Millions of Android Phones Face Security Risk

Millions of Android phones are at risk due to an old vulnerability that was thought to be fixed.

Israeli-based NorthBit has released a new research paper explaining a new way to exploit a weakness found in Stagefright, Android's media server and multimedia library.

If a user accessed a malicious website, the vulnerability could allow hackers to have access to data and functions on a various versions of Android.

Hackers could effectively attack devices running Android versions 2.2 through 4.0, 5.0 and 5.1, NorthBit said. The company has named its new exploit "Metaphor."

The new attack is the most effective on Google's Nexus 5 with stock ROM. It also works, with some modifications, on HTC's One, LG's G3 and Samsung's S5, the company said.

Google has patched the vulnerability twice before, after security company Zimperium found the original Stagefright flaws in early 2015.

The exploit has two weaknesses, Northbit found.

It has to use a different code for each type of phone in order to hijack it, thus hackers would have to create multiple versions of "Metaphor" to utilize it on a massive scale. Secondly, the latest version of Android, 6.0 Marshmallow, blocks "Metaphor." Google's more recent October patch can block it on some older installs as well.

Haley Signs Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committees

Governor Nikki Haley has signed into law a bill that establishes a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee in each of the state’s 16 Solicitor Circuits. The move was based on recommendations from the Governor’s Domestic Violence Task Force’s Report.

Under the new law, Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committees will identify and review deaths linked to domestic violence and make recommendations to the State Domestic Violence Advisory, which was created by the 2015 Domestic Violence Reform Bill.

Committees will be made up of local domestic violence advocates, law enforcement professionals, medical professionals, and others with expertise in investigating domestic violence cases.

"This is the beginning of what is going to be South Carolina reforming herself to say that survivors matter, victims matter, and that domestic abuse is part of the past, and not part of the future of South Carolina," Haley said.

Among the sponsors of the bill were state representatives Kevin Hardee (R-Loris), Cezar McKnight (D-Kingstree), Jay Jordan (R-Florence), Wayne George (D-Mullins), Robert Ridgeway (D-Manning), Pat Henegan (D-Bennettsville) and Jackie Hayes (D-Dillon).

To read the bill, click here.

South Carolina ranks high nationally in the number of criminal domestic violence cases and the rate of men who kill women. Until last week, South Carolina was just one of nine states that did not have a domestic fatality review team.

John Cox Wins FLW Tournament at Green Pond

It started with nearly 170 hopefuls, but on Sunday, there was only one champion of the 2016 Walmart FLW Tour at Lake Hartwell presented by Evinrude.

John Cox of Debary, FL, was crowned winner of the FLW tournament at Green Pond on Hartwell Lake, with a four-day total catch of 67 pounds, six ounces. Cox received $100,000 for his victory.

Cox edged out Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas, by just seven ounces.

“It feels absolutely incredible to win this event,” said Cox, who now leads the 2016 FLW Angler of the Year race. “I haven’t won a Tour event in five years. Everything just came together for me this week.”

Cox said he spent the first three days of the tournament scouring nearly 70 miles of shoreline in search of spawning bass. He said his most productive baits were a wacky-rigged, watermelon-seed-colored Yamamoto Senko and Zoom Trick Worm.

“I ran to as many pockets as I could and caught most of my stringers off of beds,” said Cox. “My biggest bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ouncer, actually came off of a dock. It was crazy because I caught that one as I was targeting a 3-pounder.”

On day four, Cox said he decided to concentrate on a ¼-mile stretch of dirty water near Seneca that he called ”the pond”. He said he rotated between a black and blue jig and a Z-Man ChatterBait in a variety of cover and ended up boating seven keepers.

“I put my head down and got to work,” said Cox. “I threw to various pieces of wood and some rocks, basically anything on the bank. Every 200 yards I’d get a bite. I ended up catching each stringer fish from a different piece of cover. It’s amazing that I could spend three days running for miles sight-fishing, and then all of a sudden do so well in a such a small area.”

The Florida pro said that his decision to stay in the pond ultimately got him the win.

“Every time I tried to leave the area, I’d catch one,” said Cox. “I ended up being in there all day. It worked out perfectly.”

The top 10 pros finished the tournament:

               1^st:          John Cox, DeBary, Fla., 20 bass, 67-6, $100,000

               2^nd:         Clark Wendlandt, Leander, Texas, 20 bass, 66-15, $30,000

               3^rd:          Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., 20 bass, 62-9, $25,000

               4^th:          Jeff Gustafson, Keewatin, Ontario, Canada, 20 bass, 59-14, $20,000

               5^th:          Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 20 bass, 59-8, $19,000

               6^th:          Darrel Robertson, Jay, Okla., 20 bass, 59-3, $18,000

               7^th:          Yamamoto Baits pro Larry Nixon, Bee Branch, Ark., 20 bass, 57-14, $17,000

               8^th:          Cory Johnston, Cavan, Ontario, Canada, 20 bass, 56-5, $16,000

               9^th:          Lew’s pro Peter Thliveros, Saint Augustine, Fla., 20 bass, 55-0, $15,000

               10^th:        Powell Kemp, Scotland Neck, N.C., 20 bass, 54-10, $14,000 

SCDOT Says Lawsuits from Road Claims Costly

South Carolina has shelled out nearly $40 million since 2010 to settle road claims and lawsuits against the S.C. Transportation Department.

In the 2005-2006 budget year, the state paid $4.3 million to settle claims against the Transportation Department. Costs reached $8.2 million in 2014. 

Driven by pothole damages, the number of claims has climbed — averaging 2,600 over the past two years, up from 1,600 a year on average during the four preceding years. 

S.C. Transportation Secretary Christy Hall said the poor condition of the state’s roads are contributing to a rise in costs and claims against the state. “The declining condition of our road network — of the poor pavement conditions that we have going on — and our huge backlog of deferred maintenance is certainly contributing to the growth in that number.”

S.C. Chamber of Commerce president Ted Pitts is not surprised by how much the state has paid to settle road claims against DOT.

But it is a poor use of state money, he said. “Ask any taxpayer ... they’re going to tell you that’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Full Story Here 

FLW Field Down to 10; Locals Win Fishing Event at Civic Center

FLW's professional fishing torunament on Hartwell Lake narrowed the field to three Saturday.

PLACE	ANGLER	CITY/STATE	DAY 1 WT (Fish)	DAY 2 WT (Fish)	DAY 1&2 WT (Fish)	DAY 3 WT (Fish)	DAY 1-3 WT (Fish)	WINNINGS
1	CLARK WENDLANDT	LEANDER, TX	17 - 9 (5)	15 - 7 (5)	33 - 0 (10)	19 - 9 (5)	52 - 9 (15)
2	JOHN COX	DEBARY, FL	16 - 12 (5)	20 - 5 (5)	37 - 1 (10)	14 - 3 (5)	51 - 4 (15)
3	DARREL ROBERTSON	JAY, OK	20 - 6 (5)	14 - 7 (5)	34 - 13 (10)	12 - 4 (5)	47 - 1 (15)
4	LARRY NIXON	BEE BRANCH, AR	19 - 4 (5)	14 - 9 (5)	33 - 13 (10)	12 - 10 (5)	46 - 7 (15)
5	BRYAN THRIFT	SHELBY, NC	18 - 3 (5)	12 - 15 (5)	31 - 2 (10)	15 - 2 (5)	46 - 4 (15)
6	CORY JOHNSTON	CAVAN, ON	13 - 4 (5)	16 - 15 (5)	30 - 3 (10)	15 - 2 (5)	45 - 5 (15)
7	POWELL KEMP	SCOTLAND NECK, NC	14 - 0 (5)	15 - 8 (5)	29 - 8 (10)	15 - 13 (5)	45 - 5 (15)
8	JEFF GUSTAFSON	KEEWATIN, ON	16 - 9 (5)	12 - 14 (5)	29 - 7 (10)	15 - 12 (5)	45 - 3 (15)	$500
9	PETER THLIVEROS	SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL	15 - 5 (5)	16 - 13 (5)	32 - 2 (10)	12 - 12 (5)	44 - 14 (15)
10	JAMIE HORTON	CENTERVILLE, AL	19 - 12 (5)	11 - 8 (5)	31 - 4 (10)	13 - 9 (5)	44 - 13 (15)

Local anglers were honored as the top fishing champs of the local FLW Fishing Tournament help Saturday morning at Christ Taylor Park at the Anderson Civic Center. The event was for kids and Special Olypic Athletes and drew a good crowd.

S.C. Athletic Associations Honors Dist. 5 Superintendent

Anderson School District Five Superintendent Tom Wilson has been chosen the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association Superintendent of the Year.Pictured Left to Right: Coach Bruce Ollis, AD John Cann, Superintendent Tom Wilson

The award is given annually to a local superintendent who exhibits support for athletic programs and student athletes. Nominations come from principals or athletic directors, and are vetted by the SCAAA executive committee.

During his acceptance of the award, Mr. Wilson reaffirmed his commitment to success in academics, arts, and athletics and referenced the substantial gains that have taken place at T.L. Hanna and Westside high schools over the last few years. In attendance during the presentation were Athletic Director John Cann and Head Football Coach Bruce Ollis from T.L. Hanna, and Athletic Director Rayvan Teague and Head Football Coach Scott Earley from Westside. John Cann also was recognized as the Region 1 - 4A Athletic Director of the Year at the ceremony.

"Come Dream" Prom Sunday for Special Young Adults

Each year, Family Connection of South Carolina hosts the Come Dream with Me Prom, a night for all young adults, regardless of their disability. This year’s event "Enchantment" will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday at the Anderson Civic Center.

The special evening will be filled with food, music, entertainment, photos and much more. Prom is a rite of passage that young adults look forward to with excitement and anticipation. The event aims to make sure that every young adult has the opportunity to enjoy a special evening.

Interested in attending? Click here to register.

Interested in volunteering? Click here for to sign up.

Making this dream come true for these young adults would not be possible without the support of sponsors. To support this event. Contact Sherry Fuller at 864-231-8100 or SFuller@FamilyConnectionSC.org, or simply download the sponsorship packet here. 

Organizers of the event also offer thanks to The Mill Church and the Anderson Civic Center for supporting this special event.

General First Woman to Head Combat Command

President Barack Obama will name the first woman to head a U.S. combatant command, selecting Air Force General Lori Robinson as the next head of the military's Northern Command, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Friday.

The position, which is subject to Senate confirmation, is one of the most senior in the U.S. military and would make Robinson - who now leads U.S. air forces in the Pacific - the top general overseeing activities in North America.

"General Robinson, it just so happens, would also be the first ever female combatant commander," Carter said, disclosing Obama's plans to nominate her.

"That shows yet another thing - which is that we have, coming along now, a lot of female officers who are exceptionally strong. And Lori certainly fits into that category," Carter said at an event hosted by Politico.

Carter also announced Army General Vincent Brooks, the commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, would be nominated to become the next commander of U.S. Forces in South Korea.

Chicken of the Seat Posts Nationwide Tuna Recall

Equipment malfunctions and sterilization issues spurred the second nationwide canned tuna recall in two days with Tri-Union Seafoods LLC pulling back more than 107,000 cans of Chicken of the Sea tuna.

The 2,745-case recall of Chicken of the Sea branded tuna today followed a 31,579-case recall of Bumble Bee Foods LLC canned tuna on Wednesday. The Bumble Bee recall notice did not specify how may individual cans were involved.

Retailers nationwide received the recalled tuna and would have had it available for sale to consumers from Feb. 10 through March 16, according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Both company’s recall notices cite problems with the “commercial sterilization process” at production facilities. Neither notice disclosed the location of the facilities involved.

“This recall has been initiated because the product may have been undercooked due to an equipment malfunction, which was uncovered during a routine inspection,” according to the Chicken of the Sea recall notice.

“These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.”

The Tri-Union Seafoods recall of the Chicken of the Sea tuna covers 5-ounce cans of chunk light tuna packed in water and in oil. The recalled cans can be identified by UPC numbers on the labels and best-by dates printed on the bottom of the cans. Product lot codes on the bottom of the cans can also be used to identify the recalled tuna.

“Consumers may return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Anyone with questions or concerns about this recall should call the 24-hour recall information line at 1-866-600-2681,” according to the Tri-Union recall notice.

Specific lot codes to look for on Chicken of the Sea 5-ounce cans of chunk light tuna in oil, with a best-by date of Feb. 10, 2019, and a UPC number of 0 4800000195 5 are:

• 6OA3Z SCEES
• 6OAAZ SCEES
• 6OABZ SCEEB
• 6OACZ SCEEB

Specific lot codes and best-by dates to look for on Chicken of the Sea 5-ounce cans of chunk light tuna in water, with a UPC number of 0 4800000245 7 are:

• 6OJEB SCAEB — 2/18/19
• 6OJCB SCAFB — 2/18/19
• 6ONEB SCAIB — 2/22/19
• 6OOFZ SCAFB — 2/23/19
• 6ORDB SCAFB — 2/25/19
• 6ORAB SCAFB — 2/25/19
• 6L2CB SCAFB — 3/2/19
• 6L32B SCAEB — 3/3/19
• 6L33B SCAEB — 3/3/19
• 6L35B SCAEB — 3/3/19
• 6L3CB SCAEB — 3/3/19

Councilman Crowder Will Not Seek Re-Election

Anderson County Councilman Francis Crowder announced Thursday he will not seek re-election to his District 1 seat which includes most of the city of Anderson.

“By the end of my current term I will have spent six and a half years dedicated to public service as a county council member,” Crowder said. “Looking at the landscape of the future, it’s time for me to think inwardly about my life and family and the fact fact that I am 82 years old. Serving on council takes away from time I would spend religious things.” 

Crowder, who was was appointed by then Gov. Mark Sanford in 2010 to finish the term of Councilman Bob Waldrep who stepped down to serve on the S.C. State board of trustees, has served as council chairman twice and currently is head of the finance committee.

Crowder’s decision leaves a single candidate who has filed for the seat so far, Craig Wooten, director of business development and government relations at Tactical Medical Solutions Inc. and a former staff member of U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C. 

Filing for elected offices in South Carolina remains open until noon March 30.

Crowder said his greatest accomplishments include keeping the East-West Parkway clear of commercial development and family friendly for walkers, joggers and pet owners; working with council and the administration to control the budget and keep taxes down; working with Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns in economic development and to get a spec building and new industrial park for the county; and the building of network of private business groups such as Innovate Anderson, Upstate Alliance, the Appalachian Council of Governments to help the county get more exposure and get more people involved.” 

“Nobody gets anything done by themselves,” Crowder said. “But I guess those are the things I am most proud to have been a part of.”

FLW Pro Fishing Tourney Draws Crowd on Day One

More than 300 fisherman launched 167 boats from Green Pond Landing this morning to kick off the the 2016 Walmart FLW Tour at Lake Hartwell presented by Evinrude.

After a week of local appearances and events, the anglers got down to business on a picture perfect morning. By late afternoon, Darrel Robertson led the field's first weigh-in with five fish totalling 20 pounds, six ounces. Follow the live leaderboard updates here.

The tournament will continue through Sunday, with launches from Green Pond each morning at around 7:30 a.m. 

On Saturday, the FLW Foundation and Anderson County will hold a Unified Fishing Derby, designed for young anglers and the Special Olympics athletes (all ages) in the area, at Chris Taylor Memorial Park near the Civic Center of Anderson. The derby, set from 9-11 a.m., will be hosted by FLW Foundation Pro Cody Kelly. Special goodie bags will be given to the first 50 participants who sign up for the event. Rods and Reels will be available for use, however, children are welcome to bring your own. Bait will be donated by DMF Baits. First and Second Place awards for biggest fish caught will be given from the FLW Stage. For more information or to register, email Judith.allen@flwfishing.com

Hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau, the FLW tournament will bring many of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals and co-anglers casting for top awardsof up to $125,000 cash in the pro division and up to $25,000 cash in the co-angler division.

Anderson Democrats to Hold Convention Saturday

The Anderson County Democratic Party will hold the county convention Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Westside Community Center. Coffee. 

The group will be electing delegates to the April 30 state Democratic Convention in Columbia and Anderson County party officers. 

The following positions will be up for election: Delegates to the State Convention (April 30th in Columbia) as well as Anderson County Officers.  Officers to be elected are Chairperson, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Committeewoman and Committeeman and their Alternates, State Convention Platform & Resolutions Committeeperson, State Convention Rules & Credentials Committee person. 

Anyone interested in running for any of these positions, contact yddem47@gmail.com or make your intensions known when you arrive at the Saturday convention.

Some S.C. Public Schools Want Earlier Start

Some school systems in South Carolina want permission to start their school years earlier in August so they can end their first semester before Christmas.

A Senate subcommittee approved a bill allowing schools to start August 15th instead of the third Monday in August under the current law. But there will be plenty more debate when the bill goes to the full Education Committee.

Many school districts say they would like the start date to be the second Monday in August because that would help get the 90 days for a semester in before students leave for Christmas break.

Coastal counties pushed for the later start date 10 years ago to help tourism.

Critics pointed out schools could start Aug. 15 this year and few have chosen to do so.