Category Archives: Progress

The Tiger Square Shopping Center on Frederick Road, which received its certificate of occupancy in September 2016, is moving forward as it continues its attempts to add more tenants.

The center is 60 percent leased, with eight spaces still available at the center. The sizes of the spaces range from 1,500 square feet to 5,400 square feet, said Lee Alice Johnson with Berkshire-Hathaway HomeServices Commercial Real Estate Division.

The center has focused on attempts to place restaurants in the remaining spaces, she said.

What were looking for is compatible usage with the spaces that are already there, Johnson said. "They would also need to be non-competitive.

The 22-unit, 36,300-square-foot center consisting of three buildings, has three entrances one off of Frederick Road and two off of Corporate Park Drive.

The tenants range from chain restaurants to local retailers. Some of the tenants at the center include Smooth and Groove, Anytime Fitness and Simply Sleep. A local tenant that will be coming to the center is Mama Goldbergs Deli, which is expected to open in a few months, according to Johnson.

Were really excited to have Mama Goldbergs Deli out front, Johnson said.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said he is pleased to see the center doing well.

Its in a wonderful location, Fuller said. You've got a lot of synergy with Tiger Town being the cornerstone. It draws more store traffic in the area.

According to a marketing graphic for the center, 15,000 cars each day pass through the intersection of Frederick Road and Corporate Park Drive, making it an ideal location for both tenants and customers.

We certainly like to take advantage of our proximity to Tiger Town, Johnson said. All of our tenants have been very pleased with the amount of traffic that theyre getting.

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Opelika's Tiger Square continues its steady progress - Opelika Auburn News

The world has seen dramatic decreases in global poverty over the past three decades, and improvements in agriculture in poor and middle-income countries have been at the core of this progress, a new report says.

The report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs says further progress is possible if the world pursues smart strategies to support agricultural development and innovation. Former Nebraska U.S. Rep. Doug Bereuter co-chaired the task force that developed the study, along with former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman of Kansas.

Population growth worldwide makes such an ag- focused effort especially important. The worlds population, now at 7.4 billion, is projected to rise to 8 billion by 2024 and 10 billion by 2056.

Half the growth is expected to be in Africa, the report states. Nigerias population is projected to climb from 180 million now to almost 400 million by 2050, making it the third-most populous nation.

Strengthening agriculture can produce positive ripple effects in a countrys economy, the new report says. Experience from the world for the last 200 years shows that increases in agricultural productivity are central to growth in other sectors.

Investments in agricultural development, the study says, have been proven to be more than twice as effective at reducing poverty as investments in other sectors. Improvements in agriculture have been one of the main factors promoting poverty reduction globally, the findings show.

From 1990 to 2015, the number of people worldwide living in extreme poverty (less than $1.90 per day) fell by more than 1 billion people. In 1990, 23 percent of residents in low- and middle-income countries were deemed chronically undernourished. The figure now is much lower: 13 percent.

At the same time, challenges remain. Many countries face food insecurity. The Chicago Council report cites particular problems along that line in Central America, and famine is now a serious threat of parts of East Africa.

As for agricultural production in Africa, the Brookings Institute reported last year that Africas ag producers need more electricity, more irrigation and better infrastructure. Cargill says African farmers at all scales of production need access to the inputs required to produce a successful crop high-yielding seeds, effective fertilizer and sufficient water. The Chicago Council report spells out a wide range of strategies to help, with recommendations on innovative finances, public-private collaborations and greater investment in ag research by universities.

Its encouraging to see the ways in which the University of Nebraskas ag-science and natural resources programs are working to strengthen agriculture in developing countries.

NU outreach in Tanzania has promoted livestock health and increased literacy for rural women. Work by the University of Nebraska-Lincolns National Drought Center aims to anticipate drought and flooding in the Horn of Africa.

NUs Water for Food Global Institute pursues water-science initiatives around the globe. And foreign students studying ag science at UNL describe production conditions in their home countries while studying innovations used here.

Agriculture has been at the center of recent economic progress for many developing nations. Outreach by our country, as shown by NUs efforts, can help those nations make further improvement to meet future needs.

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Editorial: Global agriculture making progress against poverty - Omaha World-Herald

May 17, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Manuel Margot (7) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres: 3B prospects by Cheri Bell

Already San Diego finds itself in the National League West cellar, a whopping 14 games out of first place. As the losses have mounted, there have been positive signs, like Dinelson Lamets first big league start. However, the burgeoning disabled list, especially with the addition of center fielder Manuel Margot, does not bode well.

Before Lamets call-up scouts considered his mid-90s fastball and his slider his best pitches, with his change-up a work in progress. However, he had all three working when he faced the New York Mets Thursday night. He struck out eight batters, and threw 61 of his 91 pitches for strikes.

Lamet told reporters after the game he thought he had an excellent start, a sure sign of the confidence the young Dominican has in himself. The 24-year-old has moved from High-A to the Padres in just three years.

In another sign of progress, Hunter Renfroe has actually walked 14 times, most of those coming lately. A first-round pick in 2013, Renfroe has always had a reputation for mashing the ball but demonstrating poor plate discipline, as evidenced by his .286 OBP. Working on staying in the strike zone in the major leagues is a real challenge, but he did walk twice against Clayton Kershaw (who does not give up many walks) in a game in early May.

Two additions, Chase dArnaud and Matt Szczur, have injected signs of life and provided help in the face of the growing disabled list. The Cubs, loaded with talent, had no room for Szczur on their roster. However the Padres welcomed him, and hes already played all three spots in the outfield.

DArnaud, in the meantime, has had a rocky road to the Padres. On April-25 Braves designated him for assignment; the Red Sox claimed him two days later, then waived him April 27 5-17. The Padres claimed him and immediately put him to work. He has experience in both the outfield and infield. DArnaud started the rally in the seventh against the Mets bullpen on Thursday and helped the Padres win two of three from the Mets.

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Winning the series against New York started the road trip off well. Plus, long-time Padres fans undoubtedly relish a win against Mets General Manger Sandy Alderson, who had a scorched earth policy as CEO of the team from 2005 to 2009. He trashed then traded Khalil Greene. Worse, he refused to let closer Trevor Hoffman talk to John Moores about the future of the Padres and let him walk. Hoffman, who should have played his entire career with the Padres, ended up aBrewer instead.

Having lost to the Nationals (the team leading the NL East) Friday night, the Padres face a daunting series of games against the Cubs and Rockies (also leaders of their divisions). And the bad news from the disabled list keeps mounting.

Center fielder Manny Margot officially landed on the disabled list Saturday retroactive to April 25. He has tightness in his calf and is in a walking boot. That makes two walking-boot clad players, as Travis Jankowski has been hobbling around in one since fouling a ball off his foot. Both Margot and Jankowski rely on their legs, and neither will be back soon. Margot had played almost every single game in center field and batted leadoff, leaving huge voids in both categories.

Equally worrisome, Trevor Cahill, 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, has been diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. Hes on the disabled list for the second time having missed nine games in April with a lower back strain. This bad news conjures memories of Tyson Ross in 2016. He pitched opening day, giving up seven runs against the Dodgers. Then he landed on the disabled list with a similar diagnosis. Ross hasnt pitched since.

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San Diego Padres: Signs of progress soured by worrisome injuries - Friars on Base

LONDON Britain is making good progress with technology companies on getting access to the encrypted messages of militant suspects, interior minister Amber Rudd said on Sunday.

Britain has repeatedly complained that technology companies have failed to disclose enough information about the encrypted messages of militant suspects, though technology companies such as Whatsapp say they cannot break end-to-end encryption.

"We are making good progress with the companies who have put in place end-to-end encryption, some of them are being more constructive that others but we will continue to build on that," Rudd said on BBC television.

"The area that I am most concerned about is the internet companies who are continuing to publish the hate publications, the hate material that is contributing to radicalizing people in this country," Rudd said.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

MANCHESTER Members of Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi's network are still potentially at large, British interior minister Amber Rudd said on Sunday, after the terrorism threat level was lowered due to significant progress in the investigation.

SIGONELLA, Italy With trouble facing him back home, U.S. President Donald Trump ended his nine-day overseas journey in dramatic fashion on Saturday, addressing U.S. troops at a campaign-style rally.

TAORMINA, Italy Under pressure from Group of Seven allies, U.S. President Donald Trump backed a pledge to fight protectionism on Saturday, but refused to endorse a global climate change accord, saying he needed more time to decide.

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UK says making progress with tech companies on getting encrypted militant messages - Reuters

TAORMINA, Italy The Group of Seven nations have made progress in negotiations on trade, notably on the issue of multilateralism, a French presidential source said on Saturday, suggesting there has been some softening in the United States' protectionist stance.

The leaders have been wrangling on the wording of a final communique since Friday with international trade and climate change the main stumbling blocks.

"The discussions on trade are making substantial progress, notably on the issue of multilateralism," a French presidential source said.

Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump, has derided some of the same international partnerships, including the World Trade Organisation, raising the prospect that the Republican's "America First" agenda might well mean an America more willing to act alone.

A senior White House official on Friday said Trump had told the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Britain that the United States would treat other countries in the same way it was treated.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Crispian Balmer)

BEIJING Profits earned by Chinese industrial firms rose 14.0 percent in April from a year earlier, official data showed on Saturday, slowing from March's pace and adding to concerns that the world's second-largest economy may be losing steam.

BEIJING China is determined to open its market and is positive about promoting talks on a China-EU investment agreement, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday ahead of Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Brussels for a summit with the European Union.

NEW YORK U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chief Jay Clayton is expected to name Steven Peikin, a partner from his former law firm, to help lead enforcement at the agency, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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G7 makes 'substantial progress' on trade talks: French source - Reuters

There are 11 cornerbacks listed on the 90-man Eagles roster and every single one of them comes with a "yeah, but " attached to him. There are four rookies, two first-year players, and two second-year men among the group, which collectively fits the description a work in progress.

The Eagles are keeping the big picture in mind here, and thats one of the reasons they were so eager and excited to use a second-round draft pick (No. 43 overall) on Sidney Jones, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury suffered in March and who is very much a question mark to play this season. And then the Eagles came right back in the third round and selected West Virginias Rasul Douglas. After the draft ended, the Eagles added two more cornerbacks, UCLAs Randall Goforth and Iowa States Jomal Wiltz.

In the short term, well, thats where the work-in-progress mindset comes into play. The Eagles have some veterans on hand Ron Brooks, returning from a torn quadriceps injury that ended his 2016 season, figures to play a lot, whether hes competing for a starting role on the outside or as the teams primary nickel cornerback; Patrick Robinson, now in his eighth season in an injury-plagued career that began as a first-round draft pick in 2010 in New Orleans; and Dwayne Gratz, in his fifth season with 43 games, 25 starts, and three career interceptions under his belt.

Then there are the young veterans, headed by Jalen Mills, the second-year man who impressed last season, playing 65 percent of the snaps and keeping his composure, his confidence, and clearly improving as the year went along. C.J. Smith earned a spot on the practice squad as an undrafted rookie and then was promoted to the 53-man roster in October. He eventually played in 10 games, with just one defensive snap in the mix. Aaron Grymes looked so very good in the preseason before suffering a shoulder injury, and he returns hoping to take his next steps.

Mitchell White, like Grymes, plied his trade in the Canadian Football League and played very well there for three seasons. Now hes with the Eagles looking for success.

Eleven cornerbacks. Just as many questions. Well see how it works out, both in the short term and in the future.

"All I know is that I have to keep my focus and work and get better. Im not looking at numbers or the depth chart," said Smith, a star at North Dakota State who played very well in last summers preseason. "I felt I got a lot better last year with my technique and understanding of the defense.

"Its a new year. I have a completely different perspective from last season."

Smith could emerge as a key player for 2017 with the jobs at cornerback pretty much up for grabs. When the Eagles lined up on Tuesday to open the Organized Team Activities, Mills and Robinson were with the first team. When the Eagles brought a third cornerback on the field, it was Douglas on the outside, as Mills slid inside to cover the slot receiver. Brooks did not participate in 11-on-11 drills and isnt likely to do so until Training Camp. The rest of the reps were divided evenly.

Everything is up in the air. The competition is wide open.

Its all new for me. My focus is my job every day, Douglas said. Even in this short time I think Ive gotten a lot better, but I know I have a long, long way to go. I have a lot to improve on. Im just starting my career.

Going up against guys like Alshon (Jeffery) teaches me a lot. How to use my body, how to be physical, my footwork, my hands. Really, its everything. Technique means so much. Its fast and its precise. You have to be on top of it on every play.

Cornerback isnt a position likely to be resolved, set in stone, anytime soon for the Eagles. There are a lot of young and developing players. The ones who progress the furthest the fastest are the ones who are going to get game reps. The goal is to have cornerbacks one through five on the 53-man roster who have earned the trust of the coaching staff and who are going to compete and not back down against the great wide receiver challenges on the 2017 roster.

You can squint and see a day, in the not-far-off future, when Jones is healthy and a top cornerback, Douglas is developed and a tenacious competitor, and Mills is another season into his NFL experience and contributing in a big way to the defense. How far away that day is, we just dont know.

In the meantime, every day is crucial for the cornerbacks. Every practice rep means something. The coaching staff is watching, hoping to see some answers in a short time for the season to come.

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Cornerback Picture: Work In Progress - Philadelphia Eagles - PhiladelphiaEagles.com

York County moved a step closer to building a new elementary school this month when the School Board agreed to pay for preliminary design work.

The design work will cost $210,421. At a special meeting May 3, the School Board agreed to use money from the division's revenue stabilization reserve fund to cover the cost.

The school division has said it would like to begin construction in 2020, and the project is listed under fiscal year 2019 and 2020 in the county's Capital Improvement Plan.

The school is to be built in the upper part of the county in the Marquis development, off Marquis Center Parkway. A residential development is planned for the area as well. The subdivision is expected to have 600 units, with 182 houses and 418 apartments.

Under early drafts of proposed elementary school rezoning in the county, the new school would take in students from Magruder and Yorktown elementary schools. Those schools have the greatest crowding concerns, said division Chief Operations Officer Carl James at an April 17 work session. He noted that the density of the schools changes year-to-year and that other developments would affect school populations.

The early draft plans, which were developed by a contractor outside the division, have two possibilities for the new school. One would put 180 students into the new school from existing schools; the other would put 295 students in the school. Those figures do not reflect possible changes from any new developments in the area. James noted that current rezoning possibilities are subject to change.

The CIP lists the new school as having space for 500 students and lists the expected cost of building and furnishing at $23 million.

The school division is in the early phases of redrawing the elementary school attendance zones and plans to establish an advisory group over the summer. Early plans have the committee meeting several times in the fall and presenting recommendations to the School Board toward the end of the year.

The Marquis currently consists of a shopping center with a Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and an empty J.C. Penney that closed in April 2015. A Sam's Club is expected to fill a space that is now vacant.

Reyes can be reached by phone at 757-247-4692.

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Proposed new school in York sees progress - Daily Press

BBC News

Manchester attack: 'Immense progress' made by police BBC News "Immense" progress has been made, he added, but more arrests were likely. Meanwhile, US singer Ariana Grande has said she will return to the "incredibly brave city" for a benefit concert. In a message posted on Twitter Miss Grande, who performed on ... Manchester police make 'significant progress' in bombing probeNew York Daily News all 76 news articles »

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Manchester attack: 'Immense progress' made by police - BBC News

By Andy McElroy

CANCUN, Mexico, 25 May 2017 The 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction today urged countries and cities to develop clear, aligned, integrated and supported DRR strategies in order to move forward on the Sendai Framework.

Such national and local government strategies require dedicated budgetary support with a particular focus at the municipal level to empower and resource DRR at the frontline.

Capacity building of institutions and line ministries to adopt a cross-sectoral approach to disaster resilience was identified as critical. The need for greater leadership, participation and risk awareness involving women, elderly, and children as well as other often marginalized groups was also highlighted.

The recommendations were delivered by Mr. Kiren Rijuju, the Minister of State Home Affairs, India, in his capacity as Chair of the opening plenary session on national and local DRR strategies.

I have travelled around India and witnessed many disasters. I have learnt that it is particularly important to empower local governments and give them appropriate support, Minister Rijiju said.

Target (e) of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 calls for a substantial increase in the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020.

The plenary heard how effective national and local disaster risk reduction strategies builds resilience into the very bricks and mortar of cities and nations around the world.

Ms. Kathy Oldham, Head of Service, Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Civil Contingencies & Resilience Unit, UK, said: Our cities are complex, home to multiple interests and stakeholders. A strategy offers a way of collapsing all these interests down into structures and mechanisms that can ensure DRR is at the heart of what everyone does.

However, strategies by themselves are not enough. Having the mechanisms for following up on strategic commitments, tracking implementation and assessing impact on the ground are important.

Good governance is about collaboration and inclusivity. An all-of-society approach should hear and consider the perspectives of all groups within our communities.

Mr. Joaquin Roa, Minister of the National Emergency Secretariat, Paraguay, told the plenary how a Presidential Decree in his country requires all government ministries and sectors to on a daily basis introduce the Sendai Framework into their work in order to manage disaster risk.

We are on the right path to not creating new risk by deeply involving key sectors such as various utilities and infrastructure as well as other actors, academia and institutions. This goes hand-in-hand with strong leadership to build a healthy resilience, Minister Roa said.

Ms. Denisse Ugalde Alegra, Mayor of Tlalnnepantly, Mexico, said it was the responsibility of local government as the ones closest to citizens and communities to coordinate governance to strengthen the disaster resilience of people.

Dr. Melchior Mataki, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Solomon Islands, told the plenary that good DRR strategies were made from a proactive developmental perspective. The decisions we make today will determine the new set of risks or otherwise tomorrow.

Mr. Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management relayed the experience of the EUs 28 member states in that DRR strategies are not abstract concepts.

They are practical solutions which deliver concrete results to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework. DRR strategies are about saving lives, reducing economic losses, protecting livelihoods, protecting peoples homes and the schools that our children learn in, Mr Stylianides said.

Around 75 percent of countries globally have some sort of national level disaster risk reduction legislation, strategy or plan. However, many are not aligned with the Sendai Framework. As of 2016, 51 countries did not have any kind of national level DRR strategy.

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Strategies key to Sendai progress - ReliefWeb

The Jerusalem Post

Zero progress in Hadassah cancer unit dispute The Jerusalem Post The dilemma of some 300 children with blood cancers whose six senior oncologists and three medical residents are due to leave the pediatric hemato-oncology department on June 4 is far from resolution. The doctors and the parents regard the solution ...

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Zero progress in Hadassah cancer unit dispute - The Jerusalem Post