NPR News: 07-13-2026 5PM EDT

Libby Casey· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Libby Casey. The sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham will finish his term in the US Senate. Darleen Graham was appointed this afternoon by South Carolina's governor. She will fill the seat until January. Lindsey Graham died at the age of seventy-one late Saturday following a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office. In accepting the interim post, Darleen Graham called it a privilege to finish some of her brother's work.

Darleen Graham· Soundbite0:26

I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way. Now, to Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I'm gonna do this. I got it.

Libby Casey· Host0:43

President Trump and South Carolina's other senator, Republican Tim Scott, had thrown their support behind Darleen Graham. The seat is up for election this year. Lindsey Graham had been campaigning for a fifth term. There will now be a special primary election in August to replace him on the ballot. Darleen Graham did not say if she intends to run for a full Senate term. A federal judge has slammed President Trump's lawsuit over his leaked tax records, saying it was filed in bad faith for an improper purpose. The judge also recommended sanctions for attorneys involved in the matter. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports.

Ryan Lucas1:16

In her fifty-six-page order, US District Judge Kathleen Williams blasts President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over his leaked tax returns. The suit ended with a settlement, which included the creation of a nearly one point eight