Iran War Funding Fight: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate panel the U.S. war with Iran has cost about $37.5 billion so far, as Republicans move toward a $95 billion military funding package and Democrats warn it’s turning into another “forever war.” Louisiana Congressional Politics: Rep. Cleo Fields says he won’t seek re-election after redistricting and a Supreme Court ruling reshaped his district; he plans to run for a state Senate seat instead. Campaign Cash Watch: In the Louisiana Senate race, Democrat Jamie Davis says he raised about $1.6 million in Q2 and has nearly $2 million total raised, while GOP Sen. Julia Letlow still leads overall fundraising. New Orleans Mardi Gras Enforcement: New Orleans City Council proposals would raise fines for parade-route rule violations, including $1,000 criminal misdemeanor penalties for repeat ladder-related problems, plus changes aimed at reducing congestion and overtime. Public Safety & Oversight: The New Orleans Ethics Review Board reappointed Independent Police Monitor Stella Cziment for another term amid complaints about a lack of public transparency. Disaster Aid: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million in post-disaster funding for projects across Louisiana and neighboring states. Local Government: Bossier City ended its probe into a $280,000 parking lot project, saying legal reviews found officials acted within authority.