GOP senator: Hegseth is either lying about second boat strike or incompetent; Black leaders still mobilizing for midterms despite NC gerrymandering; Marketing overhaul: Transforming SD ranchers into 'influencers'; High school vocational training boosts attendance, graduation rates; FoodShare's back but SNAP snafu keeps Wisconsin families hungry.

US admiral to brief lawmakers as bipartisan scrutiny grows over boat strike; Colorado worker wages siphoned to pay medical bills; Hoosiers pack Indiana Statehouse as map fight erupts; Rural FL maternity care gaps persist; fed funds may help.

Lawmakers spoke privately to Trump's top general after boat strike revelations; TX cattle ranchers support investigation into foreign meat companies; PA uninsured children hit 153,000 as federal funding cuts loom; ND officials: High-speed internet goal within reach; IL student hopes detained father will be home for the holidays.

Trump reportedly gave Maduro ultimatum to relinquish power in Venezuela; US lawmakers demand answers over Hegseth Venezuela boat strike claims; Kentucky unions make gains after coordinated bargaining; MD advocates rally for legislation to make solar energy more affordable; Fed energy tax credits expire soon, OR incentives remain.

Lawmakers suggest follow-up boat strike could be a war crime; faith leader debunks 'Memphis Safe' claims of reducing crime; West Virginia communities mourn death of National Guard member; Homeownership path may be hard, but SD has options.

Trump promises to pause migration from 'Third World Countries' after D.C. shooting; Pilot program helps NC businesses grow beyond holiday season; New certificate program aims to transform end-of-life talks in NJ; Turkey hangover? MN DNR recommends a state park visit.

Putin says US plan could be 'basis' of a Ukraine deal but threatens to take land by force if Kyiv doesn't withdraw; OH's grace period for voting absentee could soon be eliminated; Illinois entrepreneurs looking for boost on Small Business Saturday; GA caregiver calls for better support as families face growing needs; Proposed Endangered Species Act changes may harm NYS wildlife.

Trump vows immigration crackdown after shooting of 2 National Guard members in DC; In rural MN, mental health care is scarce for BIPOC residents; NYC office cleaners worry about job future under new contractor; Child advocates, pediatricians warn AI toys unsafe for kids.

2 National Guard members shot in 'targeted' attack near White House: Officials; MS Medicaid patients face hurdles to getting weight loss drugs; Report: 'Inaction' blamed for rise in NY, U.S. long-term care costs; Judge dismisses Georgia election interference case against Trump; AL students see new opportunities under statewide direct admission.

Sen. Kelly says Pete Hegseth 'totally unqualified' as Hegseth focuses on potential punishments for Sen. Kelly; Health literacy a challenge for some Kentucky populations; Long-term costs of Alabama Power's 'rate freeze' under scrutiny; Colorado's caregivers face increased financial, physical, mental stress.