News and reports from the .

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $222,000 in refunds to consumers affected by a deceptive mortgage relief scheme operated by Lanier Law. The scheme charged homeowners thousands of dollars in upfront fees with promises to reduce their monthly payments but failed to deliver on these commitments.

DoD hosts summit addressing climate-related defense challenges

The U.S. Department of Defense hosted the Climate and Defense Summit of the Americas at the U.S. Naval Academy on August 22-23, 2024. Senior leaders from across the Western Hemisphere gathered to address defense and security challenges posed by climate change and to enhance regional collaboration.

United States welcomes resumption of humanitarian aid delivery across key routes into famine-stricken Sudan

The United States has welcomed the resumption of humanitarian assistance deliveries through the Adré border crossing from Chad into Sudan and related diplomatic efforts to reopen emergency aid routes to famine-stricken areas of Darfur via the Dabbah Road from Port Sudan. The lack of humanitarian aid access into Darfur over the past six months has worsened famine and acute hunger levels across Sudan, particularly within Zamzam camp.

Secretary Austin commemorates third anniversary of Abbey Gate attack

Today marks three years since the loss of 13 American service members in a terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. Approximately 170 Afghan civilians were also killed in the incident.

United States and Argentina hold inaugural annual energy security dialogue

The United States and Argentina held the inaugural annual U.S.-Argentina Energy Security Dialogue (ESD) on August 23, 2024, at the Palacio San Martin in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez opened the ESD alongside Secretary of International Economic Relations Ambassador Marcelo Cima, Secretary of Energy Eduardo Rodriguez Chirillo, and Secretary of Mining Luis Lucero. The ESD builds on a history of close U.S.-Argentine diplomatic and technical cooperation and will serve as a forum to advance cooperative...

House Judiciary Committee releases report on case involving illegal immigrant accused of murder

By Federal Newswire | Aug 25, 2024

The House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement released an interim report today regarding Peruvian illegal alien Roberto Emilio Vasquez-Santamaria. Vasquez-Santamaria entered the country illegally through the southwest border and was released by the Biden-Harris Administration. He was later arrested for the murder of a Texas man.

U.S. congratulates Uruguay on 199th independence anniversary

By Federal Newswire | Aug 25, 2024

On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Uruguay on the 199th anniversary of Uruguay’s independence.

Secretary Austin reaffirms U.S. support in call with Israeli Defense Minister

By Federal Newswire | Aug 25, 2024

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

Houthi attacks on oil tanker threaten major environmental disaster

The United States has expressed significant concern over the Houthis' attacks on the oil tanker MT DELTA SOUNION. These ongoing assaults pose a severe risk of spilling one million barrels of oil into the Red Sea, a quantity four times greater than that of the Exxon Valdez disaster. Although the crew has been evacuated, there are indications that the Houthis intend to sink both the ship and its cargo.

Secretary Blinken congratulates Ukraine on National Day amid ongoing conflict

On August 24, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day. He acknowledged the ongoing conflict with Russia and praised the courage of Ukrainians.

United States pledges continued support amid ongoing Rohingya crisis

The ongoing humanitarian crisis and human rights abuses in Burma continue to exacerbate difficulties faced by members of many of Burma’s ethnic and religious minority groups, particularly the Rohingya. The United States stands with the survivors of the Rohingya genocide and is committed to providing life-saving assistance to affected members of Rohingya communities and those impacted by the crisis in Burma, Bangladesh, and the region.

Austin reaffirms US commitment to Israel in call with Gallant

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

DHS Inspector General: ICE cannot know if unaccompanied children are "safe from trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor"

A letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the Office of the Inspector General has found through an ongoing audit that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot track the whereabouts of unaccompanied children entering the country, and thus has no confidence they are "safe from trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor" as of August 19.

House Judiciary Committee releases interim report on CTA train attack by illegal aliens

The House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement released an interim report regarding four Venezuelan illegal aliens arrested in connection with a violent knifepoint attack on a 49-year-old man riding a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train in February 2024.

Iowa man charged with distributing monkey torture videos

An indictment was unsealed today charging an individual with involvement in online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.

Florida worker pleads guilty to acting as agent for China's government

Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General.

Unexpected rise seen in US new home sales during July

Sales of new homes rose unexpectedly in July, following significant revisions in the previous months’ data.

HUD announces disaster aid measures following Vermont storms

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Vermont, following severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 9 to July 11, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties.

Justice Department files lawsuit against RealPage over alleged rental price-fixing

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against RealPage, a technology company accused of colluding with landlords to unjustifiably raise rental prices. Emily Gee, senior vice president for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress, responded to the lawsuit with a statement.

Biden administration announces new $125 million security aid package for Ukraine