Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start with these reads:

• U.S. launched new strikes on Iran.
• A bison tossed a Yellowstone tourist.
• “Jurassic Park” star Sam Neill died at 78.

Nicole Fallert here, bringing you Monday’s news. Start the week with our New Quiz.

Senate’s first gathering since Graham’s death

The Senate returns today with a notable absence: Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, suddenly passed on Saturday, ending the tenure of one of the Senate’s most influential Republicans. A preliminary medical examiner’s report ruled Graham’s cause of death to be heart-related.

• Expect memorials — and politics: Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and sat on Judiciary and Appropriations, leaving one of the chamber’s most significant leadership positions vacant. While no succession plans have been announced, Republican leaders will likely face questions about committee leadership and the process for filling his Senate seat. Meanwhile, Graham’s death increased urgency for Mitch McConnell’s return to the Senate. McConnell, 84, said he’s all right.

More news to know now

• Witnesses dispute ICE account: Three men who say they witnessed the fatal shooting of a Mexican national by an agent with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement say the agency’s account of what happened “is simply false.”
• Where else can “explosive diarrhea” bug hide? Former U.S. officials told USA TODAY that the key to the mystery could be in water.
• Trump moves to tighten federal control of elections: With the SAVE America bill stalled, President Donald Trump is trying to take control through other means, critics say.

TV

Love wins

After nearly six weeks of drama-fueled recouplings and challenges, four couples made it to the “Love Island USA” Season 8 finale. Here’s who reigned as America’s favorite couple of 2026.

Something to talk about

Angelica Suffren’s remarkable double life

As a WNBA referee, Angelica Suffren’s job is to be invisible. That’s not the case off the court, when Suffren takes center stage as a competitive ballroom dancer. Suffren chatted with USA TODAY about how both jobs require grace.

Before you go

• “Moana” live-action took a nosedive.
• Jay-Z fans packed his hometown show.
• It was family day for Will and Kate at Wimbledon.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.