China explosions: Dozens killed in Tianjin port blasts

The massive explosions in China's northern city of Tianjin are now known to have killed at least 50 people.

More than 700 have been injured and hospitals are struggling to cope with the number of casualties.

The blasts, at a warehouse storing toxic chemicals, destroyed tower blocks and burned out thousands of cars. The fireball could be seen from space.

Twelve firefighters are among those who lost their lives; 36 of their colleagues are still missing.

Tianjin is one of China's most important industrial centres, and one of the busiest ports in the world.

President Xi Jinping has promised a thorough investigation into what happened and "transparent information disclosure to the public

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Greek lawmakers back 3rd bailout after all-night debate

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Greek lawmakers approved their country's draft third bailout in a parliamentary vote Friday that relied on opposition party support and saw the government coalition suffer significant dissent.

The vote came after a marathon all-night session marked by procedural delays and acrimonious debate over the three-year, about 85 billion-euro ($93 billion) rescue package that includes harsh spending cuts and tax hikes.

Unable to borrow on the international markets, another bailout is all that stands between Greece and a disorderly default on its debts that could see it forced out of Europe's joint currency.

The vote was passed with 222 votes in favor, 64 against, 11 abstentions and three absent in the 300-member parliament.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has come under intense criticism from hardliners within his own radical left Syriza party for capitulating to creditor demands to introduce the austerity measures, and about a quarter of his party's lawmakers voted against the bill. The mounting discord, which began with a slightly smaller number dissenting in a previous bailout-related vote last month, is threatening to split his party and could lead to early elections.

Greek lawmakers back 3rd bailout after all-night debate

Local brand debuts stylish shoe that every Austinite should be wearing right now

Austin is no stranger to unique, chic style — especially when kicks are concerned. Now, a new homegrown brand is throwing its hat (er, shoes) into the ring, promising footwear that can be worn anywhere with pretty much anything. And the best part? It delivers.

Behold, SUAVS Shoes. The debut slip-ons from the brand are unisex, come in four versatile colors, and will rival any sneaker or canvas shoe you have in your closet. Monxi Garza, SUAVS founder and footwear designer, says the shoe was inspired by her desire to create footwear that blends fashion and functionality.

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“SUAVS actually comes from the word suave, which means soft in Spanish. But in English it means stylish and hip. That’s exactly what this shoe is about. It’s all about comfort and style at the same time,” Garza says.

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From top to bottom, Carmel Valley bikini designer enjoys fashion business

From polka dots to paisley, young Carmel Valley designer Julie Freed is hoping to make her imprint on the bikini business.

Freed, 22, is running a growing J.KINIS Swimwear shop on Etsy while she wraps up a degree in fashion design at Palomar College. For the past year, her fun and funky two-piece suits have made their way down runways and been spotted on San Diego beaches.

Freed graduated from Canyon Crest Academy in 2011, previously attending Carmel Valley Middle School and Ashley Falls Elementary School. She knew she wanted to do something artistic as a career but wasn’t quite sure which direction to go, at first trying photography.

“I had my first sewing class at Palomar College and absolutely fell in love with it,” Freed said.

 



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