The U.S. Department of Defense has spent more than $38 billion on the war against Iran as of August 1. The war is expected to continue costing up to $3 billion a month and may cause inflation to rise until early 2027 due to disrupted oil and shipping routes.
Key Facts
The U.S. war against Iran has cost over $38 billion so far.
Monthly costs could be $3 billion or higher depending on how intense the fighting is.
The war affects oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping disruptions through the Red Sea also contribute to higher costs.
Inflation is expected to be about 0.5 percentage points higher into early 2027 because of the war.
This estimate came from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously estimated the cost to be $37.5 billion.
The CBO assessment was made after a request by Representative Brendan Boyle, a Democrat.
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President Donald Trump issued new warnings about drug trafficking from Mexico and Canada. He listed Mexico as a major drug transit country and criticized Canada for failing to stop fentanyl and other drug flows into the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump identified Mexico as a major transit and producing country for illegal drugs for fiscal year 2027.
Canada was not listed as a major drug transit country but was criticized for fentanyl production and drug flows into the U.S.
Trump called on Canada to shut down drug labs, tighten supply chain security, and fight criminal gangs near the northern border.
Mexico was praised for seizing more drugs, dismantling labs, and cooperating with U.S. security forces.
Trump urged Mexico to do more to fight drug cartels and improve border security.
The U.S.-Mexico border had much higher drug seizures than the U.S.-Canada border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
Data shows about 12,000 pounds of drugs seized so far this year at the northern border, mostly marijuana and smaller amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
The U.S.-Mexico border saw higher volumes of drug seizures, though exact figures in this excerpt were incomplete.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s favorability rating reached a record low in a recent Marquette Law School poll as frustration grows over the war in Iran. Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of illegal war actions, but the House will not vote on the matter before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth’s net favorability rating dropped to -24 points in the latest poll.
Only 25% of Americans viewed Hegseth favorably, while 49% viewed him unfavorably.
The poll surveyed 1,023 adults from September 2-9, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.3%.
The Iran war, initiated in February, faces strong public disapproval; 79% say it’s not worth the cost and 87% believe U.S. goals have not been met.
Only 26% approve of President Trump’s handling of the Iran war; 73% disapprove.
Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of illegal war actions without congressional approval.
Massie accuses Hegseth of breaking the War Powers Resolution, ignoring laws to protect civilians, and abusing power.
The House will recess until after the November midterm elections, delaying any vote on the impeachment articles.
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Gas and diesel prices in the United States have risen sharply since the war with Iran began, causing financial difficulties for many Americans. Families, farmers, and truckers are struggling to afford fuel and other expenses, leading to tough choices like cutting back on medical treatments or considering moving.
Key Facts
The average price of regular gasoline is $4.36 per gallon, up $1.42 since February 28, 2026.
Diesel prices have reached a record high of $6.30 per gallon.
Rising fuel costs are linked to ongoing tensions and war with Iran.
Families are having to budget more carefully and reduce spending, including on healthcare.
Truckers face increased costs of about $400 more per $1 rise in diesel prices per tank.
Higher diesel costs raise shipping prices, which then increase the cost of goods like food and clothes.
Trucking profits are slim, making it hard for drivers to absorb fuel price increases.
Many Americans feel stuck and uncertain about how to manage the rising cost of living.
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Fencing was put up around the Kennedy Center after a board, aligned with President Donald Trump, voted to close the building for repairs. A judge blocked adding Trump’s name to the center, and a Democratic trustee has asked for a court order to stop the closure, calling it unlawful.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board, supported by President Trump, voted to close most of the building for repairs.
A federal judge blocked the plan to add President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center.
Congress has provided $257 million for repairs on the building.
The closure has prevented public and staff access to the Kennedy Center.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democratic trustee, requested an emergency court hearing against the closure.
There are concerns the building might be damaged or access limited to avoid the court order.
A part of the ceiling recently fell inside the building, increasing calls for repairs.
The board previously voted to put Trump's name on the building facade and rename the plaza after him, but a judge stopped these actions.
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A leading Democrat in the House has delayed the approval of a $2.8 billion weapons sale from President Trump's administration to Israel. This sale includes 40,000 one-ton bombs and is now put on hold for further review.
Key Facts
The weapons deal is worth $2.8 billion.
It involves selling 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the hold.
Meeks made his statement on the social media platform called X.
The hold means the sale cannot move forward until concerns are addressed or more information is provided.
This type of public hold by a committee member is unusual.
The weapons sale was initiated under President Donald Trump's administration.
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Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula said the U.S. has placed weapons in space because Russia and China have already started putting weapons there. He described this as an ongoing "arms race" in space with these countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. has deployed weapons into space.
Russia and China have already begun similar efforts to put weapons in space.
Lt. Gen. David Deptula, who is retired, spoke about this on a TV show hosted by Katie Pavlich.
Deptula described the situation as a space "arms race" that is already happening.
The discussion reflects growing concerns about military competition beyond Earth.
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California is close to accepting $1.86 billion in federal broadband grants, but the Trump administration requires states to stop enforcing net neutrality rules on internet providers that get this money. California’s net neutrality law protects internet users by preventing providers from blocking or slowing down online content, but accepting the grant would force the state to weaken these protections.
Key Facts
The Trump administration’s BEAD program provides $42 billion for expanding broadband internet across the U.S.
States must agree not to enforce net neutrality or set price rules on internet providers receiving these federal funds.
California won a court battle to keep its own net neutrality law, which stops internet providers from blocking or slowing lawful internet traffic.
The state could lose the ability to regulate internet providers in this way for up to 14 years if it accepts the funds.
California and Illinois are the only states that have not finalized their broadband funding plans under BEAD.
The California Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to vote on a plan to accept the federal money, which could affect the state’s net neutrality law.
Advocacy groups urge California to protect its net neutrality law and consider legal action against the Trump administration’s conditions.
The Trump administration’s rules bar state enforcement of net neutrality across the entire state, not just in areas getting funded.
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A new poll shows Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico narrowly leading Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, with a 3-point difference that falls within the poll’s margin of error. The race is very close as both parties focus on winning the Texas seat ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
James Talarico, the Democratic candidate, has a 3-point lead over Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate, according to a new Texas poll.
The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4 points, so the race is essentially tied.
Ken Paxton is the current Texas attorney general and is endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988 and has supported Republicans in every presidential election since 1980.
The state voted for President Trump by 13.7 points in 2024.
Both campaigns are increasing efforts to win over undecided and independent voters.
Polls show Talarico leading women voters and Paxton leading men.
Political analysts consider the Texas Senate race a toss-up in the upcoming midterm elections.
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for refusing to follow subpoenas connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Black has denied any wrongdoing and is taking legal action against the committee’s subpoenas.
Key Facts
The House voted unanimously to hold Leon Black in contempt for not complying with subpoenas.
The subpoenas are part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein by the House oversight committee.
Black paid Epstein $170 million for tax and estate planning services from 2013 to 2017.
Black appeared for an interview in June but refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements (NDAs).
He did not appear for a scheduled deposition on September 3 and did not provide all requested NDAs.
Black’s lawyers called the contempt vote unfair and plan to challenge it in court.
The Department of Justice will decide whether to take action on the contempt vote, but it is not required to.
Leon Black sued the committee, saying the subpoenas were invalid and violated privacy.
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Patrick Clancy will appear on 60 Minutes for his first major interview since the mistrial in his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy’s murder case. The trial focused on whether Lindsay, who was charged with killing their three children, was mentally ill at the time, sparking discussion about postpartum psychosis and criminal responsibility.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy was charged with murdering her three children and strangulation after their deaths in January 2023.
The trial ended in a mistrial, and prosecutors have not said if they will retry her.
Patrick Clancy, the children’s father and Lindsay’s ex-husband, found the children and has forgiven Lindsay, seeing her as mentally ill.
Prosecutors argued Lindsay acted deliberately and rationally when she killed the children.
The defense said Lindsay suffered from postpartum psychosis, a severe mental illness causing a break from reality.
Jurors were nearly split on whether Lindsay was criminally responsible, showing uncertainty about her mental state.
The killings happened suddenly on a day described as normal by family and surveillance evidence.
Patrick’s upcoming interview is expected to provide more insight on Lindsay’s mental state and family dynamics.
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Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign with Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan next week. Their visit aims to encourage voters in an important state where control of the U.S. Senate is at stake.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris plans to campaign in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for Senate.
This will be their first public appearance together after Harris endorsed El-Sayed following his primary win.
They will attend an event focused on Black maternal health, a topic related to El-Sayed’s background as a doctor and former health official.
El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers in the November election for a Senate seat currently held by Democrat Gary Peters.
Democrats need to keep Michigan and flip four other GOP Senate seats to gain Senate control.
Harris’s campaign hopes this effort will help lower costs and counter President Donald Trump’s actions.
Some other top Democrats have encouraged party unity after a divisive primary season in Michigan.
Harris lost the 2024 presidential race to President Donald Trump and may run again in 2028.
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The US House of Representatives voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress because he did not follow a legal order to appear and provide documents about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Black has challenged the order in court.
Key Facts
The House voted to hold Leon Black in contempt for ignoring a subpoena.
Black was ordered to appear before the House Oversight Committee.
The subpoena asked Black to share documents about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Leon Black has business connections with Epstein.
Black has filed a legal challenge against the subpoenas.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized that no one is above the law.
The committee aims to provide transparency and justice for Epstein’s survivors.
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Noura Erakat, a Palestinian-American activist and lawyer, was arrested at a public budget hearing in Palm Beach County, Florida. She was taken away after attempting to speak against the county’s investment in Israeli bonds and charged with trespassing.
Key Facts
Noura Erakat was arrested during a public hearing about Palm Beach County’s $1 billion investment in Israeli bonds.
The county limited speaking time and said only residents could speak, excluding those who applauded or addressed the bond issue.
Erakat and others were removed after speaking against the investment, which some say violates local laws and should fund local needs instead.
Lawsuits against the county’s Israeli bond investments have been dismissed but are under appeal.
A nationwide campaign called "Break the Bonds" encourages removing public funds from Israeli investments.
Human rights groups argue these investments may break international law and cause legal and financial risks.
Erakat was held in handcuffs for hours, charged with trespassing, and released on bail.
The issue reflects growing debate over public investments in Israel amid changing U.S. public opinion.
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Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats to gain support for the November election. He won the Democratic primary and is focusing on uniting the party to keep the Senate seat and challenge President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic primary last month.
Senate Democrats met with El-Sayed to show support for his campaign.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Gary Peters praised El-Sayed as a strong candidate.
Sen. Mark Kelly plans to campaign with El-Sayed in Michigan.
El-Sayed supports progressive policies like Medicare for All and reducing the influence of money in politics.
Republicans criticize El-Sayed for his associations with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.
El-Sayed aims to focus on issues like healthcare access, reproductive rights, and labor to unite Democrats.
He will face GOP candidate Mike Rogers in the November Senate election.
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Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump, announced she is now cancer-free, six months after her breast cancer diagnosis. She continued to work remotely during her treatment and thanked the president for his support.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago.
Recent tests at the Mayo Clinic showed no signs of cancer.
Wiles worked virtually during her cancer treatment.
She thanked President Trump for his steady support during her illness.
Wiles is closely involved in advancing President Trump's "America First" agenda.
She played a major role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign before becoming Chief of Staff.
Wiles has publicly commented on other political figures, sparking some controversy.
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The U.S. House of Representatives voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress because he did not follow subpoenas during an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The House sent the matter to the Justice Department to decide if criminal charges should be pursued.
Key Facts
The House passed a resolution against Leon Black for not responding to subpoenas.
The subpoenas came from the Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
Leon Black refused to appear for questioning and did not provide requested documents.
The resolution was approved quickly and without a formal recorded vote.
The case is now with the Department of Justice to consider criminal prosecution.
The investigation focuses on possible nondisclosure agreements involving Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier involved in criminal activities.
This action is part of Congress’s efforts to gather information about Epstein’s network.
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The House of Representatives voted unanimously to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for not following subpoenas related to an investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The case will now be sent to the Justice Department, which may decide to prosecute him.
Key Facts
The House voted with no opposition to hold Leon Black in contempt.
This action is connected to an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Black defied subpoenas, which are official requests to provide evidence or appear for questioning.
The House Oversight Committee earlier recommended this action with a 41-0 vote.
The contempt vote was passed by unanimous consent, meaning no members objected.
The case will be sent to the Justice Department for possible legal action.
Jefferson Epstein was a convicted sex offender whose activities are under continued investigation.
This story is ongoing and more updates may come.
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Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and doctor, blamed the Trump administration’s vaccine-skeptical policies for recent measles deaths in Pennsylvania. Cassidy challenged the Trump nominee for surgeon general, Nicole Saphier, to clearly say that vaccines do not cause autism, emphasizing that measles deaths are linked to misinformation.
Key Facts
Three people in Pennsylvania have died from measles, with a fourth death being reviewed.
The US is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years.
Senator Cassidy says misinformation and the vaccine approach under President Trump contributed to these deaths.
Cassidy asked nominee Nicole Saphier to confirm vaccines, especially the MMR vaccine, do not cause autism.
Saphier said she believes the MMR vaccine is the best way to fight measles and save lives.
Cassidy criticized the administration’s public health strategy and its effect on vaccine trust.
Cassidy previously voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current health secretary, despite Kennedy’s past vaccine skepticism.
Kennedy had promised to keep CDC statements about vaccines not causing autism, but later some statements were removed.
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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced she is now cancer free, six months after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She thanked President Donald Trump and others for their support and plans to keep working in her role.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer in March.
She continued working as White House Chief of Staff during treatment.
Wiles shared on X (formerly Twitter) that her latest medical tests showed no cancer.
Her cancer was detected early, which contributed to successful treatment.
She thanked President Donald Trump for his strong support during her illness.
Wiles is committed to continuing her work on President Trump’s America First agenda.
The announcement came after a medical appointment at the Mayo Clinic.
Newsweek contacted the White House for more details.
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