MIL News Weekly

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers essential updates for the military and veteran community from 22-28 February 2026. Key highlights include the Pentagon’s ban on Anthropic AI due to its ethical stance, a shift in senior officer education away from Ivy League institutions, and new legislative developments affecting aviation safety (ROTOR Act and ALERT Act). The show reports on advances in nuclear weapon modernization, a 2.8% COLA adjustment for retirees, and the potential expansion of tax-advantaged retirement accounts based on the military's TSP. Details of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are explained, including new tax deductions and changes impacting federal retirees and those living abroad. Major VA updates include the rescinding of a regulation penalizing veterans for medication use, restoration of Second Amendment rights for those needing fiduciaries, infrastructure investments, expedited benefits, and expanded programs for Indigenous veterans. The episode concludes with concerns about VA staffing during the launch of a new military operation, emphasizing the long-term impact of war on veterans’ healthcare and support.