More shutdown assistance offered through military stores
Extended period of interest-free commissary purchases and reduced-price meals for DOD school students affected by the government shutdown are available.
Pentagon & Congress
US, China reportedly agree to set up military communication channels
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, late Saturday on the sidelines of a regional security meeting.
Latest US strike in Caribbean kills 3 alleged drug smugglers
The U.S. military carried out another lethal strike on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Saturday.
Citing Christian persecution, Trump hints at military use in Nigeria
Discussion of military action comes as the president ramped up allegations that Nigeria is failing to rein in persecution of its Christian population.
Troops have been paid again, but what comes next?
The government pulled together funds to pay troops Oct. 15 and now Nov. 1, but officials said it’s doubtful they'll be paid again if the shutdown persists.
Colorado sues Trump administration over Space Command move to Alabama
Colorado officials say the relocation of U.S. Space Command was illegally motivated by Trump’s desire to punish the state for allowing mail-in voting.
US strikes on alleged drug boats ‘unacceptable’: UN human rights chief
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an investigation into the strikes in what appears to mark the first such UN condemnation.
Hegseth orders military to detail lawyers to Justice Department
Hegseth has ordered the military to provide dozens of lawyers to the DOJ for temporary assignments in Memphis and near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients
21 military treatment facilities are prioritizing bringing back Tricare for Life patients.
GOP senator proposes commission to study VA disability ratings system
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned whether the VBA needs subject matter experts to examine claims processes and recommend improvements.
In reversal, DOD says troops can wear uniforms at Veterans Day events
The Pentagon changed course Wednesday on a policy that would've restricted troops from appearing in uniform at Veterans Day events because of the shutdown.
Vance says troops will be paid as pressure builds to end shutdown
The vice president said he believes troops will be paid at the end of the week, though he did not specify how the administration will reconfigure funding.
Shutdown causes turmoil for some military families’ food assistance
In the most recent DOD survey of active-duty military spouses, about 7% said they were using WIC benefits and 1% said they were using SNAP.
Hegseth says US struck 3 alleged drug-running boats Monday, killing 14
The U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor.
How long can military commissaries stay open if shutdown continues?
Commissary officials expect to be able to "sprint through Thanksgiving."
Guard deployments in DC and Portland are focus of court hearings
Here’s what to know about the latest legal efforts to block or deploy the Guard in various cities.
Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to pay troops during shutdown
While large and unusual, the $130 million gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks.
