Free Republic

Marin transportation officials were cautiously optimistic Monday after a recent court ruling upheld a major funding source for several local highway projects, but the funding could be in limbo because of appeals. “We have tremendous congestion and these projects are congestion relievers,” said Dianne Steinhauser, executive director of the Transportation Authority of Marin. “We hear from the public constantly about how bad the congestion is right now. We’re hoping that this money starts flowing. It’d be great to see it by the end of 2019.” Regional Measure 3, the June 2018 ballot measure that increases tolls for seven Bay Area...

Raymond Tam, a local deputy to the National People’s Congress, has suggested that the city’s top government officials should swear to uphold China’s constitution. Tam, the former secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, made his suggestion at an earlier meeting of the national legislature. Article 104 of the Basic Law stipulates that when assuming office, the chief executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council, members of the Legislative Council, judges and other members of the judiciary should swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. […] Article 31 of the Chinese...

Airbus' largest customer in Latin America, TAM Airlines of Brazil, has defected to Boeing with an order for four 777-300ERs. The deal is worth about $1 billion at list prices, but its significance goes beyond money. Until now, TAM's fleet of large airplanes has been all-Airbus. The order is a huge vote in favor of the 777, over both the A340 and the forthcoming enlarged A350. ........... In addition, because Airbus has re-positioned its much-postponed A350 as a contender against both the 787 and the 777, this order is a blow to the A350. TAM currently operates a fleet...

Sudan's child soldiers lay down arms (Filed: 31/01/2004) The prospects of ending Africa's longest conflict appear better than ever. Adrian Blomfield reports from war-ravaged Tam About 100 children, some as young as 10, lope two abreast towards a parade ground, the harsh Sudanese sun glinting on their rifles. They break into a trot, wheeling precisely before coming to a halt. A man in civilian clothes steps forward and tells the children of 2 Brigade that their war is over. "There were problems in this area. That is why you were taken, all of you, including the girls," says Paul Pouk...