service members

A data breach involving US military information has affected more than 3 million people, according to reporting by Federal News Network. Details on who carried out the breach and what specific data was exposed have not yet been made public. The incident raises fresh concerns about the security of Defense Department systems and the handling of personal information belonging to service members and others.

The US military has moved to disable advertising trackers on its websites over fears the data collected could be used to locate service members and compromise their safety. The measure follows warnings that advertising technology embedded in official sites can leak browsing information to third parties, including foreign actors, raising concerns about the security of troops and sensitive personnel.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented new consent requirements for certain psychiatric drugs, according to a New York Times report. The policy means veterans will need to give informed consent before receiving some of these medications. The move is drawing attention to how the VA handles psychiatric treatment for former service members.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has held a debate on how European countries can provide systemic, long-term support for Ukrainian veterans of the war with Russia. Discussions centred on coordinated European frameworks for medical care, psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration. The session reflects growing attention across the continent to the lasting needs of wounded and demobilised Ukrainian service members.

The Council of Europe is consulting experts as it develops a practical guide on independent, sustainable and pluralistic public service media. The work falls under its freedom of expression remit and aims to give member states concrete guidance on how to run public broadcasters that are protected from political interference, financially viable and representative of diverse voices. The consultation brings together specialists in media law, journalism and governance to shape the final document.

The Service Employees International Union has reached a statewide bargaining agreement covering higher education workers, avoiding a planned strike. The tentative deal ends negotiations over pay and working conditions for university employees across Oregon, and union members are expected to vote on ratifying the agreement in the coming weeks.

Borough officials in Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, have turned down a proposal to install banners honoring local military service members, opting instead to direct resources toward upgrading the community's existing war memorial. The decision ends discussion of the banner program while committing the borough to maintaining and improving its tribute to local veterans.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that US military academies, including West Point and the Naval Academy, will not grant tenure to civilian faculty members. The move is part of the Pentagon's broader push to reshape academia at the service academies, with supporters calling it a step toward accountability and critics warning it could discourage qualified civilian instructors from teaching there.

A data breach at the Pentagon's Defense Manpower Data Center has exposed the personal records of more than three million people. The DMDC holds manpower, personnel and benefits data for US service members, their families and other DoD-affiliated individuals. The incident adds to a growing list of major breaches of US federal systems this year, raising fresh questions about the department's cybersecurity safeguards.

Experts from the Defense Health Agency's Public Health branch are highlighting three priorities for suicide prevention across the US military: leadership engagement, secure storage of lethal means such as firearms and medications, and better access to mental health resources. The guidance, published via military health channels, stresses that commanders and supervisors play a key role in recognizing warning signs and connecting service members to support.

Registration is closing for Military Appreciation Day, according to an announcement carried by LimaOhio.com. The event, which honors service members and veterans, is drawing local attention as the deadline nears. Those hoping to attend are urged to sign up before registration ends, though details on the date, location and program were not included in the notice.

Christian Standard has published a feature examining how churches are adopting digital tools, from streaming services and online giving to apps for Bible study and congregation management. The piece argues that technology is no longer optional for ministries but a core part of how they reach and serve members. It reflects a wider conversation among church leaders about balancing digital convenience with traditional in-person worship and community life.

JoAnn Marie (Hopman) Caskey has died, with an obituary published through Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home announcing her passing. Notices like this typically outline her life, family members and funeral arrangements, giving friends and relatives a chance to pay respects and share condolences.

A memorial procession is being planned in southern Kentucky for a state trooper who was murdered in the line of duty. The trooper is being remembered locally as 'a hero', and community members are expected to line the route to honour his service.

A new Council of Europe report concludes that prevention remains the weakest element in efforts to combat violence against women across its member states. The assessment points to persistent gaps in measures aimed at stopping violence before it occurs, even as states maintain legal frameworks and support services. Observers see the finding as a warning that, despite progress in legislation, practical protection for women lags behind commitments.