Your daily briefing on the top political stories shaping the nation today.

1. 1
   Defense

   Defense Secretary Faces Senate Over $37.5B Iran War Costs

   Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions from the Senate Appropriations Committee over the growing costs of the U.S. conflict with Iran. Hegseth revealed the war has cost $37.5 billion to date and requested a $67 billion supplemental funding package.

2. 2
   Congress

   House Passes Stopgap Funding Ahead of Midterms

   The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 4. The measure aims to avoid a government shutdown before the midterm elections, though it now faces potential hurdles in the Senate.

3. 3
   Healthcare

   HHS Withholds $1 Billion in Medicaid from Two States

   The Department of Health and Human Services announced it is withholding a combined $1 billion in Medicaid funding from California and Minnesota. The controversial move has drawn immediate ire from state leaders and is expected to trigger swift legal challenges.

4. 4
   Trade

   U.S. Signals Sweeping New Tariffs, Including on Taiwan

   The U.S. Trade Representative signaled plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries, including Taiwan. The announcement has caused unease in global markets as businesses brace for potential supply chain disruptions.

5. 5
   Elections

   Andy Biggs Wins Arizona GOP Gubernatorial Primary

   Trump-endorsed Representative Andy Biggs successfully secured the Republican nomination for Arizona governor. Biggs is now slated to face incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in what promises to be one of the year's most fiercely contested races.

6. 6
   Local Politics

   NYC Mayor Walks Back Call to Arrest Netanyahu

   New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani walked back his recent calls for local authorities to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani conceded the city lacks jurisdiction, despite his ongoing urging for the federal government to pursue war crimes charges.