The Department of Veterans Affairs approved $1.2 billion in facility infrastructure improvements during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, the agency announced July 20, bringing total obligated spending from its record $4.8 billion, nonrecurring maintenance budget to $2.3 billion for the year so far. The fiscal 2026 non-recurring maintenance, or NRM, budget is the largest in the VA’s history. The funds go toward significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades at VA medical facilities nationwide, intended to maintain and improve both operational capability and health care delivery. Where the Money Is Going Of the $1.2 billion approved in the third quarter,…

Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Backcountry: Up to 40% Off (Photo/prAna) You can find nearly everything you might need for outdoor adventures at Backcountry. And you’ll find major deals on that gear during Backcountry’s Summer Sale. Get up to 40% off a variety of apparel, shoes, tents, and more. I’m partial to suggesting prAna’s Stretch Zion Pants. With many sizes and colors on sale for 30% off, it’s a solid choice for pants that will last a very long time. I’ve had my pair for over 10 years, and…

Buying and leasing both have their advantages, but the cheaper option depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle, how much you drive, and whether you’re expecting a PCS, deployment, or other life changes. Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what military families should consider. How Does Leasing Work? Leasing a vehicle is similar to renting it as you pay a monthly fee for the ability to use the car for a certain amount of time, which is typically two to three years. During that time, your lease agreement will dictate how you can use the…

A climbing rope made entirely from recycled materials has no business handling this well. The Mammut Crag Recycled 9.8mm Dry Rope ($200) looks and feels surprisingly similar to some of the thinner ropes I already own. That caught my attention because it had been a long time since I’d been interested in using a 9.8mm rope. The more experienced I became as a climber, the lighter I wanted my ropes to be. Lighter and thinner ropes have several advantages. They’re easier to feed out of a belay device, faster to clip, and lighter to carry. But they lose points in…

Homicides hit historic lows in 2025, and all indications seem to suggest that we’re going to set a new low here in 2026. That’s fantastic news, especially as this drop has coincided with the fearmongering among anti-gunners following the Bruen decision. The problem is, though, that anti-gunners don’t actually care about reality. All they need is enough of a perception that there’s a problem to sort of justify them doing stupid things, like, say, calling for a special legislative session to pass gun control in one of the most anti-gun states in the nation.The Delaware-based…

Your vehicle’s brakes are its most important safety system, but they’re also one of the easiest components to overlook when something goes wrong. While brake pads and rotors wear over time, your vehicle usually gives you warning signs before braking performance becomes dangerous. Paying attention to unusual noises, changes in pedal feel, or differences in how your vehicle stops can help you catch problems early. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid more expensive repairs – and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. 1. Squealing or Screeching When You Brake A high-pitched squeal when you…