The death of Lindsey Graham elicited a smile on the gay web. The memes and posts claimed that Graham, the South Carolina legislator who died unexpectedly on Saturday was looking down on Provincetown from hell and claiming Ronald Reagan as his own. He also appeared to be honored by Grindr HQ with the flag at half-staff.
Although Graham insisted throughout his lifetime that he wasn’t gay, Washington was still unsure of his sexuality. The rumors weren’t just fueled by his effeminate appearance and the fact that he never had a romantic relationship with a female. Men also made public statements that Graham paid for sex. Graham denied these claims. It never erupted in a scandal. Graham was a fierce opponent of LGBTQ+ issues until his death.
Graham’s apparent hypocrisy prompted a debate about the ethicality of outing gay public figures. According to one school of thought, everyone is entitled to privacy in sexual matters as long as the participants are consenting adults. Some people believe politicians who live a gay lifestyle while fighting to make LGBTQ+ citizens second class citizens do not deserve discretion. Graham’s alleged homophobia was used as a weapon both by Republican opponents and critics on the left. Some queer people argued that invoking Graham’s sexuality to insult him amounted outright homosexuality.
The pro-outing position in the popular discourse has gained a lot of ground as LGBTQ+ activists have become less compromising in their advocacy and are more confrontational. This was the final case of this kind for Graham, who was never outed as a politician and whose sexuality was not a big story.
A few days later, another man wrote on Medium that Graham had hired him for a tryst at a Baltimore hotel, which led to recollections of the clusters of moles Graham allegedly called his “ladybugs.” Another man claimed on Medium on a couple days after that Graham hired him to have a tryst in a Baltimore Hotel. This led to an amusing story about Graham’s “ladybugs” – the moles he called them. Her story was that she didn’t realize he had been a senator until Lady G revealed it on social media.
It was a while before the 2020 accusations became a big deal, and they were never confirmed. This is likely due to the fact that there wasn’t any evidence beyond the testimonies of sexworkers, which would have been met with suspicion. Graham was not bothered at all by these accusations, even though he would dismiss them occasionally, often with jokes. His conservative colleagues defended him, calling their critics homophobic if they made any hint at his sexuality. It could have been because Graham’s colleagues never made a fuss about it or that Graham denied the whole thing. Or perhaps it was because Graham had no wife to pretend empathy for. It could be because Graham never came across as an outspoken bigot. He never spoke up against non-discrimination or marriage equality, even though he backed the GOP’s position on LGBTQ+ rights.
With the Graham playbook, it’s difficult to see a gay Republican rising in the ranks. It’s harder for gay Republicans to maintain a secret life now that there are so many openly homosexual men in the GOP. Graham’s story still teaches us a lot about right-wing politics.
At this point it’s normal for family values leaders to cheat on their spouses, encourage their girlfriends have an abortion, cross-dress, harass staffers sexually, and ask men to engage in gay sex. The sexual morals of conservatives, with a few exceptions (if the Mitt Romney scandal involving sexting breaks, I will eat my phone), are mostly empty words that quickly disappear when personal interests strike.
The GOP can benefit from a punitive approach to nonnormative homosexuality insofar that it is able to use this stance as a way of energizing its anti-LGBTQ+ constituency. As long as they are loyal troops who do not threaten the gender hierarchy that the right wants to maintain, gays and transgender Republicans pose no threat to the project of the right. It can be legitimized by them, such as Caitlyn’s advocacy against transgender girls participating in sports at school. Graham’s homosexuality was confined to sex acts, not the more weighty realms of queer politics and identity.
Gay commentators, both in life and after death have described Graham’s life of ‘closetedness as lonely and sad. He probably didn’t feel much shame or regret about his decisions. He had values, like many Republican colleagues in the Trump years, that were influenced by the changing tides of political power. Graham’s motivations appear to be based more on his desire for power and dominance, as well as on his capacity to influence others. It is possible that he did not consider himself gay, in terms of sexuality or romance. He may have thought he was a homosexual who wanted gay sex. Graham’s alleged paid secret sex, and his direct connection to President Obama might have seemed like a fantasy.

There is little information about the terrorism investigation
The 28-year old white British man is being held in custody by police on suspicions of murder and also of the commission, preparation, or instigation terrorist acts.
This specific phrase was added as an offence in the Terrorism Act.
There aren’t many details about the reason he has been arrested. However, earlier in the day, the director of counter-terrorism police said that detectives obtained a further detention warrant. This means that they can detain a suspect up to 7 days before charging him.
Police can only hold someone without charges for a maximum of 14 days under the Terrorism Act. They would then need to request another extension.
Taylor said that the counterterrorism investigation “runs parallel” to the murder investigation and at this point the suspected killing of Ann Widdecombe has not “been declared a terror incident”.
Boris Johnson calls the killing of Widdecombe ‘unforgivable.’
Boris Johnson said that he was “very sorry, and very shocked” when he heard about Ann Widdecombe’s death.
The former Prime Minister described her at an event held in London as “an extraordinary politician”. He also said that the circumstances surrounding her death were “appalling” and “unforgivable”.
When asked about the safety of UK politicians Johnson responds: “Look I heard what she had to say, and it seemed reasonable to me.”
Widdecombe appeared on TalkTV the morning before she died, and police are investigating.
According to Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the Counter-Terror Police Chief, an investigation is underway into Ann Widdecombe’s appearance on TalkTV the day before she died.
Widdecombe was on at 8:05. Here’s the timeline.
Taylor stated that they would be looking at all possible lines of investigation.
Widdecombe had several scheduled media appearances on the day of her death. According to reports, a researcher for Channel 5 also spoke with her ahead of a planned appearance. The last message was received at 12 o’clock.
The interview was recorded about 20 minutes prior to the alleged attack. She spoke for nine minutes on a Christian station.
Devon residents feel isolated after police cordon area
Ann Widdecombe lived in Haytor, a small Devon village for the past 18 years. Locals spoke to BBC about the shock they felt at her passing.
Phill Parker is the rector of the parishes of Ilsington and Haytor. He says, “The community feels quite isolated, particularly those who are within the cordon.”
He explains, “It has really limited their mobility and their access to help.” People not being able get into them to talk to them and give them the support they need while they are just very uneasy about what is going on in their community.
Lesley Clark who is employed at Buckfast Abbey, on the Dartmoor edge, said: “We all were really devasted when we learned that she died. She had just been to church the previous week and looked perfect.
She adds, “Knowing that this has escalated to something related to terrorism is extremely worrying.” We feel very sorry for the family and we are very upset about this.
Press swarms into Widdecombe’s village, but roads remain closed
Dan Johnson
Haytor, West of England’s correspondent
Ann Widdecombe, who lived in a tiny hamlet at the edge of Dartmoor, is still being monitored by police officers. Residents have been logged in, out and their paths through the park are diverted.
Dartmoor ponies are often seen cantering across the road and off the hillside, reminding us of its natural beauty and peacefulness.
At the Moorland Hotel more people laid flowers to pay their respects – some locals, who knew Ann Widdecombe; others, who felt like they knew her or who shared her views.
As some people drove up to the marsh, they saw the reporters and massed cameramen trying to capture what had happened.
Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner has issued a press release recognising this investigation’s impact on the tiny community as well as on wider police work across these rural counties.
It is understandable that the disturbance continues to frustrate. There is also a sense of understanding that this beautiful spot has been at the center of an investigation into terrorism, which has confused and worried people across the country.
What is Digital Forensics?
According to the chief of the counter-terrorism police, the digital forensics examinations is one of the investigation lines that the force pursues.
Interpol defines digital forensics as a branch within forensic science which focuses on identifying, acquiring and analyzing electronically stored information.
The main goal of digital forensics is to turn electronic evidence into intelligence for police use and prosecution.
Interpol states that “electronic evidence is a component in almost all criminal activity”, therefore digital forensics play a key role in investigations by law enforcement.
These electronic proofs can come from many sources, including smartphones, computers or remote storage.
Police say that the first person who was arrested and then released did not have any involvement.
The police asked the counter-terror unit if the suspect currently in custody had any relationship with the person who was arrested first and released.
As Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “The individual who was first arrested, and then released by Devon and Cornwall Police, did not have involvement in the matter as they have stated.”
Moreover, he says they have not been involved in any investigation.
Remember that on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall Police announced the arrest of a white British male aged 26 on suspicions of murder. However, on Saturday, they confirmed his release.
Police announced that a white British male aged 28 was arrested on suspicion of murder. After the counter-terrorist police took over, the 28-year old was arrested again on Monday, on suspicion of committing, preparing or instigating acts of terror.
Our timeline will give you a good idea of the progress made in this investigation
Widdecombe suspect murder has not been declared as a terror incident at this point – Police
Daniel De Simone
Scotland Yard Reports
Taylor refused to comment on the question of whether or not Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder was an assault against Reform UK.
He said, “I’m not going to exclude anything.” He would also not say if they were looking into whether foreign states might be involved.
He said, “We’re trying to figure out what is motivating the attacks at the moment.” At this point, I would not want to discuss the motive.
He said that he could not comment on the details of the suspected attacks, including the preparation and planning.
The counter-terrorism probe “runs parallel” to the murder case, and “we’re investigating terrorist offences”, he said.
He would not say whether the suspect could have committed separate terrorism offenses from the murder charge, or if any other politicians might be targets.
Taylor said, “At this time, Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder has not been classified as a terrorist event”.
This is a case of murder following the brutal assault on a woman aged 78 in her home.
He adds that the “deeply distressing” impact has affected Miss Widdecombe and her family.
Ann Widdecombe’s murder was a ‘targeted assault’, according to Counter Terrorism Policing
Daniel De Simone
Scotland Yard Reports
Police counter-terrorism say that the killing of Ann Widdecombe is a “targeted” attack and they are working on determining its motive.
Today, at New Scotland Yard, the Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of Counter Terrorism Policing gave an updated on the Ann Widdecombe case.
The “limitation” of the information he could provide is that it’s a murder investigation in progress, but he said “it was clear that this attack was targeted”.
He said: “We’re working hard to understand the preparation, planning and motivation behind the attack.”
The detective said that they have obtained an order of continued detention, and the suspect can be held for up to 7 days in accordance with the Terrorism Act.
Widdecombe is hailed by politicians as a ‘formidable, charmer, and entertaining’ person.
During yesterday’s Commons debate, members of all political parties expressed their sympathy to Home Secretary Shabana Mahamood.
Mahmood recalled Widdecombe’s “forwardness and courage” as well as someone who was “inquisitive about ideas, but didn’t take herself too serious”.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said that “we all will remember Ann fondly”. He described her as an entertainer and public figure “who was always formidable, charming and entertaining”.
Richard Tice, the reform UK MP for Widdecombe, called her “a colossus”. He praised Widdecombe’s “incredible” work ethic.
Max Wilkinson, a Liberal Democrat member of parliament said that while he did not always agree with Widdecombe’s arguments, the way she presented them was “compelling”.
Pete Wishart, Scottish National Party member of parliament for Scotland, called Widdecombe a “political figure larger than life”.
Ann Widdecombe, a long-serving political figure with a career in showbusiness
Ann Widdecombe, born 1947 in Bath, Somerset.
After studying Latin and philosophy at Birmingham University she went to Oxford University for further study.
She has had a long and successful political career. From 1987 until 2010, she was a Tory Member of Parliament for Maidstone, Kent.
Between 1994 and 1997, she served as the Home Office Minister and Employment Minister in John Major’s government.
The former minister had an unusual show business career in store for her after leaving Parliament. She has appeared in several primetime TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing (2010) and Celebrity Big Brother (2018).
She is a staunch advocate of Britain’s exit from the EU and became a MEP in 2019 for the Brexit Party. She will represent South West England at the European Parliament during the period 2019-2020.
She joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023 after it changed its name to the Brexit Party. There, she was the immigration and justice spokeswoman.
Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder: A timeline
Wednesday 8 July
Ann Widdecombe speaks on TalkTV about Nigel Farage, the leader of her party.
Widdecombe’s last message received was at 12:19. A researcher for Channel 5 calls her to arrange a video interview.
Police believe that the assault took place at 12:30.
ITV reports that the researcher tried to contact Widdecombe again at 12:48 to ask her to connect to Zoom before an interview. She did not reply.
Wednesday, 9th July
Ambulance service calls Devon and Cornwall Police at 11:40 and they find Widdecombe’s body in the house.
Thursday, 10 July
Around 06:30, media outlets announce Widdecombe’s death. Her managing team has released a statement that does not provide any details to indicate her death as suspicious.
15:44 Police release a press statement confirming that they’ve launched an investigation into a murder.
Devon and Cornwall Police say a white British 26-year old man has been arrested for suspicion of murder.
Sunday 11th July
Devon and Cornwall Police announced shortly before 07:00 that the suspect was released and no longer a part of their investigation. A manhunt continues and police remain on the scene.
Soon after 21:00, a 28-year old white British man arrested in Rotherham (South Yorkshire) on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder.
Sunday, 12 July
Around 12:00, the Devon and Cornwall Police say that “nothing” suggests Widdecombe’s murder was political in nature.
Monday, 13 July
After “new information”, the Counter Terrorism Police assumes control of the investigation shortly before 13.00. According to the force, the suspect aged 28 has been arrested again on suspicion of committing or preparing terrorist acts.
Shabana Mahamood, the Home Secretary announces that the suspect is 28 years old and was unknown to Prevent.
Police commissioner statement in full
Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime commissioner has now released her full statement.
As Police and Crime commissioner, I personally spoke to Laurence Taylor (Head of Counter Terrorism) to thank him and seek reassurances that the investigation was handled smoothly.
There have been comments about how Devon and Cornwall Police communicated in the initial stages of the case, but as Home Secretary David Cameron said yesterday, this isn’t unusual. In a rapid-paced investigation more information can be revealed that alters the nature of the problem or character.
Since the start of the investigation, the Chief Constable has regularly briefed me. I’m confident in the professionalism and thoroughness with which Devon and Cornwall Police responded to Ann Widdecombe’s death.
I am especially grateful to the members of the general public who provided the information that helped the officers progress the investigation.
Ann’s friends and family are in my thoughts. The stories that I’ve heard about her from people who knew her well on Dartmoor have touched me. Ann, despite her political views, was a very likeable person.
When I went to the scene Sunday, I found the efforts made by police officers to talk to the residents and to address their concerns very understandable.
I am certain that this operation caused some customers to have to wait more than usual for services or they haven’t yet been resolved.
I have received assurances that officers and staff are expected to return to normal business in the next few days. These will also be busy due to the two last legs of World Cup as well as the beginning of school holiday.

In his first congressional testimony, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told House members that policymakers of the central bank have “no tolerance for persistently high inflation”.
Warsh stated in his prepared statement for the House Financial Services Committee, that the Fed was influenced by concerns over inflation when it decided to keep the federal funds benchmark rate at 3.5% – 3.75% during the Fed meeting of June.
The Fed’s top priority is getting monetary policy as close to perfect as possible. “That is the clear, constant goal we strive for. It’s our star.” he added. If we implement the right policy – which we will do – then the five-year inflation spike will become a distant memory.
My colleagues and me recognize that the high rate of inflation is a burden to American businesses and households. Warsh stated that while monthly fluctuations in prices are unavoidable, especially when the world is uncertain, underlying inflation on a longer-term basis depends largely on monetary policy.
Members of the Committee will not tolerate inflation that is persistently high. We are all committed to the restoration of price stability”, he said.
WARSH MEETING: FED POLICYMAKERS WEIGHTED INFLATION WORRIES ON RATE CUT FORECAST
Warsh was asked how he’d respond if Donald Trump tried to target him or any other policymakers, in order to affect interest rate policy. The chairman stressed that the Fed is an independently-run central bank. This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Reserve is an independent body and conducts monetary policy independently. The Court has answered all questions that were raised about the matter, Warsh added, and he will continue doing his job even if President Trump tries to remove him.
Warsh continued to state that his aim for the Fed was “to have no politics.” We’ll get rid of the politics to the extent that they exist.
In June, consumer inflation cooled more than expected as gas prices fell.
Congress has given the Federal Reserve a dual mission to foster full employment while maintaining price stability, in accordance with an inflation goal of 2% over time. Warsh stated that the Fed would be paying attention to both aspects of its mandate. However, he did note the inflation part of it is still a long way from being achieved.
The two components of my mandate do not conflict with each other, in my opinion. It’s not either/or. “The more we do to ensure low prices and stability, the less people will worry about inflation. The more employers want to hire workers,” explained he.
Warsh stated, “You have given us a mandate and we are taking both sides of that seriously.” As we gaze out of the window, it appears that the job markets are in a good state of balance. “We’ve still got work to do in the area of inflation.”
The Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged as the new warsh era begins
Warsh answered questions during the hearing regarding the impact of AI on the economy and the potential risks that may arise as this technology becomes more widespread. It is “perhaps the biggest change to our economy that I have seen in my lifetime” and it brings with it unique challenges and opportunities.
It is not up to the central banks to predict or to know what will happen in the coming 12 to 24 months. But we do recognize that America is going to come out on top. Both human capital as well as capital from investors is being provided in the United States. The U.S. is the most efficient place to develop these technologies,” said he.
The AI technology is beneficial to the economy as a whole, but it’s not something to be overly confident about. AI “presents a threat when it finds its way into the hands of an adversary,” and it’s going to test the Fed’s infrastructure and the financial institutions’ infrastructure if bad actors try to take advantage.

In less than 48 hours, Darline Graham Nordone went from a career helping people with disabilities find jobs to becoming the first woman selected to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
On July 13, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham Nordone to complete the remainder of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term after the longtime Republican lawmaker unexpectedly died July 11.
Speaking at the state Capitol following her appointment, Graham Nordone signaled she intends to continue the work of her brother who helped raise her after their parents died when she was a child. They were her first public comments since Graham’s death.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and I will be there for him,” she said, describing him as an outstanding leader who worked harder than anyone to make the state, country and world better.
Graham Nordone is expected to be sworn in on July 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET in the Capitol, a congressional aide told USA TODAY. She will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, when the winner of the November election is scheduled to take office.
Here’s what to know about South Carolina’s first woman appointed to the Senate.
A life shaped by family tragedy
Much of Graham Nordone’s life story has been intertwined with that of her older brother. The siblings grew up in Central, a tiny town in South Carolina, where their parents owned a pool hall and restaurant.
Their childhood changed dramatically when their mother died of Hodgkin lymphoma in 1976. Fifteen months later, their father died of a heart attack, leaving Lindsey Graham, then a college student, responsible for his younger sister.
Graham Nordone was 13 when her father died, the Post and Courier reported. In interviews over the years, she recounted how frightened she was after losing both parents and how her brother stepped into the role of caregiver. Graham became his sister’s legal guardian before he joined the U.S. Air Force as a military lawyer to provide her with insurance and other benefits.
“I can remember the day my father passed away, standing in the living room of that house, absolutely scared to death,” Graham Nordone told NPR in 2015. “Lindsey wrapped his arms around me and promised me he would always be there for me and always take care of me.”
Their bond remained a defining feature of Graham’s public life. In a 2015 interview with The New York Times, Graham Nordone described her brother as “kind of like a brother, a father and a mother rolled into one.”
Career in disability services
The siblings, while remaining close, followed different career paths. Graham Nordone spent most of hers in disability services and workforce development rather than elective politics.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and holds certification as a public manager, according to a biography provided to The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network.
For nearly seven years, she has served as a commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, where she focused on helping blind and low-vision people achieve employment, independence and economic self-sufficiency, the biography states.
Graham Nordone began her career as a certified optician, working directly with people on eye-care needs before moving into state government. She later held positions at Clemson University and with the state employment department before joining the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
During 12 years with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Graham Nordone served as the business services director and communications director, according to the biography. She currently serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and is president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
Graham Nordone lives in Lexington, South Carolina, with her husband, Larry Nordone. According to the biography obtained by The Greenville News, the couple has two daughters and one grandson.
In the background of Lindsey Graham’s campaigns
Although she never ran for office, Graham Nordone was a familiar presence during key moments of her brother’s political career, often sharing personal stories about how he helped raise her after their parents’ deaths and the close bond the siblings maintained throughout their lives.
When Graham was seeking a third Senate term in 2014, Graham Nordine appeared in a campaign ad — saying that her brother assured her that after their parents’ deaths, he would take care of her.
During Graham’s 2016 presidential campaign, Graham Nordone was a visible presence at campaign events, sharing stories about the siblings’ upbringing and their close relationship. Graham, who never married or had children, once joked in a 2015 interview with the Daily Mail that if elected president, his sister could help fill the role of first lady.
“I’ve got a sister. She could play that role if necessary,” Graham said, before adding, “I’ve got a lot of friends. We’ll have a rotating first lady.”
Now Graham Nordone is contributing to Graham’s legacy in a very different way.
“It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work,” she said. “And I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
Terry Collins is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. Contact him at tcollins@usatoday.com. Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed his solidarity with New York Attorney-General Letitia J. James, and the 11 state attorneys general who are suing Paramount Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Mamdani, in a social media statement after 12 AGs from across the country filed a lawsuit on Monday to stop this $110 billion merger deal, said that he is “proud,” of his state’s involvement.
He said, “This merger is not in the best interest of the American public.” It would give one company a near third of all movies and cable TV channels that Americans watch. The merger will also raise the prices of streaming and cable. New Yorkers helped to build the industry. “They should not be sacrificed to further corporate consolidation.”
Mamdani has an important Hollywood connection. He became the mayor of Los Angeles on January 1. Mira Nair is his mother and an Oscar nominated director. Mamdani had a successful rap career before he turned to politics. One of his songs was featured in Queen of Katwe – a Disney film directed by Nair in which Mamdani made a brief cameo.
Paramount has, however, responded to the suit. According to the company, it would cause delays which will hurt entertainment workers as well as help tech companies who have “come” to dominate the entertainment industry.
James, in a press release, explained that New York and other plaintiffs have a different view.
She said, “For more than a century Paramount Studios and Warner Bros. competed in creating movies and TV that brought people together, inspired and sustained generations of artists and helped us to understand the world.” This merger will destroy this competition and create a giant company that has unprecedented power over entertainment and news around the world. The acquisition by Paramount of Warner Bros. could increase costs and threaten jobs and business across the country. “I thank all of my colleagues attorneys general who have joined this campaign to enforce the law and stop this merger.”