Inflation rose in November at the fastest pace in four months, marking the second straight month of acceleration. The Department of Labor reported Wednesday that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.7% over the past year, matching economists' forecasts. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 3.3% year-over-year.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) indicated that she plans to support Pete Hegseth following "encouraging conversations." The move follows speculation that she and other senators expressed doubts about Hegseth's Senate confirmation.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has been chosen by the House GOP Steering Committee to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress. Mast, a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was selected over contenders including Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., according to Axios.
Small business owners’ optimism has soared to its highest level since June 2021 after President Donald Trump’s White House victory and Republican control of Congress, according to the latest survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
The Biden administration set a new precedent in environmental enforcement during the 2024 fiscal year, including the first-ever arrest for violations of anti-climate change regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its annual enforcement report on Thursday, showcasing significant increases in penalties, prosecutions, and pollution reduction initiatives.
President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense on Friday, dismissing reports that the nomination might be reconsidered. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hegseth’s qualifications, calling him “a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense” and emphasizing his confidence in the Fox News host.
