Author: thaobh.leo@gmail.com

If you already have a VA loan, you’ve probably heard that the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, or IRRRL, is the fastest, easiest way to refinance. But what happens when current VA IRRRL rates are higher than the rate you’re already paying? Does the math still work, or are you just adding costs to your loan for no reason? This article walks through exactly when a VA streamline refinance is worth it even in a higher-rate environment, how to run the break-even math yourself, and what red flags to watch for before you refinance. The IRRRL was built to lower…

INVISIO has been awarded a Standing Offer, comparable to a framework agreement, by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for tactical hearing protection and communication equipment. The agreement has an initial term of two years, with an option to extend for an additional three years, and has a potential value of up to SEK 450 million. Order volumes are not guaranteed, and orders will be placed through call-offs during the agreement period.The agreement was won through INVISIO’s Canadian partner Simex Defence, a specialist supplier of tactical communications and soldier systems to the CAF. It covers the entire CAF, including the Canadian…

England’s own Mick Terrill takes on Kamil Sokolowski as BKB makes its first appearance at Utilita Arena NewcastleBKB Super Welterweight World Champion Rolando Dy defends his title against three-time world champion Scott McHugh International stars return to action, as Olympic veteran and former IBF world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. and undefeated Adele Altamimi step back into the Trigon BKB 60 in Newcastle BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world’s largest professional bare knuckle boxing organization, today announced it will head to the Tyne for the very first time on Saturday, October 10, with BKB 60 live from the Utilita Arena…

UFC BJJ 10 will have two title bouts, a return of one of their biggest stars, and a flyweight title tournament. To add to that, these top Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) stars will all be competing in a completely new fighting surface. The deep UFC BJJ 10 card happens on TONIGHT (Thursday, August 20, 2026) inside the UFC’s Meta Apex venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.The no gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) event will stream LIVE on YouTube, starting at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch the live stream for free on the video embedded below.UFC BJJ 10 Preview: 2 title bouts, a…

Key PointsInternal Bundeswehr documents show new delays on Rheinmetall’s Skyranger air defense system and Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie vehicle programs.The Bundeswehr procurement office described the contractor’s performance as needing significant improvement and cited insufficient maturity and quality on both programs.Internal Bundeswehr procurement documents show new deficiencies in two major Rheinmetall weapons programs, the Skyranger air defense system and the Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie armored wheeled vehicle (Boxer HWC), according to reporting by Capital‘s Christian Schweppe. The German procurement office cited “insufficient maturity and quality” as reasons for the delays, the outlet reported. Both programs fall under Germany’s “Zeitenwende” rearmament push, and Rheinmetall…

DES MOINES, Iowa — During the week of Aug. 10–16, 2026, Soldiers of the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) gathered in the Des Moines area to recognize their return from deployment, reconnect as a formation and honor six Soldiers whose lives were lost. Throughout the week, a Postvention Action Team provided grief counseling, suicide-prevention education, resources and emotional support to Soldiers at the 103rd ESC headquarters and at Norwalk High School. The school hosted the command’s awards ceremony at the Norwalk Physical Education & Competition Center, where Soldiers were recognized for their accomplishments and service following their return from deployment. Norwalk…

8/20/26 National Security and Korean News and Commentary | Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University wpDiscuzInsert

Vague operational planning and a lack of transparency during U.S. actions in Iran have exacerbated the U.S. Navy’s longstanding logistics, maintenance and manpower issues — and sailors are feeling the effects, congressional leaders, retired military officials and deployed sailors have told Military Times.Following revelations from families about some U.S. service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln struggling with mental health after 250 days without a port visit, sailors, retirees and lawmakers told Military Times that troops were absorbing consequences of longtime flaws within the sea service that have been worsened by the current conflict.The Navy has struggled for years to…

Policymakers, accreditors, and institutions are reexamining the traditional bachelor’s degree in the United States. For generations, the dominant model of undergraduate education has been a four-year, 120-credit bachelor’s degree. In recent years, there has been growing concern about college affordability, student debt, the amount of time it takes to earn a degree, and the labor market value of postsecondary credentials. This has prompted interest in whether some bachelor’s degrees can require fewer credits without sacrificing quality. In response to a statutory requirement in the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, the authors of this report examine the feasibility of reduced-credit bachelor’s…

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ  – Despite public speculation and online misinformation regarding the pistol’s safety, Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), the Department of War’s official lead for the Modular Handgun System (MHS), confirms that there has never been a mechanically-caused accidental discharge. All investigated incidents of alleged “uncommanded discharges” have been traced back to the trigger being pulled. Rigorous Testing and Safety by Design The MHS, comprised of the M17 (full-size) and M18 (compact) 9mm striker-fired pistols, is a thoroughly tested, safe, and reliable weapon system for the modern Warfighter. Since the first systems were fielded to the 101st Airborne Division…