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For years, the cyber warriors behind America’s digital defense have operated under outdated incentive systems that failed to match their mission demands or expertise levels.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

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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.

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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.

Qatari Gifted Air Force One Decked Out in Patriotic Red, White and Blue
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Qatari Gifted Air Force One Decked Out in Patriotic Red, White and Blue

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The long-awaited “Bridge” Air Force One, gifted by Qatar after President Donald Trump blasted Boeing for dragging its feet, has finally shed its foreign identity and donned an unmistakably American look: a bold red, white and blue paint job that screams pride in the Stars and Stripes.

This interim jet, officially designated the VC-25B Bridge, is a Boeing 747-8i that Qatar handed over to the United States in May 2025.

The move came after Trump publicly slammed Boeing for missed deadlines and bureaucratic excuses that delayed the delivery of two new presidential aircraft. Originally set to be ready by 2024, the main fleet is now expected to enter service in 2028.

Seeing this jet repainted in patriotic colors is more than just a design choice. It’s a declaration that no matter where this aircraft came from, it belongs to the United States of America now — and it will fly under an unapologetic American commander in chief.

The photo of the newly painted aircraft, taken by aviation photographer Travis Ghormley and circulated widely online, has quickly become a favorite among military aviation fans.

An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the Bridge aircraft is now undergoing final “government modifications.”

That means the usual top-tier presidential protections: reinforced airframe, sophisticated countermeasures, and encrypted communications so secure they could withstand a cyberattack from half the planet. The Air Force, in true disciplined fashion, isn’t disclosing exactly what defensive features are being installed.

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The timing couldn’t be more fitting. With President Trump demanding results and accountability in every layer of the War Department’s logistics, the message is crystal clear — America gets the job done, even if contractors and bureaucrats have to be pushed to do it.

Aviation experts view the arrival of this interim Air Force One as a stopgap measure, but a necessary one.

Boeing’s delays have frustrated both military planners and the White House for years, and this interim solution ensures the commander in chief has a modernized aircraft worthy of American leadership.

The VC-25A currently in use, while iconic, has served for decades and shows its age both mechanically and technologically.

Trump Scores Strategic Win as Qatar Royal Family Gifts Luxurious $400 Million Boeing 747-8 to be Retro-Fitted to New Air Force One

It’s worth noting that despite the gift coming from Qatar, all modifications and retrofits ensure the jet meets U.S. war readiness and security standards.

Nothing about this aircraft will rely on foreign systems or software — a vital distinction given America’s heightened awareness of espionage and interference in military aviation logistics.

Even the paint job sends a signal. The bright red, crisp white, and deep blue are not merely aesthetic. They represent the enduring symbolism of American resolve and sovereignty.

The sight of that aircraft sitting on the tarmac, shimmering in patriotic hues, reminds everyone — allies and adversaries alike — that America leads the skies, and we do it in style.

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Online reaction among veterans and aviation enthusiasts has ranged from excited to outright celebratory. Many noted that Trump’s relentless focus on accountability and American dominance in military procurement forced change where complacency once reigned.

Getting this aircraft airborne reflects the very ethos of “America First”: when foreign and domestic contractors stumble, a commander in chief with backbone finds real solutions.

Though the Air Force declined to say exactly when the president will begin flying in the new jet, sources familiar with the program say summertime trials are likely before it officially becomes operational.

Qatar-Gifted 747 Sparks Security, Ethics Concerns as U.S. Military Weighs Air Force One Conversion

The Presidential Airlift Group is already preparing for integration and logistical support once the modifications are certified.

By the time the new VC-25B fleet finally arrives in 2028, this “Bridge” aircraft will have already served its purpose — keeping America’s presidential transport mission secure, modern, and unmistakably patriotic.

For now, one thing’s for sure: under this administration, the leader of the free world will not be flying second-class.

The bold colors of freedom are back in the sky, and America’s flagship aircraft once again looks like the proud iron eagle it was always meant to be.

First Look Reveals Powerful Design for Global War on Terrorism Memorial in DC
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First Look Reveals Powerful Design for Global War on Terrorism Memorial in DC

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The first renderings of the long-awaited Global War on Terrorism Memorial have been unveiled, offering a powerful and emotional vision of how America will honor the men and women who bore the weight of the nation’s longest war.

The memorial, planned for the National Mall in Washington, stands as a deeply symbolic tribute to the post-9/11 generation of warriors who answered the call after the country was attacked.

The design, created by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma in collaboration with the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, reflects eight years of work and the voices of over 20,000 Americans.

Veterans from every branch of the military, spanning conflicts from World War II through Iraq and Afghanistan, contributed to shaping what will soon become one of the nation’s most meaningful monuments.

Visitors entering the memorial will first encounter tangible remnants of the war’s beginning — steel and stone relics recovered from the September 11th attacks.

These fragments, positioned at the memorial’s three entrances, mark the moment the fight began and anchor visitors in the reality of why so many Americans fought, bled, and died over the subsequent two decades.

At the heart of the site will be what designers call “the embrace,” a symbolic amphitheater rising from the earth and featuring an arch made from reclaimed steel from combat operations of the era.

First Look Reveals Powerful Design for Global War on Terrorism Memorial in DC

The addition of native vegetation surrounding the structure signifies the return of life and peace through the scars of battle, mirroring the hard-earned healing of veterans and families who carried the burden of war.

The structure will also align with Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery, where roughly 1,000 service members from post-9/11 conflicts now rest.

This deliberate orientation serves as a solemn connection between those memorialized in stone and those who answered the same call but never returned home.

A striking “path of honor” will guide visitors beneath the arch. Crafted from marble, the pathway will embed boot prints symbolizing the heavy steps of those who served, and the many who walked alongside them in grief, hope, and pride.

Every step, designers say, invites reflection on the human cost of freedom.

Extending from the memorial’s paths will be shallow reflecting pools, offering visitors the chance to dip their feet and leave footprints of their own.

The foundation describes this as a way for visitors to symbolically walk again beside their loved ones, a powerful and interactive gesture that merges remembrance with renewal.

First Look Reveals Powerful Design for Global War on Terrorism Memorial in DC

Foundation President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret, said the design was “forged by sacrifice and informed by the voices of warriors and their families.”

He emphasized that the project is not just a memorial but a living, sacred space where a grateful nation can say, “We see you. We honor you. You are not forgotten.”

Rodriguez’s vision reflects what many veterans have long called for — an enduring reminder that the next generation of warriors deserves the same reverence given to those of previous wars.

“Throughout history, societies have built sacred places to welcome their warriors home,” Rodriguez said. “The GWOT generations deserve that same enduring tribute. Today, we take one step closer to welcoming them home.”

The memorial’s creation has been guided by a 23-member advisory council made up of Gold Star families, veterans, and supporters who worked side by side with Kuma to perfect the final vision.

Their input focused on ensuring the memorial would represent not just military service, but also the unity, perseverance, and sacrifice that defined the war’s challenging years.

For Kuma, the design carries personal meaning. The architect lost his close friend Yoichi Sugiyama during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. “This memorial is not an abstract commission for our team, it is a sacred responsibility,” Kuma said.

First Look Reveals Powerful Design for Global War on Terrorism Memorial in DC

“Our role was not to impose a design, but to listen. The voices of those who served and the families who stood beside them became our source of inspiration.”

Kuma vowed to create a space where nature, light, and the physical remnants of war converge to embrace those who fought. His design seeks to capture not only the reflection of the nation but also the resilience of those who defended it.

The process now moves to the bureaucratic phase, as the foundation prepares to meet with city planning commissions to secure final design approvals.

Once cleared, the hope is to break ground by 2027 and complete the memorial by the end of 2028 — a fitting timeline that may allow the first generation of post-9/11 veterans to bring their children to witness their service honored on the National Mall.

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial will join the ranks of revered national monuments like those honoring the veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and World War II.

But in many ways, this one will be deeply distinct — built not from distant history, but from the experiences of Americans still living and remembering each day.

The project represents an America that refuses to forget the warriors who carried the fight after 9/11. It stands as a national promise, carved in stone and steel, that freedom has a cost — and that cost will never be ignored.

Karen Bass’ Brother Sues Los Angeles Over Wildfire Devastation [WATCH]
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Karen Bass’ Brother Sues Los Angeles Over Wildfire Devastation [WATCH]

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The Los Angeles political scene has taken another bizarre turn, and this time, Mayor Karen Bass has her own family to thank.

As her reelection campaign faces new turbulence, it turns out her own brother has filed a lawsuit against the city she runs, claiming serious losses from the catastrophic 2025 wildfires that charred parts of Malibu.

Kenneth Bass and his wife, Cindy, filed suit on May 18 in Los Angeles Superior Court, joining a growing list of homeowners and business owners seeking retribution for the city’s alleged failures.

Their Malibu estate, complete with a pool, putting green, and sweeping ocean views, was declared a total loss after the fire tore through the hills this past January.

The irony is hard to miss.

While the mayor seeks another term, claiming to “rebuild” and “lead with compassion,” her own brother apparently decided the city didn’t do enough to protect him.

He is demanding a jury trial and has teamed up with more than a dozen other affected families from Malibu, Topanga, and the Palisades.

The lawsuit names the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, and even the storied J. Paul Getty Trust among others.

The plaintiffs are alleging negligence that contributed to the spread and severity of the blaze, suggesting that critical infrastructure failures made a bad situation worse.

Court filings describe the couple’s property at 3045 Rambla Pacifico Street as a “total burn down.”

The charred remains were sold earlier this year for two million dollars, only for the couple to purchase a six million dollar mansion in Los Angeles the next month.

Not exactly the typical picture of a displaced wildfire victim, but then again, this is California’s ruling elite we’re talking about.

According to Kenneth Bass, the loss of the home left him with smoke-related injuries and emotional trauma.

That has not stopped him, however, from continuing to support his sister’s campaign.

Public records show donations and endorsements despite this painfully awkward family dynamic.

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Political observers can only imagine what Thanksgiving at the Bass household will sound like this year.

The conversation topic “So, how’s that lawsuit against your sister’s city government going?” might be tough to avoid.

Still, in the odd logic of Los Angeles politics, Kenneth Bass seems perfectly at peace suing his sister’s administration while endorsing her leadership.

The lawsuit is one of many highlighting growing anger toward city and state leadership after multiple catastrophic fire seasons.

Governor Gavin Newsom and his network of Los Angeles progressives are facing harsh criticism for poor forest management, derelict infrastructure, and endless bureaucratic red tape that leaves both preparedness and recovery in shambles.

Wildfire victims argue that empty reservoirs, aging power lines, and political indifference have turned preventable fires into multibillion-dollar disasters.

Kenneth Bass’s suit may just be the latest symptom of a broken governance model rather than an isolated grievance.

Even as progressive leaders blame “climate change,” residents know it is the city’s mismanagement fueling disaster after disaster.

Jennifer Gray Thompson, a wildfire recovery expert, tried to frame the situation as something sad but unavoidable.

“I don’t think he has any choice. He can’t not do it because it’s his sister,” she told L.A. Material.

It is a polite way of admitting that when your liberal city collapses under the weight of its own incompetence, even your own family turns against you in court.

Meanwhile, the political fallout continues.

Bass now faces a November runoff against socialist-backed City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who barely made the cut after mail-in ballots trickled in long past Election Day.

Voters already frustrated by rising crime, homelessness, and corruption may look at the spectacle of the mayor’s brother suing her government as the perfect symbol of a city coming apart.

In a town built on contradictions, none seem quite as fitting.

A mayor promising safety and competence cannot keep her own family safe from city-sponsored chaos.

Yet, in classic Los Angeles fashion, everyone involved will issue carefully orchestrated statements about “healing,” “accountability,” and “progress.”

The rest of us will continue shaking our heads.

As the lawsuits pile up and public faith keeps sliding, California’s ruling left finds itself trapped in a mess of its own making.

If family loyalty cannot survive the failures of liberal governance, maybe voters will finally decide they have had enough of the same tired leadership that keeps letting their state burn, both literally and figuratively.

Trump Warns Iran to Reach Peace Agreement or Face New U.S. Strikes: “We’ll Bomb the Sh*t Out of Them” [WATCH]
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Trump Warns Iran to Reach Peace Agreement or Face New U.S. Strikes: “We’ll Bomb the Sh*t Out of Them” [WATCH]

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President Donald Trump warned Iran to return to negotiations or face additional military action after U.S. forces launched a new round of strikes against targets inside the Islamic Republic on Wednesday evening, as reported by The New York Post.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest operation began at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET and was carried out under the direction of the president.

“U.S. Central Command [CENTCOM] forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction,” the Tampa-based command said in a statement posted on X.

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

Initial reports did not provide details about specific targets, damage assessments, or casualties. However, President Trump later confirmed that American forces had conducted significant military operations across Iran.

“We’ve hit them hard tonight,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst during the operation.

When asked what would happen if Iran refused to reach an agreement with the United States, Trump responded:

“We’ll bomb the sh*t out of them tomorrow.”

The president also said he had spoken with senior Iranian officials from the Situation Room and claimed they urged him to halt the bombing campaign.

Trump stated that at least 49 Tomahawk missiles were launched during the strikes, while U.S. fighter aircraft delivered additional munitions against Iranian targets. He said the closest target was roughly 40 miles from Tehran.

Just after 9 p.m. ET, CENTCOM announced the mission had concluded.

The command said it had struck “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran.”

“US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters,” CENTCOM said.

The latest military action followed Iranian attacks against Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, all of which host American military personnel.

The strikes also came one day after an earlier U.S. operation that followed the reported downing of a U.S. Army helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian drone.

Earlier Wednesday, the U.S. military also took action against a vessel accused of transporting fuel from Iran in violation of an American blockade.

Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesman, said a U.S. aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of the Palau-flagged tanker M/T Settebello.

The action reportedly disabled the vessel, making it the eighth merchant ship rendered inoperable by U.S. forces in waters near Iran.

India’s foreign ministry reported that three Indian sailors were missing following the incident, while 21 others were rescued. The ministry’s statement did not reference either the U.S. military or the blockade.

Hawkins said American forces issued warnings before firing on the vessel.

Before the evening strikes began, Trump signaled that additional military action was imminent.

“We’re going to hit them again hard today,” the president told reporters at the White House.

He also continued pressing Tehran to agree to a peace arrangement that would include abandoning efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the administration’s position while speaking to reporters in Florida.

“CENTCOM will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard — and we will be,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth added that Iran still had an opportunity to reach an agreement with Washington.

“Iran has a chance to make a good deal, a great deal, to codify what they said they’ve been willing to do, and they haven’t been willing to do it,” he said.

“As President Trump said, they’ve been tap, tap, tapping [the US along on making a deal] … instead, they are going to have tap, tap, tap, bombs dropping on key facilities in Iran from the United States of America.”

Iran responded defiantly. Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the U.N. Security Council, “Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or question.”

Iran also declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to maritime traffic, including oil tankers and commercial vessels, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The report said Tehran warned that “any traffic will be targeted” because of what it described as “continued acts of aggression by the criminal United States.”

Diplomatic efforts remained underway despite the escalation. Following consultations with U.S. officials, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for talks, according to an official familiar with the visit.

A major obstacle remains Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The United States wants Tehran to surrender the material, while Iranian officials continue to insist their nuclear program is peaceful.

Iran has also demanded sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before a final agreement is completed.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations.

“Iran was taking ‘too long to negotiate a deal’ and ‘now they will have to pay the price!!!’” The president wrote.

Iran has also maintained that any agreement ending the conflict must include an end to fighting involving Hezbollah and Israel, while Israel has continued military operations against the Lebanon-based group.

Bicyclist Assaults Elderly Veteran in Jacksonville While Ranting About Karmelo Anthony Verdict [WATCH]
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Bicyclist Assaults Elderly Veteran in Jacksonville While Ranting About Karmelo Anthony Verdict [WATCH]

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A disturbing video from Jacksonville is making waves across social media, showing a man on a bicycle approaching and attacking an older man while ranting about the Karmelo Anthony murder verdict.

The shocking footage, which lasts just under a minute, has left viewers alarmed and calling for justice.

According to reports from local users, the video was first posted on a Jacksonville community Facebook page before spreading across multiple platforms.

The short clip begins with a bicyclist approaching an elderly man, possibly in his late sixties, who is calmly sitting near the roadside in a red shirt.

The bicyclist can be heard making comments about the recent Karmelo Anthony trial, referencing the controversial sentencing that has been stirring heated debate online.

Anthony, a 19 year old from Texas, was convicted in the fatal stabbing of high school athlete Austin Metcalf and given 35 years in prison after a jury deliberated for less than three hours.

At first, the encounter appears to be random street talk, but the situation quickly turns violent.

On video, the bicyclist appears to accusingly joke that the older man served on the jury in Anthony’s case. The victim denies involvement and appears confused before the attacker suddenly strikes him in the face and pedals away.

The stunned man clutches his head, clearly dazed by the blow, as the bicyclist disappears from view.

The footage ends abruptly, leaving social media users furious and demanding answers.

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Many online commenters are calling for law enforcement to identify and arrest the bicyclist, arguing that the video represents a clear case of assault in broad daylight.

Some even say the attack may meet the criteria for a hate crime if investigators determine racial bias or political motivation was involved in the assault.

As of the latest update, Jacksonville police have not announced any arrests nor confirmed whether a formal report has been filed.

The investigation is reportedly in its early stages, with both the suspect and the victim still unidentified.

The violent outburst has sparked broader conversation about the toxic climate surrounding the Karmelo Anthony verdict, which has become yet another flashpoint in the ongoing national divide over criminal justice and race.

The case, tried in Collin County, Texas, saw the teenager convicted and sentenced within the same day, sparking uproar from some activists who claim the process was too swift, while many others say the punishment was far too lenient given the brutality of the crime.

Anthony’s attorneys tried to argue for mercy, presenting emotional testimony from his mother, who pleaded with jurors to grant leniency for her son, saying he was remorseful and had made a terrible mistake.

Prosecutors reminded the court that the victim, Austin Metcalf, was a promising young athlete brutally taken from his family.

The jury chose to hand down a firm 35 year sentence, rejecting any possible reduction based on the defense claim of sudden passion.

In the aftermath, many progressives took to social media to protest the verdict, while victims’ rights advocates described it as justice served.

The contrast has fueled harsh online rhetoric that seems to have spilled over into physical confrontations like the one caught in Jacksonville.

Local conservative commentators have been quick to note that violent behavior inspired by outrage over legitimate jury verdicts is becoming a troubling pattern.

Across the country, law enforcement has recorded an uptick in street harassment and politically motivated assaults connected to high profile criminal cases and media narratives.

Whether this Jacksonville incident ties directly to organized protests or represents simply an angry individual acting alone remains unclear.

Police say they are reviewing nearby security footage and asking the public for information to help identify the assailant.

What is clear is that an innocent man, minding his own business, was attacked in public as political frustration once again bled into violence.

For many Americans, it serves as another reminder that this nation’s culture of outrage is spinning out of control, too often turning citizens against each other while real criminals hide behind claims about social justice or unfair systems.

Anyone with knowledge of the assault is urged to contact Jacksonville authorities.

Investigators continue to gather evidence, and the video remains under review as the community waits for accountability and calm.


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