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Pentagon Launches New ‘Joint Warfighting Evaluation’ to Tighten Standards for Flag Promotions
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Pentagon Launches New ‘Joint Warfighting Evaluation’ to Tighten Standards for Flag Promotions

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The War Department is rolling out a sweeping new requirement aimed at strengthening the quality and readiness of America’s top military officers.

The initiative, dubbed the “Joint Warfighting Evaluation,” will serve as a new qualifier for officers seeking promotion from O6 to O7, marking their entry into the general and admiral ranks.

According to a memo from Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata, the evaluation will assess an officer’s operational analysis, communication, and decision-making skills in a “rigorous and standardized” manner.

The goal is to ensure that only the most capable and strategically minded officers are entrusted with senior command responsibilities.

“The evolving character of war and complexities of the global security environment demand a rigorous and standardized method for evaluating core competencies of our joint warfighters,” Tata stated in his May 28 memo.

He made clear that this program is designed to strengthen the military’s internal talent systems and bolster the leadership core for future conflicts.

The Pentagon has yet to publicly release more details about the evaluation process, but Tata’s memo confirms the formation of an “Operational Planning Team” charged with developing the new assessment standards.

The move reflects a growing push toward accountability and measurable performance across the armed forces.

No Indo-Pacific Peace Without Military-Industrial Muscle and Allied Buy-In, U.S. General Warns
U.S. Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson speaks at LANPAC in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 12, 2026. (Sgt. Daniela Lechuga Liggio/U.S. Army)

An O6 is typically a colonel in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps or a captain in the Navy. Promotion to O7 marks the start of the elite flag officer tier—brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half)—where officers begin to shape national-level strategy and lead large formations of warfighters.

Katherine Kuzminski, of the Center for a New American Security, noted that this updated approach builds upon existing law, not a departure from it. “The updated policy is an evolution of current law and policy, rather than a break from it,” she explained.

The foundation for joint assignments traces back to the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act, which mandated cross-branch experience as a prerequisite for promotion to general or admiral ranks.

Under that law, officers must serve a minimum of 22 months in joint duty posts—roles that expose them to multi-branch operations across combatant commands, the Joint Staff, or the Department of War. This experience aims to create leaders capable of synchronizing air, land, sea, space, and cyber capabilities in modern warfighting.

The new evaluation could bring fresh accountability to a system that, in some cases, has become more about time in service than demonstrated excellence. Kuzminski suggested that the Operational Planning Team can “take the strengths of the existing Goldwater-Nichols requirements (which can be treated as simply a ‘box checking’ exercise)” and turn them into a more meaningful test of leadership ability and joint command readiness.

Top Space Force General: China Practicing 'Satellite Dogfighting' Maneuvers in Orbit

The memo reveals that former Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller will chair the committee overseeing this overhaul. Scheller, who drew national attention for publicly criticizing the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has emerged as a serious reformer since joining Tata’s office in 2025 as a senior advisor. His inclusion signals a shift toward merit-driven assessments and away from bureaucratic complacency.

Scheller echoed that sentiment in a recent social media post responding to coverage of War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier directive pushing “joint warfighting ability” into all promotion evaluations.

“We need objective markers when it comes to meritocracy in the military selection system. We need the best warfighters to demonstrate their ability to solve a military problem,” Scheller wrote.

Hegseth’s reforms have focused on restoring lethality and merit-based advancement across the force. The addition of the Joint Warfighting Evaluation aligns with his broader campaign to identify and promote officers who can command effectively under real-world combat pressure, not just navigate Washington’s paper trails.

Hegseth's 'Less Generals, More GIs' Plan Set to Cut Over 120 Senior Military Positions

For decades, promotion boards have faced criticism for valuing bureaucratic checklists over battlefield competence. Hegseth and Tata appear determined to break that mold, creating an evaluation that reflects the demands of modern warfare against peer adversaries like China and Russia.

The objective is clear: sharpen America’s warrior edge and ensure that future generals and admirals earn their stars through tactical brilliance, not career maneuvering.

As the Operational Planning Team gets to work, all eyes across the military establishment will be on how this new evaluation reshapes the path to senior leadership.

If executed properly, it could return America’s highest ranks to a performance standard rooted in combat skill, decision-making under fire, and an unshakable commitment to victory.

Tucson Kidnapping Suspect Still on the Run With No Link to Nancy Guthrie Case, Police Say
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Tucson Kidnapping Suspect Still on the Run With No Link to Nancy Guthrie Case, Police Say

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Authorities in Arizona are seeking the public’s help in locating a Tucson woman wanted in connection with an alleged kidnapping and assault case, while emphasizing that the investigation has no connection to the ongoing disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as reported by Fox News.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Coral Michelle Smith, 40, remains at large and is wanted in connection with a May 29 incident that occurred near the intersection of La Cholla Boulevard and River Road in Tucson.

According to the local Crime Stoppers affiliate 88-Crime, Smith is wanted in connection with an alleged assault involving a deadly weapon.

Authorities say she is accused of abducting and assaulting an unnamed female victim near the 5400 block of North San Joaquin, an area located roughly 15 minutes west of Nancy Guthrie’s residence.

As speculation circulated online due to the proximity of the two cases, law enforcement moved to clarify that there is no known connection between them.

“This is not connected to the Guthrie investigation,” a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

Authorities said the victim involved in Smith’s case has been located. Investigators continue searching for Smith and are urging members of the public not to approach her if she is spotted.

Instead, officials are asking anyone who sees Smith to call 911 immediately.

The sheriff’s office recently issued an alert regarding Smith’s whereabouts because the alleged crime occurred approximately 6.8 miles from the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where Nancy Guthrie disappeared earlier this year.

Court records show Smith has faced multiple criminal allegations in the past, including kidnapping, assault, and disorderly conduct.

Records indicate a kidnapping charge filed against her in 2020 was later dismissed. However, she was convicted of residential robbery in the same case. According to court records, the victim in that matter was under the age of 15.

Authorities and local reports indicate Smith has served multiple prison sentences and has used several aliases, including “Corral Albright” and “Under the Sea Smith.”

Investigators provided a detailed description of Smith to assist the public in identifying her. She is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 136 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Authorities also noted that Smith has several distinctive tattoos, including a smiley face and heart on her right ankle, a rose with flames on her right foot, and the phrase “love, life, family” tattooed on her left leg.

A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information leading to Smith’s arrest. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline.

The case has drawn additional attention because of its geographic proximity to the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared on Feb. 1.

Guthrie, 84, is the mother of Savannah Guthrie and has been the subject of a lengthy investigation since her disappearance from her Tucson-area home.

Law enforcement officials have not publicly identified any suspects in that case. However, investigators have previously released information regarding a man seen on Nest camera footage outside Guthrie’s residence.

Authorities described him as being of average height and build, standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.

The Guthrie family continues to seek public assistance in locating Nancy Guthrie. Family members and investigators are encouraging anyone with information related to her disappearance to contact the FBI through its tip line.

A combined reward exceeding $1.2 million remains available for information that leads to answers in the case.

For now, investigators stress that the search for Coral Michelle Smith and the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remain separate matters despite their close geographic proximity.

Bill Gates Plays Dumb on Epstein: ‘Didn’t Fully Understand’ the Crimes, Still Met Him Anyway [WATCH]
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Bill Gates Plays Dumb on Epstein: ‘Didn’t Fully Understand’ the Crimes, Still Met Him Anyway [WATCH]

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Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, where the Microsoft cofounder admitted that Jeffrey Epstein used his extramarital affairs as leverage to keep him close.

The billionaire told lawmakers that the disgraced financier knew about his marital infidelities and tried to use that information to pressure him into maintaining their association, though Gates stressed Epstein had ultimately failed.

In his prepared remarks, Gates insisted he “never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.”

He said, “I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimized anyone.” Gates attempted to clarify that while Epstein may have sought friendship, he had no interest in pursuing one.

Still, the testimony confirmed something most observers already suspected. Gates’ relationship with Epstein did not stem solely from the supposed philanthropic collaboration they once claimed.

The tech titan openly admitted that Epstein’s knowledge of his “unfaithful” behavior in marriage gave the convicted predator a point of pressure.

According to Gates, Epstein “sought to use information about my infidelities, in addition to many lies that he layered on top, to pressure me to reengage with him.”

Though Gates claimed Epstein’s effort failed, it was clear the threat itself was enough to leave a mark.

Few were convinced that someone as savvy as Gates, who knew Epstein’s history of sex crimes, could have failed to understand who he was dealing with.

WATCH:

Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, called it “a theme of using his power of information against others.”

Yet that observation hardly qualifies as new. Epstein built his empire on moral compromise, blackmail, and access to elites who thought their wealth and privilege placed them beyond consequence.

When Gates arrived at the Capitol, he seemed calm, even smiling, telling reporters he hoped his testimony would help bring justice for Epstein’s victims.

Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, said he wanted to understand the depth of the connection between Gates, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Comer made clear that no one was accusing Gates of crimes but noted that legitimate questions remain about what Gates knew and when.

WATCH:

Federal investigators have already released photos and emails showing Gates interacting with Epstein and other big names from finance and academia.

One 2011 photo showed Gates attending dinner at Epstein’s lavish Manhattan home alongside banker Jes Staley and former Harvard president Larry Summers.

Another photo showed Gates with his arm around a woman whose face was redacted in the released version.

Gates told lawmakers he first met Epstein in 2011, claiming he had been lured by promises of “billions of dollars for global health” projects funded by Epstein’s “tax and estate services” clients.

He acknowledged five meetings over a three year period until he “cut off contact” in late 2014 because there was no meaningful support from Epstein’s side.

Epstein and Gates also exchanged more than a dozen emails between 2013 and 2015, many of which included Epstein’s disturbing attempts to exploit Gates’ private life.

The Justice Department records even contained Epstein’s twisted claim that Gates sought help “to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls,” an accusation Gates’ representatives dismissed as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”

Still, it was strong enough for Gates to confess to his foundation staff that he had been unfaithful multiple times.

Investigative files referenced two affairs with Russian women, and divorce records later revealed that Gates faced allegations of more than twenty separate liaisons during his marriage to Melinda.

That background matters, especially given Epstein reportedly tried to use Gates’ relationship with a Russian bridge player, Mila Antonova, to pull him into a philanthropic venture that Epstein wanted to build with JP Morgan executives.

The Oversight Committee’s bipartisan investigation has been methodically uncovering the hidden links that connected wealthy elites to Epstein’s criminal operation.

Wednesday’s interview marked their fifteenth major witness session.

Both Comer and Democrat ranking member Garcia said further interviews would follow, including with prominent Epstein associates like attorney Alan Dershowitz, who has already volunteered to appear.

Dershowitz told The Post that he was willing to testify before the panel.

His involvement could shed more light on the scope of Epstein’s influence over public figures who had both money and power to lose.

The committee is also expected to call Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche to explain the Justice Department’s recent release of nearly three million files connected to the Epstein case.

Through it all, Gates has tried to portray himself as naive and deceived, insisting he only learned the full extent of Epstein’s depravity after the fact.

Yet he met with Epstein several years after the latter’s 2008 conviction on prostitution and child exploitation charges, a choice that baffled many.

Gates told reporters earlier this year, “In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him.” That admission may be true, but it was a very expensive brand of foolish.

For many Americans watching from outside the billionaire bubble, it is another reminder that the global elite often seem drawn to each other’s shadows.

They mingle in the same social circles, exchange the same favors, and believe the rules apply only to everyone else.

Gates may have escaped any legal blame, but morally, his ties to the monster he now condemns will not be forgotten.

Cowboys Cheerleaders Head to Greece for Birthday Bikini Vacation During Offseason
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Cowboys Cheerleaders Head to Greece for Birthday Bikini Vacation During Offseason

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Several members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spent part of the NFL offseason in Greece, where they gathered to celebrate a teammate’s birthday while enjoying a break ahead of the upcoming football season, as reported by Fox News.

The trip, which included stops in Mykonos and Santorini, featured a number of cheerleaders from the squad, including Abby Summers, Camille Sturdivant, and others.

According to social media posts shared during the vacation, the group traveled to Greece to celebrate the birthday of fellow cheerleader Brooklyn Davis.

 

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A post shared by Brooklyn Davis (@brooklyndavis01)

The getaway comes during a relatively quiet period on the NFL calendar, following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft and before teams begin the most demanding portions of preseason preparation.

For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the offseason provides an opportunity to travel and spend time together before returning to their responsibilities during the football season.

The trip drew attention online as squad members shared photos and videos from some of Greece’s most well-known tourist destinations.

 

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A post shared by Abby Summers (@abbysummerss)

 

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A post shared by Abby Summers (@abbysummerss)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Abby Summers (@abbysummerss)

Mykonos and Santorini remain among the most popular vacation spots in Europe, attracting visitors from around the world each year.

The timing of the vacation also coincides with growing attention surrounding the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders brand.

The organization is preparing for the return of its Netflix reality series, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which has become one of the most visible projects associated with the squad in recent years.

Netflix announced that the Emmy Award-winning series will return for a third season on June 16.

The streaming series provides viewers with behind-the-scenes access to the cheerleading organization, documenting auditions, training, performances, and the personal experiences of squad members throughout the season.

Director and executive producer Greg Whiteley discussed the show’s return following Netflix’s announcement.

“The world of DCC is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to stories to be told,” Whiteley said.

“I’m grateful our crew has another season to keep telling them.”

The upcoming season of the series arrives as interest in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders remains strong both among NFL fans and viewers who follow the reality program.

The squad has long been one of the most recognizable cheerleading organizations in professional sports, and the Netflix series has expanded its audience beyond traditional football fans.

Members of the organization are also preparing for the start of another NFL season, with expectations once again high for the Dallas Cowboys entering the fall.

The team completed its draft selections earlier this spring and is expected to begin preseason preparations in the coming months.

While the focus will soon shift back to football, the Greece vacation offered squad members an opportunity to celebrate a teammate’s milestone and enjoy time away before returning to the demands of the upcoming season.

With a new season of America’s Sweethearts set to premiere and another NFL campaign approaching, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are entering the summer with both professional and personal milestones ahead.

The combination of an international vacation, a birthday celebration, and the return of a popular streaming series has kept the spotlight on the organization as it prepares for another year on the sidelines and on screen.

Georgia Mom Charged After Teen Daughter Runs Her Over
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Georgia Mom Charged After Teen Daughter Runs Her Over

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A Georgia mother is facing criminal charges after authorities say she allowed her 13-year-old daughter to drive an SUV during a school drop-off, leading to a crash that left the mother seriously injured outside an elementary school, as reported by The New York Post.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, 35-year-old Shumeka Johnson has been charged with reckless conduct in connection with an incident that occurred on April 22 outside Brumby Elementary School in Cobb County, Georgia.

Investigators said Johnson’s 13-year-old daughter was behind the wheel of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica that had stopped in the school’s drop-off lane during the early morning hours. Also inside the vehicle were a 4-year-old boy and a 6-month-old girl.

Police said the SUV unexpectedly accelerated while Johnson was standing in front of the vehicle.

According to authorities, the vehicle struck Johnson and then “came to a final rest on top of her.”

Investigators said the teenage driver then shifted the SUV into reverse, causing it to back into an unoccupied parked vehicle before coming to a stop.

Emergency responders transported Johnson to a nearby hospital after she suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Authorities allege that Johnson knowingly allowed her teenage daughter to operate the vehicle despite the lack of an adult driver inside.

An arrest affidavit obtained by local media states that Johnson “did endanger the bodily safety” of her daughter because “the vehicle did not have an adult inside.”

The affidavit further alleges that Johnson engaged in reckless conduct “by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that her act or omission would endanger the safety of said person and such disregard constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would have exercised in the situation.”

The crash occurred during the busy morning drop-off period at Brumby Elementary School, located in Cobb County.

Following an investigation, authorities sought criminal charges against Johnson. A warrant for her arrest was issued on June 3 after Cobb County Magistrate Court Judge Charles Chesbro determined there was probable cause to support the charge.

Court records indicate Johnson’s bond was set at $300.

The incident has also drawn attention because of the severity of Johnson’s injuries and the family’s subsequent fundraising efforts.

A GoFundMe campaign created by family friend Angel Makey describes Johnson as “a devoted wife and mother of five” who works as a self-employed stylist.

According to the fundraising page, Johnson continues to face a lengthy recovery process following the crash.

The campaign states that the injuries she suffered require “several ongoing surgeries” and says she is now facing “the challenge of learning to walk again.”

The fundraiser also notes the additional challenges facing the family due to the presence of a young infant in the household.

“With a newborn daughter just six months old, Shumeka’s recovery is even more demanding, and she is unable to work during this difficult time,” the fundraiser states.

As of Thursday morning, the crowdfunding campaign had raised approximately $1,800 toward its stated goal of $5,000.

The case remains pending in Cobb County as Johnson faces the reckless conduct charge stemming from the school drop-off incident.

Authorities have not announced any charges against the teenage driver, and the investigation appears to focus on the decision to allow the minor to operate the vehicle.

The unusual crash has sparked attention across Georgia because it occurred in an elementary school drop-off lane and involved multiple young children inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Pentagon Rolls Out ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ to Boost Digital Warfighters
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Pentagon Rolls Out ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ to Boost Digital Warfighters

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The Pentagon is taking a major step toward strengthening America’s digital warfighting capabilities by launching a new pay initiative aimed at rewarding and retaining top cyber talent.

Dubbed the Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay, or C-MIP, this program is a cornerstone of the War Department’s Project Patriot Pipeline effort, designed to modernize how the military recognizes excellence in its cyberspace operations forces.

For years, the cyber warriors behind America’s digital defense have operated under outdated incentive systems that failed to match their mission demands or expertise levels.

Now, with the C-MIP, the Pentagon is giving the nation’s cyber operators a more direct link between mastery of skills and financial compensation.

Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata explained that the initiative was built to reward those who protect the country in the ever-evolving digital battlespace.

“To incentivize our cyber forces and meet both War Department and Defense Industrial Base needs, we need to shed legacy incentive models and invest directly in our people serving on the digital front lines. C-MIP does this,” Tata said.

The program represents a significant shift away from the rigid pay structures that have hamstrung government innovation. Developed in just 60 days by the CYBERCOM 2.0 team, the C-MIP will deliver a flexible, performance-driven approach to compensation, placing the focus where it belongs—on skill, mastery, and mission success.

Former Army Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Sell U.S. Military Secrets to China
Cyber-warfare specialists serving with the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group of the Maryland Air National Guard engage in weekend training at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Md., Jun. 3, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)

At its core, the pay program is built on two key layers: skill incentive pay (SIP) and special duty assignment pay (SDAP). The SIP portion rewards individuals based on skill level, whether basic, senior, or master. It ensures that those who continually sharpen their technical edge are recognized for that professional dedication.

Meanwhile, SDAP targets those serving in exceptionally demanding roles, such as advanced trainers or mission-critical specialists. These are the digital commandos tackling complex operations, dismantling cyber threats, and ensuring U.S. superiority in cyberspace.

Katie Sutton, the War Department’s Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy, said the initiative rips out the inefficiency that’s plagued traditional government incentive programs for decades.

“By breaking down the bureaucratic norms of government incentives, this framework enables increased lethality by driving the skills, roles, and duties most vital to mission success,” Sutton said.

Although details on specific pay amounts haven’t been released yet, the program’s official start date has been set for October 1. Pentagon leaders made it clear that this is just the beginning of a broader strategy to rebuild America’s cyber warfighting ecosystem from the ground up.

The timing of the rollout comes as Washington debates whether the U.S. should establish an entirely new military service dedicated to cyberspace—an idea floated by several policymakers and think tanks.

$10 Billion Price Tag and Bureaucratic Battles Loom Over Plans for Separate U.S. Cyber Force
Marines with Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command in the cyber operations center in Lasswell Hall at Fort Meade, Md., Feb. 5, 2020.

A recent report from two Beltway think tanks argued that a dedicated Cyber Force could better handle the “service-like” responsibilities now carried out by U.S. Cyber Command. However, the price tag for that experiment—an eye-watering $10 billion and at least a year of bureaucratic wrangling—has many experts questioning its feasibility.

Instead of pursuing another bloated federal project, analysts argue that initiatives like C-MIP are smarter and faster ways to strengthen America’s cyber defenses.

By focusing on talent and retaining the best digital warriors, the War Department is addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by the military in the modern age: competition with the private tech sector for highly skilled personnel.

Under the leadership of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon has been moving aggressively to modernize pay structures, rebuild troop morale, and reestablish American dominance across every warfighting domain—including cyberspace.

Cyber Command 2.0: New Report Pushes Officer-Only US Cyber Force
An Air National Guardsman wears a cyber operations patch at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, Jan. 11, 2026. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jesse Hanson.

The C-MIP represents the strategic fusion of patriotism and performance, offering top-tier incentivization for those who deliver mission-ready results.

As cyber threats from adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran continue to grow more sophisticated, this pay reform could not come at a better time. America’s cyber warriors face daily attacks on military systems, infrastructure, and communications networks.

Their skills, often invisible to the general public, are every bit as vital to national defense as those of pilots, special operators, and intelligence officers in the field.

The C-MIP also ties directly into President Trump’s broader focus on rebuilding America’s military prowess and investing in its warriors, both physical and digital.

By rewarding mastery, fostering innovation, and breaking free from bureaucratic inertia, the War Department is taking a decisive step toward future-proofing the force against next-generation threats.

At long last, the cyber domain is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. America’s digital soldiers will now be compensated not for their time in uniform, but for the mastery they bring to the fight—a fundamental change that aligns pay with performance, and power with purpose.

VP Vance Clarifies America First Strategy In Middle East As Iran Talks Test Ties With Israel [WATCH]
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VP Vance Clarifies America First Strategy In Middle East As Iran Talks Test Ties With Israel [WATCH]

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Vice President JD Vance said the United States will continue to pursue its own national interests in negotiations with Iran, even as questions emerge about the relationship between the Trump administration and Israel amid ongoing efforts to secure a long-term nuclear agreement, as reported by Fox News.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Vance addressed reports of friction between the United States and Israel over how to handle negotiations with Iran and broader security issues in the Middle East.

“The Israelis and the United States, we have a lot of shared interests, but we also have some situations where our interests diverge,” Vance said.

“I think where the president has been very clear here is that while Israel obviously has some objectives that it has, the United States’ main objective in Iran is to ensure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

The vice president’s comments come as recent intelligence reports have raised concerns about alleged Israeli surveillance efforts targeting American officials involved in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

According to reports, those allegedly monitored included Elbridge A. Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official, and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s lead negotiator.

The reports surfaced as questions continue about tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump recently confirmed that he referred to Netanyahu as “f—ing crazy” during a heated phone conversation concerning Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

The disagreement highlighted a rare public split between two leaders who have generally maintained a close working relationship.

Despite those tensions, Vance emphasized that American policy decisions regarding Iran will ultimately be guided by U.S. interests.

“Over the last year and a half, we’ve created the space necessary where the president believes – and I think that he’s right – that we can get the long-term settlement to Iran’s nuclear deal,” Vance said.

“Now, Israel may like that, they may not like that,” he continued. “But fundamentally, we think this is in the best interest of the United States of America.”

The remarks came after Israel and Iran halted military exchanges following a weekend of renewed hostilities that tested a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The fighting marked the first direct military exchanges between the two countries since a ceasefire took effect in early April.

Vance indicated that negotiations with Iran have shown signs of progress and suggested Tehran may have incentives to avoid a prolonged conflict.

“The Iranians don’t want this war to continue,” the vice president said. “It’s not in their best interest, and I think they’re coming to the table, putting some real things on the table.”

Fox News host Jesse Watters asked Vance whether he believed Iranian negotiators were attempting to manipulate the United States during the talks.

“Everybody’s always trying to play everybody,” Vance responded.

“I don’t assume that anybody’s acting in good faith.”

Even so, the vice president expressed confidence that a final agreement remains achievable if verification measures are strong enough to ensure compliance.

“We’ve been very involved in these negotiations,” he said.

“We’re going to take the attitude of: ‘Accomplish the president’s mission, but verify over the long term that the Iranians are keeping their end of the bargain.’ It’s a tall order, but it’s one that the president has put us in a good position to achieve.”

Vance also criticized the Obama-era nuclear agreement, arguing that it lacked sufficient safeguards.

“The number one thing that went wrong with the Obama deal, Jesse, is that there was not a proper inspections regime to ensure that the Iranians could never build a nuclear weapon,” Vance added.

The vice president concluded by arguing that a successful agreement would represent a major achievement for the United States.

“If we get to this deal, it’s gonna be a home run win for the American people,” he said.

The comments come as the Trump administration continues negotiations aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities while seeking a broader settlement that could reduce tensions across the Middle East.

FBI Makes First Arrest from DOJ’s New Most Wanted Fraudsters List [WATCH]
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FBI Makes First Arrest from DOJ’s New Most Wanted Fraudsters List [WATCH]

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A Minnesota man accused of taking part in a multimillion-dollar COVID-era fraud scheme has become the first fugitive arrested from the FBI’s newly launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, according to federal authorities, as reported by Fox News.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Wednesday that Said Abdullahi Ereg, a former grocery and deli owner in Minneapolis, surrendered to federal authorities after being publicly identified on the list less than a week earlier.

Ereg, 47, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Federal authorities allege he participated in a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $4.2 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to investigators, Ereg operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli in south Minneapolis under the sponsorship of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.

Prosecutors allege the business falsely claimed to provide meals to thousands of children and then sought reimbursement from federal programs designed to help feed children during the pandemic.

Court documents allege that Evergreen Grocery and Deli claimed to have served more than 3,000 meals twice a day, seven days a week. Authorities contend those claims were fraudulent and enabled the business to collect millions of dollars in government funds.

Federal prosecutors further allege that Ereg laundered proceeds from the scheme through foreign accounts and used some of the money to support an extravagant lifestyle.

Patel described the arrest as a milestone in the FBI’s effort to pursue major fraud suspects nationwide.

“Today’s arrest is historic – the first ever arrest of a subject on our Most Wanted Fraudsters List released last week with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,” Patel said in a statement.

The FBI launched the “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list in partnership with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The initiative is designed to publicly identify fugitives accused of major fraud schemes and increase pressure on them to surrender or be captured.

Patel said the list was created specifically to target individuals accused of stealing taxpayer dollars through large-scale fraud operations.

“Led by Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we set up the historic, first ever ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list for this exact purpose — to bring to justice the alleged worst of the worst who took advantage of American taxpayers and stole public funds,” Patel said.

He added that the initiative sends a message that “the days of Washington, D.C., turning a blind eye to fraud are over.”

In a separate post on X, Patel indicated that additional arrests could follow.

“This historic result is only the beginning — and let it be a message to any fraudster who takes advantage of America, this team will find you,” Patel said.

Federal officials said Ereg had been wanted on federal charges since 2024. According to the Justice Department, he contacted authorities through his attorney and expressed a willingness to return to the United States one day after the FBI unveiled the new fugitive list.

The case also involves Ereg’s wife, Najmo Ahmed, who worked at the business and reportedly received payroll payments directly from Feeding Our Future.

Federal officials said Ahmed pleaded guilty last year to money laundering charges and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.

The arrest comes as the Trump administration continues to expand its anti-fraud efforts.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department established a National Fraud Enforcement Division to support President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which is led by Vice President JD Vance.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has also highlighted the administration’s focus on fraud investigations as federal agencies pursue cases involving pandemic relief programs and other taxpayer-funded initiatives.

The FBI said the arrest marks the first successful apprehension tied directly to the new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” program, which officials say is intended to help locate and capture individuals accused of large-scale financial crimes across the country.

Mamdani Funnels $15 Million in Taxpayer Cash to Fund Trans Surgeries During Pride Spectacle [WATCH]
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Mamdani Funnels $15 Million in Taxpayer Cash to Fund Trans Surgeries During Pride Spectacle [WATCH]

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Zohran Mamdani announced that New York City will invest $15 million in taxpayer funds toward transgender medical procedures and related care over the next two years, while also pledging continued support for transgender and gender non-conforming residents during a Pride Month event held Tuesday evening in Manhattan, as reported by The Post Millennial.

The announcement came during a Pride gathering hosted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Surrogates Court in Manhattan on June 10.

During remarks at the event, Mamdani highlighted what he described as his administration’s commitment to protecting transgender residents and expanding access to medical services.

“City Hall will also not back down in the face of federal attacks against trans New Yorkers. The threats will continue and so will our relentless protection of trans people across this city,” Mamdani said.

“As a first step, my administration has made a $15 million investment in gender affirming care over the next two years, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that trans and gender non-conforming New Yorkers can live with dignity, safety, and freedom they deserve.”

Mamdani had previously discussed the funding during a June 2 interview on WNYC’s Lehrer Show. During that appearance, he said the money would be used to help replace funding that had been lost.

The mayor said the city’s investment would “start to bridge the gap of the funding that has been stripped of this care.”

Questions remain about how the funding will be administered. Trans-identified male journalist Erin Reed noted that few public details have been released regarding the program.

According to Reed, “there are virtually no public details on what the $15 million funds, which agency controls it, which patients it serves, or when it will go into effect.”

The announcement comes as New York City prepares to open a city-run clinic that will serve trans-identified patients. Reports indicate the facility will provide services only to adults age 18 and older.

A spokesperson for the city’s health department told The Advocate that the clinic will offer several services, including “gender-affirming hormone therapy” at “no to low cost and regardless of immigration status.”

The issue was also discussed during a New York City Council budget hearing last week. City Health Commissioner Alister Martin addressed questions regarding future services and the city’s approach to federal policy concerns.

“We are committed to this issue and want to make sure we provide the services and resources for youth,” Martin said during Friday’s hearing.

He also explained why city officials have taken a cautious approach regarding certain programs.

“We don’t [want to] expose ourselves to clawbacks from the federal government, which disrupt the rest of the care that we can give,” Martin said.

The Pride event also featured remarks from Peppermint, a trans-identified male actor and former contestant on the television program RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Peppermint reflected on entering Pride Month amid ongoing national debates involving transgender issues.

“I was going into this Pride season not quite sure what Pride was going to be like with this country the way it is, treating our community the way it does. And I was like, I don’t know if I’m going to pull it together. But you know what? June 1st hit, and I’m like, ‘b*tch, we got to do this. We have to do this,” Peppermint said.

The performer also encouraged supporters to remain active despite political disagreements and public debate surrounding transgender policies.

“Regardless of the attacks, regardless of all the rhetoric and all of the lies and all of the misinformation, we are going to show them who we are as a community. We’re going to pull together, and we’re definitely going to show them how New York City does it.”

The $15 million commitment is expected to become part of the city’s broader healthcare and budget planning over the next two years as officials continue developing details on how the funding will be distributed and which programs will receive support.

U.S. Navy Expands Pacific Power with New Base in Western Australia
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U.S. Navy Expands Pacific Power with New Base in Western Australia

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The U.S. Navy has launched a major new presence in the Indo-Pacific with the activation of a naval support activity in Western Australia, a clear sign that the United States is anchoring its long-term military strength in the region.

The move adds to the growing momentum of the AUKUS alliance, tightening bonds between the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia as all three prepare for a new era of great power competition at sea.

Announced on May 30, the new command—Naval Support Activity Stirling, or NSA Stirling—will serve as the backbone for Submarine Rotational Force–West, known as SRF–West.

The base will provide essential support for rotating U.S. and British nuclear-powered submarines stationed at Australia’s HMAS Stirling near Perth, a critical location overlooking key sea routes across the Indo-Pacific.

The new installation falls under Pillar I of the AUKUS pact, the agreement designed to bolster joint security operations and deliver Australia its first conventional, nuclear-powered submarines.

As part of the expansion, the U.S. Navy confirmed that NSA Stirling will deliver critical logistics and family services for American personnel, contractors, and sailors assigned to the growing presence in the Pacific theater.

Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command, said the base represents a pivotal milestone for American force projection. “Establishment of NSA Stirling with our AUKUS partners demonstrates our command mission to support the fleet, warfighter, and family,” Gray stated.

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“By providing essential services to U.S. personnel and their families, NSA Stirling will enhance rotational submarine force readiness.”

The first deployments of American submariners and their families are expected in late 2026, ahead of full operational capability projected in 2027. The U.K. will also send personnel as part of the same rotational force, complementing an already robust joint-submarine training pipeline between the three allies.

Rear Adm. Ian Johnson, commander of Navy Region Japan, noted that the new facility is still in the early stages but progressing quickly. “While there is still much work ahead, we are confident in our ability to accomplish this task through strong collaboration with our AUKUS partners,” Johnson said.

His command began the stand-up process in October 2024, with infrastructure and community support efforts rapidly taking shape.

This development follows a broader U.S. strategic focus to expand forward-operating capacities across critical nodes in the Indo-Pacific—steps that were often delayed under the politically cautious foreign policy of the previous administration.

By contrast, this new War Department initiative under President Trump’s team, led by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, is moving full speed ahead to put hard military power in position before China can exploit regional vacuums.

On the same day NSA Stirling was activated, Secretary Hegseth met in Singapore with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and War Minister Richard Marles, as well as U.K. War Secretary John Healey.

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The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) surfaces to receive a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical Replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

The three reaffirmed that AUKUS milestones are being met on schedule, underscoring steady progress toward delivering a new generation of submarines capable of protecting shared democratic interests in the Pacific.

The Singapore discussions also propelled the next phase of cooperation: Pillar II of the AUKUS agreement, focused on advanced technology for uncrewed undersea warfare.

The first major Pillar II project, announced at the meeting, will deliver cutting-edge uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027, enhancing surveillance, strike, and reconnaissance capabilities.

According to the War Department’s release, these new systems will give AUKUS partners unmatched ability to protect critical seabed infrastructure, conduct precision strike operations, and maintain advantage across electronic and anti-submarine warfare.

The technology will also be instrumental in responding to aggression in the increasingly contested South China Sea and beyond.

The establishment of NSA Stirling is about more than logistics—it’s a message. A message that the United States and its closest allies are not going anywhere.

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The U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy conduct a trilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise east of the Korean Peninsula in September 2022. (MC3 Gray Gibson/U.S. Navy)

The move signals a long-term, credible commitment to regional deterrence and the defense of freedom of navigation, both of which have been under mounting threat from Beijing’s reckless naval buildup and coercive tactics.

Critics have complained for years that Western democracies were ceding momentum to China’s maritime rise.

But the new forward-focused approach under Hegseth’s War Department is proving that the United States is reclaiming its strategic initiative, ensuring that allies like Australia are not standing alone on the front lines of Indo-Pacific security.

As the submarine rotations begin and unmanned undersea projects come online, AUKUS stands not as a symbolic alliance, but as a powerful operational network prepared to act.

With bases like NSA Stirling in place, the U.S. Navy is clearly signaling that “peace through strength” isn’t a slogan—it’s policy.


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