Latest U.S. Department of State News
Pennsylvania redesigned its mail-in ballot envelopes amid litigation. Some voters still tripped up
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A form Pennsylvania voters must complete on the outside of mail-in ballot return envelopes has been redesigned, but that did not prevent some voters from failing to complete it accurately for this week's primary, and some votes will not count as a result, election officials...
As Blinken heads to China, these are the major divides he will try to bridge
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is starting three days of talks with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing this week with U.S.-China ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes. The mere fact that Blinken is making the trip — shortly...
Haitians emerge from homes during brief respite from gang violence. Hours later, gunfire erupts
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitians rushed to buy food and other basic supplies Thursday as they emerged from their homes during a rare respite from gang violence, but gunfire erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince hours later. Female street vendors balancing heavy loads on their...
Top former US generals say failures of Biden administration in planning drove chaotic fall of Kabul
WASHINGTON (AP) — The top two U.S. generals who oversaw the evacuation of Afghanistan as it fell to the Taliban in August 2021 blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic departure, telling lawmakers Tuesday that it inadequately planned for the evacuation and did not order it in time. ...
First charter flight with US citizens fleeing Haiti lands in Miami
MIAMI (AP) — A charter flight carrying dozens of U.S. citizens fleeing spiraling gang violence in Haiti landed Sunday in Miami, U.S. State Department officials said. More than 30 U.S. citizens were on the government-chartered flight, officials said in a statement. It arrived in the...
Victoria Nuland, third-highest ranking US diplomat and critic of Russia's war in Ukraine, retiring
WASHINGTON (AP) — Victoria Nuland, the third-highest ranking U.S. diplomat and frequent target of criticism for her hawkish views on Russia and its actions in Ukraine, will retire and leave her post this month, the State Department said Tuesday. Nuland, a career foreign service...
State Dept. screens AP-PBS Ukraine war film days after 2-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. State Department on Tuesday hosted a screening of the award-winning Associated Press-PBS “Frontline” Ukraine war documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” days after Ukraine marked the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Elizabeth...
Maryland lawmakers look to extend property tax assessment deadlines after mailing glitch
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers are looking at a legislative solution to address a missed mailing deadline for property tax assessments, a mistake that affected about 107,000 notices and could cost local governments roughly $250 million over three years if nothing is done, a state...
China demands the US stop any official contact with Taiwan following a congressional visit
WASHINGTON (AP) — China responded sternly Thursday to a U.S. congressional delegation’s visit to Taiwan, demanding the U.S. stop any official contact with the self-governing island. “China opposes any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan authorities and...
Rwanda rejects US calls for withdrawal of missiles and troops from eastern Congo
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Authorities in Rwanda on Monday rejected U.S. calls for the withdrawal of troops and missile systems from eastern Congo, saying they are defending Rwandan territory as Congo carries out a "dramatic military build-up” near the border. Rwanda's Foreign...
