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February 5, 2026

Face of Defense: Brothers Commission as Naval Flight Officers

Brothers Zachary and Samuel Melvin, now Navy ensigns, marked the culmination of two very different journeys that converged at the same moment: commissioning as officers in the same class and earning selection as naval flight officers.

January 29, 2026

Costa Rica’s press freedom hangs in the balance ahead of presidential election

For decades, Costa Rica was held up as Central America’s democratic exception: a country without an army, with strong democratic institutions, and a press able to scrutinize those in power without facing systematic retaliation.  That reputation is now being tested as Costa Rica heads into presidential elections that will culminate in a first round on […]

January 28, 2026

Threats, exile, censorship: DRC journalists besieged in year of rebel rule

For Congolese journalist Prince Cikala Mihigo, the first day of 2026 brought a brutal reminder of the risks of reporting: rebel soldiers beat and kicked him while questioning him about his work, leaving his face swollen and raw.   Prince Cikala Mihigo out reporting on the impact of the war on children. (Photo: Courtesy of Prince […]

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January 27, 2026

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson

During World War II, Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson consistently went ahead of the soldiers he led and took out threats in their path. He didn’t survive the ordeal, but his bravery and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.

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January 24, 2026

Week in Photos

Discover the latest on DOW’s missions, milestones and people through this curated collection of top photos.

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January 22, 2026

The Long Gray Line Remains Unbroken: ‘Legacy Gold’ Rings Link West Point Grads

As one of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s most personal traditions, the ring melt allows current cadets to “grip hands” with previous generations of graduates during a solemn, emotionally charged occasion that affirms the ideals of duty, honor and country through the symbolism of the class ring.

January 21, 2026

2025 journalist jailings remain stubbornly high; harsh prison conditions pervasive

Introduction For the fifth year in a row, more than 300 journalists were imprisoned worldwide as of the end of 2025, according to CPJ’s annual prison census. These record-setting numbers reflect growing authoritarianism and escalating numbers of armed conflicts worldwide. Often, journalists are held under cruel and life-threatening conditions – “a cemetery of the living,” […]