Jul 03 U.S. passport application backup causes uncertainty, thwarts plans for would-be travelers By Laurie Kellman, Rebecca Santana, David Koenig, Associated Press With family dreams and big money on the line, passport seekers describe a slow-motion agony of waiting, worrying, holding the line, refreshing the screen, complaining to Congress, paying extra fees and following incorrect directions. Continue reading
Jun 30 Watch 6:11 U.S. failed to plan for worst-case scenarios before Afghanistan withdrawal, review says By Ali Rogin, Dan Sagalyn A long-awaited report on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has identified several failings that contributed to the chaos. The State Department review concluded that both the Trump and Biden administrations failed to consider worst-case scenarios for what would happen when… Continue watching
Jun 15 WATCH: Blinken delivers remarks on State Department's annual human trafficking report By News Desk According to the State Department, the report "assesses government efforts around the world to combat human trafficking and highlights strategies to address this crime and protect the victims."… Continue reading
Jun 06 WATCH: State Department holds briefing after diplomatic talks in China By Simina Mistreanu, Associated Press Senior U.S. and Chinese diplomats held “candid and productive” talks in Beijing and agreed to keep open lines of communication to avoid tensions from spiraling into conflict, officials said Tuesday. Continue reading
May 23 WATCH: State Department holds briefing as Russia extends arrest of U.S. journalist by 3 months By Associated Press Gershkovich, a 31-year-old American citizen, was ordered held until Aug. 30. He had been arrested in March on espionage charges on a reporting trip in Russia. He, his employer and the U.S. government have denied the charges. Continue reading
May 18 WATCH: State Department holds news briefing as Biden attends G-7 summit in Japan By Associated Press President Joe Biden is in Japan for global diplomacy in a nation that has already tightened its economic and national security alliance with the U.S. He met privately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before joining the Group of Seven… Continue reading
May 17 WATCH: State Department offers Republican lawmaker a chance to view Afghanistan dissent cable By Associated Press Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas had threatened earlier this week to make an unprecedented push to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress if he did not turn over the so-called dissent cable. Continue reading
May 16 WATCH: State Department holds news briefing after Russia launches 'exceptional' attack on Kyiv By Associated Press Ukrainian air defenses, bolstered by sophisticated Western-supplied systems, thwarted an intense Russian air attack on Kyiv early Tuesday, shooting down all 18 missiles aimed at the capital. Continue reading
May 15 WATCH: State Department holds news briefing following release of religious freedom report By News Desk State Department spokesman Vedant Patel will hold a news briefing on Monday after Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave remarks at the release of the 2023 International Religious Freedom report. Continue reading
May 15 WATCH: Blinken discusses new International Religious Freedom report By News Desk Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Monday about the release of the 2022 International Religious Freedom report. Continue reading