GM, Ford, Toyota lead rebound in U.S. auto sales
Ford and GM pickups, a hot Toyota SUV and Nissan's popular crossovers helped recharge U.S. auto sales in September.
The auto industry rebounded as several automakers posted significant sales gains, potentially positioning the industry for a strong end to the year after several months of year-over-year monthly declines.
Overall, U.S. auto sales rose 6.1%, compared with a year earlier, to 1.52 million vehicles, according to Autodata.
The three largest sellers in the U.S. — General Motors, Ford and Toyota — posted particularly strong months.
Their sales rose 11.8%,14.9% and 8.9%, respectively.
GM and Ford got a big boost from sales to fleet customers, but retail sales were strong, as well.
The gains come after a prolonged period of year-over-year declines, as auto sales cooled off from consecutive years of industry records in 2015 and 2016.
Despite the solid month, the industry likely will fall short of the full-year record of 17.55 million vehicles.
Sales of profitable pickups, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers remain strong, while passenger car sales continue to struggle.
“The auto industry showed renewed strength in September," Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division, said in a statement.
The company's popular RAV4 SUV continued its hot streak, jumping 44% to 42,395, making it the automaker's most popular vehicle by more than 7,600 units.
Japanese automaker Nissan notched a 9.5% increase to 139,932 vehicles in September, reflecting a company record for the month.
Nissan's extremely popular Rogue crossover, its most popular model, jumped 47% to 38,969 vehicles.
For Ford and GM, pickup sales led the way.
The Ford F-series pickup, the most popular vehicle in the U.S., soared 21.4% to 82,302 units.
GM's Chevrolet Silverado rose 21.7% to 55,236 vehicles, lifting Chevrolet to a 17.2% increase.
Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler recorded a 10.1% sales decline for the month.
Fiat Chrysler has been aggressively slashing its reliance upon sales to less-profitable fleet customers. Retail sales rose 0.3% and fleet sales declined 41%.
U.S. sales of German automaker Volkswagen's namesake brand jumped 33.2%, and the company's luxury Audi brand rose 9.6%.
Japanese automaker Honda posted a 6.8% increase to 142,722 units.
Source- USA Today
Nadal wins sixth title of the season
World number one Rafael Nadal beat Nick Kyrgios 6-2 6-1 in the China Open final to win his sixth title of the season.
Australian Kyrgios began well but lost his way after he became frustrated by a line call in the first set in Beijing.
The temperamental world number 19 continued to let the incident bother him and later received a one-point penalty for continuing to complain.
French and US Open winner Nadal won nine games in a row on his way to reclaiming the trophy he won in 2005.
The two players looked set for a tight contest as Kyrgios battled to fend off five break points in his opening service game.
But having been angered by a line call, the Australian proceeded to complain to the umpire at two changes of end, which eventually cost him a penalty point at the start of the eighth game.
Spaniard Nadal clinched his second break to take the first set, and despite a spirited response from Kyrgios, there was no stopping the 31-year-old.
Source-BBC
North Korea's Leader Calls Nuclear Weapons Program a 'Treasured Sword'
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is defiantly calling his country's nuclear weapons program a "treasured sword" to protect it against aggression, even as U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continue to pressure his regime.
Pyongyang's state media reported that Kim on Saturday told the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party the nuclear weapons were a "powerful deterrent" guaranteeing the country's sovereignty against what he described as "protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists."
But he acknowledged that North Korea's standoff with the United States, Japan, South Korea and other countries over its nuclear weapons development was a "complicated international situation."
Kim vowed to continue developing the country's economy as it advanced North Korea's weapons program in the face of stiffened United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing Pyongyang's export income. He said North Korea faces "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed its economy has grown.
Kim tightened his family's firm grip on the government, promoting his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to be an alternate member of the politburo, the top decision-making body over which Kim Jong Un presides.
Kim's support for North Korea's nuclear weapons program came as Trump said Saturday that "only one thing will work" in dealing with North Korea after previous U.S. administrations had negotiated with Pyongyang without results.
"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump said in a Twitter comment. "Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!"
It was not clear exactly what Trump meant, but seemed to suggest that he was referring to military action. Trump has engaged in weeks of taunts with Kim, saying the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies if Pyongyang attacks. North Korea has conducted numerous missile and nuclear tests.
Source-VOA
Venezuela Leader Thanks Trump for Making Him 'Famous'
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro baited U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday by thanking him for a barrage of criticism that had made him famous worldwide.
"It's an honor that the head of the empire mentions me every day," said the 54-year-old president, who is just back in Venezuela from a trip to Russia, Belarus and Turkey.
"That means I'm doing something right!" Maduro laughed, during his weekly program on state TV.
The U.S. government, saying Venezuela has become a corrupt and repressive dictatorship, has widened individual sanctions on top officials including Maduro and also prohibited new debt dealings with Caracas.
Businessman-turned-president Trump has repeatedly criticized Maduro and his Socialist Party in public and at meetings with other heads of state.
"Donald Trump has become the head of the Venezuelan opposition," said Maduro, who has ruled the OPEC member since 2013 but seen his popularity plummet during an economic crisis.
"He has made me famous around the world. Every time he mentions me, they love me more," Maduro added, saying he had been acclaimed by people abroad on his visit to nations who have all had frayed relations with Washington.
Maduro said he had a one-and-half-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin where, among other subjects, he discussed the possibility of trading Venezuelan oil in rubles because of the U.S. financial sanctions.
Source-VOA
REOPENING OF H. J. ROBINSON HIGH, ONA GLINTON PRIMARY AND OSETA JOLLY PRIMARY
The Ministry of Education appreciates the understanding that parents and the general public demonstrated over the past few weeks as we worked out the logistics for the resumption of school since the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria. As previously mentioned, our priority was to get the senior students at both the primary and high school levels back to school as quickly as possible. While this is so, the Ministry is keen to ensure that students resume classes in conditions that are safe and healthy - free from mold and other hazards.
To this end, the Ministry of Education has partnered with the Public Works Department and the Environmental Health Department and we are pleased to announce the reopening of the following schools and for the following students with effect from, Tuesday, 10th October 2017:
|
School |
Island/location |
Forms or Grades |
|
H. J. Robinson High |
Grand Turk |
Forms 1 to 5 |
|
Ona Glinton Primary |
Grand Turk |
Infant 1 to Grade 6 |
|
Eliza Simons Primary
|
Grand Turk |
Infant 1 to Grade 4 at the Ona Glinton Primary
Grade 5 and 6 at the HJRHS Auditorium
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oseta Jolly Primary |
Providenciales |
Grades 4 to 6 at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex
Grades 2 and 3 at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre |
|
|
|
|
The Ministry of Education commits to continue updating you, parents and the General Public via further announcement in the coming days, as we work together to return our students to a state of normalcy.
NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE SUNDAY 08TH OCTOBER 2017
THIS IS A NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION AT 6AM SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2017.
...NATE MOVING FURTHER INLAND OVER MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA...
...RAPID WEAKENING ANTICIPATED...
AT 5AM EDT, THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NATE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.4°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 88.4° WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES NORTH-NORTHEAST OF BILOXI MISSISSIPPI OR ABOUT 135 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF MONTGOMERY ALABAMA.
NATE IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 23 MILES PER HOUR. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTHEAST WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK, NATE'S CENTER WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE INLAND ACROSS THE DEEP SOUTH, TENNESSEE VALLEY AND CENTRAL APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS THROUGH MONDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 70 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. NATE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO QUICKLY WEAKEN AS IT MOVES FARTHER INLAND. IT SHOULD DEGENERATE INTO A REMNANT LOW LATE MONDAY.
THE NEXT NEWS ITEM WILL BE ISSUED AT NOON.
Electricity System Upgrade and Expansion Project launched in Suriname
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of Suriname have partnered to deliver a more reliable, efficient and sustainable electricity supply in that country. The Electricity System Upgrade and Expansion Project, which will be implemented by utility company, N.V. EnergieBedrijven Suriname (EBS), was launched on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Courtyard Marriott Paramaribo.
Under the Project, EBS will undertake the upgrade of 36.6 kilometres of sub-transmission and distribution lines, the construction of five new substations, and the expansion or upgrade of three existing substations. It will also include the installation of three solar photovoltaic plants by 2021, two in the Nickerie and one in Coronie. In addition, a Master Grid Study and a Dynamic Stability Study will be conducted, in anticipation of changes to the operating environment, as a result of provisions under the country’s Electricity Act (2016).
Speaking at the launch, Director of Projects at CDB, Daniel Best, noted that the energy sector is a key driver of economic growth and social development for Suriname.
“The Bank’s 2014 to 2018 Country Strategy Paper for Suriname identified support to EBS and support for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as priorities for the Government of Suriname. We know the importance of a reliable electricity service in supporting economic activity and social development. CDB is therefore pleased to be a partner in investing in this upgrade and expansion project, and supporting the country’s shift to more sustainable energy sources,” said Mr. Best.
Rabindre Parmessar, EBS’ Chief Executive Officer said that over the years, the utility company has struggled with outdated infrastructure in the city and districts of Suriname.
“In some places the electrical infrastructure has surpassed their economic and technical life…With our creative and dedicated workforce we have managed to keep the situation under control. We can assure you that with the loan of 65 million USD to the Suriname Government on behalf of the NV EBS and with an own contribution of 32 million US dollar we took a serious step in the positive direction to make the electrical infrastructure of Suriname healthy again.”
Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of Suriname, called the Project a fruitful result of combined efforts of CDB, the Surinamese Government and EBS.
“Our government will leave no stones unturned to achieve the objectives necessary to improve the energy sector. We will do this together with CDB and other important people and institutions,” said Mr. Adhin.
Total funding for the project is USD98 million (mn). CDB is providing financing through a loan of USD65 mn, and the additional USD33 mn will be provided by the Government of Suriname and EBS.
The Project is consistent with CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and its corporate priority of strengthening and/or modernising social and economic infrastructure. It also reflects the Bank’s commitment to promoting energy security, a cross-cutting theme in its Strategic Plan 2015-2019.
Rapper Nelly arrested for sexual assault; attorney calls allegations "completely fabricated"
Rapper Nelly has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an unidentified woman Friday night following a concert in Washington state.
A statement Saturday morning from police in Auburn, WA, just south of Seattle, confirms the arrest.
“At 3:48 AM a female called 911 to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper ‘Nelly’,” the statement declares, noting the alleged assault occurred on a tour bus parked at the White River Amphitheater near Auburn, where Nelly had just finished performing as part of his ongoing tour with country act Florida Georgia Line. Nelly’s featured on the 2013 hit remix of the band’s song, “Cruise.”
“After Patrol Officers investigated the incident, at 4:37 AM Nelly was taken into custody and booked at the SCORE jail facility,” the statement goes on. “Auburn Police are continuing to investigate this incident. The above details are all we have to release at this time.”
Nelly, 41, born Cornell Haynes Jr., was released from custody later Saturday morning.
Nelly’s attorney, however, says the rapper is “the victim of a completely fabricated allegation.”
In a statement provided to ABC News, Scott Rosenblum says: “Our initial investigation, clearly establishes, this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges.”
Rosenblum’s statement ends: “Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation.”
Source-ABC
Jason Aldean opens Saturday Night Live
In his first public appearance since the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Jason Aldean opened Saturday Night Live with a speech and a song.
Aldean was onstage at the Harvest 91 Festival in Las Vegas when Stephen Paddock opened fire, killing nearly 60 people and wounding hundreds more. He's posted several messages online since then, but Saturday night on SNL, he took center stage to comment on the tragedy.
"I'm Jason Aldean," he began. "This week, we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history. Like everyone, I'm struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. They're our children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends -- they're all part of our family."
He continued, "So I wanna say to them, 'We hurt for you and we hurt with you.' But you can be sure that we're gonna walk through these tough times together, every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond, and our spirit...it's unbreakable."
Aldean and his band then kicked into the perfect song, not only given the circumstances, but given the fact that this past week, we also lost a music legend who inspired both rock and country musicians. He played Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."we lost a rock legend this past week: Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 06TH OCTOBER 2017
GENERAL SITUATION: A SURFACE TROUGH NEAR FLORIDA ALONG WITH BROAD TROUGHING ACROSS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE NATE WILL BRING POCKETS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER THROUGH THE BAHAMAS THROUGH TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS AND BEACHGOERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR ROUGH SURF AND THE HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG EASTERN SHORELINES.
FOR NORTHWEST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND HOT WITH FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR POSSIBLE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TODAY, TURNING PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
CENTRAL, SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS & TURKS & CAICOS
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND HUMID WITH THE CHANCE OF PASSING SHOWERS. PARTLY CLOUDY TO FAIR AND WARM TONIGHT
ADVISORY: BOATERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 91°F 33°C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 06:51 PM FRI MOONRISE: 07:52 PM FRI LOW TIDE: 03:02 PM FRI
SUNRISE: 07:05 AM SAT MOONSET: 08:49 AM SAT HIGH TIDE: 09:02 PM FRI
LOW TIDE: 03:15 AM SAT HIGH TIDE: 09:28 AM SAT
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEKEND: AS PRESSURE GRADIENT SLACKENS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS THERE WILL BE A MIX OF SUN AND CLOUDS WITH FEWER SHOWER ACTIVITY THROUGH SUNDAY.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: SEE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON TROPICAL STORM NATE ISSUED AT NOON TODAY. ELSEWHERE, THERE IS A NON-TROPICAL AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IS FORECAST TO FORM ALONG A FRONTAL BOUNDARY ABOUT 800 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES ON SATURDAY. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUGGEST THE LOW WILL THEN ACQUIRE SOME TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND A TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL CYCLONE COULD FORM EARLY NEXT WEEK. THE LOW IS FORECAST TO DRIFT OVER THE NORTHEASTERN ATLANTIC FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH 48 HOURS IS LOW OR ABOUT 10 PERCENT AND FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH 5 DAYS IS MEDIUM OR ABOUT 40 PERCENT.