Top stories
Scammers present ‘persistent threat’ to troops, veterans, expert warns
The president and CEO of Navy Mutual shared his story of almost getting scammed, exemplifying just how sophisticated financial scammers have become.
Stretch your grocery dollars with bigger commissary deals in September
Sidewalk sale dates vary by commissary location, but some start as soon as Sept. 1.
Latest
Mystery surrounds $1.2B Army contract to build detention tent camp
The Army awarded a contract to a tiny company led by a Navy veteran to build and operate the nation’s largest immigration detention complex at Fort Bliss.
DHS contacted Naval Station Great Lakes for ICE support, official says
DHS has reportedly requested access to the naval base's facilities, among other resources.
Military spouse paid fellowship program expanding, with more money
DOD will increase the stipend it pays during the 12-week fellowship. Current pilot program will close to new applications on Sept. 1.
Phelan establishes new Naval Rapid Capabilities Office
Navy Secretary John Phelan announced the closure of several offices and the creation of a Naval Rapid Capabilities Office that reports directly to him.
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Health Care
Tricare to end coverage of weight-loss meds for some military retirees
Advocates are pushing back against Tricare's plan to end its coverage of weight-loss drugs for Tricare for Life beneficiaries by Aug. 31.
Prosecutors fail to indict Air Force vet who threw sandwich at feds
Sean Charles Dunn, an Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan, was arrested on an assault charge after hurling a sub sandwich at a CBP agent.
Handling crime in big cities a strength for Trump, poll shows
The vast majority of Americans see crime as a “major problem” in large cities, a concern Trump seized on as he deployed the National Guard to Washington.
VA mental health providers say they are under pressure to limit care
Veterans Affairs officials insist there are no caps on mental health care, but providers in multiple states disagree.
In other news
US Navy chief information officer announces retirement
Jane Rathbun, who served as the U.S. Navy's CIO since 2023, did not say why she is retiring.
VIDEOS
Protecting troops’ benefits in an evolving government | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.23.25
The president of the Military Officers Association of America talks about the state of efforts to ensure troops’ and vets’ benefits in a new administration.
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Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Deployment playlists, then and now: from Walkmans to wireless despair
Music has always been more than a distraction for deployed service members — it's a lifeline. Here's how its method of delivery has changed over time.
US Air Force vet charged with felony assault with a deli weapon
The DOJ says the incident included shouting verbal insults and tossing a wrapped sub at a Customs and Border Protection officer in D.C.
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MORE STORIES
Navy lifts operational pause on T-45C Goshawk fleet
Most of the Navy's T-45 Goshawk trainer jets are back in service following a recent operational pause.
By Diana Stancy
House moves ahead on authorization, appropriations bills this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 20, 2024.
Children’s hospitals take fight over military payments to Congress
A change in how the military pays for care at civilian children's hospitals may cause significant health care access problems, advocates warn.
Military’s novel floating pier arrives in Gaza amid security concerns
The Gaza aid pier is made possible by an oft-neglected but vital military capability known as Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS.
Military sexual assault totals down, but trust among women remains low
Less than half of women in the military trust leaders to properly handle reports of sexual assault, according to new Pentagon data.
Meet the namesake of the Navy’s newest ship, the USS Robert E. Simanek
This Marine threw himself onto a grenade to save his entrenched comrades in Korea. He absorbed the full blast — yet survived.
By Jon Guttman
Academy athletes could jump to pro sports right away under House plan
A proposal from House lawmakers would let academy athletes with professional sports offers serve in the reserves instead of on active duty.
Vets bill would expand caregiver support, boost in-home care options
A sweeping veterans measure introduced by lawmakers on Tuesday would improve benefits for veteran caregivers and individuals facing homelessness.
Watchdog finds ‘gaps’ in DON sexual misconduct policies
The report found the Navy doesn't require thorough enough documentation or training for officials overseeing such complaints.
By Diana Stancy