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Democrats and Republicans engage in public life in similar ways
Each of the two major parties includes people who are deeply involved in public life – across politics, community, religion and news – and those who are less so.
Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address
Trump's comments suggest he's likely in Thursday's speech to revisit some of the unproven claims he's previously made about Republican losses
Trump to meet Darline Graham at the White House today
President will meet new Republican senator who has taken over the seat following the death of her brother Lindsey Graham
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Views on Fraud in Government Health Programs
As the 2026 midterms approach, health care costs remain voters' top health priority, but fraud in government health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, is resonating with Republican voters, 55% of whom say it's extremely important for candidates to address. Most voters say there is at least “some” fraud in government health programs, but larger shares say there is fraud in the tax system, defense, and foreign aid, while the smallest share sees fraud in the ACA Marketplaces.
Poll: Costs Are the Top Health Care Issue for Voters in the Midterms, But Fraud Tops Republicans' List As Trump Administration Pushes Crackdown
Health care costs top the list of voters’ health care priorities for the midterm elections, though more than half of Republican voters say it is extremely important for candidates to discuss the issue of fraud in government health programs, according to a new KFF Health Tracking Poll. Most voters say there is at least “some” fraud in government health programs, but larger shares of voters see fraud in the tax system, defense, and foreign aid than in federal health programs. The smallest share of voters sees fraud in the ACA marketplaces.
CNBC rated Ohio 'Top State for Business.' Here's what that means — and what it doesn't.
Ohio Republicans are touting a CNBC business rating, but one of its authors says it doesn't mean that life is great for average Ohioans.
A Road Map for Local Public Health Success
A toolkit from a national commission emphasizes the importance of partnerships between public health leaders and elected officials.
Republican candidates for secretary of state share priorities for elections administration, business regulation
Four republicans are vying for the post, which is responsible for overseeing elections and registering and authorizing businesses in the state
This middle-finger politics is 'dangerous': Reince Priebus
Fox News contributor Reince Priebus and Republican strategist Erin Maguire discuss the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party as the midterms approach on 'Hannity.'
Blakeman vows to end Hochul's 'crazy' data center moratorium
Gov. Kathy Hochul's Republican rival for reelection vowed to rescind her one-year moratorium on new large data centers.
The ’Gay’ Attacks on Lindsey Graham Are All About Politics
Was Lindsey Graham gay? As the author of a book about the history of gay Washington, D.C., it’s a question I’ve been asked frequently for years, and even more so since his sudden death last weekend. The South Carolina Republican’s lifelong confirmed bachelorhood, vocal intonation, and Southern dandy demeanor (if not sartorial choices) prompted many to conclude that he was, as they say in that part of the country, “light in his loafers.” Graham’s repeated attestations to the contrary had zero effect on those invested in the narrative that he was. Only about the matter of J. Edgar Hoover’s rumored cross-dressing (for which there is much circumstantial but no direct evidence) am I questioned more. Whenever I’ve been asked to speculate upon Graham’s sexuality—and speculate was all that I or anyone else could do—I always answered the question honestly. While my personal sense is that Graham was probably gay, as a journalist and a historian I cannot rely on my intuition to make factual assertions. (Gaydar hasn’t yet been scientifically perfected.) Given the absence of any known female or male romantic interests, Graham may very well have been a heterosexual unlucky in love. He might also have been asexual. Barring the highly unlikely postmortem emergence of a personal diary or some other unassailable evidence attesting to Graham’s innermost yearnings, we will never know the answer. As is depressingly the case these days when a public figure dies, a chorus of voices reveled in Graham’s passing, many of them making light of his presumed homosexuality.
Trump rule that would politicize grants faces fight from scientists and many others
A Trump administration proposal would give political appointees power to screen and terminate federal grants. Scientists, local governments and a Republican senator are resisting.
Report: Trump administration policies cost the average Ohio household $2,175
Two new reports suggest Trump administration policies are hitting Americans' pocketbooks. Being tied to those policies could spell trouble for Republican candidates in November's elections.
Here Are the Maine Democrats Running to Replace Graham Platner
To win, they’ll have to convince Democrats at a July 25 convention that they’re the best candidate to take on Senator Susan Collins, a Republican.
Trump endorses 'Pillow Man' Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor
Trump praised Lindell as “one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots” and gave formal backing to a fellow election denier a day before the Republican president delivers a national address he says will focus on election security.
How Lindsey Graham’s ability to read the moment propelled him to political relevance for 3 decades
Sen. Graham repeatedly moved in the direction South Carolina and Republican politics were headed rather than where they had been.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s Attorney General Pick, Faces Crucial Hurdle After Rocky Hearing
Even a single Republican “no” vote would block Mr. Blanche’s nomination from consideration by the full Senate, which could sink his confirmation.
Trump drops political bomb on Minnesota Republicans with Lindell endorsement
President Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell is a five-alarm fire for many in the GOP. The MyPillow CEO is widely seen as the worst candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Top US science body readies climate report as Republicans push back
The United States' leading scientific body is set Thursday to launch a major report on the link between climate change and extreme weather, a growing research field now underpinning lawsuits seeking b...
House Republicans unveil $95B plan for Iran war, farm aid and elections
The package would be a sequel to the massive tax and spending cut bill President Donald Trump signed into law last year
House Republicans release $95 billion spending bill with no offsets, which could endanger support
Republicans are racing to get money for the Pentagon and farm aid, but fiscal hawks have been asking to balance the budget request.
House G.O.P. Releases Budget to Unlock $95 Billion for Iran War and SAVE Act
The plan faces a rocky path amid Republican divisions and would pave the way for votes months before the midterm elections to fund a war that polls show is deeply unpopular.
Trump will speak on elections in primetime address
The topic suggests he could revisit long-debunked conspiracy theories about his 2020 defeat to President Joe Biden as he's escalated calls for Republicans to pass tighter federal voting rules before November's midterm elections
Pennsylvania Republicans won on lowering prices. Then came the Iran war.
Two Republicans who unseated House Democrats in 2024 after promising to lower the cost of living are fighting to keep their seats amid rising prices.
Trump administration scales back immigration crackdown after ICE shootings
The administration is again retreating from some aggressive actions, but Republicans expect Democrats to expand calls to “abolish ICE.”
That's not Kathy Hochul. AI campaign ads are going too far.
Artificial intelligence is being used to create ads that disparage Democrats – and make Republicans appear to have more support than they might have.
Minerals at the Negotiating Table: Resource Politics and Peace in Eastern DRC
The United States brokered a strategic partnership deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2025, co-signing a DRC–Rwanda peace agreement on the same day. Whether a mediator with a strategic interest can also be neutral is a question the Washington Peace Accords have yet to answer. Critical minerals are no longer a backdrop to negotiations in eastern DRC but they are increasingly the point of concern. Yet understanding their role requires looking beyond the well-worn "conflict minerals" narrative and asking a harder question: whose resource interests are actually shaping the path to a negotiated settlement?
An ICE Shooting in Maine Puts Pressure on Senator Susan Collins
The Democrats hoping to challenge Ms. Collins, a vulnerable Republican, have seized on the fatal incident, drawing attention to her record on immigration matters.
Sen. Ted Budd discusses Iran, Helene recovery funds and Graham
Capital Tonight guest host Reuben Jones had the opportunity to speak with North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd as both the House and Senate get ready to tackle some big issues.
How Lindsey Graham’s keen ability to read the moment propelled him to political relevance for 3 decades
Sen. Graham repeatedly moved in the direction South Carolina and Republican politics were headed rather than where they had been.
GOP health fraud fight escalates
Republicans are hoping GOP-led efforts to combat health care fraud could help pay for a new spending package.
Health care, food aid enrollees down as deeper federal cuts loom
Three Republicans from NJ stand by their votes as nutrition program loses 5% of recipients and almost 70,000 residents drop insurance
Report raises questions over Attorney General Ken Paxton’s voter registration
A new investigation scrutinizes whether the Republican Senate nominee may have violated the same voting laws his office has aggressively enforced.
Darline Graham Nordone: Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim US senator
Nordone was 13 when brother became her legal guardian – and was a key presence as he rose in the Republican ranks
Jesse Watters: Political world 'in shock' after sudden death of Sen Lindsey Graham
Fox News host Jesse Watters takes a closer look at reaction to the passing of longtime Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham at age 71 on 'The Five.'
Lindsey Graham’s Death Transforms the Race for His Democratic Challenger
Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, has offered condolences to those who loved Mr. Graham while considering the political fallout from his death. Republicans are scrambling to arrange a new primary election.
Lindsey Graham’s Death Creates Rare Political Scenario That’s Gripping DC
The thin majority that Republicans have in Congress is complicating things.
The Quintessential Trump-era Politician
In 2020, I wrote an article about collaboration and collaborators. The title was History Will Judge the Complicit, and it started with the story of two famous East Germans, Markus Wolf and Wolfgang Leonhard, who both landed in East Berlin just after the end of the war. Although they came from very similar backgrounds, the former stuck with the regime, eventually becoming its spy boss; the latter, horrified by the brutal reality of Soviet-style communism, escaped. By way of juxtaposition, I also wrote about Lyndsey Graham and Mitt Romney. These two men also made very different decisions when confronted by Donald Trump’s assault on the ideals that they had both grown up believing: A glance at their biographies would not have led many to predict what happened next. On paper, Graham would have seemed, in 2016, like the man with deeper ties to the military, to the rule of law, and to an old-fashioned idea of American patriotism and American responsibility in the world. Romney, by contrast, with his shifts between the center and the right, with his multiple careers in business and politics, would have seemed less deeply attached to those same old-fashioned patriotic ideals. Most of us register soldiers as loyal patriots, and management consultants as self-interested. We assume people from small towns in South Carolina are more likely to resist political pressure than people who have lived in many places. Intuitively, we think that loyalty to a particular place implies loyalty to a set of values. But in this case the clichés were wrong. It was Graham who made excuses for Trump’s abuse of power. It was Graham—a JAG Corps lawyer—who downplayed the evidence that the president had attempted to manipulate foreign courts and blackmail a foreign leader into launching a phony investigation into a political rival. It was Graham who abandoned his own stated support for bipartisanship and instead pushed for a hyperpartisan Senate Judiciary Committee investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden’s son. It was Graham who played golf with Trump, who made excuses for him on television, who supported the president even as he slowly destroyed the American alliances—with Europeans, with the Kurds—that Graham had defended all his life. By contrast, it was Romney who, in February, became the only Republican senator to break ranks with his colleagues, voting to impeach the president. “Corrupting an election to keep oneself in office,” he said, is “perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one’s oath of office that I can imagine.” In the wake of Graham’s unexpected death on Saturday, I wrote about him again. He was, in many ways, the quintessential politician of Trump’s Washington, a man who shifted 180 degrees. Graham had been a fervent American patriot, proud reserve officer and military lawyer; he became one of the most important defenders of a president who believes soldiers are “suckers and losers” and shows no respect for law of any kind. As his politics changed, his language grew coarser and his behavior grew worse: He urged Israel to “level the place” in Gaza, and insulted the Danish prime minister in Munich, prompting a colleague, Senator Elissa Slotkin, to issue an apology. Here’s an excerpt from the article, which you can read in The Atlantic (gift link here) Like his close friend John McCain, Graham believed that America should stand at the center of a broad democratic alliance. The few times I met him were in that context, at the Munich Security Conference or at other European-American gatherings, which he once attended with great regularity. He also took seriously the practice of American democracy at home. In a 2014 conversation with The Atlantic, he described himself as a pragmatic politician who eschewed populist slogans. “I know Washington is broken, but what’s broken about it is everybody yelling and nobody trying to fix it,” he said. “I’m trying.” When Donald Trump first appeared in U.S. politics, Graham recognized him immediately for what he was: the spokesman for an alien ideology, one radically different from the idealistic patriotism that Graham had practiced and preached since childhood. Trump privately mocked the military that Graham loved as nothing but “suckers and losers.” He put falsehoods, cynicism, and personal greed at the center of his politics, while expressing disdain for transparency, accountability, and democracy itself. In 2015, Graham described Trump as a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” who should “go to hell.” Also as a “nutjob.” When Trump won, Graham understood, as did so many others, that he would have to make some important choices. For a while, he went silent. In the spring of 2016, I saw him at one of those conferences in Europe. He seemed too depressed to speak. But then, like many other Republicans—and, more important, like many other people who have lived under political occupation or experienced radical regime change—he made the decision to abandon his previous ideals, to bury the patriotism that was once so important to him, and to become, instead, a loud, opportunistic collaborator. As I wrote in 2020, it’s very hard to look in to anyone’s heart and to understand their motivations from the outside. But it does seem that Graham had a deep need to be relevant, to be in the game, to be a player, at any cost. And that, rather than any particular achievement, is what he will be remembered for. Continuing to monitor conflicts of interest, ostentatious emoluments, outright corruption and policy changes that will facilitate outright corruption. (Read my original article, Kleptocracy Inc and check out the SNF Agora Institute chart) June 27 Trump diverted funds from more than 900 projects nationwide—including safety upgrades at national parks—to finance beautification projects around Washington, including $700,000 used to fix a White House walkway. June 28 After a years-long Department of Justice investigation into Abbott Laboratories over its management of a baby formula facility where potentially deadly bacteria turned up enough evidence to criminally charge the firm, top department officials instead opted for a financial penalty—illustrating the department’s move away from strict corporate enforcement under the Trump administration. June 29 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stacked the Defense Policy Board—which is charged with providing independent national security recommendations to the Office of the Secretary of Defense—with Trump allies, including tech billionaire Marc Andreessen, who has invested in defense contractors like OpenAI and SpaceX, after purging the panel last year. Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million worth of stock in Axon—which makes about 90% of US tasers—two weeks before ICE solicited bids for a $220 million taser contract. The White House unveiled limited-edition US passports for America’s 250th birthday, featuring a portrait of Trump overlaid on the Declaration of Independence. June 30 Trump made around $1.2 billion from his various crypto companies last year, including more than $500 million from World Liberty Financial and $600 million from sales of his meme coin. Trump is considering issuing 250 pardons to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. These are expected to be largely doled out through the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s informal network of intermediaries. White-collar defense attorneys say they can typically win pardons for clients for $2 million. Last year, Trump administration officials awarded a no-bid contract worth up to $500 million to Clark Construction for the White House ballroom—negotiations in which the president was directly involved. July 1 The Amazon MGM Studios documentary about Melania Trump earned the First Lady more than $10 million. Trump made hundreds of individual stock purchases worth as much as $12.8 million the day before his announcement pausing “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days sent the S&P 500 soaring nearly 10%—one of the largest single-day gains ever. Mar-a-Lago and Trump National Doral saw record surges in revenue during Trump’s first year in office, earning $77.5 million and $121.9 million respectively, compared to average annual revenues of $25 million and $75 million during Trump’s first term. Entities across the Persian Gulf paid more than $300 million to Trump’s businesses last year, including $263 million from the sale of half his stake in World Liberty Financial to a firm backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a top UAE royal and brother of the country’s president. Kash Patel failed to properly disclose his stock purchase of a Department of Justice contractor, MicroStrategy, worth up to $250,000 last year, despite laws requiring disclosure within 45 days of the trade. July 2 Trump has been directing administration officials to steer more government contracts—so far worth more than $2.4 billion—to Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin aerospace firm, after Amazon gave $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, donated to the White House ballroom project, and reached a $40 million deal to license a Melania Trump documentary. Alongside the billions he made from cryptocurrency last year, Trump earned millions of dollars from real estate licensing fees, including $21 million from organizations in the UAE and $9.2 million in Saudi Arabia, along with smaller sums from merchandise sales, including $4.7 million from Trump Watches and $35,920 from 45 Guitar, a guitar brand endorsed by the president. House Democrats accused consultants tied to the Trump administration of financial fraud, alleging they gave prospective donors to America250—the bipartisan committee created by Congress to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial—the banking and routing numbers for Freedom 250, the White House’s fund for events like the UFC cage fight. Democrats also allege that Freedom 250’s CEO traveled to the World Economic Forum in Davos to solicit donations from foreign government officials and business leaders. The Trump administration’s proposed rollback of gun regulations would lift the prohibition on mailing handguns to individuals, a significant win for GrabAGun—the direct-to-consumer firearm retailer on whose board Donald Trump Jr. sits and in which he holds a 1.1% ownership stake. GrabAGun currently must rely on a middleman to transfer firearms to customers. Trump’s financial disclosure revealed that he made more than 21,000 securities trades during his first year back in office, growing his investment account to at least $858 million across stakes in around 1,600 companies, compared to the 13 total trades Joe Biden made during his entire presidency. July 4 Nearly 1 million people who bought the president’s meme coin—Trump Coin—collectively lost $3.8 billion on the token, while he walked away with $636 million. July 6 Shares of Dell closed up 4.4% after Trump recommended people buy the firm’s computers during a speech announcing the launch of Trump investment accounts for children, boosting the more than $1 million worth of shares the president owns in the company. July 9 Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh named crypto investor and Trump ally Marc Andreessen to a task force aimed at modernizing the Federal Reserve, including rethinking its approach to inflation—a key factor keeping interest rates elevated. Palm Beach International Airport has officially changed its name to Trump International Airport—a move that will require Florida to pay royalties to the president’s family for licensing his name. I was there a few months ago, during a trip to Barcelona. The sculptures were a revelation, I’d never seen so many together before. Each one has its own personality. Enjoy the good weather, if you are lucky enough to have it. History Will Judge the Complicit The Quintessential Politician Autocracy Inc Open Letters, from Anne Applebaum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
South Carolina's governor names Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term
South Carolina's governor says he is appointing Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term of her late brother. Top Republicans, including President Trump, have coalesced around the pick.
After primary silence, Trump endorses GOP candidate in SC’s 1st Congressional District race
After sitting out the GOP primary, President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District race.
Trump recommends South Carolina’s governor appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister to finish his Senate term
Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, is expected to announce his appointment of a temporary replacement for Graham on Monday.
Lindsey Graham’s sister should finish his term, Trump says
A special election will be held next month to pick a new Republican nominee in the general election for Graham’s seat
Trump administration live updates: GOP scrambles to find replacement for Lindsey Graham
Get the latest news and live updates on the Trump administration as Republicans scramble to find replacement for Lindsey Graham and McConnell give his first statement since he was hospitalized a month ago.
The State of Politics: How Evers ‘Fixed the Damn Roads’
He got help from Republican legislators and federal pandemic funding.
Republicans feel increasingly upbeat about their chances in the midterms
GOP strategists who spoke to NBC News said they are less worried than they were a few months ago about the Iran war and rising prices hurting their party.
Graham’s death complicates Senate Republicans’ packed agenda
Republicans return to Washington facing a thinner working margin, stalled spending bills and a fight over Trump’s attorney general nominee.
Grace abandoned: Ohio’s journey to politicians stealing power from voters in elections
Ohio’s mail-in ballot grace period began as an effort to help all Ohioans vote and avoid embarrassing catastrophes like 2004, but axing it has become a tool for disenfranchising Democrats and concentrating power in the hands of Republicans.
Graham’s death highlights a power shift and a new question: What’s coming next in Washington?
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the long hospitalization of former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell are poignant reminders that time conquers even political careers marked by great power and ubiquity.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 12, 2026
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks about the DOJ threats to prosecute election workers for allowing non-citizens to vote – even though there are no documented cases of that happening, going back decades. Plus, we talk with Katherine Haley, a Republican candidate for Treasurer. Then, consultants Dawn Penich and Wes Gullett talk about the impact of Turning Point USA, as a Republican lawmaker accuses a leader of the group of racism.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 12, 2026
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks about the DOJ threats to prosecute election workers for allowing non-citizens to vote – even though there are no documented cases of that happening, going back decades. Plus, we talk with Katherine Haley, a Republican candidate for Treasurer. Then, consultants Dawn Penich and Wes Gullett talk about the impact of Turning Point USA, as a Republican lawmaker accuses a leader of the group of racism.
$50 Polymarket referral code “OREGON” extends invite bonus to politics
Polymarket invite code OREGON unlocks a $50 bonus on $20, now extended to politics. See live Polymarket All-Star Game and 2028 Republican nominee odds.
Sen. Lindsey Graham leaves political legacy in New Hampshire
Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died Saturday night, leaves behind a political mark in New Hampshire through years of campaign visits, media appearances, and personal friendships.
Mitch McConnell releases health update, says he is ‘regaining’ strength
The Republican senator has been absent from Congress during a weeks-long hospitalisation, spurring party concern.
McConnell breaks silence on his health, says a fall led to hospitalisation
After weeks of speculation about the Republican’s wellbeing McConnell, 84, said he developed pneumonia while hospitalised for the fall.
McConnell says fall led to hospitalization, breaking weeks of silence on health
Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health. McConnell, 84, said in a statement that he was “briefly unconscious” around the time he was first taken to the hospital and has undergone a battery of…
After weeks of questions, McConnell provides information on health
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday ended weeks of speculation about his health with a statement saying he’s on the mend. The Republican, who was hospitalized June 14, issued a letter to fellow Kentuckians telling them he has been recovering from a fall, followed by what he termed “a mild case of pneumonia.” […]
McConnell says a fall led to his hospitalization
Sen. Mitch McConnell is revealing for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health.
McConnell says a fall led to his hospitalization
Sen. Mitch McConnell is revealing for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health.
McConnell says he was hospitalized due to a fall and contracted pneumonia
The update comes after weeks of silence about his condition and growing questions over the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican’s health.
McConnell says he was hospitalized due to a fall and contracted pneumonia
The update comes after weeks of silence about his condition and growing questions over the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican’s health.
US senator Mitch McConnell says absence due to fall and pneumonia
The Republican says in his first statement for weeks that he will not return to work just yet.
Sen. Mitch McConnell releases photo from hospital, breaking silence on health condition
Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health.
Lindsey Graham’s journey from a pool hall to the heights of political power
The high-energy Republican lawmaker was known for his Southern drawl, political flexibility and reliably hawkish stance on foreign policy. He first won election to Congress in 1994.
Sen. Mitch McConnell says a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking weeks of silence about health condition
Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health.
McConnell says he was hospitalized last month after a fall
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Sunday announced, after weeks of speculation, why he had been hospitalized and away from Capital Hill.
Sen. Mitch McConnell says a fall led to his hospitalization
Sen. Mitch McConnell is revealing for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health.
McConnell Says a Fall Led to His Hospitalization, Breaking Weeks of Silence About Health Condition
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican’s health. The statement comes following his hospitalization on June 14.
‘A key link’: Trump’s Senate whisperer is gone
Lindsey Graham’s death deprives President Donald Trump of one of his most effective Capitol Hill operators — and leaves Senate Republicans without one of their strongest links to the White House.
Lindsey Graham Dies: How the Republican Senator Became a TV Star
The late South Carolina Republican often popped up on news shows commenting on foreign policy — and in late-night comedy shows as the subject of liberal comedic fascination
Lindsey Graham sacrificed his reputation to Donald Trump. He got plenty in return.
His career explains why so many Republicans made peace with Trump — and what they gave up to do it.
Politics Now: July 11, 2026
This week on Politics Now with host John Langeler: The debate over rules for data centers continues, in Clark County and Boulder City Congressional District 3 Republican candidate Marty O’Don…
What happens next with Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat
South Carolina's Republican governor is tasked with naming a replacement to serve out the rest of Graham's term, and a special primary is set for August.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has died, his office says
The office did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican, who was 71 years old.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a 'brief and sudden illness,' his office says
The statement his office posted on social media did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer, and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a brief and unexpected illness, his office says
The statement his office posted on social media did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer, and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Republican Lindsey Graham dies at 71: World leaders, US politicians react
The longtime US senator, an ally of President Trump, was an advocate for using US military force overseas.
Lindsey Graham’s death will shake the Senate and November election. Here’s what comes next
The sudden death of influential Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham will have implications for legislative business in the Senate and the November election. Here’s what we know about what comes next.
Lindsey Graham Was Facing Re-election in November. What Happens Now?
South Carolina law suggests his death triggers an Aug. 11 special Republican primary election, and the state’s governor can appoint a replacement to serve out the rest of his term, through early January.
Lindsey Graham dies aged 71 after sudden illness, his office says
Graham’s abrupt death will send shock waves through Washington and the Republican party
‘Islamic Republic of Japan’: Trump’s verbal flubs are piling up
President Donald Trump has not been charitable about politicians’ verbal gaffes. He’s got his own increasing collection.
It was supposed to be Trump’s big legislative achievement. It could be a weapon for Democrats to win in the midterms
One year after passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it no longer seems like the easy win for Republicans to run on in November.
Lindsey Graham, Longtime Republican Senator, Dies of ‘Brief and Sudden Illness’
The Republican stalwart had backed tough action against Iran and been a strong supporter of Israel.
Political parties and hard truths
On Monday I received a very nice but somewhat shocking email from a reader. I wasn't shocked because I got an email, but because the reader assumed I'm a Republican. To use his words, an "old school Republican quite capable of honesty and common decency." My gosh, what a nice thing to say, but I digress.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness
(CNN) — US Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has died “from a brief and sudden illness,” a spokesperson for his office told CNN.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness
US Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has died “from a brief and sudden illness,” a spokesperson for his office told CNN.
Lindsey Graham, key ally of Donald Trump, has died after sudden illness, his office says
Republican senator had served in the Senate since 2003 and was a sharp critic of Trump before becoming one of his most loyal backers
They're Building Half A Bridge to Save Science...
Today’s post is about science: what you can do now to protect it from unprecedented threats, and how your action is the first half of a long-term program that Congress must take up next. Let me start with describing the embryonic state of science advocacy. There are many well-meaning organizations: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Research!America, and subject-specific organizations such as the Society for Neuroscience and the American Physical Society. Their general approach is to emphasize the common good: the remarkable value that science and innovation have provided to all Americans. However, these organizations are offering an incomplete solution. Before I start, a preliminary: If you already know about the threat, go ahead and weigh in with OMB at this link. Ideas about what to say come from Research!America and the American Physical Society. You have until Monday, July 13 at 11:59pm Eastern. Then come back here and read the rest of this post. Finally, get in touch with whoever is likely to be your next member of Congress in 2027. The threat: An end to merit-based science… The onslaught of attacks on science is accelerating. It’s not just cuts to grants, which was the last battle. That battle is not done yet, but there is a new and worse threat. Now comes a proposed public rule from the Office of Management and Budget. The rule would take decision-making power over grants away from experts and put it into the hands of political appointees. Former NIH official Elizabeth Ginexi wrote an excellent summary of what OMB is trying to do, which is codify the executive branch’s ability to award or terminate grants, for arbitrary cause or no stated cause. Since World War II, a necessary step in scientific grant-making has been consideration of scientific merit. This approach has made America into a dominant scientific superpower, the envy of the world. Of course, political considerations do come into the mix. The proposed rule tilts the balance dramatically away from merit. …but why? Many people have difficulty comprehending why Russell Vought and OMB would want to damage science in this way. If you’re a working scientist, you are likely to be particularly uncomprehending. Who would hurt an activity so self-evidently good? The answer is: this is part of the program to replace the rule of law with a personalist regime. OMB Director Russell Vought, a Christian nationalist, would like to implement what legal scholars call a “unitary executive,” and what I would call a dictatorship. Or if you like, a personalist authoritarian regime. I am a working scientist. This rule will debilitate my research. It may chill the speech of scientists for speaking freely in the public sphere. It is a form of personalizing power and decision-making within the executive branch. In short, it sacrifices science in the service of tyranny. To Russell Vought, a decrease in the quality of science might be an acceptable cost. He might even consider it an added benefit to weaken a pillar of soft U.S. power based on knowledge and skepticism. The professional societies are building half a bridge The nonprofits are asking you to make public comment. Public comment is like building the first half of a bridge. Before implementation, OMB is compelled by law to have a period of public comment. Rules have to be consistent with the law and the Constitution. They express the federal government’s stance toward how those laws will be implemented. When a presidential administration works in good faith, these public comments are used to inform their eventual action, and sometimes mitigate it. The comment period reflects our First Amendment right to petition our government. The executive branch is then supposed to take those comments into account - completing the bridge between us, the people, and our government. Project 2025 seeks to take away the second half of the bridge. We have to replace it. The first half of the bridge Organizations like AAAS, Research!America, and SfN are partly right. You should certainly comment. Their core model is earnest: if enough of us make noise, then we will achieve change. This idealistic point of view is offered in good faith. That point of view is also currently bullshit. The fundamental reason is that the federal rulemaking process has two parts: There has to be a period of public comment. OMB makes the final rule…but is free to disregard public comment. Oops. That’s a loophole. However, not all is lost. Congress can complete the bridge Congress has enormous power. That power suggests a roadmap for how to proceed. This lawless administration is still going to issue that rule. Nonetheless, your comments still play an essential role. Here are two steps you can take. Step 1: Send your comment to your Representative and Senator. Whether they are Democrats or Republicans, many of them support science. Whatever you wrote as public comment in the Federal Register, also send it to your member of Congress. You can include information about jobs in your district or state by looking at Joshua Weitz’s ScienceMatters interactive map. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and give your town, zip code, or state, then deliver your message. Step 2: Politicize the hell out of science. You heard me, politicize it as an issue. We hear a lot from the old scientific establishment about science being nonpartisan. This is obsolete, sentimental thinking. Under normal conditions, it was true. But we can no longer make that assumption. We can keep on pretending, but we’re putting science at risk. There is a way forward. Rules are subordinate to the law…and Congress makes laws. Therefore Congress can step in. In this fall’s election, it is likely that Democrats will retake the House of Representatives. That puts at least one chamber of Congress in the hands of Democrats. They are far more inclined than the current Congress to investigate and legislate. This opens a path to undoing the damage. It also creates a permission structure for pro-science Republicans to find a way back from the brink. We have to encourage them. In the House, every district is up every two years. In your district, contact both of the major party candidates. If your state has a Senate race, contact those candidates too. Specifically mention the proposed OMB rule. Ask for two things: For this year’s appropriations process in August and September, ask that amendments be added to stop the implementation of the new rule. Those amendments should support peer-reviewed science and stop political interference. Looking ahead to next year, ask the Congressman/Congresswoman/Senator to work to hold hearings in 2027 on the importance and benefits of peer-reviewed science for health and prosperity. What hearings and amendments will accomplish Congress can use its investigatory power to summon heads of agencies and the director of the OMB. That will allow fact-finding regarding the consequences of this rule. Congress can override the rule through the appropriations process. They can write into statute a requirement to follow peer review and best scientific practices. In this way, Congress can stop the attacks on science. Postscript: Moving forward Now I have a request for you, to help me. As many of you know, I ran for Congress in order to save democracy and science. Although I did not win, that battle continues by other means. I met and heard from thousands of supporters both here in New Jersey and nationally. I learned that pro-science, pro-democracy activists have the potential to become a much greater force. In the weeks and months ahead, I will be building ways to harness that energy. I will be announcing those plans soon. In the meantime, an important step is to wind down the Congressional campaign, which has a few remaining bills to pay. Please help me retire that last debt.
Azerbaijan health officials deny mumps epidemic in Baku
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan reports posts have been circulating on social networks about the widespread spread of epidemic mumps in Baku do not reflect the current epidemiological situation. Health officials say the epidemiological situation of mumps in the country is stable. The registered cases of infection consist of individual sporadic cases, no epidemics or mass spread have been recorded. The current situation is constantly under epidemiological surveillance by relevant medical institutions, and the necessary preventive and counter-epidemic measures are consistently implemented. Epidemic mumps is observed more often among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals. The disease is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets - during coughing, sneezing and close contact. The incubation period usually lasts 11–23 days. The main symptoms of the disease are fever, swelling and pain in the parotid salivary glands, discomfort when chewing and swallowing, general weakness, headache and loss of appetite. In most cases, mumps is mild and results in complete recovery. However, in rare cases, certain complications may develop in unvaccinated adolescents and adults. Therefore, timely vaccination is of particular importance in preventing the disease. Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube In accordance with the National Vaccination Schedule in Azerbaijan, the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered to children at 12 months of age, with a booster dose at 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is the most reliable and effective means of protection against mumps. The Ministry of Health recommends that parents check their children’s vaccination status. If for any reason the vaccination has been delayed or missed, it is recommended to contact the medical facility in your area of residence and consult a doctor. To protect yourself from the disease, it is recommended to follow preventive measures such as avoiding close contact with sick people, following personal hygiene rules, washing hands regularly, and frequently ventilating closed spaces. If you experience symptoms of the disease, avoid self-medication, seek medical attention, and do not return to work until you are fully recovered. Citizens are asked to refer only to official sources and not to believe or share unverified information circulating on social networks. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Kentucky governor wants update on his state's missing Sen. McConnell: 'Just tell us what's going on'
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Joe Klein: At 80, Here’s What I’ve Learned About Politics—and Life
I am 80 years old, this year of our 250th anniversary, and I find myself a cliché. My life has been a common political journey, from left to center. I recently took the Pew Research Center’s “political typology” test and found that I was a “pragmatic and polite conservative,” which seemed a rather abstruse basket: A politically mixed (though Republican-tilting) group, they lean conservative on economics and the role of government, while tilting more liberal on issues related to race and foreign policy. They prize civility and cooperation in politics. Well, that sounds pretty mushy—and I find it hard to square with the strong opinions I have on many issues. I’ve voted for Democrats in federal elections, but I grow more Republican the closer I get to local politics. Democrats, I’ve found, simply aren’t very good at running things, especially school systems, where they are in the thrall of the teachers unions. My friends joke about my obsession with the unions. They know all my lines. If industrial unions are organized against the power of capital, who are the public employees organized against? But enough of that. I’ve ranted that rant too often, and my political journey has been more complicated than that one issue. It has been empirical, based on actual experience—on a lifetime of reporting and a lot of reading. An early example: I was a journalist with the underground press in Boston at the turn of the 1970s and considered myself a member of the antiwar and civil rights movements. The first big issue I covered was busing to achieve school integration. Yes, the white bigots were disgusting. But I couldn’t find any black parents who favored the plan to bus their children to schools outside their neighborhoods either. Black activists and politicians—and white liberals—were gung ho, but not actual parents of black kids in school. Busing was a form of social engineering imposed from on high, by a judge—W. Arthur Garrity—who lived in a wealthy liberal suburb. Wealthy liberal suburbs were not affected by his plan, of course. I began to see that there were limits to what government could do, especially when it came to changing a society’s culture.