Pentagon seeks $80B for Iran war & more today
Taxpayers may face an $80 billion bill as the Pentagon requests new funding from Congress to cover the costs of the war in Iran. Voters in two states are also heading to the polls for key elections, while a fatal shooting at a California library and a military helicopter crash in Alaska have raised safety concerns.
The Pentagon is requesting $80 billion in new funding to cover the costs of the war in Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the money is needed primarily for active combat operations. This request signals a significant increase in federal military spending and the high financial cost of the ongoing conflict.
Voters in South Carolina and Utah can head to the polls today to decide key leadership races and the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. South Carolina Republicans are choosing a nominee for governor in a runoff—a second election held when no candidate wins a clear majority. In Utah, Democrats are voting in a primary to select their candidate for a newly redrawn House district in the Salt Lake City area.
A shooting at a Northern California library on Monday has left two people dead, though law enforcement confirmed a suspect is in custody. The incident occurred at a public library during operating hours; police are currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
Four U.S. Coast Guard crew members are recovering after their helicopter crashed during a training mission in southeast Alaska. The crash happened during routine exercises, and the Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the accident.
For more on these stories and the latest on Russian bomber patrols in the Arctic or the tribute to the late music mogul Clive Davis, visit the News section in the app.