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Voting by absentee ballot? It’s time.
If you're a service member or military family member and plan to vote by absentee ballot in the Nov. 3 election, it's time to take action.
Readiness bill coming due for Navy after marathon carrier deployment, No. 2 admiral says
The Navy's No. 2 officer sounded a warning, saying the effects of deployment extensions and other combat commitments on readiness had yet to be felt.
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Pentagon & Congress
How the US military plan to livestream an execution compares with global practice
If carried out as planned, death penalty experts said it would mark the first known broadcast or livestream of a lawful execution.
Patients struggle to access MHS following changes to login process
Military spouses are having issues accessing their own medical records as well as their children's.
US to livestream Army execution of Fort Hood shooter, Pentagon official says
The U.S. will livestream the Army’s upcoming firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, a Pentagon official told Reuters.
Pentagon barred Qatar base access to hide Iran war damage, US senator claims
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was denied access to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during a recent Congressional Delegation trip in what he calls a "cover-up."
In other news
Here’s the 2027 cost-of-living increase for retirees, veterans
It’s the biggest increase in four years.
VIDEOS
Better weapons, new berets and personal comfort | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.13.2
From urine collection systems to updated weaponry and even a new beret for EOD airmen, a bevy of updates could be headed for troops across the military.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
By J.D. Simkins
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
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MORE STORIES
Congressional appropriators criticize VA’s unapproved funding moves
Department leaders shifted about $340 million in budget savings to outside health care accounts without lawmakers' OK.
Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disability claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Thousands in West Region being booted out of military’s Tricare
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
By Karen Jowers
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
By Karen Jowers