This episode of MIL News Weekly covers essential updates from October 12–18, 2025, focusing on the impact of the federal funding lapse on the military community. Active and Reserve service members faced delayed pay due to the shutdown, with financial institutions stepping in to offer support, while Coast Guard pay was safeguarded by special legislation. Military retirees saw stable payments thanks to protected trust funds, and Congress made progress on the Federal Retirement Fairness Act, preserving retiree benefits and advancing equity reforms. The VA maintained near full operations, ensuring uninterrupted disability, pension, and healthcare services to veterans, and significantly expanded benefits under the PACT Act for those affected by toxic exposures. New legislation (the PLUS Act) also aimed to protect disabled veterans from predatory claims assistance practices. VA and disability compensation rates reflected a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview