VA Reaches 18 Million Home Loans: Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson noted last week that the VA had approved its 18 millionth home loan guarantee—the milestone loan went to Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Robert Laurent of Kyle, Tex. Laurent is an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was discharged after four years in uniform due to combat-related injuries.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.