Rising Cost of Maize Felt in South Africa

The staple food of millions of South Africans - mealie meal, or maize - now costs 40 per cent more than it did at the same time last year. Drought in the US has destroyed crops and caused food prices to rise across the world. In South Africa, this is aggravated by the rand weakening against the US dollar, which has made it even more expensive to import maize into the country. It is unlikely the situation will improve for consumers before next year. Al Jazeera's Tania Page reports from South Africa.

Editor's note: On July 27, From The G-Man published a special commentary submitted by a South African journalist. The journalist foretold of this event and urged the U.S. and other global leaders to address the crisis. The commentary can be read here: South African Journalist Issues Urgent Plea

Families Destroyed by Mexico's Drug War

Some 24,000 people have gone missing in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels in 2006. Many of the disappeared turn up dead but it can take months for their bodies to be identified. Nearly 16,000 bodies remain unidentified, according to the government. Al Jazeera's Rachel Levin reports from Monterrey.

Russia Charges Secret Religious Sect

Authorities in Russia have started legal proceedings against a relgious sect that had been discovered living underground for up to a decade. One member of the sect has confirmed that he will testify in court, as Al Jazeera's Joanna Blundell reports.

Paul Ryan: 'We Can Turn This Thing Around'

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Earthquakes Kill Dozens in Iran

Strikes Occurred Near Town of Tabriz

Aljazeera reports the following: 

"Two strong earthquakes have hit northwestern Iran, killing at least 80 people and injuring scores more, Iranian officials have told the state news agency."

The full news report can be read here: Iran Earthquakes

From The G-Man will post additional reports on this breaking story as more information becomes available.

Image courtesy of http://etc.usf.edu

Weekly Address: All-Hands-On-Deck Response to the Drought

FTG Flashback: President Bill Clinton - Response to Lewinsky Allegations

At the end of a speech about education policy proposals (6:18), President Clinton responds to the allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, saying: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."

President Obama Hosts an Iftar Dinner

President Obama hosts an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room. This is the fourth Iftar that President Obama has hosted, continuing the tradition of hosting Iftars that began annually under President Clinton and was continued by President George W. Bush. The invited guests include elected officials, religious and grassroots leaders in the Muslim American community, and leaders of diverse faiths and members of the diplomatic corps.

Today in History: August 11th

Highlights of this day in history: Start of the Watts riots in Los Angeles; President Ronald Reagan's joke causes a Cold War flap; The Mall of America opens; 'Roots' author Alex Haley born; Painter Jackson Pollock killed in auto accident. (Aug. 11)

Confidential Photo of Trayvon Martin's Body Released

Sources:HLNWTVTMiamiHeraldAtlanticWire

By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Other Newsy videos will play following this report. 

Egypt Deploys Troops to the Sinai

Al Jazeera's corresondent Jamal Elshayyal reports from the town El Arish in Sinai.

Paul Ryan Tapped as Romney's Running Mate

Mitt Romney, the Republican US presidential candidate, is expected to announce Representative Paul Ryan as his running mate, US media has reported. Ryan built his reputation with aggressive plans for cutting the deficit by dramatically chopping federal spending. He is also a socially conservative Catholic who is pro-life and opposes same sex marriage, but is less confrontational than others with the same views. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher looks at what Ryan will bring to the ticket.

Food Prices Spike Amid Record Temperatures

The US is facing its worst harvest for 15 years, and as corn production plummets, global food prices are rising. Temperatures in some states have been even higher than in the devastating Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Al Jazeera's Jesse Mesner-Hage reports.

Unions Seek to Regain Political Clout

In the US, tens of thousands of trade unionists and their supporters are set to hold a demonstration in Philadelphia. But many within the labour movement admit that it is in trouble in some states. The unions suffered a massive political blow last year when public sector workers were stripped of their collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin. They are also criticised for being slow to embrace the Occupy Wall Street movement. Now some say that to be successful, unions need to alter their relationship with power and big business. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports from Philadelphia.

U.S. to Crack Down on Hate Groups

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at the memorial service for Sikhs killed in a temple in Wisconsin . He pledged to crack down on violence by hate groups. Researchers say there are nearly twice as many such groups as there were a decade ago. Tom Ackerman reports.

In Memoriam....Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy

Killed After Insurgent Detonated a Suicide Vest

Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 in honor of a New York Soldier who died in Sarkowi, Afghanistan on August 8.

Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, of West Point, N. Y., died when an insurgent detonated a suicide vest. He was assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

"Along with all New Yorkers I mourn the loss of this outstanding officer," said Governor Cuomo.

"We will remember his honorable service to our nation and we are grateful for his dedication to duty."

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, his love of country, and his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace. 

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist

Photo courtesy of  http://freedomremembered.com.

West Wing Week 08/10/12

Moyers Moment (1999): George Lucas on Mentors and Faith

In this Moyers Moment from 1999, George Lucas discusses his mentors and the role religion plays in the films' mythology.

Today in History: August 10th

Highlights of this day in history: 'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz caught near New York City; Leno and Rosemary LaBianca murdered by Charles Manson's cult; FDR stricken with polio; The Smithsonian Institution established. (Aug. 10)

Top Newsy Headlines: Three U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan

Sources:CNNAlJazeera
GoodMorningAmericaESPN 

By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Other Newsy videos will play following this report. 

Eastpoint Focuses on Alternative Energy

The first commercial tidal energy project in North America is in its last test phase. Turbines have been engineered a little way off the coast of Eastport Maine in such a way to ensure they always turn the same way, whether the tide is rolling in, or out. The turbines power a generator, creating electricity. Cables carry it onshore and directly into the power grid. Three years from now, they hope to power 1,200 homes. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports from Eastport Maine.

Argentina Feels Pinch of Global Economic Crisis

Argentina's economy has long been upheld as a model for successful recovery from a financial crash. Its leaders managed to steer the country to growth, following a 2001 banking sector collapse. But the global economic crisis is threatening that recovery. Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman reports from Buenos Aires.

Europe's Economic Woes Deepen Amidst Uncertainty

Europe has had more bad news as the economic outlook looks very bleak. The Bank of England has admitted there will be little growth in the UK economy this year as the double-dip recession intensifies. he European Central Bank has warned that the debt crisis hitting the eurozone is causing the region's financial market to become increasingly fragmented. France could also slip back into recession while Germany's exports are also facing problems. Al Jazeera's Peter Sharp takes a look at the figures.   Al Jazeera's Peter Sharp takes a look at the figures.

Today in History: August 9th

'Sewage Pollution Right to Know' Bill Signed

New York Plants Must Inform the Public When Untreated Sewage is Discharged into Community Waterways

The 'Sewage Pollution Right to Know' law will require publicly owned sewage treatment plants and sewer systems to notify the general public whenever the facility discharges untreated or partially treated sewage.

"New Yorkers have a right to know when potentially harmful, untreated sewage is discharged into waterways in their communities," Governor Cuomo said.

"These new notification requirements will let the general public know when untreated sewage is released in water bodies, especially swimming beaches and fishing areas. In addition, this new law will also raise awareness to the need for upgrades and maintenance of our state's wastewater infrastructure. I thank the bill sponsors for their work on this important law."

The law is designed to protect New Yorkers by increasing awareness when discharges which may affect public health occur, allowing the general public to make informed decisions about fishing, swimming and recreating in affected water ways.

Currently, notification of a discharge is only provided to certain public officials and not the general public.

Sewage treatment plants were required to inform the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the local health department only to instances where the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage may affect shellfish harvesting, swimming or recreational areas.

The new law will expand the notification requirements, ensuring that all New Yorkers know when untreated sewage that poses a threat to public health has been discharged in their communities, as well as giving DEC additional information, enabling the agency to focus compliance education and outreach efforts.

The new law also requires DEC to prepare an annual report of discharges of treated or untreated waste from each publicly owned sewage treatment plant and system.

The report will contain the total number of discharges, the volume and duration of such discharges, and the remedial responses, if any, to such discharges.

"Sewer discharges affect the public's ability to safely swim, fish and recreate. This new law will provide the public with important information about New York's water bodies and further DEC's efforts to make all waterways in the state fishable and swimmable," noted DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.

"I am pleased to have sponsored the bill that is now law creating a 'Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act' for all New Yorkers who want to enjoy the many great bodies of water in our state,” said Senator Mark Grisanti, Chairman of Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

“This law ensures that the water people use for both recreational and commercial activities will not be threatened by bacteria, toxins or chemicals due to the spillage of raw sewage. When accidents do occur prompt notification and swift action for clean-up must happen." 

"I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing and helping to shape this important public health protection law. Many communities in New York State are served by aging and dilapidated sewage infrastructure,” stated Assembly Member Bob Sweeney, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation.

“As a result, hundreds of millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage enter into the waters we use to swim, boat, and fish each year. The 'Sewage Pollution Right to Know' law will protect the public from avoidable exposures to sewage in our waterways by requiring that the public be warned if sewage is released. Our waterways are one of New York’s great assets and people should be able to fish, boat and swim in them without fear of contamination."

The new law takes effect on May 1, 2013.

Image courtesy of http://www.nyc.gov.

NYS Seeking Proposals for Flood Control Projects

Cuomo: "NY Works Projects Will Provide Critical Improvements to Our State's Flood Control Infrastructure"

New York State is seeking proposals for an estimated $355,000 in survey work on eight NY Works flood control projects.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will award the work to a qualified firm upon completion of the contract letting process.

The boundary survey projects include Binghamton (Broome County), Endicott (Broome County), Vestal (Broome County), Johnson City (Broome County), Corning (Steuben County), Canisteo (Steuben County), Gang Mills (Steuben County), and Montour Falls (Schuyler County).

Projects include surveying 30 miles of flood protection project boundaries.

"NY Works projects will provide critical improvements to our state's flood control infrastructure," Governor Cuomo said.

"As a result of the NY Works program's expedited procurement process, work can begin immediately on vital repairs that will rebuild our municipalities and put New Yorkers back to work. The state’s flood control projects will receive much-needed repairs as a result of the NY Works initiative. Work is underway to ensure these projects perform as designed and protect New Yorkers and infrastructure well in the future."

"Surveying work is important to bring the state's flood control projects into compliance with federal standards. The NY Works program has provided the means to ensure all of these projects are brought into good repair," stated DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.

Scoping sessions for prospective contractors are scheduled for August 28 in Binghamton.  

Visit http://www.nyscr.org/Public/Index.aspx, the New York State Contract Reporter, for more information. Users must register. 

Surveying the boundaries of these flood control projects enables DEC to properly maintain them in accordance with the federal government's criteria under the oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Projects need to maintain a clear right of way to provide access to prevent floods and for maintenance.

These areas also need to be maintained free of trees and other vegetation which could harbor burrowing animals and create root systems which could allow flooding waters to migrate through and weaken the earthen levees and cause a breach in the levee.

In addition, trees too close to flood control projects can fall over and pull up soil that is part of the levee. This could compromise the integrity of a levee or floodwall.

Also, fallen limbs could cause an obstruction in a waterway which could increase the likelihood of flooding.

NY Works is the centerpiece of Governor Cuomo's jobs program, reinventing state economic development with an innovative new strategy to put New Yorkers back to work rebuilding the state's infrastructure.

The program is designed to create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing all investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.

DEC maintains 106 flood control projects, of which 91 have been rated "minimally acceptable" or "unacceptable" by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The NY Works Funds will designate $56 million to perform maintenance of flood control facilities such as levees, pump station and flood gates.

FTG Flashback: President Nixon Resigns

After the turmoil of the Watergate scandal, and the initiation of impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, President Nixon decides to resign from office and announces the decision to the American people.

August 8th, 1974

President Obama Campaign Event in Denver, Colorado

Top Newsy Headlines: Gu Kailai Admits to Killing Businessman

Sources:CNNWBOCWFORNBC 

By Charles McKeague
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Other Newsy videos will play following this report. 

U.S. Families Commemorate Those Killed in Vietnam

A ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington for US airmen lost in Vietnam is also a demonstration of how the two countries, once at war, have tried to move beyond old hostilities. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan reports from Washington, DC.

Syria's Rebels Demand Weapons from Allies

Syrian rebel commanders have told Al Jazeera that they need more weapons if they are to overcome government forces. One of most senior generals in the Free Syrian Army also said that the promised foreign military aid has not materialised. Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons reports from northern Syria.

Egypt's President Fires Intelligence Chief

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has fired his spy chief Murad Muwafi in a major shake-up of military and intelligence ranks extending to the head of the Republican Guard and the governor of North Sinai. Wednesday's decision comes several days after a deadly ambush in Sinai killed 16 soldiers, prompting an unprecedented military crackdown in the peninsula, but Morsi's spokesman did not say whether the attack had prompted the changes. Morsi also ordered Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the defence minister, to replace the head of military police Hamdi Badeen, his spokesman Yassir Ali said in a televised statement on Wednesday. Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal reports from Sinai.

Russia Sect Held Children Underground

Four members of a reclusive Muslim sect in the Russian region of Tatarstan have been charged with cruelty against children for allegedly keeping them underground. Police found 27 children and 38 adults living in catacomb-like cells, dug on eight levels under the home of the sect's founder. It is not clear how long the children were kept underground. Al Jazeera's Melissa Chan reports from Moscow, the Russian capital.

Corruption and Cheating Threatens UK Olympics

The history of the olympics is not just one of sporting achievement - there is also a parallel history of cheating and corruption. The London Olympics will see more doping tests take place than at any previous games, and organisers are also on the look out for evidence of match fixing and illegal gambling. Andy Richardson reports.

Philippine Appeals for Flood Aid for Millions

There has been a reprieve in the weather in the Philippines, but hundreds and thousands of people are still in temporary shelters. Nearly two weeks of torrential rain has caused widespread flooding and landslides, and at least 19 people have died. It is not the first time the capital Manila has been inundated. Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from Manila.

UN Chief Wants Sanctions Against Mali Rebels

Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary-general, has called on UN security council to impose sanctions against fighters who have taken over northern Mali. Ban asked the council on Wednesday to consider financial and travel sanctions against rebels and fighters linked to radical Islamist groups, including several who are allied with al-Qaeda. Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall reports.

Buffalo Bills Battle Brewing

Cuomo: "New York State is Committed to Doing All We Can to Keep the Bills a Part of the Buffalo Community..."

Irwin P. Raij, a nationally-recognized professional sports expert with extensive experience in stadium development and the sports industry, will advise the state on its efforts to keep the Bills in Buffalo. 

Raij currently serves as a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP and is co-chair of the Sports Industry Team. He has represented and counseled major sports clients including a professional sports league, professional sports teams, owners and acquirers of professional sports teams.

Raij advises clients in connection with a variety of new stadium development projects, construction agreements, new and interim lease agreements, acquisition of professional sports franchises, strategic counsel, and commercial matters.

"New York State is committed to doing all we can to keep the Bills a part of the Buffalo community, while also protecting taxpayer dollars and seeing that the team can thrive in Western New York for years to come," Governor Cuomo said.

"Irwin Raij has years of experience working together with sports franchise owners, local communities, and government in sports development projects, and he will be a valuable addition to the state's efforts to keep the Bills right here in New York."

"I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate closely with the State of New York on an issue that carries both emotional and economic implications among many residents," stated Raij.

"Throughout this process, I plan to leverage my and the firm’s collective experience on these complex and evolving issues in order to find a solution that helps keep the Bills in Buffalo."

Raij's experience includes leading the team that represented Guggenheim Baseball Management in the recent acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the single largest transaction ever for a professional sports franchise and represented Rangers Baseball Express in its acquisition of the Texas Rangers.

Raij was appointed by Bud Selig, Commissioner of Major League Baseball, to serve on a three person committee to determine feasibility of developing a new stadium for the Oakland A's in Northern California, represented MLB in the relocation of the Montreal Expos, now the Washington Nationals, to Washington, D.C., and acted as MLB's counsel in its successful efforts to facilitate the negotiation and approval of new stadiums for the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals.

Mr. Raij has also provided counsel to the Miami Dolphins in their efforts to renovate Sun Life Stadium and has worked with private developers regarding in the creation of stadium development concepts throughout the country.

Image courtesy of http://badumblog.blogspot.com.

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Singh

President Offers Condolences to India's Prime Minister in the Wake of Wisconsin Shootings

President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this morning to express condolences for victims of the senseless attack at the gurdwara in Wisconsin, which took the lives of Indian nationals as well as Americans, and to convey the solidarity of the American people.  

President Obama reiterated that the Sikh community is an essential and vibrant part of the American family.  

The President also underscored that the incident is particularly tragic because it took place in a house of worship.  

Prime Minister Singh expressed his gratitude for the many messages and gestures of support from the United States, and for the prompt reaction and heroism of the local police department.  

The two leaders re-affirmed their nations’ commitment to the shared values of pluralism, religious freedom, and freedom of worship.    

Hillary Clinton: Secretary of 'Shake'

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton got her groove on while she danced at a party in Pretoria, South Africa.

$30 Million Awarded to Developers for Solar-Power Projects

Funding Will Support Large-Scale Solar Projects in Downstate Area

A total of $30 million has been awarded to 16 developers to finance large-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects at multiple sites in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley.

As part of the Governor's NY-Sun initiative, the funding will assist businesses and other facilities in generating electricity from solar power.

The funding is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through the Renewable Portfolio Standard Customer-Sited Tier Regional Program.

Projects under this program are sited at manufacturing facilities, colleges and universities, schools, department stores, apartment complexes and other locations.

The developers awarded funding today will develop an installed capacity of 34 MW of solar to be online in 2013.

"These awards will help large commercial and industrial businesses to invest in solar power, stimulating economic development while helping reduce use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases emissions,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"Through the NY-Sun program, the state continues to be a leader in the development of solar energy and making solar power a more attractive option for businesses. These investments will help create green jobs, while protecting the environment and leading to a more sustainable future for our state."

The solar developers receiving these awards consist of: American Capital Energy Inc., Dynamic Solar LLC, EmPower Solar CES LLC, EnterSolar LLC, GreenLogic LLC, Lighthouse Solar, Mercury Solar Systems Inc., OnForce Solar Inc., Orion Energy Systems Inc., Ross Solar Group LLC, Safari Energy LLC, Solar Energy Systems LLC, Solartech Renewable Systems LLC, SunEdison Commercial Solutions LLC, SunWize Technologies Inc., and TriState Solar Alliance.

The NY-Sun Initiative was first outlined by the Governor in his 2012 State of the State Address. The initiative is designed to double the amount of customer-sited solar power installed annually in New York in 2012, and quadruple that amount by 2013. 

"NYSERDA has received an enthusiastic response again to this program confirming that solar power can help the metropolitan New York City area in addressing the challenge of meeting its energy, environmental and reliability needs,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA.  

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we are poised to expand this program upstate providing greater energy independence to New York by increasing the state’s renewable-energy portfolio while reducing demand on the electric grid.”

"We remain committed to the growth of renewable energy projects, including solar, in the metro New York City area, as well as the rest of the state. Developing renewable energy resources is a primary goal of the Commission,” noted Garry Brown, Chairman of the state Public Service Commission.

Programs that encourage and strengthen renewable resources will help ensure a cleaner environment. In addition, developing renewable resources will enable us to guide and direct our energy future."

Last year, through this program, NYSERDA awarded more than $30 million across 22 contracts in support of 26.62 MW of solar PV projects.

The projects are meant to produce power for on-site use, not for direct sale to utilities. Under certain circumstances, however, unused power can be added to the grid in exchange for future utility credit.

Image courtesy of http://free-realestate.org/english/07-clipart/125-solar-panels.html.