Lima Charlie US News End-of-Week Briefing – AUG27

| The Week’s Wrap Up in One. Big. Blast.

#Election2016

#Trump #MinorityReport

On AUGUST 24, #Republican Presidential Nominee #DonaldTrump held a rally in Texas’ most liberal city, #Austin, delivering an issue-oriented speech on illegal immigration, border security, crime, and trade.

To a crowd of almost 7,000 people, he expressed, “Give Donald Trump a chance — I say this to the African American community…We will turn it around…we will make your streets safe.” Trump asked black voters, “What do you have to lose?” launching an attack toward Democrats for not helping minorities and noting, “I will fix the problem.”

Mr. Trump also delivered a jab toward his #Democratic rival and the Clinton Foundation, adding, “We reject the bigotry of Hillary Clinton, who sees communities of color only as votes, not as human beings worthy of a better future.” He later invited the mothers of children murdered by illegal immigrants on stage, reminding, “Your children did not die in vain because we’re not going to allow it to happen to others.”

#Trump #Immigration #WalkBack

Tuesday’s rally comes in the wake of media controversy over the GOP Nominee’s immigration plan, with many outlets questioning whether his stance to deport almost 11 million undocumented immigrants—a signature tenet of his platform, popular amongst Trump loyalists—will be softened in the general election.

The Trump Campaign’s new manager, #KellyanneConway, the first woman in history to run a Republican presidential campaign in the general election, expressed that Trump does not plan to walk back his original stance, noting, “This is somebody who I always hear say the same thing in private as public, I assure you.” She added, “No open borders. Secure the border. Build the wall. Have Mexico pay for it. No sanctuary cities. Get these businesses to have e-verify to make them more accountable.” Conway closed with a reminder to viewers that her candidate “wants to find a fair and humane way of dealing with [undocumented immigrants] and he doesn’t want to cause people harm. That’s leadership. That’s presidential.”

#Clinton #ImAltRight

On AUGUST 25, #HillaryClinton delivered a speech in Reno, #Nevada in which she slammed what she termed the “radical fringe” taking over Republican politics thanks to Donald Trump.

“The de facto merger between Breitbart and the Trump Campaign represents a landmark achievement for the “Alt-Right,” she said. “A fringe element has effectively taken over the Republican Party. And this is part of a broader story—the rising tide of hardline, right-wing nationalism around the world.”

Mrs. Clinton closed her speech with a reminder to voters, noting, “You know, my friends, this is a moment of reckoning for every Republican dismayed that the Party of Lincoln has become the Party of Trump. It’s a moment of reckoning for all of us who love our country and believe that America is better than this.”

#Clinton #DOSemails

On AUGUST 25, a Federal judge ordered the #StateDepartment to begin releasing additional emails from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s tenure, that were discovered during the #FBI probe into her private email server. The State Department confirmed existence of the almost 15,000 emails at the beginning of the week and set a deadline of October 14^th to review the messages to sort which were work-related.

The order comes in response to a Judicial Watch lawsuit filed by the conservative watchdog group. The group is suing the #StateDepartment for Clinton-era records under freedom of information laws and the emails are limited to messages pertaining to the #Benghazi attacks.

#Clinton #5141

According to an AUGUST 25^th poll taken by #QuinnipiacUniversity, Democratic Nominee Hillary #Clinton tops the magical 50% mark among likely voters, leading #Republican Nominee Donald Trump 51 to 41%. American likely voters give both candidates high unfavorable ratings, however, with 41 – 53% for Clinton and 33 – 61% for Trump. 37% of voters said they would consider voting for a third party candidate.

#Clinton #HelloTechSupport

On AUGUST 25, #Democratic Presidential Candidate #HillaryClinton made a fundraising swing through tech-haven #SiliconValley, tapping into a sector of the economy that has, at times, shown itself more likely to lean in the direction of her #GOP rival.

In her campaign’s official policy papers, Clinton has embraced several of the tech sector’s top priorities, with support for net neutrality and curtailment of patent lawsuits that have long been a problem for tech giants like #Apple. Apple CEO #TimCook even hosted one of three events for the Clinton campaign, in the #BayArea, with Clinton going on to attend two more fundraisers in #PaloAlto.

GOP rival Donald Trump has, in comparison, taken a harder stance toward high-profile tech figures, expressing plans to mandate tech companies like Apple to bring manufacturing facilities back to the #US from #Asia. Mr. Trump has also called on his base to boycott Apple, following its refusal to break its encryption code during past criminal investigations, citing privacy concerns.

#FiredUpSwing

On AUGUST 22, data from key battleground states showed that #Republican registration in important states like #Florida, #Iowa, and #NorthCarolina surpasses that of their Democratic counterparts. While Hillary Clinton leads by an average of 6 points in the Real Clear Politics average of national polls, the uptick in Republican registration indicates a large wave of potential new voters for the #Trump campaign to sway. In Florida, Republican registration has increased by close to 70,000 and, in Pennsylvania, 85,000.

#BerniesGonnaBeAllRight

On AUGUST 24, former Presidential hopeful #BernieSanders announced the next move in his revolution of the #DemocraticParty, unveiling his own nonprofit, “Our Revolution,” whose mission is to “reclaim democracy for the working people of our country by harnessing the transformative energy of the ‘political revolution’” and to “transform American politics to make our political and economic systems once again responsive to the needs of working families.”

The #Vermont Senator addressed his followers from his hometown of #Burlington, Vermont on Thursday, via online streaming, announcing, “It is nice to be home…As I have said a million times, real change doesn’t take place from the top down.” He went on to recount, in just under one hour, the accomplishments that his followers reaped for the Democratic Party over the course of the primary, namely creating the most progressive party platform in history.

The organization is structured as a 501(c)(4), the section of the #IRS code reserved for a “social welfare organization.” The group places limits on funding for candidates backed by Sanders, and the Vermont Senator has noted he will not have a leadership role in “Our Revolution,” given he is a federal office holder.

#ForeignAffairs

#Colombia #PeaceAtLast

On AUGUST 25, following the historic peace agreement between the #Colombian Government and its largest Marxist rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (#FARC), the #WhiteHouse released a statement from President Obama remarking on the landmark moment for the #SouthAmerican country that ended the longest running war in the Americas:

“As I saw when I visited Colombia four years ago,” the President said, “a remarkable transformation has occurred. Thanks to the strength and spirit of the Colombian people, today’s Colombia is moving toward a future of optimism and hope. The United States is proud to stand with the Colombian people as they continue on the path to lasting peace and prosperity.”

President Obama called Colombian President #JuanSantos on Thursday to congratulate him on the news, vowing to continue support for Colombia and remarking on the triumph of diplomacy, noting, “We have witnessed, once again, that a sustained commitment to diplomacy and reconciliation can overcome even the most entrenched conflicts.”

#YemenAid

On AUGUST 25, US Secretary of State #JohnKerry announced additional humanitarian aid will be issued to #Yemen, amounting to nearly 189 million dollars in assistance and bringing the total US humanitarian assistance to Yemen to more than 327 million dollars in fiscal year 2016.

Secretary Kerry announced, “Since the conflict broke out in March 2015, more than 3.1 million Yemenis have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the country—or 21 million people—are in need of humanitarian assistance… The United States remains committed to relieving the suffering of the Yemeni people and others displaced by conflict through the provision of humanitarian aid, as well as continued support for peace talks to ultimately end the conflict in Yemen.”

#Kenya #Somalia #SouthSudan #HumanitarianAid

On AUGUST 22, Secretary of State #JohnKerry announced in #Nairobi that the US will be providing more than 146 million dollars in additional US humanitarian assistance to support refugees, voluntary returnees, and drought victims in #Kenya and #Somalia. The announcement brings the total US humanitarian assistance to both countries to almost 265 million dollars in fiscal year 2016. Secretary Kerry spoke of the decisions, noting, “This is part of a longer term process to help develop the appropriate conditions and security in Somalia to one day support larger-scale Somali returns – for those who chose to repatriate voluntarily – from the region.”

#SecretaryofState John Kerry announced nearly 138 million dollars in humanitarian assistance will be sent to help the South Sudanese people suffering from almost three years of senseless, brutal fighting. Following a meeting with regional foreign ministers in #Nairobi, Kerry expressed in a statement, “The United States continues to stand by the people of South Sudan and remains the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance, providing more than $1.7 billion since the conflict began in December 2013. In addition, we also support community level peace-building programs and provide long-term development assistance such as basic education and health services.”

#NationalMilestones

#Happy100

On AUGUST 25, the day marked the centennial of the #NationalParkService, whose mission is to preserve “unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.”

The 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service was celebrated from #Alaska to #Florida to #Maine to #Hawaii and even in #AmericanSamoa, #Guam, #PuertoRico, and the #VirginIslands. Today, more than 400 national park areas and over 40 programs have officially been established.

Prior to the National Park Service, #Yellowstone was guarded by the cavalry of the US Army, without whom we might not have had the national parks today. In August of 1896, Capt. Moses Harris and his troops from Company M, First Cavalry marched into a Yellowstone Park plagued by poaching and chaos. The military leadership at Yellowstone soon proved to be a model for the early management of #Yosemite, #Sequoia, and #KingsCanyonNationalParks in California. Once the National Park Service was officially created in 1916, the soldiers withdrew, leaving their indelible legacy behind.

#InternautDay #wwwHappy25

AUGUST 23 marked the 25^th Anniversary of the #WorldWideWeb. The hash tag #InternautDay erupted on Twitter, a portmanteau of astronaut and Internet which celebrates the day Tim Berners-Lee opened up the Web to everyone back in 1991, while working at #CERN (The European Organization for Nuclear Research) in #Switzerland.

The very first web page can be found online at the site of its original URL, which went live on August 6, 1991.

#NationalSecurity

On AUGUST 24, an attack on the American University in #Kabul, the Afghan capital, claimed twelve lives, amongst them seven students, two security guards, and three policemen. More than 30 others were wounded in the attack. Early on Wednesday, police killed two attackers who stormed the campus carrying guns and explosives, although no group has officially claimed responsibility yet. Officials say the attack has been confirmed as perpetrated from “the other side of the Durand Line,” referencing Pakistan, according to the Afghan National Security Council statement. The hard-line Islamic fundamentalist Taliban has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks along the Afghan-Pakistan border, but has remained quiet on the Wednesday bombing.

The attack was, undeniably, a blow to the young Afghans who defied the migrant exodus away from the country’s war and chose, instead, to chase their dreams amidst troubling circumstances on the home front.

On AUGUST 25, Secretary of State #JohnKerry released a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms, expressing, “The American University of Afghanistan will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for all Afghans. And the United States, our allies and partners, will continue to stand with them as they confront the threat of terrorism, strive for peace, and educate themselves and their children. Now, as before, we affirm our dedication to those goals and to an enduring and vibrant partnership with the government –and the citizens–of Afghanistan.”

#DomesticAffairs

#LouisianaFlood

On AUGUST 23, #PresidentObama arrived in #BatonRouge, #Louisiana to tour a neighborhood in East Baton Rouge Parish ravaged by the widespread flooding that claimed more than a dozen lives and damaged some 60,000 homes. Much media attention surrounded the President’s visit, given that he pushed back his arrival for one week after the record-breaking rain hit 20 parishes in southeastern Louisiana.

“I come here, first and foremost, to say that the prayers of the entire nation are with everybody who lost loved ones…We are heartbroken by the loss of life. There are also people who are still desperately trying to track down friends and family. We’re going to keep on helping them every way that we can,” the President expressed.

Last week, the #WhiteHouse issued a statement regarding the President’s timing of arrival, noting, “The President is mindful of the impact that his travel has on first responders and wants to ensure that his presence does not interfere with ongoing recovery efforts.”

#SpoofOfWallStreet

On AUGUST 12, the first federal spoofing prosecution in history took place, with the sentencing of a trader involved in commodities fraud and spoofing. Defendant #MichaelCoscia was the first defendant in the country to stand trial under new anti-spoofing laws that were established in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act. Back in 2010, he was found guilty of spoofing—the use of computer algorithms to rig markets in fractions of a second—along with six counts of commodities fraud. While prosecutors had recommended 5-7 years in prison, the defense sought probation. Coscia was sentenced to 3 years in prison and 2 years of supervised release.

“For years, many people scoffed at the notion that the government could explain high-frequency trading strategies to judges and juries. No one is laughing anymore,” said Renato Mariotti, lead prosecutor on the case.

#Military

#UncommonValor

On AUGUST 24, a female US sailor was officially commended for her efforts during the January incident that resulted in the detention of 10 Americans entering #Iranian waters off the #FarsiIslands.

According to Military.com reports, the only female among the two crews of the #Navy riverine boats entering the waters in the #PersianGulf managed to activate the emergency beacon while kneeling, bound, and held at gunpoint with her fellow sailors. It was this beacon which signaled to US officials that the Americans were in danger. The sailor requested that her name not be released, but she is a petty officer second class and was the No. 2 gunner on the second boat during the January 2^nd incident. On AUGUST3, she received the Navy Commendation Medal for her extraordinary courage at risk to her own safety.

#Rio #ArmyStrong

ON AUGUST 23, Spc. Paul Chelimo, one of the #USArmyOlympians competing in Rio received the silver medal in the men’s 5,000 meter run after a lane disqualification was overturned.

Chelimo pushed beyond his personal best by more than 15 seconds, finishing runner-up to Great Britain’s Mo Farah in 13:03.94. Moments after the race, however, he was informed that a lane infringement would disqualify him from the medal. Upon appeal, however, Chelimo’s disqualification was overturned and he was awarded the silver medal. “Especially with all the young high school kids, that’s my main focus right now,” Chelimo said. “I want to encourage and motivate all of the high school kids. I really want to motivate them and give them confidence…I believed in my heart special things were going to happen. I’m so appreciative and thankful…that the training paid off.”

As the Rio 2016 Olympics drew to a close, another #TeamArmy Olympian medaled for the United States, this time from the #ArmyReserve. Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Sam Kendricks won the bronze medal in the pole vault competition on AUGUST15, reminding viewers, “All my unit is watching back home, the 655^th Road Dogs.”

Kendricks described his future aspirations, expressing, “I would certainly love to compete for the United States Army in any capacity, like the World Military Games, especially.”

#CyberBrigade

On AUGUST 24, in #FortIrwin, California, a pilot program called Cyber Support to Corps or Below was tested to provide maneuver commanders with an improved situational awareness of the information environment and tools to shape that environment. These expeditionary cyber teams can aid commander maneuvers in leveraging defensive cyber operations, offensive cyber operations, and electronic warfare.

In the course of a recent rotation at Ft. Irwin’s National Training Center in late July, the 1^st Infantry Division’s 1^st Armored Brigade Combat Team became the fifth brigade to integrate cyber effects under the pilot program. According to Capt. Samuel Lough, offensive cyber operations planner, “A Battalion moving through or near a city could employ a cyber team to disrupt enemy networks located there” in a process known as “effects-based operations.”

#ArmyCare

According to an AUGUST 24 report from the Army Surgeon General, survival rates for wounded soldiers returning from #Iraq and #Afghanistan are at their highest percentage in the history of warfare. Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West, #SurgeonGeneral of the Army and Commander of Army Medical Command noted that, despite the rising severity of battle injuries from increasingly more deadly weapons, the survival rate is about 92%, compared to the Vietnam-era 75%.

Some of the reasons for this improvement include the fact that soldiers, not just medics, are receiving much better training in lifesaving techniques and casualties are more quickly transported to hospitals.

#VettingPrivateRyan

On AUGUST 23, a change to #USArmy regulations now requires that the Army determine the suitability of each officer in the running for a promotion before that officer’s name is ever sent to the desk of the Army Secretary. Previously, vetting usually took place simultaneously with the senior Army, Defense, and Congressional leadership, instead of before. The new directive requires officers be vetted for mental, physical, moral, and professional fitness to determine if they meet the standards for exemplary conduct necessary for promotion. The Army notes, “Similar changes have been made for officers who are being considered for promotion to first lieutenant or chief warrant officer.”

#LifeSaver

According to an AUGUST 21 announcement from the #USArmy Surgeon General, a new junction tourniquet marks one of the latest life-saving advances in treating hemorrhaging on the battlefield. Developed at the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, the device is essentially a belt with one or more inflatable air bladders that can be blown up, similar to a blood pressure cuff, to apply pressure to the site of the wound. It can even stop hemorrhaging in about one minute. The device is currently being sent to medical personnel only, but line troops may gain access to the technology in the future.

The Army notes, “during recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the use of conventional tourniquets saved many lives,” citing the story of LT. Col. Greg Gadson who lost both his legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007 and attributes his survival to a fellow Soldier who applied tourniquets to both limbs.

#CallToDuty

On AUGUST 21, #PresidentObama signed a proclamation declaring August 21 through August 27, 2016, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. In the proclamation, the President expressed, “For more than two centuries, brave patriots have given of themselves to secure our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — and in times of both war and peace, members of the National Guard and Reserve have stood ready to don our uniform, answer our Nation’s call, and protect our way of life. This week, we recognize the important role played by the families, employers, and communities of these men and women in ensuring they can step forward and serve our country when they are needed most.”  

 #NationalNumbers #StockExchange
#Oil #Gold #Silver #Copper #USDollar

On AUGUST 26, #US stocks turned mixed after signals from Federal Reserve Chair #JanetYellen foreshadowed the possibility of an interest-rate increase later this year. The #Dow ended the day down 0.3%, the #S&P 500 index was off 0.2%, and the #NasdaqComposite index edged up 0.1%.

On AUGUST 26, the #Nasdaq ended an eight-week winning streak, down for the week, but still within 1% of its record closing high. The #DowJonesIndustrialAverage was up more than 100 points at its session high, and down triple digits at its intraday low. This marked the first time the Dow has staged such an expansive intraday swing since Jun 16.

On AUGUST 26, #gold rose $1.30 to $1,325.90 an ounce, #silver edged up 13 cents to $18.75 an ounce, and #copper was little changed at $2.08 a pound.

On AUGUST 26, the #USDollar hit a two-week high against the #Yen, #SwissFranc, and the #Euro. The dollar rose to 101.86 yen from 100.57 yen the previous day. The euro dropped to $1.1183 from $1.1281.

On AUGUST 26, US crude #oil rose 31 cents to close at $47.64 a barrel. Brent crude, which is used to price oil internationally, rose 25 cents to close at $49.92 a barrel.

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Lima Charlie News, with Special Ops by Nikita Roach

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