Good morning. It's Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Senate passed a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran while the nation paused to remember the late Senator Lindsey Graham at memorial services in Washington.
President Trump joined lawmakers from both parties to pay tribute to Graham, who served South Carolina in the Senate and earlier in the Air Force. The Defense Department also proposed renaming Joint Base Charleston in his honor.
These events mark a day of serious national business and respectful remembrance.
The Top Stories
The Senate passed a bipartisan bill that imposes new sanctions on Russia and Iran. The measure targets Russian oil and gas exports and adds penalties on Iran, including significant tariffs on buyers of Iranian petroleum products.
Supporters say the bill aims to limit funding for military actions by both nations. Why it matters: These sanctions could affect global energy prices and strengthen pressure on two countries that often oppose American interests.
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles toward a US military base in Jordan on Tuesday. US forces intercepted all the missiles before they could reach the target, according to US Central Command.
No injuries were reported. Why it matters: The attack raises tensions in the Middle East and tests American defenses at bases that support operations across the region. Political leaders from both parties gathered in Washington to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday with President Trump, members of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance. The Pentagon proposed renaming Joint Base Charleston after Graham, a South Carolina senator and Air Force veteran.
Why it matters: Graham served for decades on key committees and shaped American foreign policy on defense and alliances.
Washington & the Nation
President Trump called for a White House honor for a California teenager who saved a young boy from strong ocean waves last week. The president praised the lifeguard's quick action and courage in pulling the child to safety.
Separately, four men wrongly convicted in the 1991 yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas, have been officially exonerated. Maurice Pierce, Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, and Forrest Welborn spent years in prison before new evidence linked another suspect to the crime.
In another case, Brendan Banfield was sentenced to life in prison without parole on June 5 for the murder of his wife, Christine Banfield. He had tried to frame another man for the killing while he was having an affair with the family's au pair.
The family of Nolan Wells, an 18 year old high school football player who died under mysterious circumstances, has issued subpoenas to several social media companies. They are seeking data from his accounts to help understand what led to his death.
Lawmakers in Congress are considering reforms to workplace rules after recent allegations of misconduct and reports of relationships between members and staff. The proposed changes would set clearer guidelines for professional conduct on Capitol Hill.
Around the World
A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others. The quake caused major damage to a shopping center and a paper mill in the region.
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid the rubble. The sanctions bill passed by the US Senate also includes measures aimed at limiting Iran's ability to support proxy groups in the Middle East.
Officials say the new penalties target financial networks that have helped Tehran evade earlier restrictions. In Washington, the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Senator Graham's memorial underscored the late lawmaker's long standing work on international affairs.
Graham had been a strong voice for aid to both Israel and Ukraine during his years in the Senate.
Your Money
Stocks showed mixed results on Tuesday. The Dow and the S&P 500 closed higher while the Nasdaq finished lower. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies gained ground. Gold prices moved lower and oil prices also declined.
The yield on the 10 year Treasury note stood near 4.61 percent. A luxury estate in Delray Beach, Florida, known as Villa Skyfall, sold for 85 million dollars. The mansion is located in the Stone Creek Ranch area and includes extensive grounds and waterfront access.
These sales reflect continued strong demand for high end properties in desirable coastal markets even as some buyers watch interest rates closely.
Health & You
Adults over 50 can lower their risk of heart disease and stroke by adding two simple habits to their daily routine. First, aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week, such as brisk walking.
Second, keep sodium intake under 2,300 milligrams per day by choosing fresh foods over processed items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure.
Simple changes like these have been shown in large studies to reduce that risk by as much as 20 percent over time. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you have not been active lately.
Regular checkups remain the best way to catch problems early.
One Good Thing
A quick thinking teenage lifeguard in California pulled a young boy from dangerous waves last week, saving his life. The teen acted without hesitation when he saw the child in trouble.
President Trump praised the young man's courage and called for a special White House recognition. Stories like this remind us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when others need help.
On This Day
In 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the act that created NASA. In 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral before a worldwide television audience.
In 1890, Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. In 1905, Dag Hammarskjold, the Swedish diplomat and second secretary-general of the United Nations. (From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
Take time today to check on an older neighbor or family member, especially if they live alone. A short call or visit can make a real difference. Remember that staying informed, staying active, and staying connected helps all of us face whatever comes next.
And that's the way it is.
Sources
- US Central Command, Official Statement (2026)
- US Senate, Bill Summary (2026)
- Department of Defense, Base Renaming Proposal (2026)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Heart Disease Facts (2025)
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Exoneration Record (2026)
- US Geological Survey, Japan Earthquake Report (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)