World Bulletin/News Desk - Although Turkey has made considerable progress in improving the quality of life of its citizens over the last two decades, it has ranked last among 34 nations based on a large number of criteria on the "Better Life Index" of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). According to the OECD index, which is based on data from the United Nations, individual governments and other sources, the average household net-adjusted disposable income in Turkey is lower than the OECD average of $23,047 a year. A total of 48 percent of people aged between 15 and 64 in Turkey have a paid job, less than the OECD employment average of 66 percent.

ISTANBUL — AP - Turkey has held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a third bridge over the Bosporus Strait connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. The eight-lane motorway and two-lane railway bridge, whose construction was inaugurated Wednesday, is expected to be one of the word’s widest suspension bridges.

Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) In December 2012, Chobani expanded its nationwide network by opening its newest factory in Twin Falls. The company produces as many as 4.2 million cases of yogurt a week and that could be doubling. The yogurt company announced the future of the greek yogurt industry in Idaho. The largest yogurt production facility in the world is right here in the magic valley. The greek yogurt company Chobani plans on getting greek yogurt in the hands of students. "We're announcing were trying to get greek yogurt accepted into the USDA school nutrition program” said Senator Mike Crapo, Idaho.

For years, Turkey was looked at as that economy that could only be vindicated with full induction into the European Union. But it’s done quite well without that ribbon, thanks. Its stock market is surging and government borrowing costs are plunging. Foreign direct investors want in. Turkey can and does strut at international events.