Lindsey Graham’s Enduring Legacy: How a South Carolina Senator Became One of Washington’s Most Influential—and Most Polarizing—Power Brokers

From military service and bipartisan dealmaking to his evolution into President Donald Trump’s closest Senate ally, Lindsey Graham’s career reshaped U.S. foreign policy, judicial politics and the Republican Party for more than two decades.

WASHINGTON | The death of longtime Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham at age 71 closes one of the most consequential and debated careers in modern American politics. Graham, who died Saturday following a brief illness, leaves behind a legacy defined by military service, legislative influence, judicial battles, foreign policy advocacy and one of the most remarkable political transformations of the Trump era.

For more than 23 years in the U.S. Senate, Graham stood at the intersection of national security, judicial confirmations and Republican politics. His influence extended far beyond South Carolina, earning him a reputation as a trusted adviser to presidents, a leading voice on defense policy and, in later years, one of President Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress.

From Humble Beginnings to National Influence

Born in Central, South Carolina, Graham's early life was shaped by hardship. After losing both parents while still a young man, he helped raise his younger sister, Darline, before attending the University of South Carolina and later serving in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps.

His military background profoundly influenced his worldview. Throughout his congressional career, Graham consistently argued that American leadership abroad remained essential to global stability, making national defense and foreign policy the defining themes of his public service.

Rajoy's Remarks Ignite Political Firestorm Ahead of Spain-France World Cup Clash

Former Spanish prime minister's comments about France's multicultural squad draw widespread condemnation as politics and football collide on the global stage

As anticipation builds for Tuesday's blockbuster FIFA World Cup showdown between Spain and France, controversy has erupted off the pitch after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy drew sharp criticism for comments questioning the French national team's identity, prompting condemnation from political leaders in both countries.

The remarks have fueled an already emotionally charged rivalry, with lawmakers, political parties, and fans denouncing the statements as racist and contrary to the multicultural values that have defined modern international football.

Lindsey Graham Dies at 71, Ending Decades-Long Career That Shaped Republican Foreign Policy

Veteran South Carolina senator, longtime Trump ally, and influential national security voice dies after office announces ‘brief and sudden illness’

WASHINGTON | U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, the veteran South Carolina Republican whose career spanned more than three decades in Congress and who became one of the Republican Party's most influential voices on foreign policy and national security, has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness."

Graham's office announced that he passed away Saturday evening, requesting privacy for his family and offering no additional details regarding the cause of death. The news immediately prompted tributes from political leaders across the United States and abroad, underscoring Graham's outsized role in shaping Republican policy and U.S. international engagement.

President Donald Trump, one of Graham's closest political allies in recent years, called the senator "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," praising his patriotism and decades of public service. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also honored Graham's legacy, describing him as a steadfast advocate for both his home state and the nation.

Alaska Senate Race Ads Mislead on Peltola’s Votes on Military Pay Raise

Ads in the Alaska Senate race are trading competing claims about former Rep. Mary Peltola’s votes on military pay raises.

In late 2023, Peltola, a Democrat, voted in favor of a compromise defense bill that included a 5.2% pay increase for members of the military. Earlier that year, she voted against a House version of the bill that included several Republican amendments she opposed.

TV ads from Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and a super PAC supporting him exploit that bit of legislative messiness to make misleading claims that Peltola opposed military pay raises. She didn’t.

Rather, her votes reflect the political reality at the time. The House was controlled by Republicans, and the Senate by Democrats (including the independents who caucused with them). In the House bill, Republicans added several amendments, which Peltola and other Democrats criticized as partisan “poison pills.” Many of those Republican amendments were stripped away in a compromise conference report negotiated between the House and Senate.

Peltola, who served for two and a half years in the House, is now challenging Sullivan for his Senate seat. An open “jungle” primary guided by Alaska’s ranked-choice voting will be held on Aug. 18. The top four vote-getters will advance to the November general election. The race is rated a toss-up by Cook Political Report.

Democratic Group Makes False Claim in Insider-Trading Ad Attacking Susan Collins

Sen. Susan Collins helped pass a 2012 law affirming that members of Congress are not exempt from insider-trading laws and requiring them to disclose their stock and other investment trades more promptly. But an ad from a pro-Democrat group falsely claims that the Republican senator “doesn’t think” that insider trading “should be illegal.”

The TV ad from Majority Forward, an issue advocacy organization, goes on to say that Collins, who is running for reelection in Maine, “is trying to keep it so senators can get rich playing the stock market.” And a spokesperson for the group criticized the effectiveness of the 2012 law, telling us in a statement that Collins is “blocking the only thing that would actually work” to stop Congress from profiting on insider information – “a ban on members trading individual stocks.”

It’s true that Collins does not support a complete ban on stock trading by representatives and senators. A spokesperson for her Senate campaign told us that she believes they should still be able to maintain a stock portfolio “managed by an outside advisor who makes the decisions independently and without consultation with the member.”

But that’s not the same as thinking that insider trading should be legal.

‘MobLand’ Season 2 Sets September Premiere as Paramount+ Unveils First Trailer and Confirms Crime Saga’s Return

Following reports that Tom Hardy resolved behind-the-scenes tensions and will continue beyond Season 2, Paramount+ has locked in the return of its hit British gangster drama with a Sept. 18 debut and an explosive first teaser.

Paramount+ is officially bringing "MobLand" back this fall, announcing that the critically acclaimed British crime drama will premiere its 10-episode second season on Sept. 18, while also unveiling the first teaser trailer for the next chapter in the Harrigan family's escalating war for power.

The announcement arrives after weeks of industry speculation surrounding the future of the series and its biggest star, Tom Hardy, whose reported behind-the-scenes dispute with producers briefly cast doubt over his long-term involvement in the franchise.

According to recent reports, discussions between Hardy and the show's executive leadership ultimately resolved the situation, clearing the way for his continued role in the series beyond Season 2.

The Harrigan Empire Faces Its Greatest Threat Yet

Season 2 promises even higher stakes as the powerful Harrigan crime family attempts to maintain control while enemies close in from every direction.

At the center of the conflict remains Harry Da Souza, Hardy's calculating fixer whose loyalty and survival will once again be tested as rival organizations exploit growing fractures within the family's criminal empire.

Paramount's official synopsis teases a season where violence becomes unavoidable, alliances crumble, and trust becomes increasingly difficult to find.

As competing syndicates challenge the Harrigans' dominance, Harry must navigate dangerous internal conflicts while preventing an all-out collapse of the organization he has spent years protecting.

Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Charts $4.5M in Previews as Box Office Faces High-Stakes Opening Weekend

With a $250 million production budget, Disney’s latest live-action remake targets a $60M–$65M domestic debut while horror entry Evil Dead Burn and A24’s The Invite compete for audiences in a crowded weekend marketplace.

Disney is returning audiences to the Pacific with its live-action adaptation of Moana, but the film's first box office numbers suggest the studio faces a pivotal opening weekend as it seeks to justify one of its largest theatrical investments of the year.

The musical adventure earned $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings, positioning the remake for an estimated $60 million to $65 million domestic debut. Some industry forecasts, however, remain more conservative, projecting an opening closer to $40 million, creating uncertainty around the film's initial commercial trajectory.

Featuring Catherine Laga'aia in the title role alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his fan-favorite performance as Maui, the film represents Disney's latest effort to transform its animated classics into live-action blockbusters.

Croatia Legend Zlatko Dalić Steps Down After Historic Nine-Year Run as National Team Manager

World Cup finalist and Croatia's most successful coach ends a golden era following FIFA World Cup 2026 exit, leaving behind an unprecedented international legacy.

ZAGREB, Croatia | One of international football's most successful managerial eras has officially come to an end.

Zlatko Dalić has announced his resignation as head coach of Croatia's national team, closing a remarkable nine-year tenure that transformed the Vatreni into one of world football's most respected powers.

The announcement follows Croatia's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ after a Round of 32 defeat to Portugal, ending a tournament that ultimately marked the final chapter of Dalić's historic leadership.

At 59, Dalić departs as the most accomplished manager in Croatian football history, having guided the nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, a third-place finish at Qatar 2022, and a runner-up finish in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.

A Golden Era Comes to an End

Few coaches have elevated a national program the way Dalić did after taking charge in 2017.

Croatia entered the 2018 World Cup as an underdog but quickly captivated global audiences with an inspired run to the championship match, defeating Denmark, host Russia, and England before falling 4-2 to France in the final.

It remains the greatest World Cup finish in Croatian history.

Morocco's Brahim Diaz Embraces World Cup Pressure as Atlas Lions Prepare for Quarterfinal Showdown with France

Creative playmaker says he thrives under the spotlight as Morocco aims to upset unbeaten France in a sold-out FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal led by Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise.

BOSTON | Morocco believes it belongs among the world's elite, and no player embodies that confidence more than Brahim Diaz.

As the Atlas Lions prepare for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against tournament favorite France, the Moroccan playmaker has made one thing clear: pressure isn't something he fears—it's something he embraces.

"I always take responsibility," Diaz told reporters ahead of Thursday's highly anticipated clash. "I thrive on pressure. These are the matches every player wants to be involved in, and I'm ready."

The 26-year-old Real Madrid midfielder has quietly become one of the tournament's most influential attacking creators. His four assists rank among the World Cup leaders, and his vision, precision passing, and ability to unlock defenses have been instrumental in Morocco's remarkable run to the final eight.

Now comes his toughest challenge yet.

Standing in Morocco's path is an unbeaten French side loaded with world-class talent, including Diaz's Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé, who has already scored seven goals during the tournament, along with Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who currently leads the competition in assists.

The matchup presents a fascinating duel between teammates turned rivals.

"They're extraordinary players and wonderful people," Diaz said of Mbappé and fellow Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. "Tomorrow, however, we'll be opponents and we all want to win. That's all that matters."

Lauren Bennett, ‘Party Rock Anthem’ Singer and G.R.L. Star, Dies at 37, Leaving Lasting Pop Legacy

The British singer, whose voice helped define an era of dance-pop through LMFAO, G.R.L., and Paradiso Girls, is remembered by bandmates and fans following news of her death at age 37.

Lauren Bennett, the British singer whose powerful vocals helped propel LMFAO's global hit "Party Rock Anthem" and whose career spanned successful pop groups G.R.L. and Paradiso Girls, has died at the age of 37.

The news was announced by Bennett's fellow G.R.L. members through a heartfelt statement shared on social media. Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Paula van Oppen remembered their longtime friend as a gifted artist whose warmth, humor and generosity touched countless lives.

"Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us," the group wrote. "We will forever cherish the love, laughter and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved."

No cause of death has been publicly announced.

LSU Baseball Celebrates Classroom Success as 12 Tigers Earn First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll Recognition

More than 60% of LSU's 2026 baseball roster receives SEC academic recognition, underscoring the Tigers' championship culture both on the diamond and in the classroom.

BATON ROUGE, La. | LSU Baseball's pursuit of excellence extends far beyond Alex Box Stadium, as 12 members of the Tigers' 2026 baseball team have earned recognition on the 2025-26 First-Year Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll, highlighting the program's commitment to success both on the field and in the classroom.

The recognition is part of an even larger academic milestone for the Tigers. A total of 23 members of LSU's 2026 roster—61 percent of the team—received either SEC Academic Honor Roll or First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll distinction, demonstrating the program's emphasis on developing well-rounded student-athletes.

The First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll recognizes first-year student-athletes who have excelled academically during their initial full year at their institution while competing in one of the nation's premier collegiate athletic conferences.