Trump’s pick for VA watchdog role promises independence, impartiality
Former Board of Veterans Appeals Chair Cheryl Mason said her work with the Trump administration should not disqualify her from a federal watchdog role.
Pentagon & Congress
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Trial opens for Navy vet arrested near Obama’s DC home in 2023
Investigators found two guns, roughly 400 rounds of ammunition and a machete in Taylor Taranto’s van after he showed up near Obama’s home.
Sunken USS Yorktown leaves researchers ‘flabbergasted’ in latest dive
Eighty-three years after sinking during the Battle of Midway, the USS Yorktown is still revealing secrets.
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.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
How a soldier’s relentless charge broke Japan’s line on Okinawa
The enemy positions that Pfc. Clarence Craft took out one by one added up to victory on Hen Hill.
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.
Europe marks 80th anniversary of World War II’s end
This V-E Day marks the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender to Allied forces.
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.
Trump proclaims Thursday as day for US to celebrate victory in WWII
Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday designating May 8, 2025, as a “day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.” It is not a federal holiday.