GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 4.30.14 >>>

Masked gunmen in military fatigues took control of a government building in another Ukrainian town.

Unshaken by the latest surge in violence, Iraqis braved the threat of bombs and attacks to vote today in key elections for a new parliament amid a massive security operation as the country slides deeper into sectarian strife.

A new defense pact reflects closer U.S.-Philippine ties.

President Obama's pivot to Asia will lack a crucial military underpinning next year, when for four months, the Navy will not have an aircraft carrier in the region.

China's A2/AD capabilities have many in Washington worried. America's land forces could help. 

Senator: Benghazi e-mails reveal White House misinformation.

Secretary of State John Kerry accused Moscow of accelerating the crisis in Ukraine instead of sticking to an agreement to ratchet back tensions.

The United States has proof that the Russian government in Moscow is running a network of spies inside eastern Ukraine.

The fate of the A-10 close-air support platform has been the most contentious issue between the Air Force and Congress over the last six months. If comments made yesterday are any indication, it's a fight that isn't going away.

House lawmakers have rejected proposed cuts in housing allowances and commissary funding, as well as an overhaul of the Tricare system that would increase out-of-pocket costs for some beneficiaries.

The House Seapower subcommittee markup that was revealed yesterday offered at least one surprise - cutting the Navy's request for three littoral combat ships to only two - but the bill supports the other new ship requests, including two destroyers and two submarines.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed all of the services to review their hairstyle policies in response to a letter from the Congressional Black Caucus.

Hagel's defense cuts: a good idea.

The Air Force chief of staff explored the proper force ratio between the service's active duty and reserve components in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Army's most iconic helicopter is about to go pilotless.

Michael D. Shear examines how popular culture has incorporated the issues that President Obama has faced.

What happens when a normal guy gets to fly in a Thunderbird F-16.

Finally: Sunglasses that ping your phone when you leave them behind.

The cast of the new Star Wars movie has been announced.

Carrie Fisher is auctioning a bunch of her rare Star Wars stuff.

Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney), Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows, Minus 5), Bill Rieflin (Swans, Ministry), and Kurt Bloch (ex-Fastbacks) have formed the band super-Earth.

Finally: Road House fight chart.

OK, stop doing whatever the heck you're doing, because this is it. ...

LINK: Original photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane