In its first six days, the Iran war has racked up a staggering $11.3 billion, Defense Department officials recently told lawmakers. The confidential estimate, shared behind closed doors, left some senators reeling and raised questions about the conflict’s accelerating costs.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has released a new plan to tackle decades of pollution from the Tijuana River. Through a five-pillar strategy, the chamber aims to bring a binational framework to address an environmental crisis that continues to affect South San Diego County communities.

China, the world’s top crude oil and LNG importer, has strategically built up oil stockpiles, diversified supply routes, and promoted electrification. These measures make it notably more resilient to disruptions, especially those arising from the crisis in the Middle East.

A recent report reveals that federal agencies can purchase phone location data advertised for commercial use. Though the article’s full details are restricted to paid plans, it raises serious privacy concerns and offers pointers on limiting such tracking.

Even as conflict unfolds in Iran, NATO forces have turned their attention to the Arctic, where U.S. nuclear submarines are engaged in Operation Ice Camp Boarfish. This large-scale drill underscores the growing strategic importance of the Arctic in global military planning.

A critical minerals mine in the Patagonia Mountains may soon spread onto Coronado National Forest land. This potential move is supported by a draft decision from the U.S. Forest Service, marking a critical update in the mine’s development.

A renewed effort to remove $3.5 million in school choice scholarships from Nebraska’s budget has emerged, led by State Senator Tom Brandt. The amendment targets the state’s mainline budget bill and reopens a debate around educational funding.

A University of Iowa employee was demoted after being captured in an undercover video discussing the state’s laws on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although the Board of Regents disciplined her, she remains employed at the university.

Two Russian bombers approaching Alaska prompted a swift and sizable response from the United States. Even while occupied in Iran, NORAD’s determined move highlights America’s commitment to protecting its airspace and projecting strength at home.

In a fiery Pentagon speech, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth touted what critics call a dangerously escalated show of force against Iran. The article from Activist Post portrays U.S. leadership as “deranged Armageddon cultists,” underscoring mounting concerns over militaristic rhetoric and its impact on civilians.

In a move to redefine executive authority, the Iowa House passed legislation preventing the governor from closing churches or businesses and barring future vaccine mandates. Lawmakers view this as an important adjustment to how emergency powers are executed, ensuring certain decisions remain subject to legislative approval.

The Wisconsin Council on Forestry has voted to write a letter urging the governor to support a biofuels incentive bill. The Council previously struggled to reach consensus, but it has now shifted to a united stance in favor of the legislative measure.

Amid concerns over new trade measures, multiple U.S. governors are urging Congress to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is among those voicing apprehension over the potential consequences for local economies.

Conflicting messages claiming that Social Security benefits might no longer be taxed have left many Americans confused. This article explores an inquiry from a concerned taxpayer preparing for the 2025 filing season and examines what is known so far.

Governor Maura Healey plans to spotlight business expansions and the promise of new jobs across Massachusetts. In a forthcoming chamber address, she is expected to share her priorities for fostering growth and improving the state’s economic vitality.

U.S. senators traded sharp words at a Washington hearing over local “sanctuary” policies as the Senate teed up another procedural vote to resolve a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Lawmakers focused on whether these local policies align with or undermine federal immigration enforcement, revealing deep divisions within Congress.

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has approved a 3.25% tuition increase for the 2026-2027 academic year—an adjustment reportedly below both the rate of inflation and the state average for community colleges. The move underscores an effort to keep higher education accessible while meeting the institution’s operational needs.

The Virginia State Crime Commission recently acknowledged that multiple law enforcement agencies are contravening state license plate reader laws. Yet, in an unexpected move, the Commission refuses to reveal which agencies are involved, sparking renewed debate over government transparency and surveillance practices.

In Bozeman, Montana, a mobile crisis team responds to people in need—even in snowy weather. But as they help others, they’re also confronting challenges that threaten their own stability.

A recent news report asked whether Maine could pick an independent as its next governor. One author hopes that person is Rick Bennett, praising him for tackling the corrupting influence of money in politics and calling him a leader in reform.

President Trump’s sudden shift on Kurdish forces has set off alarms in Washington. This policy zigzag comes amid reports of a CIA initiative, in coordination with Israel’s Mossad, to arm thousands of Kurdish fighters near Iran’s northwestern border. Questions now arise over how this development will affect regional stability.