↑ United States Politics and Government Top Republican Examining Boat Strike ‘Satisfied’ With Military Mission - After viewing video of a follow-up strike, Republicans largely had confidence in the Pentagon’s legal rationale while Democrats questioned its legality.National Center for Atmospheric Research to Be Dismantled, Trump Administration Says - Russell Vought, the White House budget director, called the laboratory a source of “climate alarmism.”Senate Passes Defense Policy Bill, Clearing It for Trump - The legislation authorizes $900 billion for the Pentagon, provides a pay raise for troops, and has some measures to reassert congressional oversight.Appeals Court Allows National Guard to Remain in D.C., for Now - A three-judge panel voted unanimously to allow troops to stay in the capital for the duration of the appeal, citing the city’s unique legal status.Trump Dangles Cash Payments to Assuage Affordability Concerns - With tariffs unpopular and prices still high, the White House has teased the promise of tariff rebates and large tax refunds next year.Mike Johnson Shuts Door on Key Health Care Vote, and a Dangerous New Drug Hits U.S. Cities - Plus, the subway stop that’s also a museum.Heating Costs Expected to Rise 9.2% This Winter - Colder weather and rising electricity and fuel costs will lead to a big jump in costs for individuals, according to estimates from a group representing state energy officials.Norman Podhoretz, Influential Editor and Neoconservative Force, Dies at 95 - A New York intellectual and onetime liberal stalwart, his Commentary magazine became his platform as his political and social view turned sharply rightward.Australia, After a Mass Shooting During Hanukkah, Looks for a Path Forward - The Bondi Beach massacre has people fearing more anti-Jewish violence — and an Islamophobic backlash. But there are reasons to think stability will prevail.Trump Expands Travel Ban and Restrictions to 20 More Countries - People from Syria, South Sudan and those with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are included in the latest restrictions. More than 35 countries are now under U.S. travel restrictions.