Breach in reactor suspected at Japanese nuke plant

TOKYO (AP) — A suspected breach in the reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant could mean more serious radioactive contamination, Japanese officials revealed Friday, as the prime minister called the country’s ongoing fight to stabilize the plant “very grave and serious.”

US Likely to Keep Combat Role in Libya Shift

WASHINGTON — The United States welcomed a partial handover for the Libyan air campaign to NATO, but the allies apparently balked at assuming full control and the U.S. military was left in charge of the brunt of combat.

Staff Sgt. Charged in Airman’s Death

Air Force officials on Thursday formally charged a Kadena Airman in last month’s stabbing death of Tech. Sgt. Curtis Eccleston.

A New Tool For U.S. Intelligence: Google?

Traditionally, intelligence agencies have relied on top-secret information to track changes in other countries. But wiretaps and secret intercepts didn’t help U.S. officials predict the Arab Spring that has brought revolution across the Middle East and North Africa.

Navy races to clear port so needed supplies can reach land

HACHINOHE CITY, Japan — The U.S. Navy is racing the clock in Hachinohe City’s port, hoping to help open an underwater lane that will allow a Japanese barge to deliver fuel so desperately needed in local communities.

EUCOM to troops: Don’t wear uniforms off base

BERLIN — U.S. European Command has warned service members stationed on the continent to avoid wearing military uniforms when off base.

U.S. officials tour scenes of destruction in Japan

ISHINOMAKI, Japan — Top U.S. military leaders and the U.S. Ambassador to Japan flew into this devastated coastal city Wednesday, marking the first high-profile visit by the United States to areas hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami nearly two weeks ago.

US soldier gets 24 years for murders of 3 Afghans

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) — A U.S. soldier who pleaded guilty in the killings of three Afghan civilians has agreed to testify against four others whom he says were co-conspirators in a case that has raised some of the most serious criminal allegations to come from the Afghanistan War.

In Libyan Conflict, Is Endgame A Stalemate?

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and the forces loyal to him are still getting pounded. Since Operation Odyssey Dawn began last Saturday, more than 160 cruise missiles have been launched, and jet fighters from at least four countries have dropped bombs on targets all across Libya. But is the operation achieving its goals? Not yet.

Court: Stolen Valor Act Unconstitutional

PASADENA — The Stolen Valor Act, under which former water board member Xavier Alvarez was fined and ordered to perform community service in 2007, was upheld as being unconstitutional.

More veterans headed for the street if voucher program cut

This comes at a time when we have seen a true commitment and vision from Veterans Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki to end veteran homelessness. Now hope for thousands of former military service members will be dashed by this cutback to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA’s Supported Housing voucher program,currently our best hope for addressing veteran homelessness.

Navy crews reach quake victims with life-sustaining humanitarian aid

OFUNATO CITY, Japan — Petty Officer 2nd Class James Rivers became the face of the U.S. military’s humanitarian relief efforts for hundreds of Japanese people Tuesday.