Republicans return to Capitol Hill with agenda complicated by Graham death | US Congress

• Senator Lindsey Graham, who succeeded Strom Thurmond in 2002, maintained a complex and often strained relationship with Black voters throughout his tenure in South Carolina. • While Graham positioned himself as a modern white Southern politician distinct from Thurmond's era of resisting integration, he struggled to secure consistent support from Black communities.

• Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has established himself as a powerful and influential force in the U.S. Senate since his election in 2002. • Known for his political canniness and sharp wit, Graham utilized his position to advance aggressively hawkish foreign policy goals and play a key role in budget policy.

• NATO allies, Ukraine, and Israel have issued tributes to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, praising him as a steadfast friend and advocate for trans-Atlantic security ties. • The tributes highlight Graham's long-standing commitment to a foreign policy centered on strong international alliances and support for democratic partners.

• North Carolina officials signed the state budget during the week of July 10, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the state's legislative agenda. • The update provides essential legal and legislative news, including the latest polling data affecting the region's governance.

• President Trump informed Congress that conflict with Iran has resumed, specifically regarding the control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. • Trump vowed that the U.S. would "probably run" the waterway and intends to charge fees for its use to maintain American control.

• The Athletic analyzed and graded ten major controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the organization's tendency to bend rules for global superstars. • Key examples include FIFA President Gianni Infantino's efforts to "shoehorn" Lionel Messi into the expanded Club World Cup to drive commercial interest.

• The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a proposal to make daylight saving time the permanent year-round standard. • This legislative effort seeks to eliminate the biannual process of "springing forward" and "falling back" for clocks across the country.

• A federal judge issued a scathing ruling rejecting former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). • The court characterized the legal action as an improper exercise in self-dealing, citing concerns over the defendants' actions as directed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

• Analysis from Reform UK suggests that a sudden increase in government spending could force the new Prime Minister to call an early general election. • The report argues that a "spending spree" would create significant fiscal pressure and political instability for the current administration.

• UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from eight other nations, including Ukraine, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden, to form an integrated air defence coalition. • The alliance focuses on establishing a comprehensive anti-ballistic missile architecture designed to deter and defeat future missile threats through collective technological and industrial cooperation.

• US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at age 71 following a "brief and sudden" illness. • A prominent figure in US politics, Graham was known for his hawkish foreign policy views and his evolution from a critic to a close ally of Donald Trump.