Lindsey Graham died at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 71, prompting the appointment of his sister to complete his term.
Snapshot · The Megyn Kelly Show
SCOTUS Asks For More Security, Graham’s Sister Sworn In, Parasite Spreads Across US: AM Update 7/15
Explore episode
Jul 15, 2026
Where this was said
Darline Graham Nordone Sworn In as First Female South Carolina Senator
At 9:55 · chapter starts 9:50
With a brief oath of office, history was made — Darline Graham Nordone became the first woman ever to hold a Senate seat representing South Carolina, appointed by Republican Governor Henry McMaster to complete her late brother Lindsey Graham's term. [1] — Darline Graham Nordone "Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in as a US Senator Tuesday, becoming the first woman ever to represent South Carolina in the chamber. She …" 09:47 McMaster revealed the story behind the appointment at the State House: he had called Darline in the early hours of Sunday morning and she agreed to serve through tears. 'I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve,' McMaster said. In her own remarks, Nordone paid tribute to her brother's relentless work ethic and genuine character — 'he worked nonstop to make our state, country, and world better' — before closing with a message directly addressed to Lindsey himself: 'I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I'm gonna do this. I got it.' The term expires in January, with a Republican primary special election scheduled for August 11.
Graham became Nordone's legal guardian at ~22
After both parents died within 15 months, a young Lindsey Graham became his 13-year-old sister's legal guardian while attending law school, later formally adopting her.
Lindsey Graham Raised His Sister: The Untold Family Story
When their mother died in 1976 and their father followed just 15 months later, a young Lindsey Graham stepped up as his 13-year-old sister Darline's legal guardian while he was still in law school. He later formally adopted her so she could receive his military benefits — a bond that ultimately led her to the US Senate.
Similar snapshots
8 states have filed social media lawsuits
A total of 8 states have filed lawsuits against social media platforms, including an ongoing case in Tennessee, using product liability and public nuisance theories to seek accountability.
France built 56 nuclear plants in the 1970s
France built 56 nuclear plants in the 1970s and now has the cheapest energy in Europe, making it independent of Russian or Middle Eastern energy geopolitics.
Estonia has one tax form
Estonia has a single tax form, a law preventing the government from asking citizens for the same information twice, and a flat rate of tax — enabling competitive taxation.
Lisbon legalised drugs and slashed crime
Portugal's Lisbon, once a city with a major heroin problem, legalised drugs and redirected enforcement spending into rehabilitation and housing, dramatically reducing crime.
Boland Amendment vote: 411-0
The first Boland Amendment banning CIA and Defense Department funds for the Contras passed the House unanimously — yet the Reagan administration ignored it.
Saudi Arabia donated $32M to Contras
Over just two years, Saudi Arabia alone donated $32 million to the Contra rebels, giving loosely affiliated factions millions they had no way to spend on arms.
National Endowment: 52% program rate
The National Endowment for the Preservation of Liberty raised $6.3 million for the Contras but only $3.3 million reached them — a shockingly low 52% program expense rate.
Secord & Hakim marked up arms 300%
Richard Secord and Albert Hakim marked up their arms shipments to the Contras by as much as 300%, making enormous personal profits from the covert operation.
Oliver North had zero covert experience
Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, tapped to run the entire covert Contra support operation, had no prior experience in covert operations whatsoever — he was learning as he went.
