August 2009 Bulletins

HUD secretary announces disaster assistance for Kentucky storm victims

Released 8/17/09 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to counties in Kentucky and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding. Full release

HUD charges New York landlords with housing discrimination

Released 8/17/09 by HUD

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced that it is charging two New York City apartment owners with violating the Fair Housing Act by allegedly making discriminatory statements, including objecting to an African-American roommate coming to a "white neighborhood." Full release

NATO HQ Bombed, Several Wounded

Released 8/15/09 by Military.Com

A suicide car bomb exploded outside the main gate of NATO's headquarters five days before Afghanistan's presidential election, killing seven and wounding 91. The bomber evaded several rings of Afghan police and detonated his explosives on the doorstep of the international military headquarters. Full release

HUD secretary announces disaster assistance for Iowa storm victims

Released 8/14/09 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to a storm-ravaged county in Iowa and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following severe storms in July. Full release

Michigan Prison Assessed for Gitmo Transfers

Released 8/14/09 by Military.Com

Officials visited a maximum-security prison in Michigan to assess its suitability to house Guantanamo Bay detainees. Some residents welcome bringing in the detainees if it will prevent closing down the prison. Others fear bringing in the Gitmo detainees would make the town a target. Full release

HUD announces posting of frequently asked questions on new RESPA rule

Released 8/13/09 by HUD

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner David Stevens today announced the first release of frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning implementation of the new Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rule. The FAQs were compiled from questions received from industry since the publication of the Rule. Full release

HUD secretary Donovan announces $132 million in recovery act funds to improve native American and Alaskan housing, spur economic development

Released 8/11/09 by HUD

ANCHORAGE - During a visit to an Anchorage, Alaska community today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that HUD is awarding 61 grants, totaling $132 million, to Native American and Native Alaskan communities across the country to improve housing and stimulate community development (see below for detailed grant list). The announcement came during a visit to the Mountain View community in Anchorage, which has received Recovery Act funding. The Secretary was joined by U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, and other local elected and housing officials. Full release

Deputy Says Pakistan's Mehsud is Alive

Released 8/8/09 by Military.Com

A deputy to Baitullah Mehsud claimed that the Pakistani Taliban chief was not killed by a CIA missile strike. His claim flies in the face of growing confidence among U.S. and Pakistani officials that Mehsud died, and it could be a tactical maneuver aimed at delaying a decision on who will succeed Mehsud. Full release

Aide Says Taliban Leader Killed by US

Released 8/7/09 by Military.Com

Pakistan's Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, who unleashed a fearsome campaign of suicide attacks and assassinations that made him the country's most-wanted man, was killed in a U.S. missile strike, an aide said. The U.S. put a $5 million bounty on his head in March. Full release