August 2008 Bulletins

Petraeus Submitted Preliminary Report

Released 8/30/08 by Military.Com

Gen. David Petraeus, has given his military superiors and Defense Secretary Robert Gates his initial recommendation on when to resume a U.S. troop withdrawal and at what pace. Estimates of how Petraeus would suggest cutting this autumn have ranged from one to two combat brigades. Full release

HUD CUTS RED TAPE TO SPEED RELIEF TO HARD-HIT FLOOD AREAS IN IOWA

Released 8/29/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today agreed to allow Iowato spend approximately $26 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding more quickly, thereby speeding relief to flood-ravaged areas of the HawkeyeState. Preston granted several waivers that will give Iowasubstantial flexibility to overcome regulatory and legal hurdles and accelerate the pace of recovery in 85 counties that were devastated by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. Full release

Global Hawk may be Called for Hurricane Duty

Released 8/29/08 by Military.Com

The Global Hawk -- an unmanned vehicle that cruises at 60,000 feet -- might get a hurricane test run if Gustav becomes a bigger threat. "One could fly here and sit over a hurricane for 18 hours before it has to fly back." said Edward Walby, director of business development for the Global Hawk. Full release

HUD SECRETARY AND MAYOR MCCRORY ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION LOAN GUARANTEE TO CHARLOTTE

Released 8/25/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced that he is approving a $10 million loan guarantee to the City of Charlotteto purchase 70 acres in the Double Oaks neighborhood. This purchase will complete the site assembly of 98 acres in preparation for the eventual development of 108,000 square feet of retail space and 940 new apartments, condominiums and single-family homes. Full release

US: 30 Militants Killed in Clash

Released 8/23/08 by Military.Com

U.S.-led troops attacked a compound where Taliban leaders were meeting and killed 30 militants, American and Afghan military officials said, but the Interior Ministry said a large number of civilians died. Karzai condemned the U.S. operation and said it hadn't been coordinated with local security officials. Full release

Dress Greens Out, Dress Blues in for Army

Released 8/22/08 by Military.Com

The Army's blue Class A uniform will become the single approved Army Service Uniform, triumphing over the less popular dress greens and mess-dress whites. The greens and whites are being phased out over the next six years, with the Army mandating dress blues as the exclusive Class A uniform by 2014. Full release

HUD AWARDS $19.3 MILLION IN HIV/AIDS HOUSING GRANTS TO 18 LOCAL PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE

Released 8/18/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - They are extremely low-income, living with HIV/AIDS and at high risk of homelessness. Today, more than 1,100 persons and their families will find a stable home, and receive the services they need to manage their illnesses, because of $19.3 million in grants awarded by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston. Full release

SECRETARY PRESTON AND GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER ANNOUNCE $105 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN CALIFORNIA

Released 8/15/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that the California State Program will receive more than $105 million to support community development and produce more affordable housing in the GoldenState. HUD's annual funding will also provide downpayment assistance to first-time homebuyers; assist individuals and families who might otherwise be living on the streets; and offer real housing solutions for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Full release

Pentagon Flies Aid, Survey Team into Georgia

Released 8/14/08 by Military.Com

In a move that could embroil the U.S. deeper into the conflict between Russia and Georgia, the DoD has flown in a team of experts to determine the extent of Russian military control over Georgia's roads, sea ports and airports and to assess how deep of a humanitarian crisis the war has created. Full release

HUD CHARGES NEW YORK LANDLORDS WITH DISCRIMINATING AGAINST A DISABLED RESIDENT

Released 8/12/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that is has charged the owners and board of directors of an apartment building in Rockville Center, New York, with housing discrimination for refusing to allow a woman with disabilities to keep a pet for emotional support. Full release

HUD APPROVES HISTORIC FINANCIAL DEAL TO MODERNIZE AND BUILD MORE THAN 4,100 NEW PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS ON PUERTO RICO

Released 8/7/08 by HUD

NEW YORK - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi and Puerto Rico Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila today signed a financial agreement worth more than $600 million that will permit the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration (PRPHA) to modernize and construct more than 4,100 public housing units. The agreement allows PRPHA to qualify for $235 million in tax credits to accelerate the ongoing efforts to modernize public housing on the Commonwealth. Full release

HUD SECRETARY: FHA HAS HELPED 300,000 FAMILIES FIND RELIEF WITH GOVERNMENT-BACKED MORTGAGES

Released 8/6/08 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced that 300,000 families have refinanced their mortgages with HUD's affordable mortgage insurance program. Since September 2007, FHASecure - the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) refinancing product - has provided struggling families with expanded access to safe and affordable mortgage financing. FHA is on pace to help 500,000 families by the end of the year. Full release

WH Denies Faking Iraq-Al Qaida Letter

Released 8/6/08 by Military.Com

The White House and the CIA adamantly denied a report that the Bush administration concocted a fake letter purporting to show a link between Saddam Hussein's regime and al-Qaida as a justification for the Iraq war. The allegation was raised by journalist Ron Suskind. Full release

HUD ANNOUNCES $152 MILLION TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT PUERTO RICO

Released 8/5/08 by HUD

SAN JUAN, PR - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today announced that the Commonwealth of Puerto and 27 individual municipalities throughout the island will receive nearly $152 million to support community development and produce more affordable housing. HUD's annual funding will also assist individuals and families who might otherwise be living on the streets, and offer real housing solutions for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Full release