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[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:46 | null | 2022-08-29T14:59:00 | HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh on Monday said the country’s economy is in a “stronger position” and demonstrating an immense growth potential with a strong leadership at the helm bringing in key reforms. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Feconomy%2Findia-never-been-stronger-position-today-parekh-168.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | India never been in stronger position than today: Parekh | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh on Monday said the country’s economy is in a “stronger position” and demonstrating an immense growth potential with a strong leadership at the helm bringing in key reforms.
“India has never been in a stronger position than today from a macro-economic perspective. The country is demonstrating an immense growth potential helped by a strong leadership at the helm, driving key policy changes,” Parekh said at a risk summit organised by CII.
He noted that with the present government, largescale corruption has been weeded out.
He said India, with an expected GDP of above 7.5 per cent, stands out well in comparison to its global peers. “We in India hold a key advantage by being a major economy with tremendous growth potential,” he said.
The veteran banker said the country has benefited tremendously from lower crude oil prices.
He said the private sector capex has continued to be slow, so support has been boosted from public sector spending on infrastructure.
“Often when infrastructure projects are a work-in-progress, there tends to be a feeling that nothing is happening on the ground. But this is certainly not the case in India," he said.
Parekh said there is a flurry of activities taking place in the areas of ports and waterways, airports and smart cities.
Increased installed capacities in renewable energy have been put in place and a number of initiatives in the railways to improve service are underway.
He said the e-auctions of government tenders and bidding process are the biggest mark of credibility which the country has today.
“What the country needs at this juncture is to focus on attracting much more long-term investors looking for higher yields in their investments,” Parekh said.
Talking about risk management, he said it cannot be the sole responsibility of a company’s board of directors. “Risk management in an organisation cannot belong to an individual or a particular department or deemed to be the job of a compliance officer simply because it has to fit somewhere in an organisation,” he said.
The concept of risk management has to be driven across the entire organisation and it has to percolate to all levels.
There has to be an orientation and culture of risk mitigation in every action of all employees.
“Risk management is always a collective responsibility, it cannot be an isolated activity," he said.
Parekh said an often asked question is whether India can decouple itself from global markets, and the answer is no.
“One can prepare and insulate oneself from the known risks, yet it is the unknown risks that remains a challenge,” he said.
Parekh further said risk management systems will have to undergo unprecedented change as more organisation embrace digitisation.
Effective risk management is based on the foundation of good corporate governance and rigorous internal controls, he concluded.
He said one has to be cautious of the mixed signals coming global markets. On one hand, there is a tepid growth, continued problems with European banks, massive over-capacities in China, but on the other hand, key global stock markets have touched or are nearing all-time highs, the eminent banker added.
Parekh said in this present cycle, investors are chasing emerging markets predominately for yield. At the beginning of this year, investors had turned risk averse, causing havoc in emerging markets in January and February.
“In January and February, India saw an outflow of about $3-4 billion and the rupee came under pressure,” he said adding, however, sentiments have reserved again.
In the last week itself, equity funds have pumped in $5 billion in emerging markets, while over $20 billion has been invested in emerging market bonds.
He said emerging markets will be vulnerable, depending on how markets read the Fed Reserve expected course of action on interest rates.
“Any hint of raising interest rates in the US will result in massive capital outflows, once again resulting in unprecedented swings in currencies and stocks,” he added. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/economy/india-never-been-stronger-position-today-parekh-168 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/ad3e7087879386bd6dae2dec401ec911fabfe3875c4c85416642d9935e925f9e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:52:30 | null | 2022-08-30T20:19:00 | Trade unions on Tuesday said they will go ahead with nation-wide strike on September 2, rejecting as "completely inadequate" the government's 42 per cent hike in minimum wage to Rs 350 per day. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fnews%2Funions-stick-sept-2-strike-reject-govts-wage-hike-215.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Trade unions stick to Sept 2 strike, reject govt's wage hike | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Trade unions on Tuesday said they will go ahead with nation-wide strike on September 2, rejecting as "completely inadequate" the government's 42 per cent hike in minimum wage to Rs 350 per day.
"The government's minimum wage announcement is completely inadequate. The strike stands and we demand they should enact a law to fix minimum (universal) wage," All India Trade Union Congress general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said.
Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley announced a slew of labour-friendly measures including hiking of minimum wage to Rs 350 a day for unskilled non-agricultural workers for 'C' category areas in central sphere.
Calculated monthly, it comes to Rs 9,100 minimum income (for 26 days) which is way below the unions' demand of Rs 18,000. Initially, the unions had demanded Rs 15,000 as minimum monthly income for daily wagers but the demand was revised after the government accepted the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.
Asked whether this will be a benchmark wage for the entire country, labour secretary Shankar Aggarwal said that this is for workers in central sphere and states can fix a minimum wage lower or higher than this rate.
Explaining further, labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya said that an amendment in the Minimum Wage Act is required for fixing a universal minimum wage and an initiative has been taken in this direction.
"Finance minister's statement clearly shows that the government has not considered any of the demands in our 12-point charter. The unions have no other alternative but to fight for their rights," Indian National Trade Union Congress vice-president Ashok Singh said.
However, RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has lauded the government's announcements and decided to abstain from the general strike on September 2.
"We welcome it and are satisfied by the increase in minimum wages. BMS will not participate in the strike," BMS general secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said.
Besides increasing the minimum wage, government has decided to pay bonus for 2014-15 and 2015-16 to central government employees based on revised norms. This will have annual financial implication of Rs 1,920 crore.
It has also assured that the amendment in the payment of Bonus Act will be implemented strictly and it will support the cause of unions in high courts and the Supreme Court.
Dattatreya said that 97 cases regarding implementation of amendments in Payment of Bonus Act are pending in 14 high courts and the Supreme Court.
The government is trying to get stay orders vacated for implementation of the changes in Payment of Bonus Act, he said.
Of the 12 demands put forth by the trade unions, only 8 are related to labour issues and the government is working on seven of them, he added.
The government also said that it will issue advisories to states for ensuring completion of trade union registration within 45 days.
Jaitley said registration of contract workers and their staffing agencies is mandatory and states will be advised to strictly implement them.
Errant contractors will face appropriate action for violation of law, he warned.
The issue of giving social security benefit to the unorganised sector (like Anganwadi, mid-day meal, Asha volunteers) will be examined by a committee which will submit its report at the "earliest".
Asked about the strike call, Jaitley said: "I think we have responsible trade unions."
On the unions' opposition to government plans to merge associate banks of SBI with the parent bank, Jaitley said, "The merger is not subject of trade unions. Their service conditions are not being hurt adversely or affected at all.
"There will be no impact of merger on service conditions of any employee. If government decides that we need strong banks, then unions would have to change their approach to the whole issue".
Asked about not calling trade unions other than BMS by inter-ministerial group on labour issues, Dattatrey said later that he held a meeting with all trade unions on July 18, 2016.
All India Trade Union Congress secretary D L Sachdev said the unions had asked for another round of discussions with the ministerial group, but they held two such rounds with BMS only earlier this month.
The ministerial panel had met trade unions to discuss their charter of demands on August 26-27, 2015. After that, the panel had only called BMS for two rounds of discussions earlier this month.
The joint declaration issued by the 10 central trade unions issued on August 18, 2016 stated: "It is unfortunate that during the past one year, the group of ministers appointed for discussion with CTUOs (unions) on 12-point charter has not convened a single meeting, but has been only talking to BMS which has not joined the strike call."
It added: "The CTOUs condemn the move of the central government to divide the workers in the face of ongoing strike campaign and create confusion through making misleading statements..."
The 10 central trade unions have given a call for one-day pan-India strike on September 2, 2016, to protest against the government's labour reforms and not paying heed to their demands. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/unions-stick-sept-2-strike-reject-govts-wage-hike-215 | en | 2022-08-30T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/b33cc013abb2a9b96f01d359ad4888390aba72f89d2fea42ac5d0cf749d6b118.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:52:05 | null | 2022-08-29T00:16:00 | The government has decided to ask sugar mills to sell excess stocks above 37 per cent of total availability by September 30. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fpolicy%2Fstock-limits-placed-sugar-mills-sep-oct-158.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Stock limits placed on sugar mills for Sep-Oct | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The government has decided to ask sugar mills to sell excess stocks above 37 per cent of total availability by September 30.The food ministry will issue a notification this week announcing the stockholding limit for sugar mills, which will be valid until October 31, official sources said.The measure will increase availability of sugar in the open market and keep prices under check during festival season when rates normally soar, the sources added.Financial Chronicle reported the government’s plan to impose stockholding limit on sugar mills on August 25. However, the government has decided to tweak its initial plan of levying a uniform limit.Now, the food ministry’s order will direct that “no producer of sugar shall hold any stock of sugar in excess of the quantities at the end of month” and then prescribe the limit as 37 per cent for September and 24 per cent for October.While calculating the limit out of the total availability with each individual mill, the government has said that they should add the production in 2015-16 season (October-September) with the opening stock as on October 1, 2015. However, the quantity exported by mills will be deducted to calculate the total availability, the sources said.The food ministry has asked state governments to enforce the order by visiting each sugar mill to check the stock, the sources said.The government also proposes to ban futures trading of sugar to check rising prices.Finance minister Arun Jaitley had a meeting with food ministry officials on August 22 to discuss the proposed ban. Commodities markets regulator Sebi has been asked to decide whether a ban is required or not, sources said.Currently, NCDEX is trading in four sugar contracts with October 2016, December 2016, March 2017 and December 2017 deliveries.Last week, food minister Ram Vilas Paswan said that the government does not want sugar prices to rise further. So, in the interest of consumers, a ban on sugar futures trading has been recommended, he had said.Stockholding limit on mills would be the fourth in a series of measures to control rising sugar prices that have failed to tame sentiments so far.In April, the Centre empowered states to impose stockholding limit on dealers and traders for up to a maximum of 500 tonnes, after retail prices crossed Rs 40 a kg.For West Bengal, the limit was set at 1,000 tonnes. Only UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi have imposed the limit so far.In May, the government withdrew export incentive to sugar mills, while it imposed an export duty of 20 per cent in June to divert supplies to the domestic market.India produced 25.1 million tonnes this year and may produce 23 million tonnes in 2016-17 season. Sugar mills start crushing cane from November and continue to do so until May to cater to the entire year’s demand. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/policy/stock-limits-placed-sugar-mills-sep-oct-158 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/36d8fd8652f1821c1e684afe564a6eb439a2407ee21e4ddc51b4e922b63c2e6b.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:13 | null | 2022-08-29T14:59:00 | Indian mining giant Adani’s plan to build one of the world's largest coalmines in Australia cleared another legal hurdle on Monday after a top court dismissed an environmental group's plea for overturning the government's approval to the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcompanies%2Fadani%25E2%2580%2599s-mine-project-clears-another-legal-hurdle-australia-162.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Australia court dismisses case challenging Adani mine approval | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Indian mining giant Adani’s plan to build one of the world's largest coalmines in Australia cleared another legal hurdle on Monday after a top court dismissed an environmental group's plea for overturning the government's approval to the controversy-hit $21.7 billion project.
The Australian conservation foundation (ACF) had argued in the federal
court that the former environment minister Greg Hunt failed to consider if the impact of burning coal and climate pollution was in line with global obligations to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Welcoming the decision, the Adani company said the ruling had once again reinforced the stringency of the strict, science and evidence-based federal environmental approval process governing its planned mine at Carmichael in Queensland's Galilee Basin.
“Over six years, there have been multiple approval processes, some two years of cumulative community consultation and submissions as part of those processes, and over ten appeals and judicial processes brought on
by activists,” Adani said, adding that, "there can be no question that there has been more than ample opportunity for consultation, input and appeal and for activists to have their say”.
Clearly, the time has come for the will of communities who are crying out for these projects to proceed to have their voices heard not just those of activists from out of town, it said.
Adani said it maintains its stance to deliver on its long-term future with Queensland, pending the resolution of a small number of outstanding
legal challenges.
“As the company has previously indicated, if those issues are finalised, construction can commence in 2017,” it said.
Reacting to the decision, ACF said it will not give up its efforts to stop Adani's project despite the court dismissing its challenge to the federal government’s approval.
“Most Australians would be shocked that the government can legally approve the biggest coal mine in Australia's history, when this year the Great Barrier Reef has suffered the worst coral bleaching on record -- a direct result of global warming,” ACF’s CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said.
“If the Carmichael mine proceeds its coal will create 4.7 billion tonnes of climate pollution over the proposed life of the mine, wiping out Australia's efforts to reduce pollution and contributing to more frequent and severe bleaching events on the reef,” O'Shanassy said.
“It is extraordinary that in 2016 a federal environment minister can argue in court that a mega-polluting coal mine will have no impact on the climate and the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
Adani's project has been hampered time and again since its launch six years ago.
A federal court in August last year had revoked the original approval due to environmental concerns. In October last year, the project got a new lease of life after the Australian government gave its re-approval. Criticising the decision, Australian Greens deputy leader and spokesperson for the environment senator Larisa Waters also asked the government to rule out public funding for the Adani's project and demanded stronger laws to protect the Reef from global warming.
“The decision by the Federal Court today to reject court challenge to the Adani mine is simply tragic and shows our environment laws must be strengthened,” Waters said.
“The Reef is in serious danger from global warming after the worst coral bleaching on record. When the government can tick off on one of the world's biggest coal mines while that damage unfolds then our laws are fundamentally broken,” he said.
“The Turnbull government must immediately rule out providing any public funding to prop up this environmentally reckless and economically irresponsible white elephant, including for Adani's rail line and port. Australia needs strong, laws to protect the Reef from global warming and a rapid transition to 100 per cent clean energy,” senator Waters said. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/adani%E2%80%99s-mine-project-clears-another-legal-hurdle-australia-162 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/8b1bd9ae281bffcab5f0a67cc541049cea4055a22294f21da1e69f7755af3008.json |
[
"Gv Giri",
"Vp",
"Telecom",
"Iifl Institutional Equities"
] | 2016-08-28T16:52:36 | null | 2022-08-28T22:15:00 | The outlook for the Indian telecom sector in the current scenario will be driven by the spectrum auction, scheduled later this year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fsectoral-watch%2Ftelcos-may-bid-conservatively-auctions-137.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Telcos may bid conservatively in auctions | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The outlook for the Indian telecom sector in the current scenario will be driven by the spectrum auction, scheduled later this year.
While India remains one of the most growing markets for the telecom industry across the world, we expect telecom companies to bid conservatively in the upcoming auctions.
Factors like supply glut and no renewals for the top telecom companies would be major dampeners. Spectrum supply for 2016 auctions is 70 per cent of the current airwaves in use. Top telecom companies completed us of most of their 900 mhz in 2014 and 2015.
Accelerated network rollout resulting in adequate capacity for top players for at least the next two-three years will also result in selective participation. Also, the supply glut resulting in unsold spectrum that telecom companies can pick up at lower prices in future auctions will weigh in.
There are other options such as spectrum sharing and trading, which, if efficiently done, would be of
much help. We expect existing top telecom companies and Reliance Jio to fill coverage holes in 1800 mhz and 2100 mhz.
At the current exorbitant prices, 700 mhz is unlikely to be sold and we expect the government to realise less than 50 per cent of its budgeted proceeds. There could be downside to our current estimates of Rs 15,000 crore-Rs 8,000 crore for Bharti and Idea.
We assume 10 per cent annual growth rate for the industry in this financial year. The government has budgeted Rs 99,000 crore from telecom in this financial year.
We expect compounded annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebidta) growth rate of 10 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively, for Bharti Airtel and Idea in the financial year 2016-18, which should be among the best among emerging market telecom companies. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sectoral-watch/telcos-may-bid-conservatively-auctions-137 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/10839eb8eef71c762af5c94cbfe2c1a71be1f16661c1dfecca1a105c8f09596c.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T10:51:00 | null | 2022-08-28T15:16:00 | Coal India's board has approved signing of a pact with African Exploration Mining & Finance Corporation SOC (AEMFC), owned by the South African government, for acquisition of coal mines in that country. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Findustrial-policy%2Fcil-okays-pact-sa-firm-mines-acquisition-129.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | CIL board okays pact with South African firm for mines acquisition | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Coal India's board has approved signing of a pact with African Exploration Mining & Finance Corporation SOC (AEMFC), owned by the South African government, for acquisition of coal mines in that country.
“The CIL board has accorded approval to the proposal for execution of MoU between CIL (Coal India) and African Exploration Mining & Finance Corporation, SOC (AEMFC), an entity owned by the government of South Africa for identification, acquisition, exploration, development and operation of coal assets in South Africa," a recent report of the PSU said.
The decision of the CIL board, it said, has been communicated to
AEMFC requesting them to finalise the date and venue of signing of the agreement.
Coal and power minister Piyush Goyal had earlier in the month informed Parliament that CIL is looking at entering into a pact with a South African government miner to jointly acquire coal mines in that country.
“Coal India (CIL) is further considering signing of an MoU with a mining company owned by the government of South Africa to jointly undertake identification, acquisition and operation of coal assets in South Africa," Goyal had informed the Lok Sabha.
It had executed an MoU in 2011 with entities owned by provisional government of Limpopo, South Africa, for acquiring coal assets in that province, the minister had said.
The minister had further said that the Indian coal is not exported to international markets and like-to-like comparison of Indian coal with international prices cannot be done.
CIL, which accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal production, is eyeing one billion tonnes of output by 2020. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/industrial-policy/cil-okays-pact-sa-firm-mines-acquisition-129 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/5a49a8a46adee01583c5c1f3da846d283dc9c37f8f0491a1d24c77e58fd2a192.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:48 | null | 2022-08-29T21:34:00 | The prosecution of an extraordinarily honest civil servant like HC Gupta on alleged coal block irregularities has shocked the civil service, politicians and many intellectuals concerned with national welfare. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fop-ed%2Fgovernance-under-serious-attack-179.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Governance is under serious attack | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The prosecution of an extraordinarily honest civil servant like HC Gupta on alleged coal block irregularities has shocked the civil service, politicians and many intellectuals concerned with national welfare. Questions are being raised on the ability of our institutions to develop an honest civil service when persons like Harish are being left with no option but to go to jail, as they have no money to defend themselves. The signal that this incident has sent out is very damaging to our polity. It also raises several issues.
Civil servants have always believed very strongly that nobody can harm them if they are honest. Unfortunately, Gupta’s case has demolished that belief. Many civil servants join the all-India services with a strong value system. The National Academy for training civil servants teaches and argues that if you are honest, you can take on any challenge without a blemish. These values are further strengthened during the course of training in the districts. The peer group strongly disapproves any deviant behaviour. Since a civil servant takes several decision during a long career span of nearly four decades, certain basic principles pervade all complex situations like a pole star: Be upright and honest and take the best decision in the interest of the people.
In several cases, there might be bonafide mistakes. But so long as there is no illegal benefit accruing to them, all officers have felt protected. Today, this principle is getting demolished under serious attack. If not remedied, it signals the end of our quest for a corruption-free system of governance.
Gupta’s case attacks the very foundation of the committee system of decision-making followed in all nations to ensure transparency and fair play. The system of governance in our country strongly rests on this foundation. It was also followed in the recommendations of the coal block allotments, where a committee unanimously took the decisions, which were not questioned by any ministry. In all such decisions, the basic assumption of good faith of all stakeholders is implicit. Their officers and not the chairman check the facts submitted by the different ministries. No one starts checking the facts de novo provided by the officers in interministerial consultations, unless some blatant inaccuracy is manifest. In all such cases, the chairman of the committee assesses the consensus, which becomes the committee’s decision. It is not the decision of the chairman, but of the entire group. Attributing criminality to the coal secretary, who was chairman of the committee, is difficult to understand, when the recommendations in all these cases were unanimous.
The case also ignores the need for distinction between administrative mistakes and criminal acts that is well recognised. The case has been filed under section 13(1)(d) (iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which states that any pecuniary advantage given by a public servant to any person is punishable unless it is in public interest. The law suffers from providing mensrea or malafide act as an essential ingredient for taking criminal action. The acts done in good faith are thus not being protected.
Following the economic reforms of the 1990s, private investments picked up and several licences and natural resource allocations were being made to private players to expand economic growth. So, we benefitted one or the other private player all the time. What one committee might consider in public interest, another might question. These decisions are made under different laws and often in consultation with the concerned state government. It is hardly possible to argue that in all such cases, no mistake would be committed or the concept of public interest would not differ. These decisions could also have been made due to wrong understanding of facts or accepting wrong facts or even, simply because of a bad decision. Wrongdoing in all such cases requires cancellation of incorrect decisions and fresh allocation.
Criminality cannot be assigned to a bonafide mistake, unless there is clear proof of malafide decision-making by officers and benefit accruing to them. The basic principle is to identify persons who acted in a malafide manner and prosecute them. If the current practice is followed, it can bring all decision-making to grinding halt.
In the past, the government has followed the policy of correcting mistakes or bad decisions by cancelling contracts. In 2002, a number of petrol pumps and gas agencies were allotted based on the recommendations of district selection boards (DSB) headed by some judges or persons with judicial background and oil company representatives. Realising some wrongdoing, the government cancelled all allotments. Later, these were reviewed by an independent committee that found that almost 75 per cent of the allotments were made against the norms. Finally, in 2008, the Supreme Court ordered cancellation of 159 outlets, but no one was sent to jail for making wrong recommendations.
Gupta’s case also highlights another dimension of serious harassment of honest retired civil servants. It is possibly this that forced him to take the extreme step. The decisions on the coal blocks were taken at three meetings. Separate cases have been filed against individual recommendations of the committee meetings. This means enormous running around for each case. Also, the Supreme Court has barred all appeals, including to the high court, to possibly expedite a verdict. In the process, however, it has curbed the basic constitutional right of the former coal secretary for filing an appeal. Considering that approaching the highest court is difficult and involves a different set of lawyers that he cannot pay for, this decision needs to be reviewed.
The government has announced its strong commitment to protecting honest civil servants to ensure faster decision-making. If this policy can be reflected in protecting Gupta, the faith of civil service in the government’s commitment would become stronger. It would also be good for India’s economic growth story.
(The author is a former cabinet secretary and member of the erstwhile planning commission)
(Financial Chronicle respects the freedom of its columnists to express the views without necessarily subscribing to them.) | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/op-ed/governance-under-serious-attack-179 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/b65413e82d4039ee6aabf8252bee9388ae7380018cf85e1583b2b2961cfa85ad.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:52:04 | null | 2022-08-28T22:15:00 | With water storage in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on August 24 was 102.147 billion cubic metres (bcm), which is 65 per cent of their total storage capacity. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcommodities%2Frains-reservoir-water-data-spell-good-mustard-output-141.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Rains, reservoir water data spell good mustard output | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | With water storage in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on August 24 was 102.147 billion cubic metres (bcm), which is 65 per cent of their total storage capacity. It was 112 per cent of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 102 per cent of last 10 years.This is good news for rabi crops, which depend on reservoirs for irrigation. Mustard is the main oilseed crop grown during rabi season. Other major crops include wheat and chana. Since mustard is mainly grown in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, an analysis of water availability in reservoirs in these states is critical for the crop’s outlook.There are six reservoirs under the central water commission (CWC) having total storage capacity of 18.01 bcm in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 12.97 bcm, 72 per cent of their total live storage capacity. The storage during the corresponding period of last year was 91 per cent and average storage of last 10 years during the corresponding period was 75 per cent of live storage capacity of reservoirs.Thus storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and is also less than the average storage of last 10 years during the corresponding period. Only one month is left of the four-month monsoon season and the India meteorological department has predicted subdued rainfall in September than what was forecast earlier.The country is likely to receive normal rains through the June-September monsoon season, but not surplus rains because there is less chance of La Nina weather pattern emerging. In weather parlance, La Nina occurrence is associated with good-to-heavy showers during the season.IMD defines average or normal rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season. In July, IMD had forecast rains at 106 per cent for the country as a whole.Rajasthan, the largest grower of mustard, received 471.7 mm rain between June 1 and August 26, which is 42 per cent higher than the 50-year average of 333.2 mm, according to the IMD data. Similarly, MP has also received excess or 36 per cent higher than normal rain at 980.3 mm during this period. Barring, Punjab and Haryana, all other states where mustard is grown have received normal rainfall during the season, as per IMD standards. Since Punjab and Haryana farmers mostly use groundwater to irrigate mustard, there may not be any problem for the crop.In 2015-16 crop year (July-June), two rounds of hailstorms over northern region within 15 days in February damaged the mustard crops after which production declined to 6.82 million tonne, according to the agriculture ministry data released on August 2. In May, the government had estimated mustard output at 6.85 million tonne.Last year, the acreage was also down due to drought leading to not achieving the targetted production of 8.1 million tonne, a government official said. Mustard has a share of about 80 per cent in production of all rabi oilseeds. Next month, the government will release the production target of mustard for the 2016-17 crop year during the rabi conference.Mustard oil was selling in the retail market at about Rs 132 a litre as of August 26, against at about Rs 122 per litre in Delhi in March, the consumer affairs ministry data show.As the government is yet to take a decision on the release of GM mustard for commercial cultivation, the industry has come out in support of adopting new technology. “It is indeed sad. Science remains incidental in a regime where political discretion remains the only rule applied consistently,” SEA president Pravin Lunkad said in a statement.Deepak Pental, former vice-chancellor of Delhi University who developed GM mustard, said it would increase yield to 2.6 tonne per hectares, which is 25-30 per cent more than the best yielding non-hybrid crop. But RH 749, a non-hybrid mustard variety, yields 2.5 tonne per hectare, said Dhiraj Singh, director, the directorate of rapeseed-mustard research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.Reacting to a Reuters’ report, the government on August 25 said “no final decision has been taken as yet on the issue (of allowing commercial release of GM mustard).” “The genetically engineering approval committee (GEAC), at a meeting on August 11, examined the safety documents prepared by the sub-committee. The document will be put up on the website of GEAC inviting comments from the public,” the statement said. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/commodities/rains-reservoir-water-data-spell-good-mustard-output-141 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/4658ff5ee4c3cbdd01a0e7b56115343818a135021560251eff16d81314bd19e9.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:52:35 | null | 2022-08-30T15:39:00 | Drug firm Cipla on Tuesday said its US arm InvaGen Pharmaceuticals Inc has received final approval from the American health regulator to market generic Bupropion Hydrochloride extended release tablets used for treatment of major depressive disorder. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcompanies%2Fcipla-gets-usfda-nod-generic-anti-depressant-drug-209.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Cipla gets USFDA nod for generic anti-depressant drug | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Drug firm Cipla on Tuesday said its US arm InvaGen Pharmaceuticals Inc has received final approval from the American health regulator to market generic Bupropion Hydrochloride extended release tablets used for treatment of major depressive disorder.
“InvaGen Pharmaceuticals Inc has received final approval for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Bupropion Hydrochloride extended release tablets (XL), 150 mg and 300 mg, from the United States Food and Drug Administration,” Cipla said in a statement.
The product is available for shipping immediately, it added.
The company's tablets are generic versions of Valeant's Wellbutrin XL tablets in the same strengths, Cipla said.
“The tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD),” it added.
Wellbutrin XL tablets and generic equivalents had US sales of approximately $792 million for the 12-month period ending June 2016, according to IMS Health, Cipla said.
Shares of Cipla were today trading at Rs 570.25 per scrip in the afternoon trade on BSE, up 0.54 per cent from its previous close. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/cipla-gets-usfda-nod-generic-anti-depressant-drug-209 | en | 2022-08-30T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/cd7e4e6e95541afa3daad472738a2b096b561702c4e6dcb8847cc48f2cfd5162.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T10:51:22 | null | 2022-08-28T15:16:00 | Financial services major Goldman Sachs has marginally revised upwards its India CPI forecast to 5.5 per cent for the fiscal citing higher food prices but said the upside risks are limited due to delay in the rollout of the pay commission award. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Feconomy%2Fgoldman-sachs-revises-fy17-cpi-forecast-55-126.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Goldman Sachs revises up FY17 CPI forecast to 5.5% | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Financial services major Goldman Sachs has marginally revised upwards its India CPI forecast to 5.5 per cent for the fiscal citing higher food prices but said the upside risks are limited due to delay in the rollout of the pay commission award.
According to the global major, narrowing of the output gap and abating favourable base effects from weak commodity prices may lead to an rise in inflation.
“We mechanically adjust our FY17 headline CPI inflation forecasts upwards to 5.5 per cent yoy, from 5.3 per cent earlier, due to higher than expected food inflation readings year-to-date,” Goldman Sachs said in a research note, adding core inflation is expected to average 4.8 per cent yoy this fiscal from 4.6 per cent a year ago.
According to the firm, food inflation is likely to remain relatively contained following muted MSP hikes, benign international food prices and better monsoon. Meanwhile, crop sowing for pulses has increased 35 per cent yoy as of August 19.
The report further noted that the civil service wage hike, which is anticipated to add 35 bps to headline inflation when implemented, is likely to have a more muted impact on inflation following the delay of the increase in housing allowance.
Additionally, the implementation of GST will take place in FY18 at the earliest, leading to 'no impact' on headline inflation this fiscal year.
On RBI's policy stance, the report said with the central bank expected to continue focus on bringing down inflation, policy rates are likely to be kept on hold for the remainder of 2016.
RBI on August 9, left key interest rates unchanged in his last monetary policy review as inflation hit near two-year high but said the central bank's stance remains "accommodative". | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/economy/goldman-sachs-revises-fy17-cpi-forecast-55-126 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/d427ccdb90e0d319467ea86a4f8f1685244c5e3e8f6b12fbee690361515a155a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:51:40 | null | 2022-08-27T00:15:00 | Volatile in the currency market post Brexit has taken its toll on Tata Motors’ June quarter earnings, as the company reported 57 per cent plunge in net profit at Rs 2,236 crore as against Rs 5,231 crore the same period last year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcompanies%2Ftata-motors-q1-net-down-57-113.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Tata Motors Q1 net down 57% | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Volatile in the currency market post Brexit has taken its toll on Tata Motors’ June quarter earnings, as the company reported 57 per cent plunge in net profit at Rs 2,236 crore as against Rs 5,231 crore the same period last year.The profit was dragged down on account of Rs 2296 crore forex losses coupled with an adverse commodity derivatives impact of Rs 167 crore. With the pound plunging to a 31-year low following the Brexit, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has taken a 14 per cent forex loss, offsetting the higher income arising from better volumes, Tata Group chief financial officer C Ramakrishnan told reporters here.“Operating performance of JLR reflects the overall higher wholesales, offset by adverse forex impact of £207 million, including revaluation of £84 million, mainly euro payab- les resulting from depreciation in the pound following the Brexit vote,” Ramakrishnan said.The net income of JLR fell by 38.21 per cent to £304 million as against £492 million last year, while its revenue rose to 5,461 million pounds from 5,002 million pounds.On Friday, the Tata Motors stock rallied 4.24 per cent to Rs 514.70 on BSE, against a marginal drop in the Sensex. “We expect decent growth in its JLR business to continue and the company would continue outperforming the peers in coming period, backed by strong product pipe line,” said Mitul Shah analyst with Karvy Stock Broking. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/tata-motors-q1-net-down-57-113 | en | 2022-08-27T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/73b4772e10bd4ee8b2e90b2e86d88e38137a81fba2d7c15671b6a595e052284e.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:51:34 | null | 2022-08-29T00:16:00 | Job security is a myth during volatile times. If economic growth promises jobs, reversal of economic conditions can very well make one jobless. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fopinion%2Ftimes-pink-slips-job-loss-insurance-can-help-156.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | In times of pink slips, job-loss insurance can help | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Job security is a myth during volatile times. If economic growth promises jobs, reversal of economic conditions can very well make one jobless. Of late, the oil crisis in West Asia, recessionary trends in the European economy, the yet-to-recover US economy and the civil unrest and acts of terrorism across the globe have rendered lakhs of non-resident Indians in precarious situations. In India, too, several debt-laden companies have been making their employees go through the pain of job-loss. We have also seen Indians packing their bags and returning after the oil crisis hit West Asia.Those who are out of a job need some protection and help till they stabilise and manage to grab another job. Despite the growth in the insurance sector, it is still a bane that we do not have enough cover to help them. The little cover that is available is mostly inadequate to offer protection to the job-less. If companies are adequately protected against such eventualities, they can recoup fast and help individuals get back to their jobs. Unfortunately, there is no cover available for domestic companies to protect themselves against closure due to financial reasons. Political risk cover for Indian companies operating abroad is still in the nascent stage.“Job loss can happen due to several factors. It can be voluntary in nature or the employee may be terminated by the company due to various reasons, including lay off, closure of a unit, benching in IT due to insufficient projects or due to non-performance or illness. Voluntary or involuntary, there are several financial implications. The main problems could be loan financing and sustenance,” says R Suresh Nair, head, product development, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance.Most insurance companies do not provide any protection if a person loses his job under any circumstance. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is among the very few companies that have a limited equated monthly installment (EMI) payment option in its loan care policy. As per this policy, in the event of one becoming unemployed due to termination of services by employer, the insurer will pay three EMI payments of the loan. The three-month EMI relief is applicable also for Indians who are employed abroad and have availed a loan in the country.However, there are several exclusions to this EMI payment option. Among them, the policy will not come into force if unemployment arises directly or indirectly from war, revolution, riot or any such similar event. It will also not get triggered if the employee resigns from his job.“Due to the termination clause, people who resign from their job will not get the benefit. In many cases, the employer does not terminate the employee’s services because that affects the future employability of the person. He may be asked to resign instead. As a result, we have been receiving very few claims. Banks and financial institutions have been asking us to do something about this clause,” says Nair.Further, the policy does not look into the sustenance part of job loss as it takes care of only loan financing due to critical illness, personal accident and job loss.“We are in the process of coming out with a standalone product which will cover EMI for a longer duration of six, nine or even 12 months. Further, we also plan to bring in some sort of sustenance feature into it. For that, we need to collect data and look into the statistics for a realistic pricing,” says Nair.A scheme worth mentioning is the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MPSY) - a pension plan and life insurance scheme for Indian citizens living abroad -- launched by the government in October 2013. Its objective is to protect Indian migrant workers, especially those who migrate to West Asia in search of work opportunities. The MPSY was specifically designed for the blue-collar Indian workers in UAE. It helps these workers build a corpus for post-retirement income and also to cover the expenses involved in returning to India and restarting their lives again. It also provides life insurance with death benefit in case of natural death for the duration of coverage.The contributions that have to be made by workers is Rs 400 per annum for return or resettlement fund and Rs 1,000-12,000 per annum for the pension fund. The government makes a contribution of Rs 2000 for a male worker and Rs 3000 for a female worker for the first five years.“The scheme was launched in a few Middle East countries. But the current status of this scheme is not available,” says A V Girija Kumar, director and general manager, United India Insurance.According to Easwara Narayanan, chief operating officer, Future Generali India Insurance, insurance companies have their own limitations while insuring job loss. “If it is civil unrest or economic crisis, job loss can be catastrophic. People may be coming back home, not in thousands, but in lakhs,” he says.Companies that had employed them can come back with a helping hand if they are well-protected themselves. The existing policies that protect companies from financial losses or physical losses do not mandate any compensation to the employees in the event of a claim settlement. But, if they are compensated, there are chances of them being compassionate to the employees. Further, faster the company recoups, more the employee’s chances of getting re-employed.Indian companies that take the risk of setting up operations overseas can now get themselves secured by Political Risk Insurance (PRI). PRI is a risk management tool for corporate clients having exposures in difficult and / or challenging geographies. Typically, this coverage is availed for investments and projects in overseas markets, says Sushant Sarin, senior vice president - commercial lines, Tata AIG General Insurance.“Many Indian companies have significant presence in certain African, Middle Eastern and Asian countries which they need to protect against uncertainties such as political violence, cancellation of contracts, change in government policy and military coups. Though the dip in oil prices has generally benefitted the Indian economy, it has adversely impacted Indian exporters having receivables from countries largely dependent on revenues from oil exports. PRI addresses future geo-political uncertainties, provides strong balance sheet protection and increases the risk-taking ability of Indian corporates. PRI also shields against macro-economic risks of long-term loans and advances where repayment depends on future and uncertain cash flows,” adds Sarin.HDFC Ergo is amongst India’s first few private sector companies to launch such a policy. “Unpredictable political events can have an adverse impact on businesses’ overseas operations and can destroy the value of the investment. Risks associated with such events are not covered under a standard commercial policy. So we introduced political risk insurance policy,” says Ritesh Kumar, CEO and managing director, HDFC Ergo General Insurance.HDFC Ergo’s policy protects against losses due to various acts of expropriation such as confiscation, nationalisation or seizure of plant, property, equipment or funds and termination of a fundamental agreement by the host government. It also protects against losses resulting due to imposition of any law, order, decree or regulation by the host government, applied selectively against the project. It provides cover for forced abandonment of the project by the host country or forced divestiture and currency inconvertibility.But such a protection is not available for companies operating within Indian territory. No insurance company has thought about protecting them from expropriation by the home government or due to selective regulation and forced abandonment.“The companies which go overseas are very few and they go to different geographies. This makes it less risky for the insurance company to underwrite them. They are also selective while underwriting risks in turbulent geographies. But, underwriting a large number of domestic companies is not viable for insurers. Further, underwriting financial losses is a very complicated affair,” says Narayanan of Future Generali.However, physical damage to businesses and their assets are covered under different insurance policies, including fire, terrorism and commercial lines. Of late, the number of companies opting for political violence cover is on the rise. India also has a terrorism risk insurance pool to protect losses due to acts of violence, terror and civil strikes. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/opinion/times-pink-slips-job-loss-insurance-can-help-156 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/b0e3f722726073158d15806979dbed6c6179b959a3058295a41d325797139588.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:51:27 | null | 2022-08-29T18:17:00 | Asserting that its ambitious $46 billion economic corridor is not targeted at any third country, China on Monday said it will work with Pakistan to ensure "smooth running" of the strategic project. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fnews%2Fcpec-not-targeted-any-third-country-china-175.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | CPEC not targeted at any third country: China | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Asserting that its ambitious $46 billion economic corridor is not targeted at any third country, China on Monday said it will work with Pakistan to ensure "smooth running" of the strategic project.
"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a new cooperation framework set up by the two countries for the future development of bilateral cooperation across the board. Not targeted at any third country," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
Skirting the question about prime minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Balochistan's troubled human rights situation, Hua declined to comment on one of China's prominent official think tanks warning that China and Pakistan will initiate "joint steps" if any "Indian factor" is found to disrupt the CPEC.
"I don't want to comment on remarks of some scholars," she said.
She also skirted response to the questions about India and the US expressing concerns over the human rights violations in Balochistan, the troubled Pakistani province through which the economic corridor would pass connecting China's Muslim-majority Xinjiang province to Gwadar port.
But at the same time she said China will work with Pakistan for smooth running of the CPEC.
"The corridor is conducive to promoting regional connectivity as well as peace, stability and development. China is willing to work alongside Pakistan to ensure the smooth running of the corridor," she said.
While China is maintaining official silence on Modi’s remarks on Balochistan during the Independence Day speech, it however riled the official Chinese strategic think tanks who were vocal in asserting that China will resort joint action with Pakistan against India for any disruption to the CPEC.
"My personal view is that if India is adamant and if Indian factor is found by China or Pakistan in disrupting the process of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), if that becomes a reality, it will really become a disturbance to China-India relations, India-Pakistan relations," South Asia expert Hu Shisheng said on Sunday.
Besides a host of energy-related projects, the CPEC consists of rail, road and pipelines to ferry oil and gas from Gwadar port to Kashghar in Xinjiang through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/cpec-not-targeted-any-third-country-china-175 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/0cdb724777ecb79a59e4ca8b8ddb98e589957b9680768edf53468f6b7afd2e29.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:51:42 | null | 2022-08-30T00:21:00 | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken serious note that despite the central bank cutting the key policy rate by 150 basis points since January 2015, borrowers continue to pay high interest on loans. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fbanking%2Fbanks-not-lowering-lending-rates-enough-you-me-201.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Banks not lowering lending rates enough for you & me | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken serious note that despite the central bank cutting the key policy rate by 150 basis points since January 2015, borrowers continue to pay high interest on loans.RBI’s annual report for 2015-16 released here on Monday states that besides lowering the repo rate, or the rate at which it lends to commercial banks, RBI also made banks shift from base rate formula to marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) to ensure faster monetary policy transmission. But the banks increased the risk premium that has led to lending rates remaining high.“There has hardly been any transmission of a reduction in the policy rate to the actual lending rates charged to customers during 2016-17 so far (up to June). While the cost of funding by banks has declined somewhat leading to a decline in shorter maturity MCLR, there has been an increase in the term premia in respect of term loans of one year and above, thereby attenuating the transmission to actual lending rates charged to customers,” said the RBI report.“Moreover, banks may have been loading (i) a higher credit risk premia on their new customers in order to attain their desired return on net worth in a rising bad loans environment; and/or (ii) a higher strategic risk premia on their riskier loans as part of their business strategy to reorient their lending operations towards less risky activities. The consequent rise in the spread is reflected in a near unchanged weighted average lending rate in respect of both outstanding and fresh rupee loans during 2016-17 so far (up to June),” the report added.Reacting to the report RK Bansal, chief financial officer at state-owned IDBI Bank said, “The credit cost is high for banks because of stress and bad loans. Once the bad loans situation improves, banks will be able to reduce their lending rates more meaningfully.”The annual report states that in response to the reduction in the policy repoq rate by 150 bps during January 15, 2015 through April 5, 2016, the median base rate of banks declined by 60 bps against a higher decline of 92 basis points in median term deposit rates, reflecting banks’ preference to protect profitability in the wake of deteriorating asset quality and higherprovisioning.The weighted average lending rate (WALR) on fresh rupee loans declined by 100 bps (up to June 2016), significantly more than the decline of 65 basis points in WALR on outstanding rupee loans. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.Since December 2014, lending rates across various sectors (except credit card) have declined in the range of 16-110 basis points, reflecting the varied credit conditions and risk appetite of banks. Interest rates on fresh rupee loans sanctioned for housing – personal and commercial – declined more than that of the respective categories of vehicle loans, RBI said.As set out in the agenda for 2015-16, RBI introduced the marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) system for scheduled commercial banks effective April 1, whereby all new rupee loans sanctioned and credit limits renewed would be priced with reference to MCLR. Under this system, banks determine their benchmark lending rates linked to marginal cost of funds, which is more sensitive to changes in the policy rate, unlike the earlier base rate system where banks adopted different methodologies (average/marginal/blended principles) for computing their cost of funds. MCLR consists of four components: (a) marginal cost of funds (marginal cost of borrowings comprising deposits and other borrowings, and return on net worth), (b) negative carry on account of cash reserve ratio, (c) operating costs and (d) term premium. The MCLR plus spread is the actual lending rate for borrowers. The spread comprises of only two components, viz., business strategy and credit risk premium.Under the MCLR system, transmission to WALR is expected to improve on the assumption that the marginal cost of funds is more sensitive to changes in the policy rate than the average cost of funds. As expected, the MCLR for the overnight segment, one year segment and up to three-year segment (as on July 31, 2016) was lower by 70 bps, 25 bps and 36 bps, respectively, than the base rate of 9.65 per cent.“The willingness of banks to cut lending rates is muted; not only does weak corporate investment reduce the volume of new profitable loans, their stressed assets have tightened capital positions, which may prevent them from lending freely. Certainly, the reluctance to lend to industry and small businesses is more visible among the more stressed public sector banks compared with the private sector banks,” said outgoing governor Raghuram Rajan in his foreword to the report. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/banking/banks-not-lowering-lending-rates-enough-you-me-201 | en | 2022-08-30T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/f4aac7df5a198448e262f4caf2b021c266489d9dbd163e6d23a6be5b01a0f7b2.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:52:53 | null | 2022-08-31T15:41:00 | Foreign investors bringing in at least Rs 10 crore capital will be eligible for residency status, easier visa regime and employment for family members among other benefits under a new policy approved by the cabinet on Wednesday to attract more overseas | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fnews%2Fforeign-players-investing-rs-10-cr-eligible-residency-238.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Foreign players investing Rs 10 cr eligible for residency | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Foreign investors bringing in at least Rs 10 crore capital will be eligible for residency status, easier visa regime and employment for family members among other benefits under a new policy approved by the cabinet on Wednesday to attract more overseas funds.
“A certain threshold if you invest in India, then there will be availability of visa, the availability of the right to purchase assets, the availability of employment for family members, there is a detailed policy that has been approved by the cabinet today,” finance minister Arun Jaitley said after the cabinet meeting, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, here.
The scheme is expected to encourage foreign investment in India and facilitate the Make in India programme. Under the scheme, suitable provisions will be incorporated in the visa manual to provide for the grant of permanent residency status to foreign investors.
An official statement said permanent residency status will be granted for a period of 10 years with multiple entries. This can be reviewed for another 10 years if the holder has not come to adverse notice.
The scheme will be applicable only to foreign investors fulfilling the prescribed eligibility conditions, his/her spouse and dependents.
“In order to avail this scheme, the foreign investor will have to invest a minimum of Rs 10 crore to be brought within 18 months or Rs 25 crore to be brought within 36 months. Further, the foreign investment should result in generating employment to at least 20 resident Indians every financial year,” the statement said.
The permanent residency status will be granted for a period of 10 years initially with multiple entry facility, which can be renewed for another 10 years.
The status will serve as a multiple entry visa without any stay stipulation and holders will be exempted from the registration requirements.
This status holders will be allowed to purchase one residential property for dwelling purpose. The spouse/ dependents will be allowed to take up employment in private sector (in relaxation to salary stipulations for employment visa) and undertake studies in India. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/foreign-players-investing-rs-10-cr-eligible-residency-238 | en | 2022-08-31T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/a8a31e53cb1e8aa50efec415e361f66ab32386caf15509a611acee269d563b48.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T10:50:39 | null | 2022-08-28T15:16:00 | State-owned ONGC has hired US-based consultant Ryder Scott to assess natural gas reserves in Gujarat State Petroleum Corp's (GSPC) Deendayal block before deciding to buy a stake in it. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcompanies%2Fongc-assess-reserves-gspc-kg-gas-block-131.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | ONGC hires consultant to assess reserves in GSPC KG gas block | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | State-owned ONGC has hired US-based consultant Ryder Scott to assess natural gas reserves in Gujarat State Petroleum Corp's (GSPC) Deendayal block before deciding to buy a stake in it.
Since the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre, the Gujarat government firm GSPC has been seeking to sell a majority stake in its KG-OSN-2001/3 (Deendayal) block in Bay of Bengal to ONGC to avoid defaulting on loans.
ONGC initially was not keen to buy stake in the block as it felt the block had reserves far less than what GSPC was claiming and the asking price for the stake was not commensurate with the returns.
“There is tremendous amount of pressure on ONGC to buy stake in GSPC block," a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. “Being a commercial organisation, it cannot throw away money so it has now decided to get the reserves in the GSPC block validated.”
Ryder Scott Petroleum Consultants has been asked to evaluate gas properties in the GSPC block and independently certify the reserves quantities, the source said.
“The consultant will submit its report by November,” he said.
GSPC was to begin gas production from the block in 2013 but after sinking in $3.6 billion it was found that gas reserves are one-tenth of 20 trillion cubic feet claimed in 2005 and that too is technically difficult to produce.
In the process it has amassed Rs 19,576 crore of debt, on which interest cost was Rs 1,804.06 crore in 2014-15, according to the CAG. And against this its revenue was Rs 152.51 crore in 2014-15.
Sources said GSPC has been doing trial production of a very small volume of gas from August 4, 2014 and has not yet reached commercial production and in absence of revenue commensurate with the debt servicing obligations it risks becoming a defaulter.
To bail out of the situation, it offered to sell 50 per cent stake to ONGC, they said.
Money from ONGC can repay a part of the debt and the remaining would become a joint liability of the two firms. Sources said GSPC also wantsONGC to use its under-sea infrastructure for a fee.
ONGC has gas discoveries in a neighbouring block and GSPC wants gas from those to be routed through its Deendayal block infrastructure for onward transportation to the shore.
But the state-owned firm feels it was not technically feasible as its KG-D5 gas cannot be mixed with GSPC's gas which has high levels of sulphur and carbon dioxide content. Also it is high-pressure and high-temperature gas.
Besides, the GSPC facilities on Deendayal field are about 60-km away from the Cluster-II gas fields in ONGC's KG-DWN- 98/2 block and pumping gas that far is not feasible.
Sources said ONGC feels it is not cost effective to install compressors on the seabed to pump gas from its fields to GSPC facilities.
GSPC's field is one of the most difficult fields in the world as cost of extracting gas would be in the vicinity of $12 per million British thermal unit, double the rate provided by the government currently, they said.
The company is producing 0.6 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of gas from the field as trial production for almost two years now.
As per the approved field development plan (FDP), natural gas production
was to reach 3.83 mmscmd in second year and achieve peak output of
5.24 mmscmd in the third. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/ongc-assess-reserves-gspc-kg-gas-block-131 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/a4f911582746ee045755e083bb4a2159ced6b94515013551770433519fb9ba6b.json |
[
"Namitha Roma Bakshani",
"Founder",
"Ceo",
"Bnt Connections Impex"
] | 2016-08-26T18:49:56 | null | 2022-08-27T00:15:00 | Taking a plunge into entrepreneurship is a challenging decision – be it a man or a woman – but the primary challenge for a woman tends to be a psychological one. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fviews%2Fbnamitha-roma-bakshanib-nothing-else-matters-if-you-are-good-115.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Namitha Roma Bakshani: Nothing else matters if you are good | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Taking a plunge into entrepreneurship is a challenging decision – be it a man or a woman – but the primary challenge for a woman tends to be a psychological one.
Any woman that has attended a networking event where she is one of the few females in the room knows how unnerving it can be and can recognise that stepping out of one’s comfort zone to speak on what she thinks requires supreme self-confidence.
Once you are able to get over this psychological challenge of defying social expectations — to stop thinking you are being too aggressive or competitive — you will learn that it is better to be firm and clear on what you believe is fair. This will help you make strides in your personal growth, but mainly help you do what is best for your business.
The next obvious challenge is — balancing business and family. I think this is a challenge for all entrepreneurs, but rates higher for women, especially in India. In India, a woman may opt to be an entrepreneur or a career-oriented professional, but the expectation from her to continue to remain an excellent homemaker as well, reigns supreme.
The irony here is that many women entrepreneurs start their ventures with the hope of having the flexibility of time! As a woman entrepreneur myself, I’ve realised that much of the pressure exists because I choose to bring it on myself.
In their desire to excel equally both at home and work — even when there is no outside expectation — women tend to create untold pressure on themselves. I was inspired by an interview with Indra Nooyi where she said that it is not possible to be best at everything every day. It is tough to be a good boss making important decisions for your business, an amazing daughter and a great wife – all on the same day.
Women who have to make conscious choices every day and embrace the decisions they make — if there is a conflict of a sudden important work event with a dinner planned weeks ago with your husband — you have to make the decision suitable for that moment in your life and not regret your choice.
Often learning not to beat yourself up over being the best in all compartments of your life (family, friends and work) is one of the biggest challenges for women entrepreneurs.
This is also why having a strong support system comprising your family and close friends, is so important. You have to be able to ask them for help when you need it! Women entrepreneurs have to make this effort to develop a personal mechanism to help cope with the fear of failure and defying/handling social expectations.
Every challenge comes with opportunity and for a woman, I think, her greatest opportunity in any situation is her charm.
If we are able to bring our innate nurturing qualities to the table, things can be done better and faster. It is the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. This being said, as a hot-headed and impatient person myself, this point has been a tough learning for me.
I still defend or fight for what I think is right, without thinking twice about how aggressive I am “looking.” To have confidence in who you are, knowing that you work hard and knowing that you will make it far — coupled with an ability to be nurturing when it can soothe a situation — is our greatest opportunity.
The other opportunity women tend to forego is the opportunity to give themselves credit! With the whole lean-in movement and learning from it, it is not just a problem of few – women are more likely to say “we” instead of “I” for fear of bragging. So when you can, and you think you should, take the chance to give credit to your hard work and strong intuition.
For women looking to start their own venture, my advice is not to listen to or learn from anybody else’s support system – but create one which will work best for you. The first step is to know that it is okay to ask for help — bouncing your ideas off other people whether male or female is an important exercise so you can be ready for all the good and bad that you may experience in running a business.
It is important to have female role models and mentors, but I don’t think one should restrict themselves. Some of my best mentors have and continue to be men — they keep me strong and don’t let me think for a second that it is different for me because I am a woman. That strength, confidence and perseverance have always pushed me forward.
In terms of funding your business — I do not believe that it is harder for a woman than a man; if you have a solid business plan, with good ideas on how to manage operations, you will succeed. People will invest in people they believe in or find a likeness in thought and understanding.
In the end, it is best to stop comparing yourself with other individuals or men, because in the end, if you are successful no one cares whether you are a man or woman — just that you are doing a great job! | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/views/bnamitha-roma-bakshanib-nothing-else-matters-if-you-are-good-115 | en | 2022-08-27T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/21ad0f183c1c7fec9c6e1c94f6cb5e30528d9f9e68741506de1761d7ab08dad1.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:50:59 | null | 2022-08-28T22:15:00 | If a majority owner pledges a sizeable chunk of equity, it could trigger volatile stock price movements in a falling market. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fstock-market%2Finvestors-have-track-share-pledging-moves-143.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Investors have to track share pledging moves | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | A recent study of India Inc’s share pledging record is instructive for investors. “Pledg-ing of shares by promoters in NSE-listed companies was at a seven-year high as on June 30. Shares were pledged in 509 of the 1,517 companies, up from 496 a year back. This further increased to 522 companies as on August 11,” said the Prime Database study.Pledging shares to raise short-term funds is common in firms where promoter holdings are high, since ownership is retained while pledging shares. In a rising interest rate scenario, promoters often use shares owned by them as collateral for loans.If a majority owner pledges a sizeable chunk of equity, it could trigger volatile stock price movements in a falling market.“High pledge levels are typically not considered a good sign by investors as a downturn in the market price can lead to invocation and change in management,” said Pranav Haldea, MD, Prime Database.As a prudent measure, investors should track the share pledging moves of companies. P Phani Sekhar, fund manager-PMS, Karvy Capital, says, “Wherever promoters have pledged more than 20 per cent of their holding, one should be cautious with such companies, even if the future prospects look good.”Keeping an eye on return ratios can help investors spot likely candidates for share pledging. Says Pankaj Pandey, head of research, ICICI Securities: “One should look for companies with high return ratios or return on capital employed (ROCE), as such companies may not be facing challenges of pledging their shares. When the return on capital, or ROCE, is lower, companies start facing such challenges.”ROCE is a financial ratio that measures a company's profitability and the efficiency with which its capital is employed. ROCE is calculated as earnings before interest and tax (Ebit ) divided by capital employed.It is not clear which sectors have seen a high level of pledging. Analysts were not very transparent in their responses. High pledging is generally seen in the troubled sectors, one analyst said. An earlier study showed infrastructure, real estate, textiles and capital goods sectors were having high incidences of pledged shares.The Prime Database study showed some big companies were also pledging shares to raise funds. The largest pledging transaction during the period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 was that of Tata Sons, promoter of Tata Consultancy Services, pledging 1.70 crore shares to LIC on January 22, the value of the pledged shares being Rs 3,902 crore. In all, pledging took place in 258 firms during this period, the study said.In 31 companies, the entire promoter holdings (100 per cent) were under pledge as on June 30. These are AGC Networks, Arshiya, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Bharati Defence & Infrastructure, Consolidated Cons-truction Consortium, Diamond Power Infrastructure, DQ Entertain-ment (International), Eastern Silk Industries, Flexituff International, Gokaldas Exports, IL&FS Investment Managers, Ind-Swift Laboratories, IVRCL, JMT Auto, MSP Steel & Power, Paramount Communications, Parenteral Drugs (India), PSL, Raj Rayon Industries, Reliance Defence & Engineering, Rohit Ferro-Tech, S.A.L.Steel, SEL Manufacturing Co, Servalakshmi Paper, Spentex Industries, STI India, Subex, Sujana Metal Products, Tantia Construc-tions, Venus Remedies and Visa Steel.Also, in 79 companies, more than 90 per cent and in 212 companies more than 50 per cent holdings of the promoter’s were pledged.Top 10 firms which moved from zero per cent to a high per cent of share pledging during the June-June period were JMT Auto (0 to 100 per cent), Diamond Power Infrastructure (0 to 100), STI India (0 to 100), Surana Corp. ( 0 to 98), Bannari Amman Sugars (0 to 83), Kirloskar Electric Co. (0 to 83), PC Jeweller (0 to 71), Khaitan Electricals (0 to 66), Vimal Oil & Foods (0 to 55) and Uniply Industries (0 to 52).Other cases of huge increases in pledged shares (more than 50 per cent change) were Pioneer Embroideries (6 to 86), Tree House Education & Accessories (32 to 99), Hindusthan National Glass & Industries (27 to 93) and Atlanta (30 to 88). | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/stock-market/investors-have-track-share-pledging-moves-143 | en | 2022-08-28T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/c05d3c0b240caf4a0dd515f2125da577d4f953e63deb4dbca88c497d6b6e32e2.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:52:26 | null | 2022-08-29T00:16:00 | Tragedies, natural or manufactured, have been relentlessly befalling the world, claiming lives of hundreds of innocents. This week saw several hundred lives lost in an earthquake in Italy, yet another reminder of how fragile and fleeting life is. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fstock-market%2Fprospects-fed-rate-hike-drive-mkt-sentiment-153.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Prospects for US interest rate hike to drive market sentiment | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Tragedies, natural or manufactured, have been relentlessly befalling the world, claiming lives of hundreds of innocents. This week saw several hundred lives lost in an earthquake in Italy, yet another reminder of how fragile and fleeting life is.
It will always be hard to guess when a moment of calm can turn into a violent eruption, a sentiment widely mirrored in the global markets.
While the earth was shaking, quite literally, in some parts of the world, the markets remained steadfastly focussed on the comments from the US central bank chief to gauge the outlook for interest rate hike. The timing of policy tightening has been a hotly debated topic for weeks now and will likely remain one of the key drivers for market sentiment globally, going forward.
Europe
The continued “will-they-won’t-they” debate surrounding the US Federal Reserve’s policy plan has overshadowed market sentiment for more than half a year now. While the speculation over the timing of the rate announcement continues, the latest signs point to a December hike. Comments by the Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen have helped drive market optimism in the region even as the regulators maintain it will be a slow process.
Even though the initial reactions to policy tightening in the world’s largest economy sent the markets into a panic mode, the sentiment has improved over the past months. The positive sentiment has been guided by the fact that monetary policy tightening in the US points to the growing strength in the economy.
Given the overall boost to investor sentiment, the markets should clock gains by the end of the year, considering there are no disappointing data announcements in the coming months.
In Europe, some mixed data from the European region has kept the investors guessing on the state of economic heath post-Brexit. The purchasing managers index (PMI) for services rose to 53.3 from 53.2 in July. On the other hand German business confidence dropped to the lowest level in six months. European business confidence data scheduled to be reported this week should further help gauge the situation along with figures for unemployment.
Euro Stoxx 50 closed up 0.76 percent at 3010.36. FTSE 100 closed up 0.31 percent at 6838.05.
US
Even though the optimism over indications of a Federal Reserve rate hike has propelled markets, the economic data remains uneven, in turn, leading to mixed sentiment. That basically means there still remains a lack of clarity on the future time horizon for policy tightening. Markets cannot be certain on what lies ahead to make bets, a scenario that will continue to cast a shadow over sentiment, going forward.
The economic data announced recently showed new-home sales picked up while the data for manufacturing sector slumped. In addition, consumer confidence dropped in August while revised data showed the economy grew less than reported earlier in the second quarter. The report showed second quarter gross domestic product rose 1.1 per cent against 1.2 percent reported earlier.
Going ahead, the relatively stabilising economic growth, coupled with low interest rate scenario and reduced market volatility from the start of the year, should help push valuations. However, the markets are likely to continue in the range-bound trading mode for now. Nasdaq closed up 0.13 per cent, at 5218.92. Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.29 per cent, to 18395.40. S&P 500 closed down 0.16 per cent to 2169.04.
Asia
Though the signals from the central bank have helped paint a positive picture of growth for the world’s largest economy, the sentiment has not translated well for the Asian region. The investors in the region will remain worried over the prospects of higher interest rates in the US and the implied flight of foreign funds from their markets.
The comments from the Fed chair Yellen will only help drive the fears this week as the debate over the timing of policy tightening will continue. Even though a higher interest rate environment in the US would be an unwelcome scenario for the markets in the near-term, positive growth triggers for the US will eventually boost sentiment in the longer term.
Investors will be watching out for the Bank of Japan policy meet in September, which will be followed by the Federal Reserve meet on September 20-21. Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 1.18 per cent to 16360.71. Shanghai closed up 0.06 per cent at 3070.31. Hang Seng closed up 0.41 per cent at 22909.54.
India
With all domestic catalysts for gains playing out favourably, the focus has shifted to the international drivers, including the interest rate decision by the US central bank. Though policy tightening in the US bodes well for the global economy over the long-term, in the near-term it would imply that the foreign funds invested in the markets will move back to domestic shores.
When the foreign capital moves to western shores it will invariably cause volatility in the Indian market. However, considering it is not a likely scenario just yet, the uncertainty over the timing will continue to dampen investor sentiment. Also, policy tightening in America, even though imminent, will be a gradual process. Which means the speculation mode will continue over the next few months. Overall, the decision on monetary policy tightening will be a keenly watched event globally and will be a key driver of sentiment.
Going ahead, the underlying sentiment will likely remain cautious given the uneven indications from across the world.
The benchmark BSE index closed down 0.19 per cent to 27782.25. Nifty closed down 0.23 per cent to 8572.55. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/stock-market/prospects-fed-rate-hike-drive-mkt-sentiment-153 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/2f7c3afe1b70a058b7a670e23290ca0d7e02282f596907b9fba476e6969dfa9b.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:51:57 | null | 2022-08-30T20:19:00 | BSE Sensex zoomed over 440 points to close at an over 13-month high of 28,343.01, while the broader Nifty went past the psychological 8,700-level to finish at 16-month high of 8,744.35, lifted by positive global cues. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fstock-market%2Fsensex-nifty-over-1-year-high-levels-global-cues-214.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Sensex zooms 440 pts to over 13-mth high, Nifty breaches 8,700 | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | BSE Sensex zoomed over 440 points to close at an over 13-month high of 28,343.01, while the broader Nifty went past the psychological 8,700-level to finish at 16-month high of 8,744.35, lifted by positive global cues.
Overnight gains on the US bourses with investors tapering the soon rate hike outlook triggered a rally in broader Asian and European markets, helping in reviving the domestic sentiment as well after a brief phase of sluggishness.
Besides, a sustained FII buying, a slew of positive corporate results as well as RBI's bullish annual growth report also added to positive cues.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, said, "Market regained its strength as FIIs continue to pour into the domestic market despite a likely hike in FED rate. FII inflow has improved post a muted trend seen last week awaiting the FED chair's speech last Friday. Global markets continue to be positive as investors have largely factored an interest rate hike in 2016."
A firm trading momentum witnessed as retail investors and funds piled up positions in key frontline shares across the sectors led by auto, IT, capital goods, banks, financials, metals, consumer durables, oil&gas, power, realty, infrastructure, healthcare, PSUs, energy, utilities and basic materials.
The second-line midcap and smallcap companies also witnessed heavy buying; however, the telecom sector saw selling.
Reserve Bank reported a near-term growth outlook for India seems brighter than last fiscal and the economy is likely to expand at 7.6 per cent this year, primarily due to better monsoon, as well as better money in the hands of government employees owing to the 7th Pay Commission implementation, while it underlined bearish global growth.
The 30-share Sensex resumed at 28,012.46 and moved between a high of 28,478.02 and a low of 28,010.66 before concluding at 28,343.01, showing a gain of 440.35, or 1.58 per cent over its last close. The Sensex had closed at 28,370.84 on July 23, 2015.
The NSE Nifty also climbed 136.90 points, or 1.59 per cent, to 8,744.35 after trading between 8,750.60 and 8,642.25. (The key index had closed at 8,750.20 on April 15, 2015).
Elsewhere, Asian stocks ended higher, while European market also opened on a positive note tracking overnight gains in the US market weighed by increased prospects for Federal Reserve rate hike this year.
Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 286.52 crore yesterday, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges.
Among the sectoral indices, auto climbed 1.81 per cent, IT 1.77 per cent, banking 1.49 per cent, finance 1.45 per cent, FMCG 1.41 per cent, healthcare 1.39 per cent, teck 1.29 per cent, utilities 1.26 per cent, capital goods 1.05 per cent, oil&gas 1.14 per cent, metal 1.05 per cent, realty 0.97 per cent and industrials 0.84 per cent. While, telecom dropped by 1.20 per cent.
The BSE Mid-Cap index and the BSE Small-Cap index both provisionally gained by 0.80 and 1.02 per cent, respectively. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex.
Out of 30-index stocks, 29 scrips ended with gains, while 1 registered loss.
Major gainers were, AsianPaint 3.20 per cent, followed by Bajaj Auto 3.09 per cent, Maruti 2.83 per cent, GAIL 2.69 per cent, HDFC Bank 2.35 per cent, ICICI Bank 2.30 per cent, Wipro 2.20 per cent, HindUnilvr 2.17 per cent, Sun Pharma 2.05 per cent, Lupin 2.01 per cent, HeroMotoco 1.98 per cent, ONGC 1.88 per cent, TCS 1.88 per cent and Infosys 1.83 per cent.
Other winners were ITC 1.78 per cent, Cipla 1.66 per cent, PowerGrid 1.55 per cent, NTPC 1.51 per cent, NTPC 1.51 per cent, Dr Reddy 1.50, SBIN 1.39 per cent, Tata Steel 1.26 per cent, HDFC 1.25 per cent and Larsen 1.21 per cent.
However, Airtel was the only losser by 2.82 per cent.
The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was strong. The market breadth was positive as 1,638 stocks ended in green while 1,072 stocks finished in red and 216 ruled steady.
The total turnover rose to Rs 3,458.43 crore from Rs 2,920.54 crore as on Monday. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/stock-market/sensex-nifty-over-1-year-high-levels-global-cues-214 | en | 2022-08-30T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/7fd3755465601fba570eb299b68632f5d936738fb894f434be9994879f8ddd5e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:43 | null | 2022-08-29T18:34:00 | India's Tata Consultancy Services, a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation, on Monday announced that it has been recognised in the leadership zones across several segments by a leading globalisation and market | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fit%2Ftcs-recognised-leadership-zones-zinnov-176.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | TCS recognised in leadership zones in new report by Zinnov | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | India's Tata Consultancy Services, a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation, on Monday announced that it has been recognised in the leadership zones across several segments by a leading globalisation and market expansion advisory firm.
"TCS is the leading company in the Information Services segment and highly ranked in the 'Leadership Zones' of the education, publishing, broadcasting, and entertainment sectors, according to a new report in the Zinnov Global Media & Entertainment Service Providers (GSPR) Landscape Study.
The report is based on a comprehensive analysis of the people, business models, patents, capabilities, infrastructure, training, alliances, clients, and maturity and depth of services of leading global providers.
It is a first-of-its-kind study, enabling business leaders in the media & entertainment industry to make accurate and informed decisions regarding partner selection across geographies, in order to chart their digital journey.
"TCS is honored to be recognized as a global leader and preferred partner for the Media and Information Services industry," said Kamal Bhadada, president of communications, media and information services.
"We continue to innovate and heavily invest in next generation technologies to work side by side with our clients in successfully navigating their digital transformation journey," Kamal said. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/it/tcs-recognised-leadership-zones-zinnov-176 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/071e2dfad7dbbe1f485a63bedec23b74e85be315cef28eb330ab4c9fde89a862.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:53:21 | null | 2022-08-31T15:41:00 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is in talks with an unidentified US company over a possible partnership to develop an armored vehicle that for the first time could see a Japanese firm build arms for a foreign customer, a senior executive said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fcompanies%2Fmitsubishi-heavy-discusses-us-armored-vehicle-tie-240.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Mitsubishi Heavy discusses US armored vehicle tie up | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is in talks with an unidentified US company over a possible partnership to develop an armored vehicle that for the first time could see a Japanese firm build arms for a foreign customer, a senior executive said.
MHI is moving forward in the talks in the wake of its failure, as part of a Japanese government bid, to win a $40 billion contract to sell submarines to Australia.
Prime minister Shinzo Abe’s administration had hoped that the contract would be Japan’s first major export deal after ending a decades-old ban on foreign arms sales in April 2014.
A partnership with a US firm may prove an easier route into overseas markets for the globally inexperienced company.
“The US is the easiest overseas market for us to do business in,” Hisakazu Mizutani, the head of MHI’s defense and space systems business told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
Better known as the maker of the world war two-era zero fighter, Japan's leading defense contractor has hitherto developed kit exclusively for the nation’s self defense forces (SDF), which controls the rights to that technology.
Building arms for foreign customers could give MHI more control of the intellectual property and make it easier for the firm to get approval to sell its products overseas.
Mizutani said MHI was keeping the Japanese government informed of its discussions with the US company. The results of those talks may be known by the year-end, he added.
“We are in talks with a US company are also discussing it with Japan’s ministry of defence,” Mizutani said. “We were approached by the US company,” he added.
Since Japan's defeat in 1945 and the start of its close security alliance with the US, MHI has built partnerships with big American defence contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co and Raytheon Co.
They have partnered on projects for the SDF such as its F-2 fighter, and agreed on licensed production of equipment including Patriot missile batteries, Chinook helicopters and other aircraft.
A partnership in armored vehicles would provide new avenues for MHI, the maker of Japan's main battle tank, to sell its defence technology in overseas markets.
Potential foreign partners could be attracted by MHI's armored vehicle technology, notably its heavy-duty tank engines, its gear technology and water jet propulsion systems that could be used to drive amphibious vehicles.
In its latest budget request on Wednesday, Japan's defence ministry said it will begin research on a new amphibious assault vehicle to replace the AAV7 built by the US unit of BAE Systems. The US Marine Corp is also mulling a replacement for the 40-year-old vehicle. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/mitsubishi-heavy-discusses-us-armored-vehicle-tie-240 | en | 2022-08-31T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/ceb77065fa631b2862113255c68e5cf5999933c7e27de8a9820d6a840a5ae486.json |
[
"Siddharth Vikram Philip"
] | 2016-08-30T18:54:02 | null | 2022-08-31T00:04:00 | Aggressive price wars that pushed some calls below a penny (60 paisa) per minute in India may be catching up with wireless carriers. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Ftelecommunication%2Fphone-wars-may-cost-india-dear-234.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Phone wars may cost India dear | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Aggressive price wars that pushed some calls below a penny (60 paisa) per minute in India may be catching up with wireless carriers. Mountains of debt could hinder their bidding for airwaves in next month’s auction, potentially blowing a $74 billion (Rs 4.96 lakh crore) hole in the government’s plans. One operator already said it will sit out the sale starting September 29, and some competitors likely won’t spend on certain wavelengths.
India plans its biggest sale of the spectrum that can reduce buffering on videos and speed up downloads for 1 billion-plus users in the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The government wants to raise Rs 5.6 lakh crore ($83 billion), yet companies may bid only a small fraction of that because they bought bandwidth the past two years and need cash to fend off Mukesh Ambani’s newest venture.
“We believe that the spectrum auction is going to be a failure,” said Chris Lane, a Hong Kong-based analyst for Sanford C Bernstein. “Overall, we don’t see carriers bidding like they did in previous years.”
The nation’s 12 wireless companies carry over $61 billion (approximately Rs 4 lakh crore) in debt, and their average revenue per user is declining as customers replace voice calls with apps using data plans, as per company earnings.
That total debt increased 41 per cent since March 2014, according to credit rating agency Icra.
The auction will be successful and the government has provided spectrum in every band, telecom secretary JS Deepak said on Tuesday.
Phone calls already are the cheapest among the world’s major economies, Lane said, averaging about 2 cents a minute now after dropping below 1 cent.
Further price cuts loom as Ambani’s Reliance Jio Infocomm prepares to begin commercial operations, touting a network offering only 4G service. Jio has spent at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore on coverage across the nation. The company declined to comment concerning the auction.
In anticipation, carriers including Bharti Airtel, the nation’s largest, and Idea Cellular slashed data charges. Some also added spectrum after the government eased rules to allow sharing or trading in airwaves.
“Carriers are stuck in a hard place,” said Suniil Pachisia, vice-president at brokerage Pratibhuti Viniyog in Mumbai. “With the entry of another operator, the price wars may get fiercer, and carriers may not want to put more money on spectrum but rather on ensuring their survival.”
As a result, carriers may spend just Rs 65,000 crore or $9.7 billion in the upcoming auction, Icra estimated.
Bharti’s shares fell 3.1 per cent to Rs 331.85 at the close in Mumbai, compared to a 1.6 per cent increase in the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex index. Idea fell 0.7 per cent to Rs 93.80.
That doesn’t bode well for the government, which needs money for salary increases taking effect this month. A payout of about Rs 84,900 crore is due to 10 million workers and pensioners, and prime minister Narendra Modi’s administration expects about 31 per cent of non-tax revenue to come from communication services in the financial year through March.
An auction falling short of expectations would tighten the squeeze on what is Asia’s widest budget deficit, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Last year’s auction generated $18 billion, and one held in 2014 raised $9.8 billion.
“Carriers have already accumulated debt from bidding in past auctions,” said Harsh Jagnani, vice-president for corporate ratings at Icra. “If they bid for more spectrum, it will increase their indebtedness and that will constrain their financial flexibility.”
This year’s auction covers seven bandwidths — from 700 MHz to 2,500 MHz —and could increase available spectrum by about 55 per cent. Lower frequencies improve coverage range and penetration, while higher frequencies such as 2,300 MHz and 2,500 MHz have greater capacity to carry data, making them good for more intensive applications and videos.
Half the money the government wants to raise is through the sale of 700 MHz spectrum, which supports voice calls over LTE networks. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/telecommunication/phone-wars-may-cost-india-dear-234 | en | 2022-08-31T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/504a8f0ed429145afbbaf1e8504911b99c646feeed1050791629758c7a8a3d2c.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:52:59 | null | 2022-08-31T00:04:00 | Indian industry has pitched for a standard rate of 18 per cent once the myriad of indirect taxes are rolled into one under the proposed goods and services tax (GST). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fgovernment-finance%2Fcolormaroonindustry-pitches-18-cent-gst-237.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Industry pitches for 18 per cent GST | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Indian industry has pitched for a standard rate of 18 per cent once the myriad of indirect taxes are rolled into one under the proposed goods and services tax (GST). It has also asked for shifting the April 1 deadline for its rollout.Besides, e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart, which would come under GST net and are expected to have more compliance burden, made a strong case for being out of its purview.The EC, however, refused to buy the argument of e-tailers that they only offered a trading platform, and instead questioned that if that were indeed the case, they would not command such high valuation.The industry’s concerns were aired at a meeting of various industry associations with the empowered committee of state finance ministers (EC) ahead of finalising the GST laws.The government has so far only hinted that the standard GST rate would be higher than 18 per cent, as any decision with regards to rate, slabs and exemptions, among others, would be taken by the GST council, the apex decision-making body, after the nation migrates to the new tax regime.Fearing revenue loss in the new system, states like Maharashtra and Gujarat have pressed for higher GST rate.The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) suggested that GST rate of 18 per cent would be reasonable and said it would contribute to growth, employment and higher income.“We believe a maximum rate of 18 per cent as standard rate will be revenue neutral and ensure adequate tax buoyancy. Also, the centre has agreed for full five-year compensation for revenue loss to states, so 18 per cent rate would be more than adequate,” CII president Naushad Forbes said.The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) asked for a “reasonable” standard rate that was non-inflationary and would not provoke evasion.“Goods fully exempted from the levy of excise duty and VAT by all the states should be categorised as exempted goods in the GST regime as well,” it said.EC chairman and West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra assured traders and industry representatives that their concerns would be looked into. As many as 11 states, including non-NDA ruled Bihar and Delhi, have ratified the GST bill and after the tally crosses 16, the President will give his assent for its notification in the official gazette.Following this, approval of the Union cabinet would be sought for formation of GST council. In parallel, the Centre and state governments are finalising their respective legislations -- the Centre for Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST), while the states for their respective state GSTs (SGSTs). GST seeks to subsume all major indirect taxes levied by the Centre and the states. The government has planned to pass the legislations in the winter session of Parliament later this year, so that it can replace the existing tax laws from April 1, 2017.While the government is yet to arrive at a revenue-neutral rate, which will maintain both the central and states’ tax collections at current levels, a panel headed by chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian suggested last December to keep it at 15-15.5 per cent. He proposed different rates for essential goods (12 per cent) and sin goods (40 per cent). For the other rest 60-70 per cent, he suggested a standard rate in a band of 16.9 per cent to 18.9 per cent. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/government-finance/colormaroonindustry-pitches-18-cent-gst-237 | en | 2022-08-31T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/14b81eec9ae2d4dc15b06222e85a7c0b23cdf0b5284939a2b9d9e72b356e7ddd.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:54:14 | null | 2022-08-31T00:04:00 | The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its annual report has said that while so far the effects of Brexit on the Indian economy have been relatively muted, including the immediate impact on equity and foreign exchange markets. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Feconomy%2Frbi-fears-spillover-effects-brexit-228.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | RBI fears of spillover effects of Brexit | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its annual report has said that while so far the effects of Brexit on the Indian economy have been relatively muted, including the immediate impact on equity and foreign exchange markets.However, it fears that there could be spillover effect on trade and finance as Brexit event unfold over a period of time. “In view of linkages to the UK and euro area, spillovers through trade, finance and expectations channels cannot be ruled out as events unfold,” says RBI in its annual report for 2015-16.The RBI observed that domestic money and bond market remained resilient to risk emanating from the global event. “Domestic financial markets exhibited differential responses to episodic shifts in risk sentiment on global spillovers, with money and bond markets remaining relatively sheltered,” the RBI said.The Brexit referendum initially shocked financial markets, producing overshoots and misalignments of asset prices and frantic churns of capital, but gave way to a reach for returns as an uneasy calm returned, it said. “It is hard to say how Indian economy will be impacted when the formal exits happen. There will be some positive and some negatives for India in the long run. It is too early say what will be the net impact on India,” says Kalpana Jain, partner at Deloitte Haskins & Sells.“My guess is that there will be more positives than negatives as India will emerge as preferred destination for UK and European companies to invest,” she added.According to the RBI, in the first quarter of 2016-17, global risks intensified after remaining dormant in the aftermath of the turbulence that roiled global financial markets in January.In the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, the outlook for the global economy has weakened, as reflected in downgrades of projections by multilateral agencies. Although the extreme financial market reactions to its announcement have subsided and financial asset prices have regained lost ground, high uncertainty regarding its evolution may shadow the course of a fragile and slowing global recovery in the year ahead and possibly even beyond.“The overall material impact on bond and equity market post-Brexit was negligible. Brexit is not much of a market event rather it is a political event and signs of rising nationalism and protectionism which is harmful to global trade in the long-term, says Vikram Dhawan, director, Equentis Capital.The RBI observed that India’s external position is viable and well-buffered to sustain a pickup in non-oil non-gold imports as growth gathers momentum. Nevertheless, the external environment continues to pose challenges stemming from large currency movements, a rising incidence of protectionist measures, swift and massive movements of capital and the amplification of uncertainty by the Brexit vote.Furthermore, the sustenance of terms of trade gains would be predicated upon movements in international commodity prices. Even as the outlook for capital inflows is optimistic with the recent liberalisation of FDI policy, the repayment of FCNR(B) deposits under the special swap scheme due in Sept to Nov 2016 will need to be managed carefully. In this context, the level of reserves and covering through forward assets provide ample resources.Exposure of Indian entities to commodity price risks has been accentuated by the growing integration of the Indian economy with the rest of the world and increasing volumes of cross border trade. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/economy/rbi-fears-spillover-effects-brexit-228 | en | 2022-08-31T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/d65b04c75393ed679b242708de4ce34bb047c049d04da4172e1d8d97e9addc48.json |
[
"Promit Mukherjee"
] | 2016-08-26T18:51:30 | null | 2022-08-27T00:15:00 | Questions over the exact provenance of bedsheets sold by Welspun India to America’s middle classes have not only wiped $740 million off the firm’s market value, but also revived one of Indian manufacturing’s enduring headaches: quality. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fnews%2Fwelspun-tangle-points-quality-challenges-111.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Welspun tangle points to quality challenges | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Questions over the exact provenance of bedsheets sold by Welspun India to America’s middle classes have not only wiped $740 million off the firm’s market value, but also revived one of Indian manufacturing’s enduring headaches: quality.
India’s government, desperate to accelerate growth and create more jobs, has backed a ‘make in India’ manufacturing push. India already makes everything from car parts to t-shirts, but is trying to move up the chain to make higher-end products, like Apple’s iPhone.
One major hurdle, however, has been product quality, often blighted by low salaries, poor training and sketchy suppliers. As India manufactures more, cheap is not always cheerful.
So far, in Welspun’s case, US retailer Target Corp has severed ties, accusing it of passing off cheaper sheets as premium Egyptian cotton for two years. Other Welspun clients are probing the company’s products.
It’s not clear what led to the problem. Welspun, whose share price nearly halved this week, has said it would do an external audit of its supply chain.
Other Indian manufacturers distanced themselves from Welspun, but many fretted over the broader impact as the country tries to bet on quality, not just cheap workers, where it faces constant competition from regional rivals.
“It’s high time exporters improve the quality of their products,” said SC Ralhan, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, set up by the government and industry to promote exports. He said the group would take up the issue of quality with its members.
Arvind Sinha, national president of the Textile Association of India, said India’s image as a manufacturing destination for textiles could be tarnished.
“This is another blot on the Indian exports resume,” said an analyst at a local brokerage, who asked not to be named as it would violate his firm’s policies. “The Welspun fiasco could have ripple effects and force companies to scout for options in other regions in Asia that have unscathed records.”
Government officials say the Welspun case is an exception, and don’t expect much damage to India’s reputation as a manufacturing hub. “We hope it will be one of the stray incidents that will not have much impact on our near $42 billion textile exports,” said a senior textile ministry official, who declined to be named.
A senior official at the ministry of commerce and industry said more such incidents could dent efforts to promote India as a manufacturing export hub. “If Indian industry is to survive and thrive, it has to adopt global standards,” he said, adding the ministry has raised the issue of standards with exporters through export promotion councils, and has stressed third-party auditing and self-regulation. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/welspun-tangle-points-quality-challenges-111 | en | 2022-08-27T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/4b72a289fc812a058f42d6f122862fa1ee36adbb7f19988a8dc2adc50b1977ed.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:42 | null | 2022-08-26T18:22:00 | IT services provider Infosys is seeing some “softness” in clients after Britain voted in June to leave the European Union, a top company executive said during an analyst meet on Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fit%2Fseeing-client-specific-softness-after-brexit-infosys-086.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Infosys says seeing client-specific softness after Brexit | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | IT services provider Infosys is seeing some “softness” in clients after Britain voted in June to leave the European Union, a top company executive said during an analyst meet on Friday.
Infosys will be in a better position by October to evaluate the impact of this on its earnings outlook for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, chief financial officer Ranganath D Mavinakere said.
“We want to give a more accurate picture on guidance after we execute Q2,” he said, adding that he was confident growth in the second quarter would be better than the previous three months. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/it/seeing-client-specific-softness-after-brexit-infosys-086 | en | 2022-08-26T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/1d98d63187106d3987d9bfae8707b49dc32d0a44fd8f3462c8f8639b48b8323e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:10 | null | 2022-08-26T18:22:00 | The ongoing unrest in Kashmir has led to a whopping Rs 6,400-crore loss to the economy of the valley, with businesses being badly hit due to curfew and separatist sponsored strikes. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Feconomy%2Fkashmir-economy-suffers-rs-6400-cr-loss-49-days-084.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Kashmir's economy suffers body blow,Rs 6400 cr loss in 49 days | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The ongoing unrest in Kashmir has led to a whopping Rs 6,400-crore loss to the economy of the valley, with businesses being badly hit due to curfew and separatist sponsored strikes.
Tourist and other business activities in Kashmir have come to a halt for the past 49 days after protests erupted in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on July 8.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have claimed the lives of 66 people and left thousands of others injured.
Shops, business establishments, private offices and petrol pumps have been shut as the separatists groups have called for a complete strike to protest the civilian deaths in the violence after Wani's killing.
The separatists have announced periods of relaxation, but they are usually in the night which does not help the traders who allege that there have been instances of masked youths or even security forces forcing the shopkeepers to down the shutters.
“Kashmir is suffering losses of about Rs 135 crore daily. This estimates to over Rs 6,400 crore so far," Mohammad Yaseen Khan, president Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), said here.
Khan, however, said these figures were based on the daily business six months ago.
He said the trader community wants the Kashmir issue to be resolved permanently.
The state government has suffered revenue losses close to Rs 300 crore in the past one-anda-a-half months.
“The collection of levies and taxes has come down drastically since the unrest began. The sales tax collection has been the worst hit,” an official in the finance department said.
Similarly, tourism, considered to be the mainstay of Kashmir's economy, has also come to a stand still.
“People are turning away from Kashmir due to the unrest,” a tourism player said here.
He said that hotels and houseboats were empty and famous tourist spots were looking desolated.
An official of the tourism department, who did not wish to be named, admitted that tourism in the Valley was on decline but said they were “helpless”.
“What can we do? The department is helpless. We cannot go outside
the state and ask people to visit the valley.”
“How can we even expect people to visit the Valley when the situation is such,” the official said.
Till this situation is addressed and the issue resolved, the tourism would continue to be affected, he said. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/economy/kashmir-economy-suffers-rs-6400-cr-loss-49-days-084 | en | 2022-08-26T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/ead30b634a68e00bb7d1edab2d803a26e4dbcc17ac7cde19fea9deb0dd66e850.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:49:27 | null | 2022-08-26T22:17:00 | Venezuelan foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez was in Delhi last week to invite prime minister Narendra Modi to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit that is being held in the South American country next month. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fopinion%2Fbdiplomatic-enclaveb-aligned-cause-095.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Diplomatic Enclave: Aligned to a cause | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Venezuelan foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez was in Delhi last week to invite prime minister Narendra Modi to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit that is being held in the South American country next month. Venezuela is hosting the 17th NAM summit while it is in the midst of a full-blown economic crisis. The oil dependent Venezuelan economy has been hit hard by the falling oil prices.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has assured her visiting Venezuelan counterpart that India would attend the summit to be held at the resort island of Margarita from September 17-18. During the meeting with the Venezuelan foreign minister, Swaraj underlined the importance that India attaches to the Non-Aligned Movement as one of its founder members, according to an official statement.
She added that the level of India’s participation at the NAM meeting would be conveyed to Caracas soon.
Venezuela is keen to have prime minister Modi attend the summit and has twice extended an invitation but has not received a response as yet. There are indications that Modi, who will be attending two summits in early September, may not go to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Modi is to attend the G20 summit at Hangzhou, China, from September 4-5, where he is expected to meet US President Barack Obama. He will then travel to Laos to attend the India-Asean summit on September 6-7. In case Modi does not attend the NAM summit, the other option would be for vice president Hamid Ansari to lead the Indian delegation, since just a ministerial delegation from India would be a significant downgrading of India’s representation at the meeting.
India has always been represented by the prime minister at the NAM summits; the sole exception was in 1979 during the short-lived caretaker government of Charan Singh. Modi’s absence would be a break in tradition that would be seen to indicate India’s declining interest in the grouping. Modi’s disinterest became evident when he did not attend the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Jakarta in 2015. NAM had its origins in the Bandung Conference which brought together the leaders who later established the Non-Aligned Movement. It was Sushma Swaraj who represented India at the high-profile commemorative function in Jakarta.
NAM had a significant role to play during the Cold War period of providing a neutral grouping of nations. It lost its importance for many countries after the end of the intense superpower rivalry but later reoriented itself to a focus on economic and development issues in the era of globalisation. NAM is still a grouping comprising about two-thirds of the members of the United Nations. Despite its limitations, NAM continues to provide a forum for developing countries to articulate their views.
Though the BJP has been dismissive of NAM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had attended all NAM summits during his tenure as prime minister. Manmohan Singh attended the last NAM summit that was held in Teheran in 2012 at a time when the United States was in the midst of intensifying the sanctions and isolation regime against Iran over its nuclear programme. The majority of the NAM membership attended the Tehran meeting despite American attempts to isolate Iran to the extent of trying to dissuade UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon from attending.
The US has a similar fraught relationship with Venezuela. Relations between Washington and Caracas have been tense ever since Venezuela took a turn towards a socialist regime under Hugo Chavez in 1998. Washington has been looking for a “regime change” in Venezuela ever since — it recently issued a presidential decree describing Venezuela as an “unusual threat to US national security”, and extended sanctions against the country for another year.
Venezuela is India’s largest trade partner in Latin America and an important supplier of crude oil to us. But Indian pharmaceutical companies, who were major suppliers of drugs to the country, have been severely affected by the Venezuelan economic crisis and the collapse of the Bolivar currency. The two foreign ministers discussed the question of pending payments to Indian public and private sector companies as the Venezuelan minister assured that an early resolution of the matter. There have been some proposals for a barter oil-for-drugs deal to tide over the problem.
As the Modi government has drawn closer to Washington, there has been no mention of NAM in relation to India’s foreign policy. Much derided in the West, NAM still continues to draw its members despite the rise of a plethora of regional organisations. India has had a leading role as a founder member of NAM. Even as India makes new friends and allies, NAM has not lost its relevance for India as yet to be treated in a lackadaisical manner. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/opinion/bdiplomatic-enclaveb-aligned-cause-095 | en | 2022-08-26T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/3c66c027d8d83df2129f785d73fb5f091a2f7092eaf6af551bcf121ac2365c3d.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:49:41 | null | 2022-08-27T12:46:00 | A large chunk of Coal India’s workforce will retire over six-seven years, lowering its wage bill to 30 per cent from 53 per cent. It will also help the company go for fully mechanised mining to meet the 1 billion tonnes production target by 2020, said | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fnews%2Fretiring-staff-slash-cil-wage-bill-23-6-years-119.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Retiring workers to slash CIL wage bill by 23% in six years | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | A large chunk of Coal India’s workforce will retire over six-seven years, lowering its wage bill to 30 per cent from 53 per cent. It will also help the company go for fully mechanised mining to meet the 1 billion tonnes production target by 2020, said a top official, here on Friday.The state-owned Coal India (CIL), which accounts for 80 per cent of the domestic coal production, produced 536 million tonnes of coal in 2015-16, missing its output target of 550 million tones for that period.The company has lined up Rs 7,765 crore capital expenditure in FY17 and another Rs 5,069 crore in various projects, including railway infrastructure, super critical thermal power plant and solar power, according to a CIL report released on Friday.“CIL is striving to increase production through mechanised mining. The path is to go towards fully mechanical technology. Nearly 94-96 per cent of open cast mining is done mechanically at present,” said Coal India chairman Sutirtha Bhattacharya. The aim of mechanised mining is not to reduce wage cost, but to increase production, Bhattacharya said.The company will focus on increasing production from existing mines and open new mines. To ramp up production, CIL depends on opencast mining. But it requires uprooting of trees and dislocating people. CIL has received the environment ministry’s clearance to expand its underground mining project at Jhanjra in West Bengal.CIL is targeting 908.10 million tonnes coal output in 2019-20 with a CAGR of 12.98 per cent with respect to 2014-15. In 2016-17, the target has been pegged at 598.61 million tonnes with an annualised growth of about 11 per cent. In the next financial year, the aim is to achieve 660.7 million tones production with a growth of about 10.5 per cent. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/retiring-staff-slash-cil-wage-bill-23-6-years-119 | en | 2022-08-27T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/9ae58f80319e8e90c6acae7610c725c455b6961d3450db98bc0a57a41aaf9832.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:52:16 | null | 2022-08-29T00:16:00 | Bank loans for non-rated companies are likely to become expensive with the central bank increasing the amount of capital that banks have to set aside as risk weights on them. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Fbanking%2Fbank-loans-non-rated-companies-cost-more-150.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Bank loans for non-rated companies to cost more | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | Bank loans for non-rated companies are likely to become expensive with the central bank increasing the amount of capital that banks have to set aside as risk weights on them.The Reserve Bank of India’s regulations last week have prescribed higher risk weight of 150 per cent compared to 100 per cent earlier on non-rated borrowers with aggregate exposure of more than Rs 200 crore from the second quarter of 2017-18.Additionally, a risk weight of 150 per cent would apply with immediate effect to a borrower (with aggregate exposure of more than Rs100 crore), which was rated earlier, but are now non-rated.According to bankers, a large number of non-rated companies, especially in the infrastructure and real estate sector, will have to pay more for bank loans.A senior official of a large public sector bank told Financial Chronicle, “There was an anomaly in risk weights which RBI has tried to correct. In case of SMEs, loans above Rs 5 crore require rating but many SMEs are not rated. We are charging non-rated entities different credit risk premium that varies from 0-3 per cent above MCLR rate and this will rise as per the new norms.”A senior official of SBI told Financial Chronicle, “Definitely the credit requirements will increase for the bank and banks will try to pass on as much cost as possible to the borrowers. Our bank has not taken any position so far as there is still some time for these regulations to come into effect.“But a lot will also depend on the kind of borrower, its financials and the competition among banks. There are many large projects that remain non-rated. In addition there are many PSU firms that are also non-rated (banks will have to set aside higher risk weights for them).”“While bank borrowings at present account for around 50 per cent of total borrowings for the larger companies, share of bank borrowings for weaker non-rated companies is significantly higher at 77 per cent. These companies would find it difficult to raise the required capital (40-50 per cent of capital needs) from non-bank sources and his could have implications on bank asset quality,” said Credit Suisse in a research report.“We believe that with this RBI has plugged the arbitrage that was available for weaker corporates/SMEs, which chose to remain non-rated and borrowed at cheaper rates. This will also have implications on capital adequacy ratios for banks as well,” added Credit Suisse.Vibha Batra, an independent analyst, told Financial Chronicle, “Among the larger companies too there are many that have non-investment grade rating, especially infrastructure and real estate companies. This is a move in the right direction as banking sector’s capacity to withstand losses will be higher. Banks will have to allocate more capital for unexpected losses, provisioning and therefore the cost of lending will increase. For some of the companies, a 2-3 per cent increase in borrowing cost may change the dynamics of the project viability especially for those in the infrastructure and real estate sector.”“But the other point is that RBI wants these companies to move to the bond market but there is no market for such companies that are non-investment grade. The bond market is for AAA rated companies. So the non-rated and lower rated companies will still come to the banks,” added Batra.In another circular, the central bank has also put out final guidelines capping incremental exposure for large borrowers from April 2017. It has introduced stiff disincentives (75 percentage points higher risk weights and 300 basis points additional provisions) for banks funding more than 50 per cent of incremental borrowings for large borrowers (fund based limits higher than Rs25,000 crore). | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/banking/bank-loans-non-rated-companies-cost-more-150 | en | 2022-08-29T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/3ae14ff9d56773c8b196a18d548c0262a2b3fa1e46532a91d5b8502926784c65.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:54 | null | 2022-08-30T00:42:00 | The government could miss the fiscal deficit target for the current year, as its disinvestments programme is not proceeding according to the plan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydigitalfc.com%2Feconomy%2Ffiscal-deficit-target-risk-breach-203.json | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sites/all/files/fc_favicon.ico | en | null | Fiscal deficit target in risk of breach | null | null | www.mydigitalfc.com | The government could miss the fiscal deficit target for the current year, as its disinvestments programme is not proceeding according to the plan.While the finance ministry has targetted to raise Rs 20,500 crore via strategic sale in state-owned companies, it has not been able to finalise a sell-off plan so far. What’s more, its plan to sell SUUTI (specified undertaking of UTI) stakes as an alternative option is yet to see light of day.Government officials and independent analysts feel that with five months already gone in the current financial year, the finance minister would find it tough to meet this year’s fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent set in the budget, should the strategic sale or SUUTI stake sale plans not go through.“Achieving the disinvestments target is crucial to meeting the 3.5 per cent fiscal deficit target,” says Devendra Pant, chief economist at rating agency India Ratings and Research.Although the government has signalled its intent to go ahead with SUUTI stake sales by floating a tender to hire merchant bankers, the actual sale would depend on the prevailing market conditions that are beyond the government’s control, say financial experts.The government can raise up to Rs 60,000-80,000 crore via SUUTI stake sale, but it has decided to mop up the money in a staggered manner rather than at one go.As per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) 2003, the government is committed to bring down fiscal deficit to 3 per cent by 2008-09.However, that deadline has now been shifted to 2018-19.In case of failure to make strategic sale, the government will have to either step up revenue collections or cut capital expenditure, which it might not find feasible. Revenue buoyancy depends on industrial growth. But industry remains in the doldrums.The government has stepped up capital expenditure to support economic growth. However, given that private sector investment is still weak, cutting public expenditure would not make sense for the government, experts said.Under the circumstances, if strategic revenue is not realised, the government could be forced to further defer the deadline for compliance of the FRBM Act.The government has targetted to mop up Rs 56,500 crore via the disinvestment programme this financial year. While Rs 36,000 crore has to be mobilised through minority stake sale, the balance is to be raised via strategic sale of CPSE assets.The plan to raise Rs 36,000 crore via minority stake sale and share buyback is apparently on track, with the government already raising nearly Rs 20,000 crore. But this alone would not be enough for it to meet the fiscal deficit target.Under the strategic disinvestment route, the government has envisaged bringing down its stake in PSUs to below 50 per cent and handing over management control to a new entity.Analysts said pursuing the strategic sale plan might not be easy for the government, given the lack of political consensus on the issue. It could also face backlash from the workers, they added, who are already resisting the proposal to sell minority stake in Coal India, with trade unions calling for strike on September 2.The government’s disinvestment target for this year is seen as optimistic, given that it was able to raise only Rs 18,409 crore in 2015-16 against the target of Rs 69,500 crore.“Even at the time of budget, we were sceptical of the disinvestment target. If the government is to sell stake in SUUTI, then the target looks achievable. Otherwise, there is a high probability of fiscal slippage,” Pant said. | http://www.mydigitalfc.com/economy/fiscal-deficit-target-risk-breach-203 | en | 2022-08-30T00:00:00 | www.mydigitalfc.com/ce91b54c0a74e3c8a66a0eb5efd88892de4c70f6bbcb5f8e029089ff5e9b24af.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F581571%2Fhappy-birthday-austin-drevenak.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016drevenak.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Austin Drevenak! | null | null | timesleader.com | Austin Drevenak, son of Andrew and Kimberly Drevenak, Hanover Township, is celebrating his fifth birthday today, Aug. 30, 2016. He is the grandson of Karen and Russell Taylor, Laural Run and CarolAnn and Andrew Drevenak, Swoyersville. He has two brothers, Kodie, 12 and Jakob, 3.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016drevenak.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/581571/happy-birthday-austin-drevenak | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/b096085b1d0222efb2e18680e9316bc704c2358801a08f93afc84cbb401ba4ca.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:46:24 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F580145%2Fhappy-birthday-sarah-kate-shaner.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082616shaner.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Sarah Kate Shaner! | null | null | timesleader.com | Sarah Kate Shaner, daughter of Heather and John Shaner, Walnutport, is celebrating her twelfth birthday today, Aug. 26, 2016. She is the granddaughter of Mary Catherine Shaner, Forty Fort and Anne Herman, Edwardsville. She has a sister, Grace Emma, 10.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082616shaner.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/580145/happy-birthday-sarah-kate-shaner | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/d51a698d77c334f2a5cabe79ba85d95445fe124ec2ddc2e41345bfc42836e920.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:46:50 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580486%2Fitaly-buries-quake-dead-recalls-sisters-embracing-in-rubble-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580486/italy-buries-quake-dead-recalls-sisters-embracing-in-rubble-2 | en | null | Italy buries quake dead, recalls sisters embracing in rubble | null | null | timesleader.com | ASCOLI PICENO, Italy (AP) — Mourners in Italy prayed, hugged, wept and even applauded as coffins carrying victims of the country’s devastating earthquake passed by at a state funeral Saturday, grieving as one nation after three desperate days of trying to save as many people as possible.
In the central town of Ascoli Piceno, they gathered to bid farewell to 35 of the 291 people confirmed dead so far after the quake that struck a swath of countryside early Wednesday at the foothills of the central Apennine mountains.
The caskets of 35 people had been brought to a community gym — one of the few structures in the area still intact and large enough to hold hundreds of mourners. The local bishop, Giovanni D’Ercole, celebrated Mass beneath a crucifix he had retrieved from one of the damaged churches in the picturesque area of medieval stone towns and hamlets.
Emotions that had been dammed up for days broke in a crescendo of grief. One young man wept over a little girl’s white coffin. Another woman gently stroked another small casket. Many mourners were recovering from injuries themselves, some wrapped in bandages. Everywhere people knelt at coffins, tears running down their cheeks, their arms around loved ones.
“It is a great tragedy. There are no words to describe it,” said Gina Razzetti, a resident at the funeral. “Each one of us has our pain inside. We are thinking about the families who lost relatives, who lost their homes, who lost everything.”
As all of Italy observed a day of national mourning, with flags at half-staff, Bishop D’Ercole urged residents to rebuild their communities.
“Don’t be afraid to cry out your suffering — I have seen a lot of this — but please do not lose courage,” D’Ercole said in his homily. “Only together can we rebuild our houses and our churches. Together, above all, we will be able to restore life to our communities.”
President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Matteo Renzi joined grieving family members, stopping to speak to some of them.
When the caskets were brought out of the gym, the mourners applauded, a traditional Italian way of honoring people who die in tragedy.
The bishop recalled the heartbreaking story of 9-year-old Giulia Rinaldo, whose embrace apparently allowed her younger sister Giorgia to survive.
He said 15 hours after the quake struck Wednesday, he returned to the church in Pescara Del Tronto to recover its crucifix. Close by, firefighters were using their hands to dig out the two sisters.
“The older one, Giulia, was sprawled over the smaller one, Giorgia. Giulia, dead, Giorgia, alive. They were in an embrace,” D’Ercole said.
Giulia was among those buried Saturday, while her younger sister had her fourth birthday at a hospital, trying to recover from the traumatizing ordeal.
“The melancholy grabs on to your heart. You feel a sense of weakness, of depression,” said Fiore Ciotto, a resident of Ascoli Piceno who attended the funeral. “An event like this weakens you physically and mentally.”
Across the area, a cool retreat for those seeking to escape Italy’s hot summers, many of the dead were children and elderly people, some of them visiting grandparents before school resumed.
The magnitude 6.2 quake struck at 3:36 a.m. Wednesday and was felt across a broad swath of central Italy, killing at least 291 people and injuring nearly 400. Nobody has been found alive in the ruins since Wednesday, and hopes have nearly vanished of finding any more survivors.
Before Saturday’s mass funeral, the president visited Amatrice, which bore the brunt of destruction with 230 fatalities and a town turned to rubble and dust. Eleven others died in nearby Accumoli and 50 more in Arquata del Tronto, 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Amatrice.
Mattarella arrived by helicopter and was shown the extent of the damage in Amatrice by its mayor, Sergio Pirozzi. The president thanked rescue workers who have been working around the clock, some barely taking breaks for sleeping.
Saturday’s funeral involved most of the dead from Arquata del Tronto.
As deep as their anguish was, Saturday’s mourners at least had coffins with bodies to honor and bury. Many of the dead from Amatrice are now in a refrigerated morgue in an airport hangar in Rieti, the provincial capital that is 65 kilometers (40 miles) away, awaiting identification.
On Tuesday, a memorial service — without the bodies — will be held for the dead of Amatrice on that battered town’s outskirts.
Hundreds of people have been left homeless by the quake, with many spending their nights in tent cities and a gym in Amatrice, where volunteers are working to provide basic amenities.
With families unable to remain in the houses in Amatrice that were damaged but still standing, two persons were detained Saturday for suspected looting, the mayor said.
Overnight, residents were rattled yet again by a series of aftershocks. The strongest, at 4:50 a.m., had a magnitude of 4.2, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, while the Italian geophysics institute measured it at 4.
The Italian institute says the earthquake caused the ground below Accumoli to sink 20 centimeters (8 inches), according to satellite images.
___
Gera reported from Rome. Frances D’Emilio contributed reporting from Rieti.
___
This story has corrected that the president’s first name is Sergio. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580486/italy-buries-quake-dead-recalls-sisters-embracing-in-rubble-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/374d0ae695e11c4aaccc6e17c3f3c37e6dcddb1662e45fb35db439c0374685fe.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T22:46:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F580170%2Fblink-182-a-day-to-remember-all-time-low-play-scrantons-montage-mountain.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_blink-blink-u.jpg | en | null | Blink-182, A Day to Remember, All Time Low play Scranton’s Montage Mountain | null | null | timesleader.com | SCRANTON — The new-look Blink-182 stopped at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Aug. 25, and they came armed to the teeth with talent. Opening slots were filled by All Time Low and A Day To Remember — both headline-caliber acts that have sold out venues not much smaller than Montage. But was the show worth the price of admission?
After an opening set from sought-after turntable general DJ Spider (he currently holds club residencies on both American coasts), All Time Low took the stage and played to a small but vocal contingent of fans who made their way in early. Band members Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat are celebrities within the alternative music scene — they’ve even hosted the last two iterations of the Alternative Press Music Awards, an annual event started by the eponymous alternative music magazine — but it wouldn’t be fair to attribute the crowd reaction to the two musicians’ status. ATL delivered a tight set with driving anthems, singalong choruses and even an acoustic jam.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re opening or headlining, they bring it to every single show,” said 25-year-old Milford resident Alyssa Tomaskovic. “They’re never a disappointment.”
Alyssa’s sister, 21-year-old Alex, said Aug. 25 was her ninth time seeing ATL.
“I obviously really love them,” Alex said.
As ATL’s stagehands tore down the traditional banner-and-riser set, A Day To Remember’s double video board setup was wheeled onto stage. In Weekender’s preview of the show, vocalist Jeremy McKinnon called ADTR a “production band,” and that statement rang true with the first few chords of the five-piece’s opener, “Downfall of Us All.” People ran in from either side of the stage, beach balls in-hand, and threw them to the crowd as the band began playing.
The video boards showed content themed after each song — imagery of a fighting game overtook the stage during the violently heavy “2nd Sucks,” while art reminiscent of the cover of ADTR’s new full-length”Bad Vibrations” was on display while the band blazed through the album’s first single, “Paranoia.”
As far as the band’s actual performance is concerned, McKinnon was able to transition seamlessly from his pop-punk style singing to his intense scream well, but there were times it felt like he was about to go off-rhythm, catching up to a band blazing off without him. Overall, the jam-packed 45-minute set from the self-proclaimed “heaviest pop-punk band ever” was full of energy, crowd interaction and fan favorite songs.
“‘I’m made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of’ was my favorite,” said 23-year-old Wilkes-Barre resident Mike Woolard. “I’ve seen them twice and I think it was the best I’ve seen them so far. They had so much energy and they definitely got the people hyped for Blink.”
Woolard’s observation was based on the packed lawn and amphitheatre, which was buzzing after ADTR’s set. When Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus and guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba took the stage, the buzz erupted into outright energy as Hoppus and Skiba began trading off vocals on “Feeling This.” Skiba stepped into longtime guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge’s shoes after DeLonge and the other two-thirds of Blink-182 split ways. His ability to fit into the role was the question on fan’s minds — for some, that answer was no.
“I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be,” said 33-year-old Clarks Summit resident Lauren Bevard. “Maybe that’s because I’m not really familiar with him.”
For those unfamiliar, Skiba comes to Blink-182 from another pop-punk trio — Alkaline Trio. For the most part, that band leans heavier on their “punk” portion than Blink-182 does, with Skiba slowly evolving a powerful croon from his raspy vocal roots. Shoehorning his key into classic Blink-182 songs like “Dumpweed” without changing the song at all can provide a jarring outcome, but other tracks like “Reckless Abandon” and “Carousel” sound like they were originally crafted for the vocalist.
His seasoned presence kept the band from ever feeling like a Blink-182 cover outfit, and his contributions on songs from “California” (his first with the group) and favorites like “Stay Together for the Kids” (he belted the chorus out with more gusto than DeLonge during Blink-182’s tour for 2009’s “Neighborhoods”) proved that he belongs on the same stage as his commercially-successful peers.
With commercial success comes big-time production, and Blink-182 delivered. Fireworks and a flaming four-letter word started the set, and the pyrotechnics returned throughout, including flamethrowers synced with Barker’s drumming. A large video board and light show contributed to the multi-sensory concert experience, and was supplemented by three on-stage boards that sat behind Hoppus and Skiba. As notable as it was, the production took a backseat to the band’s aforementioned stage presence. Even Barker, who was perched behind a drum kit for the duration of the band’s time on stage, was able to bleed his personality into the show.
Blink-182 wrapped their Aug. 25 show at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain with their breakthrough 1997 single “Dammit,” sending one of the last crowds of the summer concert season home with a proven hit. Fans will have to wait until next year to find out if they’ll get another chance to see the trio on another summer circuit, but the band’s booking agent will be hard-pressed to outdo the triple-threat tour of summer 2016.
A Day to Remember vocalist Jeremy McKinnon gives a ‘thumbs up’ during the bands Aug. 25 set in Scranton. McKinnon’s energy during the set was apparently contagious, with a number of fans crowd surfing and waving their shirts in the air at different points during the band’s set. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_blink-adtr-u.jpg A Day to Remember vocalist Jeremy McKinnon gives a ‘thumbs up’ during the bands Aug. 25 set in Scranton. McKinnon’s energy during the set was apparently contagious, with a number of fans crowd surfing and waving their shirts in the air at different points during the band’s set. Amanda Hrycyna | for Weekender All Time Low was the second act to play the Aug. 25 event. Their latest full-length, 2015’s “Future Hearts,” debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_blink-atl-u.jpg All Time Low was the second act to play the Aug. 25 event. Their latest full-length, 2015’s “Future Hearts,” debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. Amanda Hrycyna | for Weekender Guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba of Blink-182. Skiba joined the band last year and is featured on their newest release, “California.” http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_blink-blink-u.jpg Guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba of Blink-182. Skiba joined the band last year and is featured on their newest release, “California.” Amanda Hrycyna | for Weekender
Blink-182 comes to town with new-look lineup featuring Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio)
By Gene Axton [email protected]
LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED Check out our Look What You Missed photo feature from the show in the Aug. 31 edition of Weekender! | http://timesleader.com/features/580170/blink-182-a-day-to-remember-all-time-low-play-scrantons-montage-mountain | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/57bc4fa7208ac8dd45123e2107640b8da600fe998c7176b3de016afb49ca07b9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:17 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F371383%2F1-5-million-jury-verdict-against-geisinger-for-woman-dismissed-from-nurse-anesthesia-program.json | http://timesleader.com/news/371383/1-5-million-jury-verdict-against-geisinger-for-woman-dismissed-from-nurse-anesthesia-program | en | null | $1.5 million jury verdict against Geisinger for woman dismissed from nurse anesthesia program | null | null | timesleader.com | By Roger DuPuis
[email protected]
WILKES-BARRE — A Schuylkill County woman has won a $1.5 million jury verdict over her dismissal from the Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program, operated in conjunction with Geisinger Medical Center, over her alleged failure to take a drug test.
Angela Borrell’s case was heard in U.S. District Court, before Judge A. Richard Caputo.
According to Borrell’s lawsuit, filed in October 2012, she was summoned out of her clinical training on Sept. 24, 2012, by program director Arthur F. Richer, who told her he had noticed a change in her demeanor and appearance.
“Ms. Borrell found this statement to be vague and ambiguous. She noted that she had never been reprimanded about her appearance or demeanor by her clinical supervisor(s), professors” or Bloomsburg Nursing Department Chairwoman Michelle Ficca, the document states.
“In an effort to understand Mr. Richer’s concerns, Ms. Borrell asked him if he could further explain the basis for his vague and ambiguous accusation because he rarely observed her during her clinical hours and was not an instructor,” the suit stated. “Mr. Richer refused the request and instead asked Ms. Borrell to submit to a drug test, thereby implying that he suspected that she had taken illicit drugs.”
Borrell said she had not, and wanted to speak with her parents that night.
“Ms. Borrell talked to her parents that night, and decided that she did not want the false accusations to ruin her career. Accordingly, she decided to submit to the drug test Mr. Richer had requested,” the suit says.
But her efforts to contact Richer and others of the decision were met with silence and rebuff, the suit says, and on Sept. 27, 2012, Borrell said she received a letter signed by Richer and Ficca informing her that she had been expelled due to her alleged failure to take a drug test.
Her suit said Borrell was never granted an opportunity by Bloomsburg to appeal, and alleged violations of due process rights, equal protection and breach of contract.
According to court documents, Geisinger officials had concerns about Borrell because at times she appeared disheveled and dirty, and that classmates came forward to tell program officials that they believed Borrell was having issues with drug use.
The defendants replied that Borrell’s initial refusal to participate violated Geisinger policy; and that “there was no Bloomsburg appeal process for Borrell’s dismissal since the decision was made at the clinical institution and Bloomsburg had no jurisdiction over the policies of a clinical institution.”
According to court documents, jurors on Tuesday found:
• That Borrell would have been dismissed from the program if she had been given her procedural due process rights, but Borrell did suffer injuries as a result of the denial of due process, as opposed to her dismissal from the nurse anesthesia program.
• That $415,000 is the amount of compensatory damages that will fairly compensate Borrell for her injuries.
• That Geisinger violated Borrell’s rights, though Richer and Ficca, individually, did not.
• That Geisinger owes Borrell $1.1 million in punitive damages.
Roger DuPuis may be reached at 570-991-6113 or on Twitter @rogerdupuis2. | http://timesleader.com/news/371383/1-5-million-jury-verdict-against-geisinger-for-woman-dismissed-from-nurse-anesthesia-program | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/91327d5bb14cb709918c66e1e14b5ac7ffbf835d1ac73134a7f593da83bfbded.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:46:57 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580851%2Fflight-instructor-dies-in-biplane-crash-at-oregon-air-show-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580851/flight-instructor-dies-in-biplane-crash-at-oregon-air-show-2 | en | null | Flight instructor dies in biplane crash at Oregon air show | null | null | timesleader.com | MADRAS, Oregon (AP) — A longtime pilot and flight instructor from Alaska has died after his biplane crashed during an air show in central Oregon.
Sixty-one-year-old Marcus Bruce Paine appeared to be attempting a very low-altitude loop when his Boeing Stearman plane went down at about 3 p.m. Saturday.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins says officials with the Federal Aviation Administration were attending the Airshow of the Cascades at Madras Airport when the crash occurred. He says the agency is investigating, along with the sheriff’s office and the Madras Police Department.
The airshow’s website says Paine lived in Anchorage, had extensive military experience and was a pilot for more than 20 years. It says Paine’s flight school teaches aerobatic flight, stall and spin awareness and other topics. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580851/flight-instructor-dies-in-biplane-crash-at-oregon-air-show-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/1d9e7d55ae02672b84d3ec33483ec80435d549c8d30796c5592d400441f7a285.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T00:46:48 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcrime%2Fpolice-blotter%2F580548%2Fpolice-man-victim-of-scam-man-poses-as-irs-employee.json | http://timesleader.com/crime/police-blotter/580548/police-man-victim-of-scam-man-poses-as-irs-employee | en | null | Police: Man victim of scam, man poses as IRS employee | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — A Wilkes-Barre man reported that he had purchased five ITune cards in the amount of $100 following a fraudulent phone call made to his house in which the caller posed as an IRS agent.
According to the complainant he received a phone call from someone representing himself as an IRS agent, indicating that he owed outstanding federal taxes from 2005 and that if he did not purchase $500 in itune gift cards, a police officer would be at his door within an hour to arrest him for tax evasion.
According the the complainant, he then went to Walgreens on Township Boulevard, and purchased the cars.
Once back in the car he called a phone number provided by the suspect (1-800-539-2604), scratching off the gift cards and providing the gift card numbers.
At this time, the suspect advised the complainant to buy five more gift cards, but the complainant went home and was advised by his wife to contact the police and his bank to report an IRS scam.
By Geri Gibbons [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/crime/police-blotter/580548/police-man-victim-of-scam-man-poses-as-irs-employee | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0a5016af1a66e6a7a28647bf7654508c5bc4cc87075c16a9ec76f3b1411b4229.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:46:59 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580857%2Fvisitor-misbehavior-abounds-as-us-parks-agency-turns-100-3.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580857/visitor-misbehavior-abounds-as-us-parks-agency-turns-100-3 | en | null | Visitor misbehavior abounds as US parks agency turns 100 | null | null | timesleader.com | YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Tourist John Gleason crept through the grass, four small children close behind, inching toward a bull elk with antlers like small trees at the edge of a meadow in Yellowstone National Park.
“They’re going to give me a heart attack,” said Gleason’s mother-in-law, Barbara Henry, as the group came within about a dozen yards of the massive animal.
The elk’s ears then pricked up, and it eyed the children and Washington state man before leaping up a hillside. Other tourists — likewise ignoring rules to keep 25 yards from wildlife — picked up the pursuit, snapping pictures as they pressed forward and forced the animal into headlong retreat.
Record visitor numbers at the nation’s first national park have transformed its annual summer rush into a sometimes dangerous frenzy, with selfie-taking tourists routinely breaking park rules and getting too close to Yellowstone’s storied elk herds, grizzly bears, wolves and bison.
Law enforcement records obtained by The Associated Press suggest such problems are on the rise at the park, offering a stark illustration of the pressures facing some of America’s most treasured lands as the National Park Service marks its 100th anniversary.
From Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, major parks are grappling with illegal camping, vandalism, theft of resources, wildlife harassment and other visitor misbehavior, according to the records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
In July alone, law enforcement rangers handled more than 11,000 incidents at the 10 most visited national parks.
In Yellowstone, rangers are recording more wildlife violations, more people treading on sensitive thermal areas and more camping in off-limit areas. The rule-breaking puts visitors in harm’s way and can damage resources and displace wildlife, officials said.
Often the incidents go unaddressed, such as when Gleason and the children approached the bull elk with no park personnel around. Gleason said he was “maybe” too close but felt comfortable in the situation as an experienced hunter who’s spent lots of time outdoors.
These transgressions add to rangers’ growing workload that includes traffic violations, searches for missing hikers and pets running off-leash in parks intended to be refuges of untrammeled nature
“It’s more like going to a carnival . If you look at the cumulative impacts, the trends are not good,” said Susan Clark, a Yale University professor of wildlife ecology who has been conducting research in the Yellowstone area for 48 years. “The basic question is, ‘What is the appropriate relationship with humans and nature?’ We as a society have not been clear about what that ought to be, and so it’s really, really messy and nasty.”
Recent events at Yellowstone grabbed national headlines:
— A Canadian tourist who put a bison calf in his SUV hoping to save it, ending with wildlife workers euthanizing the animal when they could not reunite it with its herd.
— Three visitors from Asia cited on separate occasions for illegally collecting water from the park’s thermal features.
— A Washington state man killed after leaving a designated boardwalk and falling into a near-boiling hot spring.
The flouting of park rules stems from disbelief among visitors that they will get hurt, said Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk. “I can’t tell you how many times I have to talk to people and say, ‘Step back. There’s a dangerous animal,’ and they look at me like I have three heads,” he said.
Inconsistent record keeping, including a recent switch to a new criminal offenses reporting system, makes it difficult to identify trends that apply uniformly across the major parks.
But the records reviewed by the AP reveal the scope of visitor misbehavior is huge. In Yellowstone, administrators and outside observers including Clark say the park’s problems have become more acute. That threatens its mission to manage its lands and wildlife “unimpaired” for future generations.
Beyond incidents that lead to citations are many more that result in warnings. More than 52,000 warnings were issued in 2015, up almost 20 percent from the year before.
Washington state resident Lisa Morrow’s son was among the children Gleason led toward the elk. Despite safety advisories — and numerous examples of visitors getting gored by bison, mauled by bears and chased by elk — Morrow declared herself unafraid of the park’s wildlife. She said she was eager to see a grizzly up close.
“I want to see one right there,” Morrow said, pointing to a spot just feet away. “I’d throw it a cookie.”
The top 10 parks by visitation collectively hosted almost 44 million people last year, according to National Park Service figures. That’s a 26 percent increase from a decade earlier, or more than 9.1 million new visitors combined at Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and the other national parks on the list.
Yellowstone boasts the most large, dangerous carnivores among those parks, but each has its risks. In Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s elk that become more aggressive during mating season. In Yosemite, it’s towering waterfalls where visitors insist on swimming near the edge. In the Grand Canyon, it’s squirrels habituated to humans and sometimes quick to bite an outstretched hand.
Wenk said the rise in popularity of social media complicates keeping visitors safe.
“You take a picture of yourself standing 10 feet in front of a bison, and all of a sudden a few hundred people see it, and it’s reposted — at the same time we’re telling everybody wildlife is dangerous,” Wenk said. “They get incongruous messages and then it happens. They get too close, and the bison charges.”
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Associated Press writer Amy Beth Hanson in Helena contributed to this report.
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Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at https://twitter.com/matthewbrownap | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580857/visitor-misbehavior-abounds-as-us-parks-agency-turns-100-3 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/31ed2b4951b1ceebbf092867cd16d4ed916b946d80692fc4b927b5507fdc5a72.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:46:52 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580659%2Fap-news-in-brief-at-1204-a-m-edt-22.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580659/ap-news-in-brief-at-1204-a-m-edt-22 | en | null | AP News in Brief at 12:04 a.m. EDT | null | null | timesleader.com | Warning of ‘war’ on farmers, Trump seeks support in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Donald Trump warned Saturday of a “war on the American farmer,” telling a crowd in Iowa that rival Hillary Clinton “wants to shut down family farms” and implement anti-agriculture policies.
Trump’s speech at the annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser for Republican Sen. Joni Ernst came just hours after Clinton received her first national security briefing as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Trump skipped the 42-mile motorcycle ride that preceded the event in a state where polls show a tight contest, a rare bright spot for Trump amid a sea of challenging battleground states. Joining him on stage were top Iowa Republicans — among them Ernst, Gov. Terry Branstad, Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Steve King — in a rare show of support for a candidate who has struggled to unite his party.
In a hat tip to Iowa’s agriculture industry, Trump renewed his commitment to continuing a requirement that all gasoline sold contain an ethanol-based additive, an issue important to corn growers. He also promised to cut taxes on family farms, which he called the “backbone” of the country.
“Hillary Clinton wants to shut down family farms just like she wants to shut down the mines and the steelworkers,” he said in front of a wall of straw bales at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. “She will do this not only through radical regulation, but also by raising taxes on family farms – and all businesses – to rates as high as nearly 50 percent.”
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Nevada becomes one of Trump’s big hopes for swing state win
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Russ Wheeler bears the financial scars of Nevada’s lost decade, and he hopes Donald Trump can heal them.
He worked for a Las Vegas roofing company when the real estate bust crushed the state’s economy. He took two pay cuts before getting laid off. He had to commute into the California desert to find work after that.
Wheeler considers himself one of the lucky ones. He was able to build up enough savings to retire, but even now his wife had her teaching hours reduced at a community college, dramatically reducing their household’s income.
“It’ll be better with Trump because he’ll bring the jobs back,” Wheeler, 66, said as he stopped by a Republican Party office to scoop up some “Make America Great Again” yard signs and bumper stickers. “Everybody I know is a Trump supporter. He resonates well in Nevada.”
Nevada is the most diverse battleground state. On paper, it should be secure for Democrats. But there are enough people like Wheeler, still rattled by the recession and frustrated about other things, to make it one of Trump’s best swing states.
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Kurdish-led Syria forces face off with Turkish-backed rebels
BEIRUT (AP) — Backed by Turkish tanks and reports of airstrikes, Turkey-allied Syrian rebels clashed with Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria in a new escalation that further complicates the already protracted Syrian conflict.
Turkey’s military didn’t specify what the airstrikes hit, saying only that “terror groups” were targeted south of the village of Jarablus, where the clashes later ensued. A Kurdish-affiliated group said their forces were the target and called the attack an “unprecedented and dangerous escalation.” If confirmed, it would be the first Turkish airstrikes against Kurdish allied forces on Syrian soil.
Late Saturday night, Turkey’s official news agency reported that one Turkish solider had been killed and three wounded by what it said was a Kurdish rocket attack in Jarablus, near where the fighting has raged. It is the first reported Turkish fatality in Syria.
The new escalation highlights concerns that Turkey’s incursion into Syria this week could lead to an all-out confrontation between Ankara and Syrian Kurds, both American allies, and hinder the war against the Islamic State group by diverting resources.
Sherwan Darwish, a spokesman for Kurdish-led forces in the village of Manbij, said on Twitter Saturday night: “While our forces fighting #IS Some #Turkey backed militias r attacking our positions & hampering our & Intl Coalition’s fight against terror.”
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Sheriff: Man confesses in killings of 2 Mississippi nuns
DURANT, Miss. (AP) — A man suspected in the slayings of two nuns found dead in their Mississippi home confessed to the killings, a sheriff said Saturday, in the latest twist to a crime that has horrified people in the small communities where the women served.
Rodney Earl Sanders, 46, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, was arrested and charged in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said late Friday. Both women were 68.
Willie March, the sheriff of Holmes County where the killings occurred, said Saturday he had been briefed by police from the town where the killings occurred and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation officials who took part in Sanders’ interrogation.
Sanders confessed in the interrogation to the killings and gave no reason for the crimes, March said.
The sheriff said police work and tips from the community led police to Sanders, and the investigation is ongoing.
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The embrace of life: A story of 2 sisters in Italy’s quake
ASCOLI PICENO, Italy (AP) — In the chaos of Italy’s devastating earthquake, an older sister’s embrace allowed a young girl to survive.
The heartbreaking story of 9-year-old Giulia Rinaldo and her younger sister Giorgia was recounted Saturday by the bishop who celebrated a funeral Mass for 35 of the 290 people killed by the quake that ravaged central Italy before dawn Wednesday.
Bishop Giovanni D’Ercole recalled that around 6 or 6:30 p.m. Wednesday — 15 hours after the quake struck — he returned to a church in his diocese in the town of Pescara Del Tronto to recover its crucifix.
At the time, only meters (yards) from the church, firefighters were using their hands to dig out the two sisters, he said.
“The older one, Giulia, was sprawled over the smaller one, Giorgia. Giulia, dead, Giorgia, alive. They were in an embrace,” D’Ercole said.
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Scams & waste loom as charity millions donated after Orlando
The more than 430 fundraisers posted on the GoFundMe website after the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando have exposed weaknesses inherent in these popular do-it-yourself charity campaigns: waste, questionable intentions and little oversight.
The fundraisers — an average of more than four for each of the 49 killed and 53 wounded — include travelers asking for cash, a practitioner of ancient healing, a personal safety instructor who sells quick loaders for assault rifles, and even convicted identity impostors.
“There was a deluge,” said Holly Salmons, president of the Better Business Bureau for Central Florida. “It was almost impossible for us or anyone else to be able to vet.”
The crowdfunding sites operate outside traditional charitable circles and often beyond the reach of government regulation. Appeals can be created in minutes by almost anyone and shared around the world.
The officially sanctioned Equality Florida campaign raised more than $7 million via GoFundMe, but another $1.3 million went to smaller appeals — mostly set up by people with little or no charity experience.
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Colombian rebels announce final conference of peace talks
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Top commanders from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are preparing to gather one final time in mid-September to ratify a peace accord reached this week with government negotiators and map out the group’s political strategy without weapons.
“The historic importance of this event merits that the people of Colombia and the world see firsthand the development and conclusions of what will be the last conference of our armed organization,” the FARC said in a statement Saturday inviting media to cover the 10th conference.
The summit will take place Sept. 13-19 in jungled surroundings of San Vicente del Caguan, an area where the rebels have long been dominant and which was the center of a Switzerland-sized demilitarized zone ceded to the FARC during a previous attempt at peace more than a decade ago.
Some 200 delegates are expected to attend, including 29 members of the FARC’s central command, a top decision-making body. Several foreign dignitaries it didn’t name are also invited.
The 297-page peace accord reached this week in Cuba seeks to bring an end to Latin America’s oldest guerrilla war, which has caused more than 220,000 deaths and driven 5 million people from their homes over five decades. As part of the deal, FARC members must turn over their weapons within six months after the deal is formally signed and instead seek to persuade skeptical Colombians that it’s ready to play by the rules of democracy.
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In wake of cousin’s fatal shooting, Dwyane Wade speaks out
CHICAGO (AP) — NBA star Dwyane Wade’s cousin was an innocent bystander, police said, pushing her baby in a stroller near a Chicago school where she intended to register her children when she was fatally shot Friday.
Nykea Aldridge’s famous relative, who grew up in Chicago’s south suburbs, tweeted to his nearly 6 million followers about her death, saying Friday it was an “act of senseless gun violence” and posting Saturday morning that Chicago needs “more help& more hands on deck.” Wade ended both days of tweets with the hashtag “EnoughIsEnough.”
The 32-year-old mother of four recently relocated to an area on the city’s South Side, her family said. She was near the school, which is about a mile and a half southwest of the University of Chicago, when two males walked up and fired shots at a third man but hit Aldridge in the head and arm. She wasn’t the intended target, police said.
Police said Saturday afternoon that two “people of interest” were being questioned by detectives but no one has been charged in the shooting. Authorities are investigating whether the encounter between the men was a robbery, possibly involving a driver from a ridesharing company, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.
Chicago has been plagued by gun violence for years, especially in a few South and West Side neighborhoods. This July alone, there were 65 homicides — the most that month since 2006.
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Olympic champions Raisman, Hernandez feted by hometowns
Thousands of people turned out to welcome gymnasts Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez back to their hometowns Saturday after they wowed the judges in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The two were on the gold-medal winning U.S. women’s gymnastics team, dubbed “The Final Five,” and also won individual medals.
In the Boston suburb of Needham, Massachusetts, a “Rally for Aly” was held for 22-year-old Raisman, who also won silver medals in the floor exercise and the individual all-around. Raisman arrived at the rally atop a fire truck and on Friday she threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park before the Red Sox game.
The town also hosted a parade and rally for her when she returned from the 2012 Olympic games in London with two gold medals and a bronze medal.
In New Jersey, residents of Old Bridge staged an elaborate ceremony Saturday to honor Hernandez’s accomplishments. In addition to the team medal, she won an individual silver medal in the balance beam competition.
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Niners QB Kaepernick refuses to stand for anthem in protest
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.
Kaepernick sat on the team’s bench Friday night during the anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game. He later explained his reasoning in an interview with NFL Media .
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Saturday that “players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem.”
The 49ers issued a statement after Pro Football Talk initially reported on Kaepernick’s stand, saying that Americans have the right to protest or support the anthem. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580659/ap-news-in-brief-at-1204-a-m-edt-22 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/97b05147319e1a54b1218cb4cc142c704d9baa4b9581064bd87dfbcc87a7af20.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:47:19 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581516%2Fbrazils-president-proclaims-innocence-at-impeachment-trial.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581516/brazils-president-proclaims-innocence-at-impeachment-trial | en | null | Brazil’s president proclaims innocence at impeachment trial | null | null | timesleader.com | BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — In a 14-hour session that was less electric than expected, Brazil’s suspended president proclaimed her innocence at her impeachment trial Monday, branding her vice president a “usurper,” calling the drive to oust her a “coup” and warning senators that history will judge them harshly if they oust a democratically elected leader on false charges.
Dilma Rousseff’s much anticipated appearance before senators who will decide as early as Tuesday whether to permanently remove her from office was characterized by the same defiance she has shown throughout an impeachment process that has divided Latin America’s most populous nation. But it was also more civil than the three previous impeachment trial sessions, when lawmakers from both sides got into heated exchanges.
“I know I will be judged, but my conscience is clear. I did not commit a crime,” Rousseff told senators who listened intently, in contrast to the chamber’s usual raucousness.
She also pleaded with all 81 senators to keep her on the job in her closing remarks. “I need all of you, regardless of political parties,” she said. The response of the lawmakers was tepid.
In the middle of her second term, the left-leaning leader has been accused of breaking fiscal rules in 2015 to hide problems in the federal budget. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Rousseff reminded those in attendance that she was re-elected in 2014 with more than 54 million votes, asserting that at every moment since she has followed the constitution and sought to do what was best for Brazil.
Brazil’s first female president is a former guerrilla fighter who was jailed and tortured during the country’s dictatorship, and Rousseff drew a connection between her past and the situation today.
“I can’t help but taste the bitterness of injustice,” she said.
During her 30-minute opening speech, Rousseff argued that in early 2015 opposition lawmakers began creating a climate of instability by refusing to negotiate and throwing what she called “fiscal bombs” in the face of the government’s declining revenues as the once booming economy continued its slump.
She said the impeachment process had exacerbated the recession in Latin America’s largest economy, and she blamed the opposition, which has argued that she has to be removed for the financial climate to improve.
Rousseff blasted interim President Michel Temer as a “usurper.” Her vice president turned arch-enemy, Temer took over when the Senate voted in May to impeach and suspend Rousseff for up to 180 days while a trial was prepared. He will serve out Rousseff’s term until December 2018 if she is removed, but still faces risks of having his mandate cancelled at Brazil’s top electoral court.
Referring to Temer, Rousseff said Brazilians would never have elected a man who named a Cabinet of all white men in a country that is more than 50 percent non-white. The Cabinet that Temer put in place has been roundly criticized for its lack of diversity, and three of his ministers were forced to step down within a month of taking office because of corruption allegations.
Rousseff asserted she paid a price for refusing to quash a wide-ranging police investigation into the state oil company Petrobras, saying corrupt lawmakers conspired to oust her to derail the investigation into billions in kickbacks at the oil giant.
The investigation has led to the jailing of top businessmen and politicians, including in her Workers’ Party. But they have plenty of company: Watchdog groups estimate 60 percent of the 594 lawmakers in both chambers are being investigated for wrongdoing, many for corruption related to the Petrobras probe.
Rousseff said it was “an irony of history” that she would be judged for crimes she did not commit, by people who were accused of serious crimes.
“I ask that you be just with an honest president,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. Her voice also changed when she made a reference to “the betrayal, the verbal insults and the violence of the prejudice” that she says she has endured.
Watching the proceedings, Rousseff’s mentor and predecessor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is himself under investigation and will later this year stand trial for alleged obstruction of justice in the Petrobras probe, said his protegee “said what she had to say.”
After Rousseff’s speech, more than 50 senators from both the opposition and her bloc of supporters began questioning her. Her appearance is to be followed by a Senate vote on whether to remove her permanently from the presidency, expected as early as Tuesday, possibly going into Wednesday.
For Rousseff to be removed, at least 54 of the 81 senators must vote in favor. Counts by local media say at least 52 senators will vote for removal, while 18 are opposed and 11 have not said one way or another. In May, the same body voted 55-22 to impeach and suspend her.
As questioning of the suspended leader wore on, only a few senators were paying attention to Rousseff’s answers, which tended to be lengthy.
Rousseff’s appearance came on the fourth day of a trial that has seen name-calling, shouting and a declaration by Senate President Renan Calheiros that “stupidity is limitless.”
The process began late last year, with the Chamber of Deputies approving impeachment charges in April and the Senate in May.
The drama has consumed Brazil, with the proceedings continuing even during the Aug. 5-21 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. On Monday, several hundred supporters demonstrated outside Congress, cheering when Rousseff arrived. A huge wall was erected to separate her supporters and pro-impeachment activists.
In Sao Paulo, another protest that was blocking one of the city’s main arteries was scattered by police using stun grenades.
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Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese reported this story in Brasilia and AP writer Peter Prengaman reported from Rio de Janeiro.
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Mauricio Savarese on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MSavarese
Peter Prengaman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/peterprengaman
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This story has been corrected to show that the Senate voted 55-22 to suspend the president in May. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581516/brazils-president-proclaims-innocence-at-impeachment-trial | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/b578167b8d56c03f6d92d45641d68017910800c4a3c7b2f67d9fcd17e6578754.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:47:31 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581820%2Ffatal-shooting-suspect-in-armed-standoff-in-western-japan.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581820/fatal-shooting-suspect-in-armed-standoff-in-western-japan | en | null | Fatal shooting suspect in armed standoff in western Japan | null | null | timesleader.com | TOKYO (AP) — A suspect in a rare fatal shooting in Japan was holed up at an apartment in an armed standoff Wednesday after he fired at a police car and escaped.
Wakayama police in western Japan said that Yasuhide Mizobata is wanted as a prime suspect in the shooting Monday at a small construction company, where he allegedly killed one employee and injured three others, including one who was unconscious.
Mizobata, 45, had been at large since Tuesday night when police spotted him near the murder site and almost caught him, police said. He fired four shots at the police car, shattering its windows and escaped. Nobody was injured in the shooting.
Mizobata was seen carrying a handgun in each hand while pacing on an apartment balcony. He isn’t believed to be holding any hostage.
All residents were safely evacuated by police, according to media reports.
Television footage showed the hourslong standoff, with riot police wearing bullet proof vests and helmets standing by downstairs, while police tried to persuade him to surrender.
Gun crimes are rare in Japan. National Police Agency statistics show there have been fewer than 10 shooting deaths annually in Japan in recent years, a number that dropped to just one case in 2015. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581820/fatal-shooting-suspect-in-armed-standoff-in-western-japan | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/a6e2a219ae3749ac1ef45fcab91c11a7a465f2bd1e1f272e5e7acb62db806efb.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:46:59 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580924%2Fvictims-of-drug-overdoses-remembered-at-kirby-park-event-in-wilkes-barre.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916overdose1-1.jpg | en | null | Victims of drug overdoses remembered at Kirby Park event in Wilkes-Barre | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — Seventy-seven lives lost to drug overdoses in Luzerne County so far this year will not go unnoticed or unaddressed, according to Luzerne County’s district attorney.
DA Stefanie Salavantis on Sunday predicted with regret that the number would double by year’s end. She lamented that not only were lives lost, but family members and the community at large were adversely affected by those losses.
Fathers who won’t be at their daughter’s weddings, sons who will no longer be buying flowers for their mothers on Mother’s Day, husbands who won’t be there to fix the car or mow the grass or tell family members that they love them.
To attendees of the fifth annual Overdose Awareness Day at Kirby Park, the absence of a loved one because of a drug overdose was all too real.
The event, held in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, brought about 300 people to the park, many eager not only to tell the stories of loved ones lost to addiction, but to reach out to others suffering after such a loss.
As state Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, looked out at the crowd gathered to listen to him speak about addiction and overdose, he referred to event T-shirts that read, “Every 12 minutes,” referring to the frequency of lives lost to overdose.
“That is not acceptable,” said Kaufer. “We’ve got to work to reduce addiction and overdose, even if we have to do it one minute at a time.”
A comprehensive approach
Kaufer, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (PA-HOPE) Caucus, which works with a bipartisan group of legislators to address the state opioid problem, said he is looking forward to introducing about 10 pieces of legislation this fall aimed at addressing the drug problem in the state.
Kaufer has been schooling himself on all aspects of addiction, even taking time to visit a suboxone clinic, to familiarize himself with medically assisted treatment.
The answer, he said, lies in a comprehensive approach, which treats addiction as a disease and reduces its stigma, so addicts and their families are more likely to seek treatment and improve the quality of their lives in efforts to reduce the chances of overdose.
Organizer Carol Coolbaugh, who lost her son, Erik, seven years ago, works with legislators, state and county agencies, treatment centers and family members of addicts, providing a network of support and information for those who are still suffering.
This year, Coolbaugh spearheaded efforts to provide information about Naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
According to the state website, Pennsylvania has a standing order in place enabling pharmacies to dispense it to the general public without a prescription.
In response to those who might ask why money would be spent to bring an addict “back” after he or she has voluntarily overdoses on an opioid, Michael Donahue, Luzerne County’s human services division head, said the answer is simply to give them another chance at success.
Stories of loss
Attendees of the event who had lost a loved one to overdose said they were attending to support others who had experienced similar grief and to support putting mechanisms in place that would make death due to overdose less likely in the future.
Sandra Martin, Swoyersville, who lost her daughter to an overdose in January, wants to know where the drugs are coming from.
She believes her daughter, Heather Sparks McAvoy, was abusing fentanyl and Benadryl in order to manage pain. Originally, she said, McAvoy was prescribed oxycontin after a car accident 10 years ago.
The girl that she remembers as loving to swim with the dolphins in the Florida Keys, seemed to enter a downward spiral, ultimately ending in her death.
“I was shocked,” she said. “She was my life.”
Other attendees shared Martin’s shock and disbelief coupled with her determination to move forward and help others.
Patricia Emett, who lost her son, Christopher Emett, just a few days ago, said her son had been in recovery and was seemingly doing well.
Last Tuesday, he dropped her off at work and said, “No money, no food, no home, no matter what, I still love you.”
Then Christopher Emett went for breakfast with his dad.
When he was found dead hours later, he was kneeling as if in prayer.
When his mother went to move his car, the radio was set to a religious station.
“These aren’t bad people,” said Salavantis. “These are good people with a bad disease.”
‘One day at a time’
Juan R., a participant in the Salvation Army recovery program, said he attended the event to provide support for those who have lost a loved one to addiction and also to remind himself of the importance of his own recovery.
Juan, 56, said he first joined Narcotics Anonymous in 1988 and had 34 months of continuous sobriety.
Since then, he said, he’s been in and out of the 12-step program.
He remembers agreeing to meet someone for coffee after a meeting and getting to the meeting only to find out that she had died of an overdose.
He stresses the importance of addressing every area of his life in pursuing sobriety.
“To be honest, for me, it was Coors Light, drugs, a hotel, and a female,” he said. “But this time, I’m more committed to my recovery. Something’s different, better.”
When asked how long he is sober, Juan doesn’t hesitate.
“I have 103 days,” he said on Sunday. “One day at a time.”
Another avenue to help
As Donahue and Kaufer made their way out of the park, they talked about the importance of vigorously addressing the issue of substance abuse in an continuing effort to reduce the number of lives affected and lost to the disease.
Donahue is hoping that a recovery support center, that will provide recreational activities, occupational opportunities and case management to those struggling with addiction, will open next year with funding coming through the nonprofit Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium.
Twenty-four recently trained certified recovery specialists, all successfully recovering from addiction, will be available to staff the center, with eight already having been hired.
The event concluded with a brief walk, following a balloon release in which silver and purple balloons rose to the sky, each one bearing a name of someone lost to addiction.
“Hate the disease,” said Coolbaugh. “But, keep loving the addict.”
Alexus, 16, and Wendy Beyer look at pictures of family members Richie Stepanski and David Glycenfer, who both died of drug overdoses. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916overdose2-1.jpg Alexus, 16, and Wendy Beyer look at pictures of family members Richie Stepanski and David Glycenfer, who both died of drug overdoses. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader Sandra Martin writes the name of her daughter, Heather McAvoy, who died of a drug overdose at age 46, on a remembrance list as Cindy Koziel waits to write the name of her son, Douglas, who also died earlier this year from a drug overdose at age 26. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916overdose4-1.jpg Sandra Martin writes the name of her daughter, Heather McAvoy, who died of a drug overdose at age 46, on a remembrance list as Cindy Koziel waits to write the name of her son, Douglas, who also died earlier this year from a drug overdose at age 26. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader A group walks inside Kirby Park on Sunday to raise awareness of the problem of drug overdoses. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916overdose3-1.jpg A group walks inside Kirby Park on Sunday to raise awareness of the problem of drug overdoses. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader Patricia and Chris Emmett, who lost their 23-year-old son, Chris, last week to a drug overdose, share thoughts about their son during Overdose Awareness Day at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916overdose1-1.jpg Patricia and Chris Emmett, who lost their 23-year-old son, Chris, last week to a drug overdose, share thoughts about their son during Overdose Awareness Day at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader
Loved ones gather on Overdose Awareness Day
By Geri Gibbons [email protected]
OVERDOSES IN LUZERNE COUNTY 2014 – 67 2015 – 95 So far in 2016 – 77 FOR HELP AFTER AN OVERDOSE GRASP — Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing — provides support to families and welcomes new members. Contact group facilitator Carol Coolbaugh at 570-991-7199. | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580924/victims-of-drug-overdoses-remembered-at-kirby-park-event-in-wilkes-barre | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/37de6bc6ccd46e0606c0440477da434ec1ff09b0fd29e58cd8744a8233c350c1.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:47:19 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581357%2Ftransgender-inmate-latest-to-push-for-hormone-treatment-3.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581357/transgender-inmate-latest-to-push-for-hormone-treatment-3 | en | null | Transgender inmate latest to push for hormone treatment | null | null | timesleader.com | ST. LOUIS (AP) — A transgender inmate is suing the Missouri prison system for refusing to provide hormone therapy as she transitions to a woman, adding her voice to those of prisoners in other states who argue that denying such treatment amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
Lambda Legal filed the lawsuit in federal court in St. Louis last week on behalf of Jessica Hicklin, a 37-year old inmate serving life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder at age 16, when she went by her birth name, James. She is challenging a state Department of Corrections policy that bars hormone therapy for inmates who weren’t receiving it before being incarcerated.
According to her lawsuit, it wasn’t until last year that medical experts determined that Hicklin has gender dysphoria, in which a person feels extreme distress because of a disconnect between their birth sex and gender identity. But in a blog posted on Lambda Legal’s website, Hicklin wrote that she felt she was a girl since she was very young.
“Even at 16, I felt I was on my way to certain death. I didn’t know what gender dysphoria was, or how to explain my feelings to my family or others in my small town,” wrote Hicklin, who was convicted of fatally shooting a man during a drug-related crime in the small town of Clinton in 1995.
The lawsuit contends that experts advised she undergo hormone therapy and permanent hair removal and that she have access to “gender-affirming” products from the prison commissary store that typically aren’t available at the all-male Potosi Correctional Center where she’s imprisoned. It also says she’s been sexually assaulted in prison and has anxiety and depression, along with “intrusive thoughts” of cutting off her own testicles because of the denied treatment.
In her blog posting, Hicklin wrote that she feels “locked in a prison within a prison — my body.”
“This personal prison is much crueler, and without a change in policy, I’m not sure I will survive it,” she wrote.
The Department of Corrections didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Martha Harbin, a spokeswoman for Corizon Health, which provides health care for the prison system and is also named in the lawsuit, declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that there are 3,200 transgender inmates in the nation’s prisons and jails.
Federal inmates can receive treatment for gender dysphoria if an evaluation determines they need it, based on a policy enacted in 2011. The policy applies whether therapy was prescribed before or after the inmate entered federal custody.
But states continue to have varying regulations.
“It’s a hard battle that Jessica and others in her situation have to face, when they have to explain to a state why they need medical treatment,” said Richard Saenz, an attorney for Lambda Legal, a Washington-based non-profit for lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people and those with HIV and AIDS.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice wrote in a court filing that state prison officials must treat an inmate’s gender identity condition just as they would treat other medical or mental health conditions, regardless of when the diagnosis occurred. The filing was part of a lawsuit on behalf of Ashley Diamond, a transgender woman who was imprisoned at the time in Georgia.
Diamond has since been paroled. In February, Georgia agreed to pay $250,000 to settle her lawsuit.
W. John Thomas, a health law expert at the Quinnipiac University School of Law, said prison systems are facing increasing pressure to tend to the medical needs of transgender inmates and that he thinks the issue will likely make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. He said state corrections departments often oppose treatment for transgender inmates for two reasons: the cost and the “political and moralistic.”
A lawsuit similar to Hicklin’s was filed earlier this month by Reiyn Keohane, a transgender Florida prisoner who is seeking hormone treatments.
In June, a federal judge ruled that California must allow transgender inmates to have more female-oriented commissary items like nightgowns and necklaces. The ruling was part of a settlement that will make California the first state to pay for an inmate’s sex reassignment surgery.
In December, an 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected an Arkansas inmate’s appeal seeking gender reassignment hormones to transition to a woman. It ruled that several mental health professionals evaluated Andrew Reid, who identified as a woman, and had not diagnosed a gender identity disorder.
Perhaps the most well-known case of a transgender prisoner seeking treatment was that of Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst serving a 35-year sentence at a military prison for leaking government documents to Wikileaks. Last year, the Army agreed to pay for hormone treatments for Manning, who was previously known as Bradley. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581357/transgender-inmate-latest-to-push-for-hormone-treatment-3 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e6464203a2d8c81b26c430cf950e70546126eb865b96cc6baf3499385c7ff731.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:46:46 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcrime%2Fpolice-blotter%2F580121%2Fpolice-man-stole-nearly-900-in-sunglasses-from-lenscrafters.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Wilkes-Barre-Township-Police-6.jpg | en | null | Police: Man stole nearly $900 in sunglasses from LensCrafters | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Police are investigating an alleged retail theft that happened at LensCrafters.
Police said that at 3:24 p.m. Thursday, an employee at the store inside the Wyoming Valley Mall reported that a man stole several pairs of RayBan and Oakley sunglasses.
Police said the total value of the theft is $878. The police report did not give a description of the suspect.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Wilkes-Barre-Township-Police-6.jpg | http://timesleader.com/crime/police-blotter/580121/police-man-stole-nearly-900-in-sunglasses-from-lenscrafters | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/90010dcc68b5b385d9438661d311975643cffedf20e0d713268db1ac5eb50c06.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F580916%2Four-opinion-as-school-year-begins-look-for-ways-to-boost-student-motivation.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_back-to-school-913072_1920-1.jpg | en | null | Our Opinion: As school year begins, look for ways to boost student motivation | null | null | timesleader.com | Would it be a good idea to …
… encourage students in our area’s public and private schools with regular doses of inspiration?
Fifth-graders in a New Jersey elementary school entered their classroom one day this spring to find messages written in ink across each desktop. At first glance, the scrawling might have been mistaken for graffiti. But it wasn’t a vandal’s work; instead, teacher Chandni Langford borrowed an idea from Pinterest and plastered students’ desks with positive messages as motivation before they were to begin a multiday round of testing.
One student found this maxim: “There is no elevator to success, you must take the stairs!”
Another student read this: “Learning is your superpower!”
As a new school year gets underway in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with many Luzerne County students returning to the classroom today, stop for a moment to consider the goal: each student achieving his or her maximum potential. That won’t happen if a student loses, or never musters, the motivation to learn.
Parents and teachers can find ideas for building excitement about the school year at sites such as these:
• Education.com posted “Going Back to School: 10 Tips to Motivate Kids.” Among the suggestions: “Talk to your child about the current state of the school. Is the district debating whether to discontinue serving hot food? Is there a shortage of computers? Urge him to form opinions on issues that affect him, which may inspire him to become involved at school in a non-academic way.”
• GettingSmart.com republished a blog this month titled “How to Motivate Your Student For Back-to-School.” It offers advice for both younger and older students.
• Scholastic.com supplies elementary school teachers with a roundup titled “Top 5 Ways to Welcome Students Back to School.”
Certain adults might snicker, thinking any inspirational efforts in the classroom are gimmicky, even unnecessary. But others beg to differ.
As the late motivational speaker and salesman extraordinaire Zig Ziglar famously put it: “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
If you’re inspired to give us your feedback, send a letter to the editor or post comments to this editorial at timesleader.com.
Likewise, tell us your ideas for improving the community. Maybe we’ll spotlight your suggestion in a future editorial and ask readers, “Would it be a good idea to …” | http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/580916/our-opinion-as-school-year-begins-look-for-ways-to-boost-student-motivation | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/91e276818844c4f3f13b4eec9eec8a025b5cd0eaec577c4dec59ed7bd6678ebd.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:47:21 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581718%2Fnonprofit-group-surprises-flint-kids-with-free-backpacks.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581718/nonprofit-group-surprises-flint-kids-with-free-backpacks | en | null | Nonprofit group surprises Flint kids with free backpacks | null | null | timesleader.com | FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A nonprofit group is giving backpacks filled with school supplies to all 5,500 students in Flint’s public school district, the latest philanthropic effort aimed at helping the city dealing with the aftermath of a lead-tainted water crisis.
Minneapolis-based Kids In Need Foundation began making the donations Tuesday morning during an assembly at Freeman Elementary School. More than 200 students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade attended.
From the auditorium stage, Dave Smith, executive director of Kids In Need, told the children they would “get a surprise today,” then led them in a countdown from 10. Many of the students screamed out in excitement when a curtain concealing the surprise gifts was pulled back.
The children walked on stage and were handed their backpacks. When they returned to their seats, they excitedly opened up their packs and pulled out crayons, glue sticks, notebooks, folders, rulers, pencils and other items — around 20 items in all.
“I liked it, because I won’t have to ask for a pencil from the teacher because I have my own,” said sixth-grader Delmarco Person.
Most schools in Flint don’t get started until after Labor Day, so Kids In Need plans to ship the remaining backpacks to the city in time for them to be distributed next week to the remaining 5,000-plus students in Flint Community Schools.
“It’s an area that’s been economically challenged anyway, and then with the water crisis on top of that, we knew there was lots of issues for all the families,” Smith said. “And this was one way of getting school supplies to them — an issue that they didn’t have to worry about when the kids went back to class.”
Flint was under state financial oversight when it switched in 2014 from the Detroit water system to the Flint River to save money. But corrosion controls were not added to the river water, which caused lead to leach from old pipes into homes and businesses. Tests later found elevated lead levels in some children. The city since has returned to Detroit’s water system.
Charitable giving has exploded in Flint since the water crisis became nationally known early this year. Groups and individuals have sent gifts of money and bottled water. Earlier this month, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation announced it was giving $7.1 million to nonprofits and organizations supporting efforts to help city residents.
Kids In Need Foundation partnered with rapper Eminem’s Marshall Mathers Foundation to make the Flint backpack giveaway a reality.
Smith, who has been giving away hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of school supplies to kids across the U.S. for 20 years, marveled Tuesday at something he had never experienced at a ceremony like this one.
A first-grade student had pulled out one of the sticky notes from a backpack and scrawled her name and the words “thank you” on one of them.
Asked later about why she wrote the note, Damaria Malone said simply: “Because it was nice.”
___
Online:
http://www.kinf.org/flint | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581718/nonprofit-group-surprises-flint-kids-with-free-backpacks | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/d0b797585d561a292a7e42a4280eca81b3abbffd342c34a0d2569b0e9ef226e8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:47:10 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnational%2F581214%2Flightning-strike-kills-more-than-300-reindeer-in-norway.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112154766-3febd013f78b497199840dac8605956e.jpg | en | null | Lightning strike kills more than 300 reindeer in Norway | null | null | timesleader.com | STOCKHOLM (AP) — More than 300 wild reindeer have been killed by lightning in central Norway.
The Norwegian Environment Agency has released eerie images showing a jumble of reindeer carcasses scattered across a small area on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The agency says 323 animals were killed, including 70 calves, in the lightning storm Friday.
Agency spokesman Kjartan Knutsen told The Associated Press it’s not uncommon for reindeer or other wildlife to be killed by lightning strikes but this was an unusually deadly event.
“We have not heard about such numbers before,” he said Monday.
He said reindeer tend to stay very close to each other in bad weather, which could explain how so many were killed at once.
“I don’t know if there were several lightning strikes,” he said. “But it happened in one moment.”
Knutsen said the agency is now discussing what to do with the dead animals. Normally, they are just left where they fall to let nature take its course, he said.
Thousands of reindeer migrate across the barren Hardangervidda plateau as the seasons change.
In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016 in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112154766-d164d1d4f81548f6804ca535733c67ae.jpg In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016 in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016 in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112154766-abd29cb3d3764af19bbdb1ef40a03405.jpg In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016 in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016, in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112154766-3febd013f78b497199840dac8605956e.jpg In this image made available by the Norwegian Environment Agency on Monday Aug. 29 2016, shows some of the more than 300 wild reindeer that were killed by lighting in Hardangervidda, central Norway on Friday Aug. 26, 2016, in what wildlife officials say was a highly unusual massacre by nature. (Havard Kjotvedt /Norwegian Environment Agency, NTB scanpix, via AP) | http://timesleader.com/national/581214/lightning-strike-kills-more-than-300-reindeer-in-norway | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e17b90e5dff7a1fada3468bb138e3f7a3d08187464b19246b83383c12ebfe1ce.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:46:30 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580118%2Fstocks-slip-into-losses-in-the-afternoon-after-yellen-speech-4.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580118/stocks-slip-into-losses-in-the-afternoon-after-yellen-speech-4 | en | null | Stocks slip into losses in the afternoon after Yellen speech | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks were mostly lower on Wall Street in afternoon trading on Friday, giving up modest gains following a generally upbeat assessment of the economy from Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Phone companies and utilities, widely considered safe-play stocks, led the list of decliners, while health care stocks rose. AT&T and Verizon each fell about 1 percent.
KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average fell 59 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,390 as of 1:15 p.m. Eastern time. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index slipped 4 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,168. The Nasdaq composite dipped 3 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 5,209.
YELLEN UPBEAT: Federal Reserve Chair Yellen said in a speech that the Fed is moving toward raising interest rates in light of a solid job market and an improved outlook for the U.S. economy and inflation. But she stopped short of signaling any timetable for the next rate hike.
BOND REACTION: After initially rising after Yellen’s speech, U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year note, which moves in the opposite direction of the price, rose to 1.59 percent from 1.54 earlier Friday. The yield was 1.58 percent late Thursday.
THE QUOTE: “Who would think the Fed would raise interest rates two months before a very important election and with economic growth that has been back and forth and back and forth for years?” said Bruce Bittles, chief investment strategist at R.W. Baird. “She suggests the economy is improving, but the GDP numbers for the past three quarters are closer to 1 percent than three percent. That is very anemic.”
HERBALIFE FALLS: Herbalife fell $3.39, or 5.6 percent, to $58.54 after the Wall Street Journal reported that Carl Icahn, the company’s biggest shareholder and defender, has been trying to unload his stake. Federal regulators recently ordered the company to change its sales practices, but did not agree with Wall Street critics that it was a pyramid scheme.
SOFTWARE SURGE: Design software company Autodesk rose $4.08, or 6 percent, to $67.78 after reporting a small profit, beating expectations of a loss.
PROFIT PICTURE: Earnings per share for companies in the S&P 500 index are expected to fall 1.8 percent in the second quarter, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. That would be the fourth quarter in a row of drops.
ONE MAN’S VIEW: “We’ve been in a bit of an earnings recession,” said Thomas Wilson, senior investment manager at Brinker Capital, but stocks are holding near record highs because financial analysts expect earnings to “go up” toward the end of the year.
OVERSEAS: Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 0.3 percent, Germany’s DAX gained 0.6 percent, and France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.8 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.2 percent after consumer prices fell the most in three years in July. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.4 percent.
OIL: Benchmark U.S. crude oil rose 10 cents to $47.43 a barrel. Brent crude, used to price oil internationally, fell 8 cents to $49.59 a barrel.
CURRENCIES: The dollar rose to 101.53 yen from 100.57 yen the previous day. The euro fell to $1.1231 from $1.1281. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580118/stocks-slip-into-losses-in-the-afternoon-after-yellen-speech-4 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/08faf94daf123ee23a9cb3171f5840566c00cc610ea596e7fa2025f116e0f1d5.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:46:39 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Flocalsports%2F580198%2Fhigh-school-sports-ryan-keyes-shot-6-under-par-in-coughlins-win-over-pittston-area.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Golf-ball-3.jpg | en | null | High school sports: Ryan Keyes shot 6-under par in Coughlin’s win over Pittston Area | null | null | timesleader.com | Coughlin’s Ryan Keyes birdied the last five holes and finished 6-under par (30) en route to Coughlin’s 170-185 win over Pittston Area on Friday at Wilkes-Barre Municipal in a high school golf match.
“He’s playing with an extreme amount of confidence,” Crusaders’ head coach Mike Galli said. “He’s playing mistake-free golf and he’s playing with a lot of belief. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Galli said Keyes’ 30 is the lowest he can remember a high school player achieving in his 10 years.
Teammate Marco DeLuca shot a 44, while Alek Krokos and Matt Hamel shot a 47 and 49, respectively.
Allie Craig led the Patriots with a 44.
Dallas 169, Wyoming Valley West 199
Mason Gattuso earned medalist honors, shooting 37 to lead the Mountaineers to victory over Wyoming Valley West.
Teammate Colin Bowanko shot a 40, Kyle McAndrew, Brett Ostroski and Zack Bloom all shot a 46.
Martin Cryan shot a 40 to lead Wyoming Valley West.
Wyoming Seminary 155, Meyers 158
Liam Gilroy shot a 36 to lead Wyoming Seminary past Meyers at Hollenback Golf Club.
Teammate Jeremy Callahan shot a 37, and Dan Rogers and Greg Godlewski both shot a 42.
Glenn Ellsworth earned medalist honors, shooting 35 to lead Mohawks.
Wyoming Seminary 154, GAR 224
Liam Gilroy and Tyler Maddock both earned medalist honors, each shooting 36 to lead Wyoming Seminary over GAR at Hollenback..
Teammates Greg Godlewski and Harrison May both shot a 42.
Grant Campbell led GAR with a 48.
Holy Redeemer 161, GAR 224
Derek Answini earned medalist honors with a 37 and led the Royals to victory over GAR.
Teammates Kenny Wallace shot a 40, while Joe Boos and Jack Gallis both shot a 42.
Grant Campbell led GAR, shooting a 48.
Meyers 158, GAR 224
Glenn Ellsworth received medalist honors, shooting 35, leading Meyers over GAR,.
Teammate Dave Nargoski recorded a 39, Billy Worton shot a 40 and Andy Hossage shot a 44.
Glen Campbell led GAR with a 48.
Meyers 158, Holy Redeemer
Glens Ellsworth earned medalist honors after shooting a 35 in Meyers’ win over Holy Redeemer.
Crestwood 153, Hazleton Area 168
Shane Angle and Mike Golden each earned medalist honors, shooting an even par 36 for Crestwood over Hazleton Area at Sugarloaf Golf Club.
Teammate John McGroarty shot a 40 and Jeremy Harper shot a 41.
Frank Seratch shot an even par 36, earning medalist honors for Hazleton Area.
Lake-Lehman 172, Berwick 205
Adam Motovidlak shot a 40, earning a medalist honor, leading Lake-Lehman over Berwick, at Huntsville on Friday.
Teammate Mike Sikora shot a 43, Tyler Scharff shot a 44 and Robert Lugiano shot a 46.
Mackenzie Sult led Berwick, shooting a 49.
Nanticoke 193, Hanover 212
Matt Daniels shot a 44, earning medalist honors, leading Nanticoke over Hanover, 193-212 at Edgewood.
Teammate Jeremy Grodzicki shot a 46, Eric Grodzicki shot a 49 and Austin Norton shot a 54.
Devin Fink Led Hanover, shooting a 49.
Tunkhannock 169, Wyoming Area 188
Tyler Faux shot a 39, earning medalist honors and leading Tunkhannock over Wyoming Area, 169-188 at Shadowbrook on Friday.
Teammate Emma Harding shot a 40, Brittany Zamber shot a 44 and Dylan Mislevy shot a 46.
Nik Athmann shot a 44, leading Wyoming Area.
GIRLS TENNIS
Wyoming Area 4, Coughlin 1
Wyoming Area defeated Coughlin 4-1.
Briana Pizzano won the No. 1 singles match 6-4, 6-2, while Emily Cheskiewicz and Nina Minnelli won the No. doubles match 4-6, 6-0, 6-0.
Hazleton Area 3, Stroudsburg 2
Hazleton Area edged Stroudsburg, 3-2.
Hazleton Area’s Stephanie Mazurek won the No. 1 singles match 6-2, 6-3, while Stroudsburg’s Mercedes Bator and Vasilia Briegel won the No. 1 doubles match 7-6, 2-6, 8-6.
Dallas 169, Wyoming Valley West 199
Irem, par 36
DALLAS (169) — Mason Gattuso 37*, Colin Bowanko 40, Kyle McAndrew 46, Brett Ostroski 46, Zack Bloom 46.
VALLEY WEST (199) — Martin Cryan 40, Rob Lane 41, Chad Romanowski 59, Jake Malia 59, Cassidy Taylor 59.
Wyoming Seminary 155, Meyers 158
Hollenback Golf Club, par 33
MEYERS (158) — Dave Nargoski 39, Glenn Ellsworth 35*, Billy Worton 40, Andy Hossage 44.
WYOMING SEMINARY (155) — Greg Godlewski 42, Liam Gilroy 36, Jeremy Callahan 37, Dan Rogers 42.
Wyoming Seminary 154, GAR 224
Hollenback Golf Club, par 33
GAR (224) — Robbie Reimiller 50, Grant Campbell 48, Oneisha Garallues 60, Dave DeVito 66.
WYOMING SEMINARY (154) — Greg Godlewski 42, Liam Gilroy 36*, Tyler Maddock 36*, Harrison May 42.
Holy Redeemer 161, GAR 224
Hollenback Golf Club, par 33
GAR (224) — Robbie Reimiller 50, Grant Campbell 48, Oneisha Garallues 60, David DeVito 66.
HOLY REDEEMER (161) — Kenny Wallace 40, Derek Answini 37*, Joe Boos 42, Jack Gallis 42.
Meyers 158, GAR 224
Hollenback Golf Club, par 33
MEYERS (158) — Dave Nargoski 39, Glenn Ellsworth 35*, Billy Worton 40, Andy Hossage 44.
GAR (224) — Robbie Reimiller 50, Grant Campbell 48, Oneisha Garallues 60, David DeVito 66.
Coughlin 170, Pittston Area 185
Wilkes-Barre Municipal, par 36
COUGHLIN (170) — Ryan Keyes 30*, Marco DeLuca 44, Alek Krokos 47, Matt Hamel 49.
PITTSTON AREA (185) — Allie Craig 44, Dylan Burwell 47, Brandon Seaman 47, Matt Havrilla 47.
Crestwood 153, Hazleton Area 168
Sugarloaf Golf Club, par 36
CRESTWOOD (153) — Shane Angle 36*, Mike Golden 36*, John McGroarty 40, Jeremy Harper 41.
HAZLETON AREA (168) — Frank Seratch 36*, Jordan Pick 46, Matt Boretski 42, Brian Bartel 44.
Lake-Lehman 172, Berwick 205
Huntsville, par 36
LAKE-LEHMAN (172) — Adam Motovidlak 40*, Mike Sikora 42, Tyler Scharff 44, Robert Lugiano 46.
BERWICK (205) — Mackenzie Sult 49, Roopesh Kumar 51, Zack Evans 52, Dylan Michael 53.
Nanticoke 193, Hanover 212
Edgewood, par 36
NANTICOKE (193) — Matt Daniels 44*, Jeremy Grodzicki 46, Eric Grodzicki 49, Austin Norton 54.
HANOVER (212) — Devin Fink 49, Auggie George 51, Desmond McCance 56, Joey Berkant 56.
Tunkhannock 169, Wyoming Area 188
Shadowbrook, par 37
WYOMING AREA (188) — Nik Athmann 44, Ryan Wrubel 44, Cole Coolbaugh 51, Chase Yochem 50.
TUNKHANNOCK — Tyler Faux 39*, Emma Harding 40, Brittany Zamber 44, Dylan Mislevy 46.
Meyers 158, Holy Redeemer 161
at Hollenback, par 33
MEYERS (158) — Glen Ellsworth 35*, Dave Nargoski 39,Billy Norton 40, Andy Hossage 44.
REDEEMER (161) — Derek Answini 38, Kenny Wallace 40, Joe Boos 41, Jack Gallis 42.
*medalist honors
GIRLS TENNIS
Wyoming Area 4, Coughlin 1
SINGLES — Brianna Pizzano (WA) d. Diana Rodriquez 6-4, 6-2; Allison Lampman (WA) d. Kira Meager 6-4, 6-1; Lea Getz (WA) d. Rachel Lacomy 6-4, 6-2.
DOUBLES — Emily Cheskiewicz/Nina Minnelli (WA) d. Diana Stavinski/Carly Lewis 4-6, 6-0, 6-0; Julia Schneider/Hanna Moon (COU) d. Stephanie Palovochak/Olivia Williams 7-6 (5), 6-3.
Hazleton Area 3, Stroudsburg 2
SINGLES — Stephanie Mazurek (HAZ) d. Sara Denny 6-2, 6-3; Lily Nowak (HAZ) d. Delaney Pinson 6-1, 6-0; Sofia Losen (HAZ) d. Johna Fiedler 6-2, 6-3.
DOUBLES — Mercedes Bator/Vasilia Briegel (STR) d. Kim DelRegro/Adrianna Bohman 7-6, 2-6, 8-6; Erin Hunt/Blanca Zhang (STR) d. Isabelle Wilusz/Luz Guerrero 6-1, 6-0.
Billy Hurley III acknowledges the gallery after putting for par on the 13th green during the third round of the Quicken Loans National PGA golf tournament, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Golf-ball-3.jpg Billy Hurley III acknowledges the gallery after putting for par on the 13th green during the third round of the Quicken Loans National PGA golf tournament, Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/sports/localsports/580198/high-school-sports-ryan-keyes-shot-6-under-par-in-coughlins-win-over-pittston-area | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e6ad2805b7999da71a54aa8d668dbf4eefe72022edccd2aecf1eb0342a95fd18.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:21 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumns%2F581573%2Fjames-paul-on-charter-school-reform-pennsylvania-lawmakers-should-tread-carefully.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Paul.jpg | en | null | James Paul: On charter school ‘reform,’ Pennsylvania lawmakers should tread carefully | null | null | timesleader.com | Back-to-school season can be an emotional time for students. Some greet the school year with excitement to learn and socialize, while others regretfully say goodbye to summer. Over the next nine months, many will have their lives transformed for the better.
But for thousands of other children, this time of year is defined by disappointment. They are trapped in schools that don’t meet their needs – effectively held hostage by a system that limits choice and opportunity.
Nearly 20 years after charter schools were introduced in Pennsylvania, 130,000 students benefit from the educational choice offered by these independently managed, publicly funded schools.
It’s no secret that charter schools work. Philadelphia charter students receive the equivalent of an additional 43 days of reading and math compared to their counterparts in traditional public schools, according to a Stanford University study. Charter schools excel at educating students who typically lag behind their peers, including low-income students, black and Hispanic students, and English-language learners.
Indeed, multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate that urban students excel in charters.
Still, many students must literally win a lottery to earn a seat in a school of their choosing, while countless others remain stranded on waiting lists. Quality education should not be a game of roulette; it should be afforded to every child.
Charter supporters want to expand choice to serve even more students. Critics – most vocally teachers’ union leaders and defenders of the public school monopoly – see charters as a threat. They want a moratorium on new charters and funding cuts for existing ones.
As lawmakers take on reforms to the 1997 law, it’s critical they get it right.
In July, a charter school overhaul nearly derailed a state budget compromise. At the eleventh hour, lawmakers stripped House Bill 530, which had been several years in the making, from the budget agreement, promising to take another pass this fall.
Why did the reform fall apart? Charter critics whipped up a frenzy of misperceptions, claiming the bill would eliminate enrollment caps, rob public school boards of authorizing power, and cause rampant charter school growth – none of which is true.
Enrollment caps are already illegal. The legislation merely clarifies existing law and honors a recent ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. What’s more, HB 530 does not change that school boards alone may approve brick-and-mortar charters.
Lost in the frenzy were many of HB 530’s benefits, such as lengthening charter terms from three years to five, and extending renewal terms from five years to 10. Under the bill, the state Board of Education would create a “performance matrix” to evaluate charter quality. And the Charter School Appeals Board would expand to include more input from those with real-world experience managing a charter school.
The bill also would establish a commission to examine charter funding and propose recommendations.
That’s not to say HB 530 is perfect. One advantage of charters is they have greater autonomy and fewer mandates than traditional schools. Unfortunately, the bill includes a host of new regulations. Although some are reasonable – increased financial transparency and accountability measures, among others – lawmakers should avoid burdening charters with the same red tape drowning traditional public schools.
Most troubling, though, are the bill’s arbitrary, $27-million cuts to cyber charters – before a funding commission even begins its work.
Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states in per-pupil education spending, and aid to public schools has steadily increased since Gov. Ed Rendell cut state funds and supplanted them with federal dollars. Why consider cuts for public cyber schools, which account for less than 2 percent of all public school spending in the commonwealth?
Too much is at stake to rush into funding cuts. Pennsylvania must not do wrong by its charter schools and the families they serve.
When lawmakers return to Harrisburg in September, issues such as opioid abuse and pension reform will vie for their attention. If they tackle charter reform, too, it’s imperative they prioritize families over special interests and expand opportunity for Pennsylvania’s children.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Paul.jpg
James Paul Guest columnist | http://timesleader.com/opinion/columns/581573/james-paul-on-charter-school-reform-pennsylvania-lawmakers-should-tread-carefully | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/59f1382ce58a373da1c5b5327617535296557f9f877bd404a5078d9aa25c8def.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:47:14 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581507%2Fex-aide-poised-to-replace-convicted-pennsylvania-prosecutor-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581507/ex-aide-poised-to-replace-convicted-pennsylvania-prosecutor-2 | en | null | Ex-aide poised to replace convicted Pennsylvania prosecutor | null | null | timesleader.com | HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are poised to replace the state’s convicted ex-attorney general with her former top deputy.
Tuesday’s scheduled confirmation vote on Bruce Beemer comes nearly two weeks after Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf nominated him to head an office racked by infighting and scandal under Kathleen Kane.
Kane was convicted of leaking secret grand jury information to smear a rival and lying under oath to cover it up. She resigned Aug. 17 and faces prison time.
Kane promoted Beemer to the top lieutenant’s job, but he later clashed publicly with her and provided testimony that helped prosecutors to convict her.
Beemer left his post last month to become Wolf’s inspector general. He’ll fill the remaining five months of Kane’s term until a successor picked by voters is sworn in Jan. 17. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581507/ex-aide-poised-to-replace-convicted-pennsylvania-prosecutor-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ba839db8f5a1e7dc38b43837e865b6ca549a0d51ff0aab00e3e02a84852a35e9.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:46:55 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fengagements%2F580682%2Fsara-alison-hoegen-and-jacob-greco-latcham-engagement.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816hoegen.eng_.jpg | en | null | Sara Alison Hoegen and Jacob Greco Latcham engagement | null | null | timesleader.com | Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Hoegen, Kingston, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Sara Alison, to Mr. Jacob Greco Latcham, son of Mr. and Mrs. George G. Latcham, Beeville, Texas.
Sara is the granddaughter of the late Christine Jeffrey McLaughlin and the late Thomas V. McLaughlin, Wilkes-Barre and the late Peter and Maureen McGovern Hoegen, Kingston Township. She is also a step-granddaughter of Nancy Hagan McLaughlin, Plains.
Jake is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. John Greco, North Carolina; the late Mrs. Joan Lovelace, Beevillle, Texas and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Latcham, Jr., Beeville, Texas.
The bride-to-be is a 2012 graduate of Fairfield University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and French, with dual minors in women’s gender and sexuality studies, as well as religious studies. Sara is currently pursuing a Master of Science in education degree, with a focus on educational technology, at Johns Hopkins University School of Education. She will graduate in May 2017. Sara is currently employed as an upper school instructor at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas.
The prospective groom graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2009, with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in management. In 2013, Jake received his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He is a venture principal at Schlumberger Limited in Houston, Texas.
The couple will exchange vows at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton, New York, in October 29. | http://timesleader.com/engagements/580682/sara-alison-hoegen-and-jacob-greco-latcham-engagement | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/9760030d7b14a043de84347406d6ad68d64f376b4521836f7e9a625514d8a193.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:46:32 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F580143%2Fhappy-birthday-brislyn-michael-reilly.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082616brislin.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Brislyn Michael Reilly! | null | null | timesleader.com | Brislyn Michael Reilly, daughter of Rachel and Patrick Reilly, Shavertown, is celebrating her fifth birthday today, Aug. 26, 2016. Brislyn is the granddaughter of Stephen and Betty Chopyak, Hughestown.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082616brislin.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/580143/happy-birthday-brislyn-michael-reilly | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e45c9eaee70bea62888501ca38a95df2fc6a19bacdcad8c6a1c4bf75ac74a10e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:06 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F581194%2Fletter-to-the-editor-civil-grand-jury-could-resolve-improprieties-within-luzerne-countys-public-bodies.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_letter-to-editorUpdated-12.jpg | en | null | Letter to the Editor: Civil grand jury could resolve ‘improprieties’ within Luzerne County’s public bodies | null | null | timesleader.com | I have been gone from the Wyoming Valley for 60 years, but it remains my hometown and I read the Times Leader from time to time.
The recent articles regarding the school bus issue in Mountain Top, as well as a number of similar occurrences throughout the area over the years, leads me to believe a solution might be found by adopting a county “civil grand jury” program such as exists in California.
The jury members are non-officeholders chosen to represent various areas of the county. The jury accepts suggestions from citizens regarding actions by public entities that might warrant investigation. After preliminary study, the appropriate committee reports on the matter, and the jury as a whole decides whether the matter merits in-depth study. Matters being pursued by the courts are not investigated by the civil grand jury. If, during its investigations, the jury discovers illegal activity, that is immediately referred to the proper authority.
The civil grand jury has subpoena power, and its meetings and procedures are not public. The civil grand jury sits for approximately six months; however, that could be subject to change. At the end of the term, the jury publishes it findings, and the public entity – school board, sheriff’s department, etc. – has 60 days to reply. Generally, the matters are corrected by changes in practices and/or procedures, while on occasion more drastic corrective action is necessary.
In any event, the civil grand jury and its findings cannot be ignored and can serve to correct some improprieties before they become serious problems or breaches of law.
Clifford Nagle
Riverbank, Calif. | http://timesleader.com/opinion/letters/581194/letter-to-the-editor-civil-grand-jury-could-resolve-improprieties-within-luzerne-countys-public-bodies | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/688c3821634b267378722cf57616b8cbdcaefd46a11a10ed4dbab7f938b3fba6.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:19 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F581589%2Fgarrison-keillor-returns-to-f-m-kirby-center-in-wilkes-barre-march-13.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Garrison-Keillor-Press.jpg | en | null | Garrison Keillor returns to F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre March 13 | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — With more than four million weekly listeners on more than 600 public radio stations, author and radio personality Garrison Keillor has become one of the most beloved storytellers in America throughout his nearly 35-year tenure on air.
The host of live radio variety show, “A Prairie Home Companion,” since 1972, Keillor performs at 7:30 p.m. March 13 at the F.M. Kirby Center, 71 Public Square.
Keillor’s body of work also includes hosting daily radio and online program, “The Writer’s Almanac” and editing several anthologies of poetry. As an author, he has published more than two dozen books including “Lake Wobegon Days,” “Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny” and “Homegrown Democrat.”
A critically celebrated film adaptation of “A Prairie Home Companion” had Keillor playing himself alongside Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin and Kevin Kline in 2006. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1994 and has a Grammy Award, a Peabody Award and two CableACE Awards.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 2, range from $35 to $55 and are available through the Kirby Center box office, online at www.kirbycenter.org and by phone at 570-826-1100. A pre-sale for Kirby members begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 31.
Award-winning author and radio personality Garrison Keillor has hosted “A Prairie Home Companion” since 1972. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Garrison-Keillor-Press.jpg Award-winning author and radio personality Garrison Keillor has hosted “A Prairie Home Companion” since 1972. Submitted photo
Times Leader staff reports | http://timesleader.com/news/581589/garrison-keillor-returns-to-f-m-kirby-center-in-wilkes-barre-march-13 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/00ed59be40a5b8bf39f302b2b74d356b1f2d4e404735b38aead9a60d993285a4.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:46:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580308%2Faftershocks-rattle-italy-as-national-mourning-begins.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580308/aftershocks-rattle-italy-as-national-mourning-begins | en | null | Aftershocks rattle Italy as national mourning begins | null | null | timesleader.com | ASCOLI PICENO, Italy (AP) — Residents of Italian towns devastated by an earthquake were rattled by a series of aftershocks overnight, the strongest measuring 4.2, as Italy began a day of national mourning.
The national mourning includes a state funeral for some of the victims in Ascoli Piceno to be attended by Premier Matteo Renzi and President Sergio Mattarella. Ahead the funeral, caskets were lined up in a gym where mourners have been bidding farewell to loved ones, kneeling, crying and placing their hands on flower-covered caskets.
The quake that struck before dawn on Wednesday took the lives of at least 281 people while 387 have been hospitalized for injuries.
Saturday’s early morning aftershock had a magnitude of 4.2, according to the Geological Service, while the Italian geophysics institute measured it at 4. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580308/aftershocks-rattle-italy-as-national-mourning-begins | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e797514aaa06c54817e2025fd119f0db656ddb4cdba24a5aa4b7c43e13158e76.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:47:34 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581818%2Fjapanese-defense-ministry-seeks-record-51-billion-budget.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581818/japanese-defense-ministry-seeks-record-51-billion-budget | en | null | Japanese Defense Ministry seeks record $51 billion budget | null | null | timesleader.com | TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking a record-high 5.17 trillion yen ($51 billion) budget for the 2017 fiscal year to bolster missile defense capability amid an escalating North Korean threat and better protect disputed islands also claimed by China in the East China Sea.
If approved by parliament, the budget request submitted Wednesday would be the fifth annual increase under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who ended a decade of defense budget cuts.
The request includes the purchase of next-generation missile interceptors and an upgrade of surface-to-air missile defense systems to extend range and accuracy. It also calls for the development of a new submarine with advanced surveillance capabilities, upgrades to destroyers and the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581818/japanese-defense-ministry-seeks-record-51-billion-budget | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/3c19832cbd8997971a6c821e8a5e419903d4a26870fec1e958d86c3f76b6a140.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:46:31 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F580155%2Fhazleton-wine-and-beer-festival-to-be-held.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716hazleton.wine_.jpg | en | null | Hazleton Wine and Beer Festival to be held | null | null | timesleader.com | The fifth annual Hazleton Wine and Beer Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at its new location, Hazle Township Babe Ruth Field, 601 Hazle Township Boulevard. Beer or wine tasting is part of the entry fee. The first 500 entrants will receive a free beer koozie and a variety of food items will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be provided from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Ostrich Hat and from 2 to 6 p.m. by Kartune. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25.00 at the gate and $4 for non-drinking designated drivers. You must be 21 years of age to attend. Purchase tickets from wwwhazletonrotary.ticketleap.com or any Hazleton Rotary Club member. Visit Facebook at www.hazletonrotary.org. Participants, from left, first row, are: Mary Pat Stroia, committee; Neal DeAngelo, DBi services, master level sponsor; Jane Krouse, committee chair and Pat Ward, Rotary president. Second row: Ron Avellino, immediate past president; Tracy Karchner, Tim Genetti and Pat Korb, all committee members. Not available: Dorothy Anderson, Lani Drobnock, Donna Delehanty, Jim Kelshaw and Sharon Farver.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716hazleton.wine_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580155/hazleton-wine-and-beer-festival-to-be-held | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/913125756f8f381ace4c47bca6cde17cb7bd6aee18bfc4558f3bd197cfa47487.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:46:44 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580481%2Frestaurant-operator-responds-to-claims-of-worms-in-burgers.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580481/restaurant-operator-responds-to-claims-of-worms-in-burgers | en | null | Restaurant operator responds to claims of worms in burgers | null | null | timesleader.com | MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — A McDonald’s franchisee says he’s been unable to substantiate claims by two customers who reported finding worms in food at the fast-food chain’s restaurants in two Kentucky communities.
Michael Love, owner-operator of the two restaurants, says inspections of the restaurants by health officials did not uncover any of the problems raised by the customers.
Mayfield resident Madison Stephens told WPSD-TV that she visited the local McDonald’s on Sunday and purchased food for her and her 1-year-old son. She says that as she was about to bite into her hamburger, a live worm fell out.
At the McDonald’s in Draffenville, about 25 miles away from Mayfield, Lacey Jo Lovett says she also found a worm in her burger on Tuesday.
Stephens says she contacted McDonald’s about the incident, and they sent her a $10 gift card. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580481/restaurant-operator-responds-to-claims-of-worms-in-burgers | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/7beba7dfb8c1b08702d44ede62ad10e30b330a5b509af46ec08526edd216bf38.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:46:51 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F580492%2Fletter-to-the-editor-clinton-camp-contains-too-much-deceit-hillary-wont-get-our-votes.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Clintons.jpg | en | null | Letter to the Editor: Clinton camp contains too much deceit; Hillary won’t get our votes | null | null | timesleader.com | Kudos to Mark Fritz for his letter to the editor on the Clintons (“Can’t trust the Clintons,” Aug 19).
He put into words what we have been thinking for a long time. Hillary cannot be trusted. She lies and is also power hungry. The only reason she stayed with Bill after all the scandal of his infidelities is that she had designs on a political career of her own.
Due to her lies to the American public, Hillary for president? We don’t think so!
Elaine Cebrick
and
Dean Weisgerber
Edwardsville | http://timesleader.com/opinion/letters/580492/letter-to-the-editor-clinton-camp-contains-too-much-deceit-hillary-wont-get-our-votes | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/8f9901a6aa74ba0128a1b68f96e2159f081aa12fe6527afa1a56a2f52b362043.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:46:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F580356%2Fhappy-birthdya-stephan-a-sedon.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716sedon.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthdya Stephan A. Sedon! | null | null | timesleader.com | Stephan A. Sedon, son of Stephan E. and Mary Jo Sedon, Hughestown, is celebrating his fifth birthday, today, Aug. 27, 2016. He is the grandson of Stephan and Suzanne Sedon, Wilkes-Barre and John and Grace Biazzo, Madison Township. Stephan is a great-grandson of Doris Sedon, Wilkes-Barre. He has two brothers, Alexander, 3 and Roman, 3 months.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716sedon.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/580356/happy-birthdya-stephan-a-sedon | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/2f71d5d3afceb21c59f567d57d00721d1195a846778cc7abe508f33b7fd90786.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:47:11 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fengagements%2F580884%2Fsara-elizabeth-farrey-and-seth-hugo-kelso-engagement.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816farrey.eng_.jpg | en | null | Sara Elizabeth Farrey and Seth Hugo Kelso engagement | null | null | timesleader.com | Together with their families, Sara Elizabeth Farrey and Seth Hugo Kelso announce their engagement and upcoming wedding.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Dawn and Herbert Meeker Jr., Harvey’s Lake. She is the granddaughter of Janice Gonda, Wilkes-Barre, the late John M. Gonda Jr., Hanover and Thomas Farrey Sr., Charleston, South Carolina.
She is a graduate of Lake- Lehman High School and graduated with a degree in art education from Kutztown University. She is currently employed by Wakelon Elementary School in Zebulon, North Carolina, as their elementary art teacher.
The prospective groom is the son of Cindy Valderama-Shaw, Hunlock Creek and Mark Kelso, Philadelphia. He is the grandson of Julie Valderama and the late Dr. Hugo Valderama, West Chester and the late Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Kelso.
He is a graduate of Lake Lehman High School and a Marine Corp veteran. He graduated from Wake County Community College with a degree in welding and is currently employed as a welding fabricator in Raleigh, North Carolina. | http://timesleader.com/engagements/580884/sara-elizabeth-farrey-and-seth-hugo-kelso-engagement | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/033851513a044752ccc26aa3748fac38b57ce7f3ab49c8359751002320f1cbda.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:47:27 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F581828%2Flocal-average-gas-price-climbed-by-3-cents-overnight-up-6-cents-from-last-week.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_AAA-Mid-Atlantic-13.jpg | en | null | Local average gas price climbed by 3 cents overnight, up 6 cents from last week | null | null | timesleader.com | The local average gas price jumped again overnight and is up 6 cents from last week.
AAA Mid-Atlantic provided the following data for today’s average gas prices:
• Wilkes-Barre area gas average at $2.36 today, up 3 cents overnight and up 6 cents in the last week.
• Pennsylvania gas average at $2.34 today, up a penny overnight and up 3 cents in the last week.
• National gas average at $2.22 today, unchanged overnight, up 3 cents in the last week.
AAA Mid-Atlantic Logo.jpg http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_AAA-Mid-Atlantic-13.jpg AAA Mid-Atlantic Logo.jpg
By Travis Kellar [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/local/581828/local-average-gas-price-climbed-by-3-cents-overnight-up-6-cents-from-last-week | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/dfbf3a407c7794921a91a0c058363b71f46c87ffc70754a1ed3adf3a0ee8ac8a.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:47:00 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580657%2Fsmall-plane-crashes-into-lake-near-new-orleans-airport-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580657/small-plane-crashes-into-lake-near-new-orleans-airport-2 | en | null | Small plane crashes into lake near New Orleans airport | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW ORLEANS (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials say one person has been rescued and crews are searching for at least one more after a small plane crashed into a lake near a New Orleans airport.
NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune, WWL-TV and WBRZ-TV report that Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene Saturday night after the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the Seabrook Bridge near Lakefront Airport. The airport is located adjacent to Lake Ponchatrain, about 10 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.
Coast Guard officials say the Cessna training flight crashed about 8:30 p.m.
The person rescued was transferred to a New Orleans hospital in unknown condition.
No further details were immediately available. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580657/small-plane-crashes-into-lake-near-new-orleans-airport-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/36d522d55446fb5a4ee469d04849d16795e3d221bf12c6aafd519ecc8369d482.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:46:56 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580652%2Fhurricane-gaston-reforms-moves-northwest-in-the-atlantic-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580652/hurricane-gaston-reforms-moves-northwest-in-the-atlantic-2 | en | null | Hurricane Gaston reforms, moves northwest in the Atlantic | null | null | timesleader.com | MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Gaston has reformed, gathering strength as it moves northwestward in the Atlantic.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Gaston reformed as a hurricane Saturday night, clocking 85 mph (140 kph) winds. The storm was located about 655 miles (1,055 kilometers) east southeast or Bermuda. Gaston was moving at about 8 mph (13 kph).
Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 15 miles (30 kilometers) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 kilometers).
There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect early Saturday.
Forecasters say Gaston should slow down during the next day or so and turn northward on Monday. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580652/hurricane-gaston-reforms-moves-northwest-in-the-atlantic-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/9f83eecaebccd0c918699b2a3c9117415411dcf8efc76b922d683056b012c7f8.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:47:02 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fanniversaries%2F580703%2Fdiana-and-william-bill-kline-celebrate-66th-wedding-anniversary.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816kline.anniv_.jpg | en | null | Diana and William “Bill” Kline celebrate 66th wedding anniversary | null | null | timesleader.com | Diana and William “Bill” Kline celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary Aug. 25, 2016.
Diana is the daughter of the late Raymond and Jennie Matesic. Bill is the son of the late Henry and Bertha Kline.
Diana and Bill (Pooch) are the parents of three children, William A. Kline and his wife, Roberta, Summerville, South Carolina; James G. Kline and his wife, Ann, Nanticoke and Diana and her husband Joseph E. Penko, West Nanticoke.
Diana and Bill are the grandparents of Candice, married to Jeremy Jones; Lucas Kline and Raymond Kline, all of South Carolina and Samantha, Veronica and Nathaniel Penko, West Nanticoke.
Diana and Bill are also great-grandparents of Caylee Bath, Summerville, South Carolina.
Diana formerly worked for the WPA and later retired from A. Rifkin Company, Wilkes-Barre and Bill formerly worked for the Loomis Colliery, Hanover Township and is retired from Evans Asphalt Company, Wilkes-Barre. | http://timesleader.com/anniversaries/580703/diana-and-william-bill-kline-celebrate-66th-wedding-anniversary | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/480b1abcb326c8e57414150716428cabdc19fbf65e6319232492f691576d0c3e.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:46:41 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580314%2Fthe-latest-man-46-charged-in-deaths-of-2-mississippi-nuns-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580314/the-latest-man-46-charged-in-deaths-of-2-mississippi-nuns-2 | en | null | The Latest: Man, 46, charged in deaths of 2 Mississippi nuns | null | null | timesleader.com | DURANT, Miss. (AP) — The Latest on the killing of two nuns in Mississippi (all times local):
1:30 a.m.
Authorities say they have charged a 46-year-old man in connection with the killing of two nuns who were killed in Mississippi.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said in a statement Friday night that Rodney Earl Sanders of Kosciusko has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68.
Their bodies were discovered Thursday after they failed to show up for work at a clinic in Lexington, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where they lived.
Lt. Colonel Jimmy Jordan says “Sanders was developed as a person of interest early on in the investigation.”
Sanders is being held in an undisclosed detention center awaiting his initial court appearance.
___
3:45 p.m.
Services have been scheduled for two nuns who were killed in Mississippi.
The bodies of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68, were discovered Thursday after they failed to show up for work at a clinic in Lexington, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where they lived.
The Catholic Diocese of Jackson says a wake will be held Sunday at St. Thomas Church in Lexington. A memorial Mass is scheduled Monday at the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in Jackson.
The diocesan chancellor, Mary Woodward, says the memorial service will be “an opportunity for the diocesan community and friends to celebrate the lives of these two remarkable women.”
___
3:10 p.m.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has increased the reward by $20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the deaths of two nuns.
Sister Paula Merrill and Sister Margaret Held were found dead Thursday in their homes in Durant. Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
The Holmes County Crime Stoppers chapter had initially put up $2,500, so the total reward money is now $22,500.
___
2 p.m.
The sister of a nun who was killed in rural Mississippi says her sister was called to “serve the underserved.”
Rosemarie Merrill on Friday described her sister Paula and the second nun who was killed with her, Margaret Held, as generous women who would give you the shirt off their backs.
Both women were found dead Thursday.
Rosemarie Merrill says her sister moved to Mississippi in 1981. For a time when she lived in Holly Springs, Mississippi she would ride around town on a moped. She was instrumental in locating the source of a tuberculosis outbreak in the town while she was there.
The clinic where the women worked served underinsured and uninsured people in the poorest county in the state.
__
1:30 p.m.
A minister in Mississippi says a memorial Mass will be held for two Catholic nuns were found slain inside their home.
Father Greg Plata said Friday that the nuns, Sister Paula Merrill and Sister Margaret Held, had led Bible study for years at St. Thomas Catholic Church. He says Held will be buried in Wisconsin and Merrill will be buried at her congregation’s headquarters in Nazareth, Kentucky.
He says the sisters’ work as nurses dignified the poor.
Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
___
12 p.m.
People in the Mississippi community where two nuns were killed say they are having a hard time finding forgiveness, even though that’s what the sisters would have wanted.
Joe Morgan Jr. says he was a patient of Sister Paula Merrill and last saw her about four months ago.
Morgan went to Lexington Medical Clinic where the sisters worked as nurses on Friday in hopes of talking to grieving staff members, but a handwritten sign in the front door says the clinic is closed until Monday.
Morgan says the nuns would’ve wanted him to forgive whoever killed them, but right now he doesn’t have any forgiveness. Also slain was Sister Margaret Held. Both nuns were 68.
Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
___
9:45 a.m.
Authorities say autopsies are being done on two nuns who were found slain in their Mississippi home.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said the autopsies would be done Friday on Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill. The women were nurses who were found in their home Thursday when they didn’t show up for work at a clinic that helps poor people.
Authorities have said they found a car that was missing from their home and towed it to a crime lab for analysis. Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
___
3 a.m.
Friends say two nuns who were found slain in their Mississippi home “would do anything for anybody.”
Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill were found dead Thursday morning when they didn’t report to work at the nearby clinic where they provided flu shots, insulin and other medical care for children and adults who couldn’t afford it.
Dr. Elias Abboud, who worked with the sisters for years and helped build the Lexington Medical Clinic, says he’s not sure what will happen to the facility in light of their deaths.
Authorities didn’t release a cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the nuns were stabbed. Their bodies were taken to a state crime lab for autopsies. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580314/the-latest-man-46-charged-in-deaths-of-2-mississippi-nuns-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/87ab284107f622a6cc673dd34b4150a57fc47fca2ab1e12827591fa44b3eb04a.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T22:46:46 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Fpenn-state%2F580534%2Fpsu-preview-2016-brent-pry-takes-the-reins-of-lions-defense.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_psu_med10_faa.jpg | en | null | PSU preview 2016: Brent Pry takes the reins of Lions’ defense | null | null | timesleader.com | The coordinator title is a matter of semantics at Penn State.
In James Franklin’s coaches room, recently promoted Brent Pry is “the head coach of the defense” – just like Joe Moorhead and Charles Huff are head coaches of the offense and special teams, respectively.
Properly speaking, Pry assumes the defensive coordinator position in 2016, taking his turn with the revolving door of assistant coaches as the fifth man to hold the title full-time for the Nittany Lions’ in six seasons.
Pry follows Tom Bradley, Ted Roof, John Butler and Bob Shoop after spending the past two seasons as the team’s linebackers coach.
“You’re going to tweak some things, you’re going to grow, you’re going to play to your strengths and what your personnel dictates and those types of things,” Franklin said. “And Brent’s really kind of embraced that. So I think that’s helped us. I think that’s helped us from a continuity standpoint.”
Pry spent the past five seasons as one of Franklin’s right-hand men. He served as a linebackers coach for Franklin at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013.
He inherits a defense that finished 14th in the country in total defense (314.5 yards per game) in 2015. The year prior, the Lions finished second in FBS by yielding just 278.7 yards per game.
Pry garnered the position largely at the behest of the returning defensive players. Franklin said that the defenders lobbied for the promotion of Pry, who was born in Altoona.
“We were really excited that he was promoted, and we didn’t have to bring in a whole new coordinator with a whole new defense,” defensive end Evan Schwan said. “That would have definitely taken us down a little bit. We vouched for him 110 percent.”
Pry received the unified support modestly.
“I tried to have relationships with all the guys, not just on defense, and I think that’s important to their overall experience in the program,” Pry said. “So I’m flattered that those guys felt that way. That’s not always a good thing. Sometimes if you’re too likeable it means you’re not hard enough on those guys. But we try to find a balance.”
Valley View graduate Nyeem Wartman-White, a senior linebacker, said he campaigned for Pry because he was comfortable with his position coach and that he wants Penn State to commit to its “Linebacker U” reputation.
The linebackers like to pick the minds of the defensive coordinator, Wartman-White noted. Last year, Shoop doubled as safeties coach. The linebackers were not able to have the same access to play-calling as they will with Pry this season.
“Now, having coach Pry as our linebacker coach, the game plan is right there,” Wartman-White said. “You have the guy who knows exactly what you want to do. And now, you have that person with you all the time, dude, the opportunities are endless for how we can execute our defense.
“The game isn’t about X’s and O’s; it’s about execution. As long as you execute and do your job, you can get it done.”
Under Franklin’s system of head coaches at each position, Pry will be called upon for planning and added leadership in the defensive staff room. The biggest adjustment, Pry said, will be leading 45 guys instead of 12 or 13.
Both players and coaches said that there should be minor changes with schemes. The most striking transition will be more philosophical than anything.
“I don’t know if we will lose a beat there,” defensive line coach Sean Spencer said. “Because Pry has been very involved in the game. Pry has always been a guy that has not just coached the linebackers but he’s taught the other positions. He has done a great job of making himself accessible to others on the team.”
Part of the change in philosophy will result in a looser, vocal identity. His intentions are intended to establish a mood that permits the players to have fun in practice and games.
“We did take the handcuffs off a little bit and give them some freedoms,” Pry said. “I think they kind of ran with it…And we try and create an environment that’s highly competitive, and sometimes there’s some talk that goes along with it. We do emphasize on the defense communication is a big-time fundamental for us, so we want them talking, not necessarily (trash talk).”
Brent Pry was promoted to defensive coordinator in January as Penn State players made it known they wanted him to take over for the departed Bob Shoop. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_psu_med10_faa.jpg Brent Pry was promoted to defensive coordinator in January as Penn State players made it known they wanted him to take over for the departed Bob Shoop. Fred Adams | For Times Leader
By Jay Monahan For Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/sports/penn-state/580534/psu-preview-2016-brent-pry-takes-the-reins-of-lions-defense | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/2c2d4899bc137b224ff2c50bbe047e5951bc32ce8cc7fcab5e8dee74b45dfb5e.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:46:39 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F580192%2Fnew-amenities-discussed-for-dallas-township-and-kunkle-parks.json | http://timesleader.com/news/580192/new-amenities-discussed-for-dallas-township-and-kunkle-parks | en | null | New amenities discussed for Dallas Township and Kunkle parks | null | null | timesleader.com | DALLAS TWP. — A skate park, bike trails and Frisbee golf course were just some ideas discussed at a public meeting regarding renovations to Dallas Township and Kunkle parks.
The Dallas Township supervisors organized the first of two public meetings to gain input on renovations to the two parks Thursday at the Dallas High School.
Dallas Township supervisors Elizabeth Martin and William Grant and chief landscape architect Bryan N. Smith and project manager Stephanie Milewski, both with the engineering firm Barry Isett & Associates Inc., opened up discussion on the parks tentative master plan by asking the attending residents what they want in a public park.
The six-acre Dallas Township Park located off Southside Avenue and Lakeside Drive, currently has two basketball courts, a Little League field and some outdated playground equipment, Smith said.
Kunkle Park, located off Old Tunkhannock Highway, is comprised of 56 acres featuring an open area that was previously a Little League field and hiking trails, he said.
A $48,752 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant combined with the township’s 50 percent funding match will help finance some of the parks renovations.
Milewski said the municipality is applying for a second grant for $250,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Commonwealth Financing Authority’s beautification program for greenways and trails.
Township resident and Dallas Elementary School teacher Maria Hosey wants to see some safe areas for kids to ride their bikes and run.
“I don’t know if the Dallas Township Park is big enough,” Hosey said. “It is tough to do this activity in Dallas because there are no sidewalks.”
Martin said a bike trail could be placed along the perimeter of the park.
“A splash pad and a covered pavilion would be nice,” Hosey said.
Kunkle Park would be ideal for a Frisbee golf course and CrossFit exercise stations strategically placed along a trail through the park, Hosey said.
Martin and Grant said an outdoor natural classroom and horseback riding trail would also be nice amenities for the Kunkle Park.
“Vandalism is high at the Kunkle Park,” Martin said. “Amenities placed there have to be resilient.”
Smith and Milewski said they will schedule a second meeting in November to fine tune the parks’ master plan.
Residents who were unable to attend Thursday’s meeting will have an opportunity to voice their opinion by answering a survey provided by Barry Isett & Associate Inc. The survey will be linked to the municipal website, dallastownship.com, within the next week, Milewski said.
Facilities in Dallas Twp., Kunkle to be renovated
By Eileen Godin [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/580192/new-amenities-discussed-for-dallas-township-and-kunkle-parks | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ddad7ec4ae15c491713826cbdcf5ff6e5558fefe7ed79a1b54efd70b2647647b.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:46 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580500%2Flccc-goes-tobacco-free-for-the-start-of-fall-2016-semester.json | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580500/lccc-goes-tobacco-free-for-the-start-of-fall-2016-semester | en | null | LCCC goes tobacco free for the start of fall 2016 semester | null | null | timesleader.com | NANTICOKE — Students at Luzerne County Community College will have to leave their tobacco products at home when classes begin Monday.
According to college President Tom Leary, a new tobacco-free policy that was suggested by the college’s Wellness Committee was instituted last month.
The policy, which is enforced by the campus security department, “prohibits any and all tobacco and tobacco-related products on all college-owned and college-operated property,” even including college-sponsored events off campus.
Products banned include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco and hookah-related products. Products that help people stop using tobacco, such as nicotine patches, are allowed on campus.
“The new policy was passed in order to create and sustain a healthier environment for the college community,” Leary said via email.
The policy will be a change for students. The college had designated outdoor smoking areas “for the past several years,” Leary noted.
The policy states that students in violation of the policy will have a range of consequences, including meeting with a college official to discuss the policy on the first violation to possible expulsion on the fourth violation.
Visitors may be permanently banned from the college if found in violation of the policy, and employees will be referred to the human resource office.
The college is “committed” to helping individuals who make the decision to quit using tobacco, Leary said. Students are able to use resources in the Student Life and Athletics offices whereas staff members can seek help through human resources.
Colleges around the area
Tobacco policies at King’s College, Misericordia University and Wilkes University require those using tobacco to remain at least 20 feet away from campus buildings.
Misericordia, located in Dallas Township, provides receptacles on campus for smokers.
“It is the responsibility of all members of the university community to comply with this policy,” Paul Krzywicki, manager of public relations and publications at Misericordia University, said.
According to Krzywicki, the university has not had any habitual offenders in recent memory. Repeat offenders can be put on probation and receive a residential suspension.
At Wilkes, the buildings are smoke-free, Vicki Mayk, director of public relations, said in an email.
The policy at the Wilkes-Barre school was adopted for the 2015-2016 academic year. As far as Mayk knows, there are no penalties involved with enforcement of the policy.
Across the city at King’s College, the tobacco policy was instituted in August 2007, according to John McAndrew, the college’s director of public relations.
Smoking banned on campus, at school-sponsored events
By Melanie Mizenko [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580500/lccc-goes-tobacco-free-for-the-start-of-fall-2016-semester | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/aac027d992aacb933b716d135cb972c3b1a8fb638af8b06e9a7b18c2fe939446.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:47:17 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnational%2F581361%2Fmontana-plane-crash-kills-ice-road-truckers-tv-show-star-3.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112159268-3d5debffbc8b4ed1b503755b2c3ecd12.jpg | en | null | Montana plane crash kills ‘Ice Road Truckers’ TV show star | null | null | timesleader.com | MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A plane crash in western Montana killed a star of the History channel reality series “Ice Road Truckers” who was planning to film a pilot episode of a show about recovering plane wrecks.
Darrell Ward, 52, of Deer Lodge, died in the fiery crash Sunday on the shoulder of Interstate 90 southeast of Missoula, History spokeswoman Susan Ievoli confirmed Monday.
Pilot Mark Melotz appeared to be trying to land at a small airstrip when “something went drastically wrong,” Missoula County sheriff’s Capt. Bill Burt said Sunday.
Family and friends who were waiting for them said the airplane appeared to stall, then went through a stand of trees, hitting some of them, Burt said. Branches were thrown onto the highway.
Melotz, 56, of Arlee, bought the Cessna 182 on Friday, Burt said. He had flown the airplane to Missoula, where he picked up Ward.
“As best we know, it was a trip from Missoula to that airstrip to visit some friends,” Burt said.
Ward appeared on five seasons of “Ice Road Truckers,” which follows drivers taking supplies in big rigs across frozen lakes to work camps and remote towns. He drove in Alaska and Canada.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of Darrell Ward, a beloved member of the HISTORY family,” the channel said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.
Missoula County sheriff’s deputies look at the wreckage of a Cessna 182 that crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near Rock Creekont., on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. The crash killed 52-year-old Darrell Ward of Deer Lodge, a star of the History channel series "Ice Road Truckers" and pilot Mark Melotz, 56, of Arlee. Ward was returning to Montana to film a pilot episode of a documentary-type series about the recovery of plane wrecks. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112159268-54126e812e274af5aeb7b0d5db9ce431.jpg Missoula County sheriff’s deputies look at the wreckage of a Cessna 182 that crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near Rock Creekont., on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. The crash killed 52-year-old Darrell Ward of Deer Lodge, a star of the History channel series "Ice Road Truckers" and pilot Mark Melotz, 56, of Arlee. Ward was returning to Montana to film a pilot episode of a documentary-type series about the recovery of plane wrecks. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP) Missoula County sheriff’s deputies look at the wreckage of a Cessna 182 that crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near Rock Creekont., on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. The crash killed 52-year-old Darrell Ward of Deer Lodge, a star of the History channel series "Ice Road Truckers" and pilot Mark Melotz, 56, of Arlee. Ward was returning to Montana to film a pilot episode of a documentary-type series about the recovery of plane wrecks. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP) http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_112159268-3d5debffbc8b4ed1b503755b2c3ecd12.jpg Missoula County sheriff’s deputies look at the wreckage of a Cessna 182 that crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near Rock Creekont., on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. The crash killed 52-year-old Darrell Ward of Deer Lodge, a star of the History channel series "Ice Road Truckers" and pilot Mark Melotz, 56, of Arlee. Ward was returning to Montana to film a pilot episode of a documentary-type series about the recovery of plane wrecks. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP) | http://timesleader.com/national/581361/montana-plane-crash-kills-ice-road-truckers-tv-show-star-3 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/c41bc3680ec9fa338432c65059d0c15ef982397076566bd1559b45c1c4950722.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F581192%2Falday-and-heft-named-hazleton-elks-teens-of-the-year.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916heft.names_.jpg | en | null | Alday and Heft named Hazleton Elks Teens of the Year | null | null | timesleader.com | MMI Preparatory School Class of 2016 graduates Andrew Alday and Shaelyn Heft were named the Hazleton Elks Lodge #200 Teenagers of the Year. The award is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life. Applicants were judged on the basis of character, leadership, citizenship and scholastics. Alday is the son of Dr. Senen Alday and Dr. Milagros Azcueta-Alday, Mountain Top. Heft is the daughter of Judy Heft, Lehighton and Norman Heft, Palmerton.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916Alday.names_.jpg Alday http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916heft.names_.jpg Heft | http://timesleader.com/community-features/581192/alday-and-heft-named-hazleton-elks-teens-of-the-year | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/8f5cdb143b45305acafa5abb364c8a5f835babdd8a865ec967271d2be5b6e437.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:46:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F580370%2Fcommunity-briefs-9.json | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580370/community-briefs-9 | en | null | Community briefs | null | null | timesleader.com | PITTSTON – The Jenkins Township/Yatesville Borough Crime Watch will sponsor a Bike Rodeo and Family Safety day from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday for children ages 3-12 on the grounds of the Pittston Area High School. Pre-registration is necessary.
The first 100 children to register will receive a free bicycle helmet and a “Police Officers are my friends” gift bag.
Come join us for a day of fun, food and games. To register contact Tracy, 570 855-5826.
PLAINS – The Womens Society of SS Peter and Paul Church has announced the details of their Sept. 14 trip to New York City to see American in Paris on broadway at the Palace Theatre.
The bus will leave the parking lot promptly at 8 a.m. aside the school on Bank Street and will arrive at 10:30 a.m.
The performance is at 2 p.m. and the bus will depart for home at 7 p.m.
There will be time for lunch and dinner. For further information contact Joan Pisack at 570-822-3815.
WILKES-BARRE – St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 226 S. Washington St., will host the fall gathering of the American Guild of Organists, Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. Open to the public, it begins with sung evening prayer followed by a catered pasta dinner, installation of officers and a brief presentation.
All local organists, choir directors and clergy are encouraged to attend, AGO membership is not required and there is no cost for the evening prayer. Suggested dinner donation is $10 per person. Register by Friday, Sept. 9, by calling Raphael Micca, Dean, at 570-301-9253 or email [email protected]
WILKES-BARRE – The Christian Women of Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, will hold the annual Turkey Bingo and Raffle at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Marymount Parish Center, So. Hancock St.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Donation for admission is $3.
Raffle and admission tickets can be purchased from any member, or at the door.
Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information contact Mary Gluchowski at 570-825-3925.
WILKES-BARRE – Anyone in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton community or organizations interested in finding a suit may come to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 35 S. Franklin St., parish hall.
Reach of St. Stephen’s Food Pantry and Clothing Closet has been blessed with an abundance of suits, dress shirts, dress pants, casual slacks and sweaters with more coming.
Suits donated from Menswear House are available to be given away to any men in need of a suit, for what ever reason.
Reasons to have a suit/dress clothing: interviews, college career, internship, building confidence, retirement community get-togethers and blessings.
WILKES-BARRE – Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, announces the CCD registration for the year 2016 – 2017 will take place after the 4 p.m. mass Saturday and 9 and 11:15 a.m. following Sunday mass.
Registration is $20 per child and $35 for two or more children in the family, which helps defray expenses incurred. First time student registrants must bring a copy of their baptismal certificate.
CCD will begin with the 9 a.m. mass Sunday, Sept. 11. Following mass, students will proceed to Parish Center. Any questions can be referred to Mrs. June Swida, 570-825- 4966.
Childrens’ Liturgy Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. CCD classes will follow. | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580370/community-briefs-9 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e36852113b2319035726833bb8e4767a68cb52f5b8f12a68385dba6cce90d71f.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:47:02 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580913%2Ftwo-united-pilots-suspected-of-being-drunk-arrested-in-glasgow.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_xxxxx-plane-1.jpg | en | null | Two United pilots suspected of being drunk arrested in Glasgow | null | null | timesleader.com | LONDON — Two United Airlines pilots who have been arrested for suspected intoxication before they were to fly 141 passengers from Scotland to the United States will appear in a Scottish court Monday, police said.
The Police Service of Scotland said it arrested both pilots Saturday at Glasgow Airport and both men, aged 45 and 35, would be arraigned at a court in Paisley, a Glasgow suburb, to face charges connected to Britain’s transport safety laws.
United Airlines said Saturday’s flight from Glasgow to the U.S. city of Newark, New Jersey, was delayed for 10 hours while the airline sought replacement pilots.
“The two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties,” United spokeswoman Erin Benson said. “We are cooperating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.”
Saturday’s arrests come barely a month after two Canadian pilots of an Air Transat plane were arrested at Glasgow Airport and charged with trying to fly while intoxicated.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_xxxxx-plane-1.jpg | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580913/two-united-pilots-suspected-of-being-drunk-arrested-in-glasgow | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/8e2a191c8233a56835f4435f41b7d96b05bbeb4959256cb13b088d2af51f3ceb.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:47:08 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fstate-wire%2F581390%2Fgov-tom-wolf-says-pennsylvania-can-do-more-to-end-marijuana-arrests.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_MedMarijuana_web-1.jpg | en | null | Gov. Tom Wolf says Pennsylvania can do more to end marijuana arrests | null | null | timesleader.com | HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania needs to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday, yet he remains guarded about the kind of recreational legalization that is in place in several western states.
While some cities have stopped arresting people for possessing small amounts and prosecutors have been downgrading it as a crime, the state should act because too many people are still going to prison for marijuana possession, Wolf said.
“I think we need to do that in a more systematic fashion,” Wolf told WITF-FM’s Smart Talk program. “There are too many people who are going to prison because of the use of very modest amounts or carry modest amounts of marijuana, and that is clogging up our prisons, it’s destroying families and it’s hurting our economy, so I think decriminalization is the first step.”
According to the marijuana advocacy group NORML, 20 states and Washington, D.C., have decriminalized certain marijuana possession offenses, making it either a summary offense, like a minor traffic violation, or a misdemeanor that carries no threat of jail time.
The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association is not opposed to downgrading the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana from the misdemeanor that it currently is, but very few people go to jail for it, said Ed Marsico, the Dauphin County district attorney.
“That’s far from clogging up our jails,” Marsico said. “There are plenty of people in jail with drug problems, and we realized years ago that treatment is the best way to work with those offenders, but basically nobody goes to jail for possession of a joint.”
Thirty days in jail is the maximum penalty for misdemeanor possession. Prosecutors are working to keep any sort of drug possession cases from going to jail, Marsico said, although drug dealers are another matter.
Wolf stopped short of endorsing the kind of full legalization of recreational use that has taken place for adults 21 and over in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.
“I’m not sure why we need to go beyond (decriminalization), and I think we can watch what happens in Colorado and Washington and Oregon and see what their experience is,” Wolf said. “I’m not sure it’s been uniformly great.”
The Republican-controlled Legislature has made no move to consider decriminalization of marijuana.
Bills that would decriminalize certain marijuana possession offenses for adults have seen no movement, and the Legislature did not include a decriminalization provision when it approved a medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania.
Wolf signed the medical marijuana bill in April. The Department of Health said it will take until early 2018 to make medical marijuana available to eligible patients.
Gov. Tom Wolfe signs the medical marijuana bill known as Senate Bill 3 into law on April 17 in Harrisburg. Wolf said on a radio show Monday that Pennsylvania needs to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_MedMarijuana_web-1.jpg Gov. Tom Wolfe signs the medical marijuana bill known as Senate Bill 3 into law on April 17 in Harrisburg. Wolf said on a radio show Monday that Pennsylvania needs to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession. Daniel Zampogna | PennLive.com via AP file | http://timesleader.com/wire/state-wire/581390/gov-tom-wolf-says-pennsylvania-can-do-more-to-end-marijuana-arrests | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/02f195f7974c91f9dbe44ed75f9e09e3c958199b64e9055ba020e3aa7cbeb2e9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:07 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F579859%2Fpilot-killed-in-training-flight-in-vietnam-3.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579859/pilot-killed-in-training-flight-in-vietnam-3 | en | null | Pilot killed in training flight in Vietnam | null | null | timesleader.com | HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A Vietnamese pilot has died when his military jet trainer aircraft crashed into a rice field in south-central Vietnam.
State media reported the Aero L-39 Albatros, developed in the former Czechoslovakia, plunged to the ground, hitting a highway before crashing into a rice field minutes after taking off from a nearby airfield on Friday.
Ho Thi Nguyen Thao, chief administrator in Phu Yen province, did not give more details.
In June, two military planes crashed off the northern coast, killing 10 military personnel. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579859/pilot-killed-in-training-flight-in-vietnam-3 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/45353a5886ba8e47ef352e2af9d6b46de2799dd1f999bbcac90a8ad0e3e7a587.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:19 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ftop-stories%2F579887%2Fwvc-football-cram-sessions-lead-into-tonights-first-games.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_coug_haz1_faa.jpg | en | null | WVC Football: Cram sessions lead into tonight’s first games | null | null | timesleader.com | The litmus test comes Friday night.
Gone are two weeks of two-a-day practices. Gone are the two scrimmages. The replacement — one week of double sessions and one scrimmage.
The PIAA’s desire to shave a week off the high school football season left districts with two options. They could keep the two weeks of double sessions and two scrimmages and play just nine games. District 2, which encompasses the Wyoming Valley Conference and Lackawanna Conference, opted to keep 10 games, lose a week of practice and ditch a scrimmage.
Most districts opted to keep 10-game schedules.
The WVC has 11 games starting at 7 p.m. Friday: Central Mountain at Williamsport; Hazleton Area at Berwick; Honesdale at GAR; Meyers at Lake-Lehman; Nanticoke at Tunkhannock; North Penn at Northwest; Old Forge at Hanover Area; Pittston Area at Crestwood; Scranton at Wyoming Valley West; and Wallenpaupack at Wyoming Area. Holy Redeemer is at Holy Cross at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“There’s going to be some sloppy football that Week Zero,” Williamsport coach Chuck Crews said. “And I think that’s going to be across the board statewide. Anybody playing Week Zero, there’s going to be sloppy football or vanilla football. Hey, let’s run dive 40 times because that’s one play we know we can run.”
Did Crews say “Week Zero”? Yep, Friday isn’t Week 1 of the football season, it’s Week Zero according to the PIAA. Week 1 is next weekend when the WVC and LFC teams will be playing their second games. The WVC and LFC wrap up their 10-game regular-season schedules in Week 9 in the PIAA’s eyes.
The whole things can sound confusing — and that’s not including the PIAA’s new six classifications — so let’s just say for argument’s sake that Friday and Saturday are Week 1.
Speculation began that PIAA was heading in this direction when it instituted in 2013 a heat acclimation week prior to the start of official practices. Athletes needed to complete three consecutive days in a five-day period to be allowed on the practice field.
The change means this week was spent getting ready for an opponent and not correcting all the flaws from the first scrimmage.
“I think it’s going to be a huge difference,” Northwest coach Lon Hazlet said. “We tried to stress that to our kids in regards to our summer workout programs. You have a week and a couple days now versus two full weeks. You’re going to lose somewhere from 5-10 practice before your first game.
“We, as I’m sure other schools have, have been diligent about our summer work and trying to get our installs in and our special teams in.”
High school teams in all sports can have out-of-season practices, but they must be voluntary. Football players can’t wear pads during those practices. The first padded practices were Aug. 15. Northwest participated in 17 7-vs-7 passing competitions leading up to Aug. 15.
Out-of-season practices and passing competitions have made losing a second scrimmage less painful. The second scrimmage in recent years often resembled the fourth NFL exhibition game. The starters made a cameo and the backups took over from there.
“That second scrimmage was like an NFL thing,” GAR coach Paul Wiedlich Jr. said.
Crews http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WVCMediaDay-Williamsport_7.jpg Crews Hazlet http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WVCMediaDay-Northwest_5.jpg Hazlet The high school football season kicks off Friday night with 11 WVC games on the schedule. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_coug_haz1_faa.jpg The high school football season kicks off Friday night with 11 WVC games on the schedule. Fred Adams file photo | For Times Leader
By John Erzar [email protected]
WEEK 1 SCHEDULE 7 p.m. Friday Central Mountain at Williamsport Hazleton Area at Berwick Honesdale at GAR Meyers at Lake-Lehman Nanticoke at Tunkhannock North Penn at Northwest Old Forge at Hanover Area Pittston Area at Crestwood Scranton at Wyoming Valley West Wallenpaupack at Wyoming Area Saturday Holy Redeemer at Holy Cross, 1 p.m. | http://timesleader.com/top-stories/579887/wvc-football-cram-sessions-lead-into-tonights-first-games | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/bba7e28cafc6c35269c2a0ade296140ddc49d48d8c3d3f5ad54d51bc86fd09a1.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:47:23 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F581766%2Flccc-begins-school-year-smoke-free.json | http://timesleader.com/news/local/581766/lccc-begins-school-year-smoke-free | en | null | LCCC begins school year smoke free | null | null | timesleader.com | NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College began the school year with a new school policy and upcoming program.
Monday marked the first day that all campuses of the community college were tobacco-free, board members said at Tuesday’s meeting.
Previously, students and employees who used tobacco at the main campus in Nanticoke were allowed to use designated gazebos scattered throughout the campus. Now, the white hut-like structures have been removed, replaced by signs telling everyone of the new rule.
College President Thomas Leary said the reason for banning tobacco products is simple: to protect students and employees by creating a healthier atmosphere for all.
“So far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Leary said of students reactions to the new rule. “As far as I know, there’s been no issues.”
Created by the school’s Wellness Committee, the tobacco-free policy bans cigarettes, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapes, products meant to mimic tobacco and the like. Those who fail to comply with the new rules can receive penalties ranging from a meeting with college officials to fines and even expulsion. The policy is not limited to students and faculty. Visitors to the campus locations must also comply with the tobacco-free status.
The policy can be viewed on the college’s website.
The board also discussed its latest endeavor – the creation of a Lackawanna County campus.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 23 at the college’s newest satellite campus, inside the Marketplace at Steamtown. The new center offers 14 degree options, ranging from business to social sciences and general studies. The campus offers full semesters as well as seven week sessions.
Tuition for the campus costs $250 per credit for Lackawanna County residents or about $9,100 per year for a full-time student.
Leary took the time to thank staff members who worked on project, which he said has been three years in the making.
“We looked at over 30 sites before choosing Steamtown,” Leary said. “It really is a beautiful site. We’re off to a great start.”
To go along with a new campus, board members announced a new program for nursing students.
LCCC will be teaming up with King’s College to offer a 1-2-1 dual-enrollment nursing program, which is slated to begin next fall.
College Provost Dana Clark said the program is unlike most, as students will be enrolled at both LCCC and King’s, earning degrees from both campuses.
“It’s a very unusual program,” she said. “It’s a way of helping our students.”
Clark said students in the program will attend King’s for their first year, then go to LCCC for their second and third. At the end of their third year, students will earn an associate’s degree from LCCC before returning back to King’s for their final year where they will earn a bachelor’s degree.
By Marcella Kester For Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/news/local/581766/lccc-begins-school-year-smoke-free | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0cf0a2ab86681ebb03ecabb2a9ad702aaccb9e4534adbf79d1679cd5a2bfa543.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:15 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F581532%2Fwoman-charged-in-strangling-death-has-been-caught.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WAYDA-12.jpg | en | null | State Police arrest 3rd suspect in strangling death of Luzerne man | null | null | timesleader.com | DUNMORE — A 20-year-old woman charged yesterday with aggravated assault and conspiracy in connection with the death of a 21-year-old Luzerne man was taken into custody shortly after midnight Tuesday.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Amanda Wayda was apprehended by state troopers from the Frackville barracks. She was wanted in connection with the death of Joshua Rose, who was allegedly strangled with jumper cables and suffocated with a plastic bag before being dumped in a wooded area of Susquehanna County.
Wayda is being held at the Lackawanna County prison, according to police.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office said Monday that charges against Wayda, Preston Layfield, 19, and Tyler Mirabelli, 22, will likely amended after an autopsy is completed.
Check back later at timesleader.com for more information.
Wayda http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WAYDA-12.jpg Wayda | http://timesleader.com/news/581532/woman-charged-in-strangling-death-has-been-caught | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/101d3f837803732ba0c8c0e136d9ba7bde42053d2afb07d7800b2aabadaa4419.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:50 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F372284%2Fkane-announces-settlement-allowing-dollar-tree-to-acquire-family-dollar-stores.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Legislature-Pennsylva_Sopr.jpg | en | null | Kane announces settlement allowing Dollar Tree to acquire Family Dollar stores | null | null | timesleader.com | Times Leader
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_dollar.jpeg Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Legislature-Pennsylva_Sopr.jpg Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane Monday announced the terms of a multi-state settlement that will allow Dollar Tree, Inc. to proceed with its acquisition of Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
The settlement comes in the form of a consent judgment that was reached after 17 states, including Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit challenging the merger of the companies. They operate two of the largest discount general merchandise retail stores in the nation.
The lawsuit asserted competition would be substantially reduced if the merger of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar — a transaction valued at $9.2 billion — went through as originally proposed. As part of the settlement, Dollar Tree is now required to sell 330 Family Dollar stores to a new competitor. The stores are expected to be sold to Sycamore Partners and remain deep discount stores under the new brand Dollar Express.
Attorney General Kane expressed concern that the merger of the companies as initially proposed would have created substantially less competition in 13 areas across Pennsylvania. As part of the settlement, Kane required 19 stores in those areas to be sold.
“These stores are located across Pennsylvania in both small towns and in our larger cities and suburbs,” Attorney General Kane said. “We wanted to ensure there would be competition in these areas and that consumers were being offered the best prices and merchandise.”
In addition to these stores being sold and re-branded as Dollar Express, Dollar Tree will be required to report or notify the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office of future acquisitions, store relocations or closings in the state.
Kane explained that her office and other state Attorneys General worked with the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a national review of Dollar Tree’s proposed acquisition of Family Dollar. The Attorneys General filed their initial lawsuit and the consent judgment in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia.
Dollar Tree operates stores under both the Dollar Tree and Deals banners. Stores using the Dollar Tree banner typically price all merchandise for $1 while both Deals stores and Family Dollar stores offer additional merchandise for higher prices. The stores tend to be smaller in size and sell items such as food, home products, apparel, accessories and seasonal items.
Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR) is headquartered in Chesapeake, Va. and operates more than 5,454 stores nationwide, including more than 232 stores in Pennsylvania. Family Dollar (NYSE: FDO) is headquartered in Matthews, N.C. and operates more than 8,000 stores nationwide, including more than 302 stores in Pennsylvania.
The other states involved in the settlement are Florida, Maine, Missouri, Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Utah, Virginia, Massachusetts and West Virginia. | http://timesleader.com/news/local/372284/kane-announces-settlement-allowing-dollar-tree-to-acquire-family-dollar-stores | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0de9de332d91ae4e7ed83cfb4df701cb4c1e4733617a5f39277b196923fe75e1.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:25 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F581579%2Fhappy-birthday-michael-andrew-collins.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016Collins.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Michael Andrew Collins! | null | null | timesleader.com | Michael Andrew Collins, son of Michael and Kathy Collins, Dupont, is celebrating his fourth birthday today, Aug. 30, 2016. He is the grandson of Ann and the late Andrew Marancik, Dupont, and Myles and Violet Collins, Plymouth.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016Collins.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/581579/happy-birthday-michael-andrew-collins | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/432b8dcd6e87984afb400bcb18c726cf4981c0773addde712c953682193c5a67.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:46:33 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580113%2Fsierra-leone-police-officers-detained-over-deadly-protests-4.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580113/sierra-leone-police-officers-detained-over-deadly-protests-4 | en | null | Sierra Leone: Police officers detained over deadly protests | null | null | timesleader.com | FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — A police official in Sierra Leone says three officers were detained and questioned in connection with the shooting deaths of two demonstrators this month.
Assistant Superintendent Brima Kamara told a radio show on Friday the officers were “under close police watch pending further investigations” of the killings.
Residents of the northern town of Kabala staged a demonstration on Aug. 16 against the relocation of a youth village that was to provide skills training for young people. Police used tear gas and fired live rounds after the demonstration turned violent and several government offices were burned and looted.
A separate protest less than a week later resulted in two more deaths.
The U.S. Embassy on Friday warned U.S. citizens of “the ongoing possibility for spontaneous demonstrations throughout Sierra Leone.” | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580113/sierra-leone-police-officers-detained-over-deadly-protests-4 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/858ce9a8cc0318ac0f176de1d10d145a3db6548dd54c6bd252e7012e61e182ab.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580855%2Firishman-in-rio-games-ticket-scalping-probe-released-on-bail-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580855/irishman-in-rio-games-ticket-scalping-probe-released-on-bail-2 | en | null | Irishman in Rio Games ticket-scalping probe released on bail | null | null | timesleader.com | RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian officials say an Irish businessman arrested at the beginning of the Rio Games in a ticket-scalping probe has been released on bail.
Rio’s department of penitentiaries said on Sunday that Kevin Mallon left the Bangu prison complex late Saturday on condition that he doesn’t leave Brazil.
Investigators are still building a case against Mallon that also involves the president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, Patrick Hickey. The 71-year-old OCI leader was arrested on Aug. 17 in his hotel room.
Mallon is the head of the British ticket and hospitality provider THG Sports. He was arrested with hundreds of tickets, including some that were officially allocated to Ireland’s committee.
Police believe sports executives and businessmen plotted to transfer the tickets illegally and set high fees disguised as hospitality packages. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580855/irishman-in-rio-games-ticket-scalping-probe-released-on-bail-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0247938ed5fedc387c65397a5e74b3d2c082ffd7f000cbeba04b51ccf8da710f.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:46:54 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F580706%2Fscouting-briefs.json | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580706/scouting-briefs | en | null | Scouting briefs | null | null | timesleader.com | HANOVER TWP.: Cub Scouts Pack 66, Hanover Township, will hold registrations and sign ups from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 8 and 15, at the American Legion Post 509, Lee Park Ave.
All boys first to fifth grade are invited to join. For information call John at 570-822-2482.
SWOYERSVILLE – Boy Scout Troop #143 is sponsoring its third annual car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.
Live entertainment, food, raffles and trophies will be awarded.
Car registration fee is $10 per car. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 25. | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580706/scouting-briefs | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/f0a9ae17c6313efe589dfe2e3ffe01bf0a05a53516eca07dbb672eca0f632b73.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:47:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581358%2Fnew-school-opens-at-site-of-sandy-hook-shooting-rampage-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581358/new-school-opens-at-site-of-sandy-hook-shooting-rampage-2 | en | null | New school opens at site of Sandy Hook shooting rampage | null | null | timesleader.com | NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — About 400 students have returned to Sandy Hook Elementary School for the first time since a shooting rampage there killed 20 first-graders and six educators.
A new 86,000-square-foot school opened Monday in Newtown, Connecticut. It replaces the one torn down after the 2012 shooting.
The $50 million replacement was built on the same property but not in the old footprint.
About 70 current Sandy Hook students attended the old school when the shooting occurred. School officials say about 35 of them were in the building at the time, but none witnessed the shootings. Those students are now fourth-graders.
After the shooting, the students were sent to a school in neighboring Monroe.
The gunman killed his mother before driving to the school, where he killed himself as police arrived. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581358/new-school-opens-at-site-of-sandy-hook-shooting-rampage-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/37ed5d54cf01a17c5b3f77aa0e7579deeef956bd6b40ef0f199e14d3e8d66911.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:52 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F580509%2Flccc-nursing-advisory-board-meets.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716lccc.nursing.board_.jpg | en | null | LCCC nursing advisory board meets | null | null | timesleader.com | The LCCC Nursing Advisory Board held their annual meeting on campus. Nurse educators, nursing clinical staff and faculty met to collaborate on issues and make recommendations for the nursing program. In attendance, from left, first row, are: Doreen Kolojejchick, Larksville, ACNO, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital; Brenda Rehrig, MSN, RN, Berwick, assistant professor, nursing, LCCC; Dr. Deborah Vilegi Payne, Mountain Top, dean, nursing and health sciences, LCCC; Loree Gerich, Plains, professor, nursing, LCCC; Dr. Annette Calderone, RN, Dallas and Mary Waclawski, Nanticoke, secretary, nursing, LCCC. Second row: Debbie Klaproth, RN, West Pittston, nurse coordinator, New Story; Peggy Sosnak, Wilkes-Barre, professor, nursing, LCCC; Jeanne Kravitz, RN, Kingston, nurse aide instructor, West Side CTC; Donna M. Bertone, RN, MSN, Sunbury, assistant professor, nursing, LCCC and Susan Chandler, Wilkes-Barre, RN recruiter, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Third row: Debra Sabalesky, RN, Wilkes-Barre, clinical educator, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital; Sandy Hollock, Wapwallopen, MSN, RN, associate professor, nursing, LCCC; Tim Campbell, Sunbury, assistant professor and curriculum coordinator, nursing, LCCC; Jenifer Olszyk, RN, Nanticoke, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and adjunct faculty, LCCC; Mary Hennelly Burgin, chief nursing officer, Geisinger and Gina Harrison, RN, Plymouth, West Side CTC.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716lccc.nursing.board_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580509/lccc-nursing-advisory-board-meets | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/b92b1d9fece80b70b68955609788cb559aff11acbd9c8e4e456e6b7cbe1370d6.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:47:05 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fanniversaries%2F580882%2Fstanley-and-irene-dudeck-celebrate-60-years-together.json | http://timesleader.com/anniversaries/580882/stanley-and-irene-dudeck-celebrate-60-years-together | en | null | Stanley and Irene Dudeck celebrate 60 years together | null | null | timesleader.com | Stanley and Irene Dudeck, Jenkins Township, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016.
Stanley is the son of the late Mary and Stanley Dudeck, Plains and is retired from Tobyhanna Army Depot. Irene is the daughter of the late Tessa and Andrew Broda, Sugar Notch and was a homemaker to her children and grandchildren.
Their marriage has been blessed with four children, Michelle and her husband Tom Donato, Plains; David and his wife Beth, Swoyersville; Michael, Hershey and the late Debbie Costello.
They have four grandchildren: Amy Aldrich and husband Andy, Omaha, Nebraska; Alissa Costello, Washington, D.C.; Thomas and Marc Donato, Plains. They have three great-grandchildren: Austin, Ayden and Addison Aldrich.
A family dinner was held in their honor. | http://timesleader.com/anniversaries/580882/stanley-and-irene-dudeck-celebrate-60-years-together | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0b7204977c6ed07b52abf90a717b17111ec8acb4adb468981a33f5d951ee1239.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:46:56 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F580872%2Fhappy-birthday-samantha-marie-baron.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816baron.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Samantha Marie Baron! | null | null | timesleader.com | Samantha Marie Baron, daughter of Greg and Sandi Baron, Brookhaven, will celebrate her eighth birthday today, Aug. 28, 2016. Samantha is the granddaughter of Carol Baron and the later Ronald Baron, of Alden and William and Terri Sarosy, Brookhaven. She has a brother, Zachary, 6.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816baron.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/580872/happy-birthday-samantha-marie-baron | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/5e5b4eb6773211fdefd75abef4e05666ffb7f59b0fded241b5fc7426c074e6e0.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fengagements%2F580879%2Fkandace-keefer-engaged-to-william-cornelsen.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816keefer.eng_.jpg | en | null | Kandace Keefer engaged to William Cornelsen | null | null | timesleader.com | Mr. and Mrs. Donald Keefer proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Kandace Keefer, to William Cornelsen.
The bride-to-be is native of Swoyersville and has a sister Kelsey Keefer of West Wyoming. She is the granddaughter of Robert Hagenbach and the late Bernadeen Hagenbach, Shavertown and Barbara Keefer, Columbus, Georgia and Jake Keefer, Drums.
Kandace is a 2005 graduate of Bishop O”Reilly and 2009 graduate of Cabrini Collage, Radnor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and communications. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the honors program. She is currently studying finance at Colorado State University and works for Summit County Colorado Communications.
Mr. Cornelsen is a native of Cleo Springs, Oklahoma and is the son of Bill and Ginny Cornelsen, Cleo Springs, Oklahoma. He is the grandson of the late Edsel and Merry Cornelson, Fairview, Oklahoma and the late Russel and Letha Keith, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Will is a graduate of Fairview High School and Northwestern State University. He is currently a senior property manager at Copper Mountain Resort.
The couple was engaged in February 2015 and will exchange vows Sept. 18, 2016 at the couples favorite ski resort and home, Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado. The ceremony will be officiated by Richard Hagenbaugh, great-uncle of the bride-to-be. | http://timesleader.com/engagements/580879/kandace-keefer-engaged-to-william-cornelsen | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/979f5e4c1d3a2831312b929479163e14c0f7127ea788db1564097419cff411bc.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T00:47:13 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F581414%2Four-opinion-stop-school-bullies-in-their-tracks-these-resources-can-help-to-set-the-right-tone.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_bullying.jpg | en | null | Our Opinion: Stop school bullies in their tracks; these resources can help to set the right tone | null | null | timesleader.com | Be on the lookout for bullying.
The nasty behavior – which can stick with its victims for years, even lifetimes – tends to be at its worst at the start of school sessions, when certain young people are acting badly for various reasons, forming social pecking orders or desperately trying to “fit in.”
Adults, including teachers and parents in Northeastern Pennsylvania, can limit the cruel taunts and shoddy treatment by creating supportive school climates. Start by talking to students about bullying, emphasizing why it’s important that they not pick on others either in person or on social media.
Also, watch for clues that a student might be on the receiving end of physical or verbal torment. The signs, according to StopBullying.gov, can include unexplained injuries, lost or damaged personal items, difficulty sleeping and declining grades.
In some cases, a student’s self-confidence will plummet; he or she might feel depressed, even suicidal. (If you experience self-destructive thoughts, call Help Line at 211. Or text your ZIP code to 898211.)
To prevent a tragedy – and to ensure the students in your life get the timely support they need – devote a few minutes during the back-to-school season to browse these online resources.
• BeyondDifferences.org offers peer-led programs, including one called No One Eats Alone, that encourage middle-schoolers to stop the sting of social isolation. “Every student should feel accepted, included, and valued by their peers,” according to the campaign’s backers.
Teachers who visit this site can download free materials, as well as get details on three awareness-raising days during the upcoming school year, including National Know Your Classmates Day, set for Oct. 21.
• StopBullying.gov, a government-run website, supplies a wealth of information on bullying’s risks and how to appropriately respond to incidents.
Adults are reminded to stop bullying on the spot, and to serve as good role models. Go to the drop-down menu item labeled “Prevent Bullying” for options such as “How to talk about bullying,” “Prevention at school,” and “Working in the community.”
• Tolerance.org is home to the Teaching Tolerance blog. A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, this blog encourages “educators who care about diversity, equity and justice” to exchange ideas and support.
• To combat cyberbullying, visit commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying for “age-specific guidelines, videos and articles to help with tough conversations – whether your kid is a bully or is being bullied,” the website states. Among its featured material: a video titled “5 tips for dealing with haters and trolls.”
Don’t allow bullying to spoil a school year, or a student’s psyche. Be proactive to prevent its occurrence.
And always be kind, even to the perpetrators. | http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/581414/our-opinion-stop-school-bullies-in-their-tracks-these-resources-can-help-to-set-the-right-tone | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ab7725d7e25dbf28b5c76b0272b553507faf9b5f9d62dcc175bc37261fac20af.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:56 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F580502%2Fhappy-birthday-ethan-mathias-regner.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716regner.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Ethan Mathias Regner! | null | null | timesleader.com | Ethan Mathias Regner, son of Matt and Shannon Regner, West Wyoming, will celebrate his ninth birthday today, Aug. 27, 2017. Ethan is the grandson of Col. Steven and Jodi Regner, Clinton Maryland; Bonita Drozd, Kingston and the late Lynn Drozd, Wilkes-Barre.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082716regner.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/580502/happy-birthday-ethan-mathias-regner | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/98a350478f1fbf8544596703caec692e592bf159e3c81ff94e67470230e72345.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:47:21 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581508%2Fprayer-or-politics-evangelist-rallying-christians-in-boston.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581508/prayer-or-politics-evangelist-rallying-christians-in-boston | en | null | Prayer or politics? Evangelist rallying Christians in Boston | null | null | timesleader.com | BOSTON (AP) — The son of famed evangelist Billy Graham is holding a mass prayer rally in Boston as part of a 50-state tour to urge evangelicals to vote.
Franklin Graham’s noontime rally on Tuesday on Boston Common is a stop on his “Decision America” tour.
Churches from across the state are sending busloads of people to the city for the rally.
Graham has said publicly that he’s not endorsing Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton for president, but the evangelist has expressed admiration for Trump in the past. The two men met earlier this month in Louisiana.
Similar rallies are scheduled this week in Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581508/prayer-or-politics-evangelist-rallying-christians-in-boston | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/95ca871db6a4eeb4a3a5ff84a17bd99ad2977af43cde5c96fcc631bd6e020503.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:16 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F581575%2Fletter-to-the-editor-stop-state-lawmakers-from-mailing-propaganda-paid-for-by-taxpayers.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_letter-to-editorUpdated-14.jpg | en | null | Letter to the Editor: Stop state lawmakers from mailing ‘propaganda’ paid for by taxpayers | null | null | timesleader.com | I recently received a sleek piece of literature from Aaron Kaufer, state representative from the 120th District, which was sent on the taxpayer dime.
It costs about $5,000 just to mail this piece of propaganda, and that is not counting the employee hours to create the piece and the cost of printing, which I will lowball at $600.
While my school taxes are going sky-high because he voted to underfund schools and refused to deal with the debt, I feel he should end this practice.
This is the second piece that he sent this year, which now puts the taxpayers on the hook for $10,000. If you multiply it by all elected state lawmakers, the taxpayers are on the hook for more than $2 million for the officials’ re-election campaigns. With social media, radio and newspapers, this mailing is outdated – and too expensive when you consider that kids are starving.
John Chernesky
Kingston | http://timesleader.com/opinion/letters/581575/letter-to-the-editor-stop-state-lawmakers-from-mailing-propaganda-paid-for-by-taxpayers | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/5aa40e1c219fc144a3627b4801e4984868ca28ddfd67848f0ed1e92cc1c50741.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:46:44 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F580326%2Fdear-annie-propose-to-a-cheater.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Dearannie-4.jpg | en | null | Dear Annie: Propose to a cheater? | null | null | timesleader.com | Dear Annie: I have been dating a wonderful woman and have been intending to ask her to marry me. We’ve made plans for the future together, but at present, I’m recovering from a horrible motorcycle accident. I won’t be at 100 percent for a few months. I asked her whether that would be a problem, and she said no.
Well, it came to my attention that she has been sleeping around with three guys, one of whom is a nurse who cares for me. Needless to say, I was devastated — not only because I spent $13,000 on a ring and building a tiny home for us but because of the lies, deceit and unfaithfulness. I am an educated man with a successful business, and I know the smart thing to do would be to walk away. But I just can’t let go — All Twisted in Vermont
Dear Twisted: You dodged a bullet, friend, and now you’d better stay clear of the line of fire. This woman cheated on you when you were down and out and needed love the most. You must be a sweet, forgiving person to describe her as “wonderful,” and it was probably this sweetness that attracted her to you, like a shark to blood.
You need to get out of her range. End things, and then create as much distance as possible. Return or sell the ring, and use the cash for a vacation. Your heart needs a safe space to hide out and heal.
Dear Annie: This week at the mall when I went to try on clothes in two popular retail stores’ women’s dressing rooms, there were men in them.
In the first, a large middle-aged man sat alone on a chair inside the entranceway, talking on his phone. As I walked toward the dressing rooms, he sneered at me, so I left and looked for another dressing area.
At the next dressing area, there was a man blocking the entranceway while his girlfriend tried on clothes. She couldn’t even try on a T-shirt without his evaluation. I tried to enter, but he’d step in ahead of me and go between his girlfriend’s room and the two empty rooms, pretending to get a better view but intentionally blocking all entrances.
At the next store, a tall man blocked the rooms while his girlfriend tried on clothes, leaving her door open while she changed. He reluctantly stepped aside for me to go to the second room, with both of them making disgusted sounds toward me for interrupting their experience. Immediately, I could see him glancing over my door, so I grabbed my stuff and hurried out.
These days, these stores are so thinly staffed there’s never anyone monitoring the dressing rooms. With the prices they charge, I should be able to disrobe in a women’s dressing room without fear of assault, intimidation or exposure to men. What legal obligations do these stores have to provide a safe and private female area for disrobing? — Done Shopping
Dear Done: I have a feeling this was more of a venting session than an actual question, but here goes. According to my research, there are no legal requirements for clothing stores to provide dressing rooms; it’s just in the stores’ best interest to have them. It would also be in their best interest to make sure ladies’ dressing rooms aren’t full of “sneering” men, so I’m a little incredulous that in a single afternoon, you could encounter three separate men in three separate dressing rooms who were out to ruin your day.
If someone is changing with the door open or if a man is alone in the women’s dressing room and seems threatening to you, let a sales associate know. You say they’re scarcer these days, but until the machines take over and everything is fully automated, there are live employees in the store somewhere, and they will help you.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Dearannie-4.jpg
Dear Annie
By Annie Lane | http://timesleader.com/features/580326/dear-annie-propose-to-a-cheater | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e82d0440656974d36800d8b6c30e1dd17bed09a139a92d50f0f12cb5bc725873.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:47:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F581750%2Fmisericordia-students-attend-health-science-camp.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016mu.health.science2.jpg | en | null | Misericordia students attend health science camp | null | null | timesleader.com | The College of Health Sciences and Education at Misericordia University held its second annual Health Sciences Interprofessional Middle School Career Camp in August for students entering grades 6-8. Students participating in a medical imaging camp session, seated in photo 1, from left, are: Hailey Morales, Mountain Top; Caylee Herseim, Hazleton; Brianna Dessoye, Hazleton; Brady Dautrich, Dallas and Dylan Roberts, Dallas. Second row: Michael Bellas, Dallas; Gina Capitano, M.S., R.T.(R), assistant professor of medical imaging; student camp ambassadors, Mikayla Skapyak, Mountain Top, medical imaging and Abbey McCann, Swoyersville, speech-language pathology. Participants in a neuroscience and occupational therapy session seated from left, photo 2, are: Gianna Colella, Exeter; Peter Khoudary, Dallas and Abby Bellas, Drums. Standing: Francesca Panunti, Exeter; Ellen McLaughlin, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., association professor of occupational therapy; camp ambassador Lexi Giannone, Hampton Bays, New York; Ashleigh Delay, Mountain Top and Emily Schadder, Drums.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016mu.health.science1.jpg Submitted Photo 1 http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016mu.health.science2.jpg Submitted Photo 2 | http://timesleader.com/community-features/581750/misericordia-students-attend-health-science-camp | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/080ef4acaae14df94e2cbb5642fcf84464ebd25f7d7f8d0b8d80fa9e80824b18.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T04:46:42 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcrime%2Fpolice-blotter%2F580232%2Fpolice-2-arrested-for-dealing-drugs-at-local-hotel.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_BLOTTER-36.jpg | en | null | Police: 2 arrested for dealing drugs at local hotel | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — Police say a local hotel was the place for several drug transactions.
According to police:
John Maybank, 23, of Croes Avenue, Bronx, N.Y., and Kamurani Akdogan, 33, of Company Row, Wilkes-Barre Township, were arrested Thursday at the Fairfield Inn, Kidder Street, after police observed the pair dealing drugs.
A search of the suspect’s room, subsequent to the arrest, revealed items in plain view commonly used to package and distribute illegal drugs, including a small electronic scale, several clear plastic bags and several wax paper packages.
A body search of Maybank revealed he was carrying $316 on his person, and Akdogan was carrying $810 on her person.
Upon arrival at police headquarters, the suspected drugs were field tested. A white powder tested positive for containing cocaine. A beige powder tested positive for containing heroin.
The pair was charged with possession with intent to deliver. | http://timesleader.com/crime/police-blotter/580232/police-2-arrested-for-dealing-drugs-at-local-hotel | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/4075c432f0f2dba0875ee2fede611813d05a80db3f6439e346e2078658f5bd18.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:47:40 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F579857%2Ftourist-describes-death-harrowing-month-in-new-zealand-bush-6.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579857/tourist-describes-death-harrowing-month-in-new-zealand-bush-6 | en | null | Tourist describes death, harrowing month in New Zealand bush | null | null | timesleader.com | WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Pavlina Pizova says she couldn’t free her partner after he slipped down an icy bank and became wedged between rocks and branches. After he died, she stayed with him through the freezing night.
It would take almost another month before Pizova would be rescued from the New Zealand wilderness in an ordeal she described Friday as “harrowing.”
The tourist from the Czech Republic, who was rescued Wednesday from a park warden’s hut on the snowed-in Routeburn Track near Queenstown, broke down in tears as she read aloud her account in halting English. Czech Consul Vladka Kennett provided more details.
Pizova’s comments came soon after rescuers retrieved the body of her partner, 27-year-old Ondrej Petr.
The couple set out on July 26 to hike the scenic track, a 32-kilometer (20-mile) route that typically takes three days in the summer, but which can become treacherous in the winter months from June to August.
Pizova said they made several mistakes: they didn’t tell anybody of their specific plans, they didn’t take a locator beacon, and they underestimated the winter conditions.
“All these aspects contributed to our tragedy,” she said.
Midway through the hike, as they tried to reach the Lake Mackenzie Hut, things started to go wrong.
“The conditions were extreme. We encountered heavy snowfall and low cloud which contributed to our enforced overnighting in the open,” Pizova said. “In our attempt to reach the hut, the tragic accident happened.”
Kennett said Petr fell down the slope.
“Pavlina slipped behind him, and was unable to help him out, and that was it,” Kennett said. “She stayed with him for the first night, beside him, because first of all she wanted to be with him, and she couldn’t move any farther due to the weather conditions.”
Kennett said Pizova spent another night outdoors as she remained lost in the deep snow. She rubbed her feet and tried to keep her blood circulating, and wore all the clothes and blankets she had with her.
Pizova says she finally found her way to the Lake Mackenzie Hut and broke into the warden’s quarters through a window. She says she tried to hike out several times but her frost-bitten feet and the avalanches she was witnessing discouraged her.
Pizova would end up spending nearly a month at the hut. She used ash to fashion a letter “H” in the snow to signal for help. But other hikers were avoiding the route, and the planes and helicopters she waved at never saw her.
Kennett said Pizova also tried making snow shoes, crampons and walking sticks from items she found around the hut, attempts which would later impress rescuers. But Kennett said she never made it more than a few hundred meters (yards) before turning back.
“She wasn’t confident to carry on but she didn’t give up trying,” Kennett said. “She tried everything she could, given the conditions.”
Kennett said Pizova survived on food left behind by the wardens, who don’t live there during the winter.
Police Inspector Olaf Jensen said it took weeks before friends and family realized the couple was missing and raised the alarm. He said the Czech Consulate informed police on Wednesday and they launched a search the same day.
He said police found the couple’s car at the trailhead and sent a helicopter along the route. He said Pizova was relieved to see her rescuers.
“It’s very unusual for someone to be missing in the New Zealand bush for such a long period without it being reported,” Jensen said.
Pizova, who was traveling around New Zealand on a working holiday with her partner, is eager to return home as soon as possible, Kennett said.
Pizova said she wanted to warn other travelers to seek good information and to be aware how quickly the New Zealand weather can change.
Kennett said she can barely understand how the hiker managed to survive her ordeal.
“I think she is a really tough woman,” she said. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579857/tourist-describes-death-harrowing-month-in-new-zealand-bush-6 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/a4e75dd8d5a616da6ad6ff83263f5d234867341e1e5440bb6c6f2b89913dc0c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:47:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F581723%2Fwater-main-replacement-project-begins-in-newport-township.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_PA-American-Water.jpg | en | null | Water main replacement project begins in Newport Township | null | null | timesleader.com | NEWPORT TWP. — Nearly 3,000 feet of water main will be replaced over the next few months in the township, according to a Pennsylvania American Water press release.
The project, which began last week, will replace 2,900 feet of two, four and six-inch cast-iron water mains with new eight-inch ductile pipe along Chestnut, Walnut and Maple Street. The improvements will cost nearly $477,000.
When completed, in spring 2017, the project will improve reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions and increase water flows for firefighting.
The release states that construction, including street paving, is expected to be completed by spring 2017.
“During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and/or lower than normal water pressure,” the release said.
For more information, Pennsylvania American Water asks customers to call 1-800-565-7292.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_PA-American-Water.jpg
By Melanie Mizenko [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/local/581723/water-main-replacement-project-begins-in-newport-township | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ca2ea8784f366db53d3e3b2d7dbb4f9b7f8905ed52791537d672bc5e5e8b0db0.json |
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