New Jersey, New York City rocked by 4.8 magnitude earthquake
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Northeast Friday morning, shaking buildings from Philadelphia to New Jersey to New York City to Connecticut to Westchester, New York.
The earthquake was centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Reports of injuries were not immediately clear.
Con Edison said there are no reports of outages or damage.
There is no damage or service disruption to New York City's subway system, according to the MTA.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York.
"My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day," she wrote on social media.
The New York City mayor's office said there's no immediate reports of damage in the city, but crews are still assessing the impacts.
New York City schools are staying open as normal, according to the city's Department of Education press secretary, Nathaniel Styer.
"At this time, there is no indication that our buildings were compromised, and our facilities staff are quickly and thoroughly inspecting buildings to ensure safety. The safest place for our kids right now is in our schools," Styer said.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the earthquake, and his team is monitoring potential impacts, according to White House officials.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport were all placed on ground stops so runways could be inspected for damage. JFK and Baltimore have since resumed operations.
Cars at the Holland Tunnel between New Jersey and Manhattan are being temporarily held so the tunnel can be inspected, according to the Port Authority.
Source-ABC
Sean “Diddy” Combs' son Christian Combs sued for sexual assault
The younger son of entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted Grace O’Marcaigh as she worked aboard a yacht his father had leased during the holiday season in December 2022, a new lawsuit O’Marcaigh filed Friday in Los Angeles alleges.
The lawsuit included as defendants Christian Combs, Sean Combs and 10 unnamed individuals who are said to have aided or abetted the alleged assault, which occurred when O’Marcaigh was 25.
The lawsuit described in sometimes graphic detail the alleged sexual assault in the yacht’s cinema room after Christian purportedly forced O’Marcaigh to take a tequila shot that she suspected was spiked with drugs.
According to the lawsuit, music producer Rodney Jones, who has filed a separate lawsuit against Sean Combs, was on the yacht at the time and reportedly took audio recordings of Christian drugging and sexually assaulting O’Marcaigh.
The assault led her mental health to severely decline, including a "deep depression," "anxiety and panic attacks," developing an eating disorder and some "severe suicidal ideations," the suit said.
The lawsuit accused Christian of assault, sexual assault, battery and infliction of emotional distress. The suit accused Diddy of aiding and abetting and premises liability since he had rented the yacht.
Tyrone Blackburn, the attorney who filed O’Marcaigh's lawsuit against Christian and previous suits against Sean Combs, has been referred to the grievance committee of the Southern District of New York for potential discipline in an unrelated matter.
“This is just another lewd and meritless claim from Tyrone Blackburn — just like what he filed in the Rodney Jones lawsuit, which he still has not served,” read a statement from Aaron Dyer, attorney for Combs and his son. "This complaint is filled with the same kind of manufactured lies and irrelevant facts we’ve come to expect from Blackburn.”
He adds, “This is exactly why the federal judge in New York slapped him two days ago for a ‘pattern of behavior’ in ‘improperly [filing] cases in federal court to garner media attention, embarrass defendants with salacious allegations, and pressure defendants to settle quickly,’ and why he was referred to the disciplinary committee in the Southern District of New York. We will be filing a motion to dismiss this outrageous claim.”
Source-ABC
SZA announced as headliner for 2024 Summerfest
SZA has joined the lineup for Summerfest alongside special guest Aminé. She'll take the festival's largest stage, the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, on Saturday, June 22, performing as a headliner at the event. Though she was the last Summerfest headliner to be announced this year, it will be her first time performing there.
Summerfest takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 20-22, June 27-29 and July 4-6. The festival will feature over 140 headliners across 12 stages, with performances from Lil Uzi Vert with Lil Yachty, JID, Rico Nasty, Bryson Tiller, En Vogue, Mariah the Scientist and more.
Source-ABC
Haiti Specialist William O'Neill Provides his Evaluation
In a dire assessment of Haiti’s current state, the United Nations rights expert, William O’Neill, emphasized the urgent need for international support to address the escalating gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation.
O’Neill underscored the severity of the situation, indicating that Haiti now requires between 4,000 and 5,000 international police personnel to combat the catastrophic levels of violence targeting crucial institutions and individuals.
O’Neill’s remarks, delivered during a news conference unveiling a UN Human Rights Office report, highlighted the alarming deterioration of security in Haiti. He pointed out that the situation has significantly deteriorated since his previous assessment, which called for a much smaller international police presence.
The report paints a grim picture of corruption, impunity, and poor governance exacerbating the impact of increasing gang violence, pushing state institutions to the brink of collapse.
According to the report, gang-related violence has claimed the lives of thousands and injured many more, with a sharp uptick in casualties observed in recent years.
The statistics reveal a staggering toll on Haitian society, with 4,451 fatalities and 1,668 injuries recorded in 2023 alone.
Reports are that up to March 22, have already surpassed previous records, indicating a worsening crisis.
An alarming trend documented in the report is the increasing involvement of children in gang activities.
Not only are they exploited as messengers and slaves, but young teenagers are now actively participating in frontline attacks—an unsettling development that underscores the gravity of the situation.
The spiraling violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, with widespread displacement and food insecurity affecting millions.
The closure of essential infrastructure, including airports and roads, has compounded the plight of vulnerable communities, pushing them to the brink of famine.
In light of the escalating crisis, O’Neill reiterated the urgent need for international intervention to restore security and uphold the rule of law in Haiti.
Minister for Utilities has directed the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to initiate Public Utility Regulatory Reform Policy.
In a decisive move to address the increasing needs of our rapidly growing islands, the Minister for Public Safety and Utilities has directed the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to initiate the consultation period for the Multisector Public Utility Regulatory Reform Policy.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have witnessed unprecedented growth, bringing to the forefront the urgent need for regulatory reform in our utility sector. The current challenges, including requests for rate increases and water shortages, underscore the limitations of our existing regulatory framework to effectively manage and mitigate such issues.
As such, Hon. Knowles the Minister responsible for Energy and Utilities, has asked the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to begin a consultation period, signaling a commitment to overhaul the regulatory system that governs our essential services.
Starting from the 25th of March 2024 and concluding on the 24th of May 2024, this consultation period marks a pivotal step towards establishing a regulatory framework that is both inclusive and attuned to the diverse needs of our community.
The ministry invites service providers, consumer groups, industry experts, and the wider community to participate actively in shaping a regulatory environment that ensures affordability, reliability, competitiveness, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
The envisaged regulatory reforms will not only address the concerns highlighted by the applications from FortisTCI and the operational challenges faced by Provo Water Company but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable utility infrastructure that can accommodate the future growth of our islands.
A unified Regulatory Commission, as proposed, will serve as the cornerstone of this new framework, offering comprehensive oversight and ensuring that utility services are aligned with the nation’s development goals and the well-being of our community.
We encourage all stakeholders to engage with this process by attending the scheduled sessions, providing feedback, and submitting comments on the draft policy. This collaborative approach is essential to crafting a regulatory framework that reflects the collective vision and priorities of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION WELCOMES THE UNICEF TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
The UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area Office is continuing its efforts, in collaboration with the UNESCO subregional office for the Caribbean, to support member countries in the transforming Education Agenda. Dr. Gale Rigobert was hired to conduct consultation in the Overseas Territories. The lead consultant, Dr. Gale Rigobert, is no stranger to Education Change in the region. She will be visiting the islands during the period April 9th to 13th to conduct the Turks and Caicos leg of this project. While in the Turks and Caicos, she is expected to meet with several groups and stakeholders as well as key Government Officials.
The objectives of the consultation will be to identify country priorities for the transforming Education Agenda and align efforts with regional governance agencies and development partner technical and financial support.
In particular there have been increasing concerns about the extent to which COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities in the education system, thus deepening learning loss and the attendant global learning crisis, with the understanding that the most vulnerable groups experienced the most disproportionate disadvantage. While learning loss and knowledge gaps preoccupy many, other seemingly latent issues have a significant bearing on the learning experiences of students as well.
The above concern motivated a special summit in September 2022 and by extension the transforming education agenda. The Transforming Education Summit in September sought to renew the global commitment to education as the greatest public good. It pursues to mobilize ambition, action, solutions, and solidarity to deliver on existing commitments, to leverage a reimagining of education to help recover pandemic-related learning losses and revitalize efforts to achieve SDG 4 between now and 2030.
Hon. Rachel Taylor Minister responsible for Education noted that, ‘we are looking forward to the visit of the consultant. Her visit will allow us to gather valuable data on learning loss in TCI and this will assist in the development of initiatives to close those gaps.
Cherylann Jones Permanent Secretary for the Ministry endorsed the sentiments of the Minister and noted that the meetings will also provide an opportunity to discuss other areas of support for the Education Sector of Turks and Caicos and strengthen the existing relationship.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Shore Club on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 9:30 am. The consultation aims to allow governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions, the private sector, and youth representatives to share their opinions of education for the future.
TCIFA Resumes Special Education Football Training Program
The Special Education Football Training Program is back!
The beauty of sports should be experienced by all children despite any differences that may arise. One of the most important aspects of sports is diversity. Every sport should be accepting of cultural, religious and biological differences. The TCIFA Special Education Football Training Program isn’t just accepting of differences but also embraces them. Coaches Ava Robertson and Bertha-Lee Belle possess great experience in coaching children with Down syndrome, autism, and physical disabilities.
The program offers children with special needs the chance to partake in the sport of football within an environment tailored to accommodate their specific requirements. It is led by Coaches Ava Robertson and Berthalee Belle who both possess a strong passion for reaching special needs children and providing them with a fun, suitable environment to play in.
The process for joining the Special Ed. Training sessions require that parents of each child fill out the TCIFA registration form, and sign a waiver. Parents are allowed to register without submitting a donation immediately. Football kits will be
received by parents once they are available.
Training times are from 4:00pm to 5:00pm during daylight savings time, and 3:00pm to 4:00pm during standard time. They involve football techniques like controlling, receiving, passing, shooting and dribbling, with wach session ending with small sided games.
The Special Education Football Training Program accommodates children as young as 5 years old, extending to teenagers. Moreover, it emphasizes fundamental values like following directions, fostering teamwork, promoting tolerance, respect, and self-care within the curriculum to the fullest extent possible.
Statement on CARIFTA Games Travel Dispute with the North Caicos Stars
It is quite unfortunate the chain of events that led to J-Nevo Handfield Agenor’s experience during his travel back from Grenada, with the North Caicos Stars’ Junkanoo group. The Sports Commission empathizes with him and his family and we are relieved to be informed that Mr. Agenor has been safely transported to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The North Caicos Stars’ ensemble is an independent group that travelled to CARIFTA to support our athletes. Their performances were world-class and greatly appreciated by our athletes.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission assisted in the funding of the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA) to compete in these games, however, no travel or financial assistance was given to any other organizations or groups attending the competition on their own accord. It is also important to note that the Junkanoo group does not fall under the remit of the TCAAA which is a registered National Sport Federation.
We are relieved that the musician has returned to his family safely and that he can continue to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands on an international stage.
Mr Jarrett Forbes
Director of Sports
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be under the influence of a broad surface high pressure supporting pleasant weather conditions across the islands today.
WEATHER: Partly sunny and warm. Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: Southwest to the west at 10 knots or less, becoming northwest to the north at 10 knots or less tonight, falling light and variable at times
SEAS: 3 feet or less nearshore, 2 to 4 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 77°F
SUNSET: 07:05 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 12:40 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 06:33 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: The high pressure will continue to shift eastward as a cold front reaches the Turks and Caicos Islands by Saturday morning and weakens. High pressure will build in the wake of the front and support moderate to fresh winds across the islands through Tuesday night.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible. Mostly fair at night.
WINDS: Northwest to the north at 10 knots or less
SEAS: 1 to 3 feet
SUNRISE: 06:36 AM
SUNSET: 07:05 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:44 AM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 07:05 AM (3.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible. Mostly fair at night.
WINDS: Northeasterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:35 AM
SUNSET: 07:05 PM
LOW TIDE: 01:45 AM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 07:55 AM (3.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Ashley's Learning Center prepares for the 7th annual fundraiser concert
The 7th annual fundraiser concert for Ashley's Learning Center (ALC) special-needs school will showcase an impressive blend of community spirit and musical talent. The event, which takes place on Saturday, 13 April, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, is designed to support and enrich the lives of autistic children. It aims to celebrate music while securing a brighter future for students with special needs.
The evening promises performances by renowned musicians from the New World Symphony and Juilliard School of Music, alongside moving presentations by ALC students. This harmonious blend of local and international talent underscores the event's mission: to garner support for children who navigate the world differently.
"Our goal is to sustain and enhance the school’s ability to support our students," says Williams, who leads the fundraiser with the dedicated staff of ALC. They are committed to fostering a nurturing atmosphere tailored to special-needs education, ensuring each child can achieve their full potential.
Importantly, proceeds from the concert will directly benefit local educational programs for children with autism. These initiatives address students' diverse needs and foster an environment that promotes development, inclusion, and empowerment. Such targeted funding is vital for ALC to continue as a beacon of hope and excellence in special-needs education.
Tickets for general seating at $150 and gallery seating at $200, each including dinner, are available to ensure a memorable experience for attendees. The public can purchase tickets through Isle Help (under Charities/Non-profits), the Unicorn Bookstore on Leeward Highway, or via direct contact. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to show their support by reserving a table for ten guests at $1,500.
This event is a testament to the community's solidarity with a noble cause. Beyond fundraising, Williams and her team aim to elevate autism awareness. Through showcasing the talents and accomplishments of its students, ALC challenges and shifts perceptions about autism, advocating for a society that values the contributions of all its members.
Source- Freelance Writer:AA