[The 7] Lindsey Graham’s death; Trump family investments; nighttime urination; and more

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a long-serving Republican and one of the most prominent figures in the party’s foreign-policy wing, has died. Graham had represented his state for more than two decades and was known for his close alignment with multiple administrations despite frequently shifting political positions.

His death marks the end of a storied career that spanned military service, the House, and the Senate, leaving a vacancy that will require a gubernatorial appointment.

New reporting reveals that members of the Trump family have been cashing in on business ventures closely tied to the president’s political influence, raising fresh concerns about conflicts of interest. The deals span sectors including cryptocurrency, real estate, and foreign sovereign wealth partnerships.

Watchdog groups argue the arrangements undermine public trust, while White House allies contend the investments are entirely legal and separate from policy decisions.

A new health study finds that waking up repeatedly at night to urinate — a condition known as nocturia — is more closely linked to serious cardiovascular and metabolic conditions than previously understood. Researchers say the frequency and pattern of nighttime waking can serve as an early warning signal for underlying disease.

The findings suggest that patients and physicians should treat nocturia not merely as a nuisance but as a potential indicator worth investigating.

Congressional leaders are locked in tense negotiations over federal spending levels as a deadline approaches that could trigger a government shutdown. Disagreements center on cuts to social programs, defense allocations, and the overall size of the deficit reduction package tied to the administration’s legislative agenda.

Moderates from both parties are caught in the crossfire between hardline fiscal conservatives and Democrats determined to protect entitlement spending.

Record-breaking temperatures are being reported across multiple continents this July, with scientists pointing to a confluence of factors including a persistent high-pressure dome, elevated ocean temperatures, and long-term climate change. Emergency services in several European and Asian cities are under severe strain.

Meteorologists warn that such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, underscoring the urgency of emissions reduction commitments.

Lawmakers are facing renewed pressure to pass comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation after several high-profile incidents involving AI-generated misinformation and automated hiring discrimination. Competing bills in the House and Senate reflect deep divisions over how much to preempt state-level regulation and how broadly to define liability for AI developers.

New data shows that college enrollment in the United States continues to decline, particularly among men and lower-income students, as the perceived return on investment of a four-year degree comes under scrutiny. Trade schools and certificate programs are seeing rising interest as alternatives.

Economists note that rising tuition costs, student debt burdens, and a strong labor market for skilled trades are all reshaping the calculus for prospective students.