US economic growth is projected to have accelerated in the first quarter of 2023, driven by a rebound in government spending following a significant government shutdown. However, this growth may be short-lived as the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran pushes gasoline prices above $4 per gallon, straining household budgets. The anticipated increase in gross domestic product (GDP) also reflects robust business investment, particularly in artificial intelligence and data centers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from Democrats during a House armed services committee hearing regarding the financial and human costs of the Iran conflict, which the Pentagon estimates has already cost the US at least $25 billion. Hegseth rejected claims that the conflict is a quagmire and defended the administration's military strategy. Concurrently, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats will push for a vote on a war powers resolution concerning Iran for the sixth time, highlighting ongoing political tensions surrounding the military engagement. In other news, the US Supreme Court's recent ruling has opened the door for aggressive gerrymandering, potentially impacting future elections significantly.