Iran Ceasefire Under Scrutiny: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told U.S. lawmakers the Iran ceasefire is still holding, even as fire exchanges continue, while senators pressed him on the war’s unclear endgame and rising costs. Budget Shock: He defended a $1.5 trillion Pentagon request for 2027 as the war’s price tag nears $29 billion, and a new Congressional Budget Office analysis says Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Global Pressure Point: Trump headed to Beijing to meet Xi Jinping after weeks of urging China to help Iran meet U.S. terms—or at least reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20% of world oil normally flows. FDA Leadership Shake-up: A White House official says the FDA’s head, Dr. Marty Makary, is resigning after a rocky tenure. Local Governance: New Hampshire’s House failed to advance a constitutional amendment that would ban an income tax, setting up another election-year fight. Disaster Administration: FEMA got yet another temporary leader as it waits for Senate action on a permanent administrator pick.