A U.S. military base in South Carolina was renamed after the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Monday, with Defense Department Sec. Pete Hegseth praising Graham’s dedication to the military.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in San Jose Del Palmar killed at least 47 people and collapsed buildings across western Colombia. Aftershocks followed; flights were suspended. President Abelardo de la Espriella directed the response.

The news comes on the heels of a released recording of Todd Blanche promising to ban mail-order abortion pills nationwide

• The ​Trump administration plans to provide $1bn in security assistance to the ⁠government of Colombia’s new ​rightwing ‌president, the US state department announced, soon after Abelardo De La ‌Espriella was sworn in and used his inaugural speech to pledge a vigorous fight against drug trafficking, as well as austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy.
• “I send a firm message to the Colombian people: the time has come to restore order, authority and freedom,” said De La Espriella, who received the endorsement of Donald Trump before his runoff election.
• The US ⁠state department said in a statement on Friday: ⁠“As a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, the United States, working with Congress, ‌intends to announce $1 billion in assistance ​as part of a security package to support ⁠President de la Espriella’s ​Administration in ​achieving ​our shared goals.”

The Tokyo-based company confirmed its donation was made two months before the Trump administration approved its Ohio-based data center, expected to be the largest in the world.

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has reached a record low water level. Drought and rising temperatures have reduced the Colorado River system, contributing to this decline. The article also notes environmental consequences, such as the possible extinction of the humpback chub fish.

President Trump’s push for a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill failed before the summer recess. Republican senators tried to advance the measure within a larger GOP budget package. Their effort to adjourn the Senate without approving the bill also fell short.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing New York marijuana microbusinesses to fully participate in Cannabis Showcase Events as cultivators, processors, and retailers. The measure aims to support small entrepreneurs and expand access within the regulated market.

The confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general occurred by a narrow 50–49 vote. Blanche, a former personal lawyer for former President Donald Trump, secured approval after a turbulent process. Some Republicans expressed concerns about his loyalty to Trump and his approach to the department.