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EPA begins critical cleanup at contaminated JH Baxter facility in Eugene

EPA begins critical cleanup at contaminated JH Baxter facility in Eugene

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the commencement of a time-critical removal action at the JH Baxter facility in West Eugene, Oregon. This initiative aims to address wood-preserving chemicals left on-site after operations ceased in 2022. Over 500,000 gallons of hazardous substances remain at the location.


U.S., Israeli defense leaders discuss security amid rising tensions

U.S., Israeli defense leaders discuss security amid rising tensions

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $105 million for national water conservation projects

Biden-Harris Administration allocates $105 million for national water conservation projects

The Department of the Interior has announced a nearly $105 million investment as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at enhancing drought resilience through 67 water conservation and efficiency projects nationwide. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and annual appropriations.


DHS emphasizes non-enforcement during Hurricane Debby response

DHS emphasizes non-enforcement during Hurricane Debby response

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of affected populations.


Blinken discusses Middle East de-escalation with G7 foreign ministers

Blinken discusses Middle East de-escalation with G7 foreign ministers

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the G7 Foreign Ministers to discuss the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire that secures the release of hostages and allows a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.


Netflix's new thriller 'CTRL' questions digital dependency

Netflix's new thriller 'CTRL' questions digital dependency

Pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, CTRL is a thriller that will make viewers rethink their dependency on technology. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Saffron and Andolan Films, CTRL premieres on October 4.


U.S. congratulates Cook Islands on 59th National Day

U.S. congratulates Cook Islands on 59th National Day

On behalf of the United States Department of State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Cook Islands on the occasion of your 59th anniversary of self-governance.


Secretary Austin reaffirms U.S. support in call with Israeli defense minister

Secretary Austin reaffirms U.S. support in call with Israeli defense minister

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:


DHS makes progress against cartels and fentanyl

DHS makes progress against cartels and fentanyl

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying its efforts against cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) to curb the influx of fentanyl into the United States. The organization made this announcement in a news release dated July 31.


Biden-Harris administration announces actions to combat fentanyl

Biden-Harris administration announces actions to combat fentanyl

The White House has stated that fentanyl has claimed the lives of numerous children and adults, causing significant harm to families and communities. Consequently, the administration is urging Congress to pass the "Detect and Defeat" Counter Fentanyl proposal. Additionally, a National Security Memorandum will call on federal departments and agencies to intensify efforts to prevent illicit fentanyl from entering the country. These actions were announced in a July 31 fact sheet.


Iraq commemorates 10th anniversary of ISIS genocide

Iraq commemorates 10th anniversary of ISIS genocide

Today marks the 10th anniversary of ISIS's genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. The day also commemorates the Sunni Muslims, Kurds, and other minorities who suffered under ISIS. Thousands of Yezidis were killed or enslaved by ISIS, with over 2,600 Yezidi women and girls still missing. The identification and exhumation of mass graves continue as survivors bear the scars of these events.


Blinken and Lammy discuss Middle East tensions, emphasize ceasefire

Blinken and Lammy discuss Middle East tensions, emphasize ceasefire

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy reaffirmed the need to deescalate rising tensions in the Middle East and prevent the conflict from spreading. They stressed the importance of finalizing the ceasefire and hostage release deal under negotiation as soon as possible.


Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire efforts with French foreign minister

Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire efforts with French foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné today. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the importance of preventing further escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the challenges posed by threats from Iran.


Privacy advocates urge caution over TSA's new photo requirement

Privacy advocates urge caution over TSA's new photo requirement

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun implementing a new policy requiring passengers to have their photos taken before flying. Privacy advocates are raising concerns over this move, urging travelers to consider opting out.


Rep. Maloy on the FREE Act: 'Utah businesses and local governments will benefit from this improvement'

Rep. Maloy on the FREE Act: 'Utah businesses and local governments will benefit from this improvement'

U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy stated that the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act will assist Utah businesses and governments by reducing wait times during the permit approval process. Maloy shared her statement in a press release on June 18.


Senior Fellow at Brookings: Arrest of Sinaloa leaders could 'leave a criminal market even more threatening to the United States'

Senior Fellow at Brookings: Arrest of Sinaloa leaders could 'leave a criminal market even more threatening to the United States'

Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, stated that the arrest of two top Sinaloa leaders in the United States could exacerbate inter-organizational violence in Mexico, further threatening the U.S. with organized crime. Dr. Felbab-Brown made this statement in a commentary piece on July 26.



Author on former US government agent detained in Nigeria: 'Ironic and sad that Vinnik might get out before Tigran'

Author on former US government agent detained in Nigeria: 'Ironic and sad that Vinnik might get out before Tigran'

Andy Greenberg, author of "Tracers in the Dark," stated it is "ironic and sad" that BTC-e operator Alexander Vinnik may be released back to Russia before U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, who helped bring about Vinnik's arrest, is freed from a Nigerian prison. Greenberg shared his statement in an Aug. 1 post on X.


U.S., Dominican Republic sign Open Skies Agreement

U.S., Dominican Republic sign Open Skies Agreement

The United States and the Dominican Republic have signed an Open Skies Agreement aimed at advancing bilateral aviation cooperation. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism David Collado signed the agreement at the National Palace in Santo Domingo. The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, provided remarks during the signing ceremony. Under Secretary Fernandez was joined by U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and representatives from the U.S. Department of...


ITI cautions outbound investment proposal could undermine US competitiveness

ITI cautions outbound investment proposal could undermine US competitiveness

Global tech trade association ITI has outlined recommendations for the U.S. government to consider before advancing a proposed rule on outbound investments, transactions, and transfers. In comments sent to the U.S. Department of Treasury today, ITI emphasized that the proposed outbound investment process could unintentionally curtail U.S. businesses’ ability to grow and expand into global markets.