replace Graham Platner and will challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Jackson has consolidated delegate support at a special convention in Bangor and is positioning a working‑class, progressive agenda while critics and Jewish voters express concern over his recent stances on Israel.
South Carolina Republicans are lining up to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat after his death. Darline Graham Nordone is seeking a full term with Trump’s backing, while Ralph Norman and Russell Fry are mounting primary challenges ahead of the Aug. 11 vote. Filing closes July 28 and the November general election will determine the six-year term.
Netanyahu has met with Trump at the White House for discussions on Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid ongoing US-Israeli hostilities. Talks aim to coordinate strategy on Iran, with emphasis on preventing nuclear development and managing wider regional tensions. The week features high-stakes diplomacy and looming electoral tests in both countries.
LIV Golf is confronting a funding shortfall after the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdraws backing at year-end. The league is seeking about $260 million, with Indianapolis likely to host upcoming events and Michigan deemed unlikely. Investors’ decisions will shape LIV’s 2027 viability.
Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone in the South Carolina special Senate race, prompting rival candidates to pledge loyalty to the president and outline paths to victory. Sanford, Fry, Norman and Lynch have entered the race, while Gowdy remains a potential wildcard. The field is consolidating around pro-Trump positions and policy priorities.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
The ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu has prompted New York City’s mayor to urge federal action, while the prime minister seeks to address the UN General Assembly. Polls show mixed public opinion on arrest calls in the US, and Netanyahu is pressing on with plans to travel to New York.
Netanyahu has met with Trump in Washington to review three approaches to Iran: a diplomatic deal, sustained economic pressure with a blockade, or a renewed military campaign. The discussions, conducted without public detail, aim to determine the path that best prevents a nuclear Iran while considering global energy impacts.
The Senate and House are pressing ahead with scheduling amid talks on government funding, crypto regulation, and voting integrity. Republicans push for votes on the SAVE Act and the CLARITY Act, while Democrats warn that bipartisan support is required to avert a lapse in funding and to address other urgent policy items.
Funeral services for Senator Lindsey Graham have taken place in Washington and South Carolina after his sudden death on July 11. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have attended memorials that have highlighted Graham’s influence on U.S. foreign policy and set off a scramble for his Senate seat in South Carolina.
Protests linked to the JAAC have escalated as elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir proceed in three phases amid a nationwide crackdown. Officials report clashes and casualties, while JAAC demands political reform and abolition of reserved refugee seats. International observers call for access and transparency as media restrictions intensify.
The Senate has advanced the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill, with bipartisan support and a high-profile backdrop including Zelenskyy’s Washington visit. The package targets Russia’s energy sector and its so-called “shadow fleet,” while expanding sanctions to Iran. House passage remains uncertain as August recess looms.
Iran has launched multiple ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East. Interceptions have been reported, while pricing and markets react and a ceasefire effort is unsettled. The attack ends a brief pause in fighting and raises questions about next steps.
Ukraine has pressed for licences to produce Patriot interceptor missiles to bolster air defences, amid high-intensity Russian missile attacks. Zelensky has met US leaders in Washington, with discussions centring on co-production and domestic licensing of Patriots as Kyiv seeks rapid expansion of its defence capabilities.
Lebanon has opened a legal inquiry into banker Antoun Sehnaoui after a Washington dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as U.S.-backed talks with Israel press toward a framework for disarmament and withdrawal in southern Lebanon. Probes focus on whether the meeting violated Lebanon’s anti-normalisation laws; investigations could lead to arrest warrants. Lebanon’s crackdown comes as talks seek to ease decades of conflict and potential peace arrangements.
Democratic state official Francesca Hong has seen a shift in her gubernatorial bid as old social media posts are scrutinized. While she emphasizes focusing on policy and delivering for Wisconsinites, Republicans and some Democrats worry about electability in a close general election. The race is drawing national attention as endorsements and opposition converge ahead of the August primary.
Lawmakers have advanced a stopgap funding package to keep the government running through Dec. 11, while negotiations over full-year funding and policy riders continue. The measure blocks funding transfers to border enforcement, delays a hemp ban by one month, and avoids a government shutdown ahead of midterm elections.
Athletes and patients have urged Downing Street to appoint a national brain cancer lead and boost research funding. The Rare Cancers Bill is seen as a step forward but not enough, with calls for faster action in light of Commonwealth Games coverage and ongoing treatment campaigns.
Prosecutors have presented evidence tying Tyler Robinson to the shooting that killed Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University; defense argues the case should not go to trial, saying the crowd was not endangered and that motive remains unproven. Closing arguments in the preliminary hearing are set for Sept. 1.
Bloomberg reports Fitch Ratings finds not-for-profit hospitals and health systems have broad optimism about resilience, but tone has shifted to caution. The recovery appears near a transition point as operating conditions evolve.
Distant drone strikes hit multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, including Yekaterinburg in the Urals. Evacuations are under way with officials reporting some drone interceptions. Ukraine continues long-range strikes to disrupt Russian logistics and economy, while Russia asserts air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones.
The Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 86–11, granting the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil and expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran. The bill now heads to the House, which will consider it after its August recess.
Hunter Biden has told the BBC that his fathers prostate cancer has metastasized further, reaching his bones and beyond. He has described the disease as painful and debilitating while saying the 83-year-old former president remains active publicly. Biden revealed the diagnosis in May 2025 and has been undergoing radiation and hormone therapy.
This week long-range Ukrainian drones and Russian missiles have struck cities deep inside Russia and across Ukraine. Attacks on Nizhnekamsk have killed and wounded dozens; Russia says it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged heavy strikes that have damaged energy and civilian infrastructure and caused multiple civilian deaths and injuries.
The Gaza ceasefire framework is facing renewed pressure as Netanyahu rejects the 15-point plan, insisting Hamas must fully disarm before any withdrawal. U.S.-led mediators say the roadmap remains operative, while Hamas calls on Washington to pressure Israel. Violence persists, with casualties mounting in Gaza and settlements in the West Bank intensifying.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has left the Middle East and has begun its journey back to San Diego after a record continuous deployment of more than 250 days. Thai officials have confirmed a brief port visit next week to allow the roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines to rest and receive logistical support amid reports of supply shortages and declining morale aboard the ship.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as President Trump has threatened to declare the waterway a U.S. territory amid a costly Iran confrontation. Oil prices have climbed as the conflict continues, and the administration is pursuing a blockade until Iran concedes.
Kushner has met with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss housing, immigration and affordability as midterms approach. The meeting underscores Democratic hopes of retaking the House, with Jeffries positioning himself for a potential Speakership should Democrats gain control. Republicans warn against close ties with Kushner amid ongoing political tensions.
Trump has touted a high success rate for endorsements across 2018-2026, while opponents question the reliability and motives behind those wins as candidates in Alabama, Georgia and beyond move through primaries. The pieces highlight intra-party tensions and the evolving dynamics of Trump’s influence.
Trump's endorsements have shaped South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff, boosting late candidate Graham but exposing questions about his inexperience and policy stance. The race is drawing national attention as Trump signals continued involvement while other endorsed candidates falter.
Darline Graham has defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina's special Republican primary runoff and has secured the GOP nomination to replace her late brother on the November Senate ballot. President Donald Trump campaigned for Graham and MAGA Inc. spent roughly $827,000 on voter contact. Graham will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
In a Republican runoff, Darline Graham has secured a narrow victory in South Carolina with about 52.5% of the vote to Ralph Norman’s 47.6%, aided by a late endorsement from Donald Trump. Graham had faced scrutiny after a debate misstep on national security issues, and Trump’s intervention follows a string of endorsements that have fluctuated in effectiveness.
Trump has accused NBC’s Kristen Welker of bias and says he will report her to the FCC for alleged “inaccuracy” about his endorsement track record. The claims come as his administration faces fresh scrutiny of media spending and First Amendment debates.