Facebook and Instagram restored after outages
Meta says it has resolved a "technical issue" which caused Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram to go down.
Hundreds of thousands of users worldwide were unable to access them for around two hours on Tuesday.
People trying to log onto the websites and apps were finding error messages and were unable to refresh their feeds as normal.
Meta also apologized to those who had been affected, saying it resolved the problem as quickly as it could.
Tracking website Downdetector indicated the outages had affected multiple countries.
Meta's platforms are some of the most popular in the world. Facebook has three billion active monthly users, while Instagram is expected to hit 1.4 billion worldwide later this year.
Threads, its rival to Twitter, which was launched in 2023, also reported outages. WhatsApp - which Meta also owns - was unaffected.
The biggest outage Meta experienced was in 2021 when founder Mark Zuckerberg apologised for the disruption caused.
On that occasion, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram services went down for almost six hours.
Source- BBC
Usher and Ludacris celebrate their hit topping 1 billion streams, 13 million in sales
"Yeah!," the 2004 #1 hit by Usher, Ludacris, and Lil Jon, recently hit some new milestones, both before and after the Super Bowl.
On X, formerly Twitter, Luda showed off a Spotify plaque marking 1 billion streams for "Yeah!" and also a February 9 certification by the Recording Industry Association of America showing sales of 13 million units of the song. The certification came two days before the Super Bowl, during which Usher performed the song. It's not clear when the 1 billion mark was hit.
"That DAMN SUPER BOWL EFFECT Was The Cherry On Top," Luda wrote. "CONGRATS to my brothers @usher @liljon, [writer] @seangarrettpen & ALL THE FANS THAT MADE THIS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SONGS IN HISTORY!!!!"
Usher reposted Luda's message and added, "We did that bro. Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!!"
Billboard reports that "Yeah!," which spent 12 weeks at #1 upon its release, is the first Spotify billion-stream song for all three artists. It also won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Billboard also notes that after Usher's halftime show performance, "Yeah!" saw the biggest increase in streams of all the songs in his catalog: it experienced a 105% boost.
Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Kelce announces NFL retirement after 13 seasons
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday after 13 seasons in the NFL.
The Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler held a press conference at the Eagles facility to share the announcement.
In an emotional speech, Kelce highlighted the many highs and lows of his time in the NFL and his college years, explaining what drew him to the game.
"I've been asked many times: Why did I choose football? What drew me to the game? And I never have an answer that gets it right," he said. "The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song ... your favorite book. It's what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it. Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt."
He also looked back on his 13-year career with the Eagles, which he recounted as "filled with ups and downs."
"This all brings us here to today, where I announce ... I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles," he said.
In addition to thanking his coaches, support staff, college trainers and loved ones for their support through the years, Jason gave a special shout-out to his wife, Kylie Kelce, with whom he shares three children.
Jason also took time to recognize his brother, Travis Kelce, for his role in shaping the man and player he became.
"There is no chance I'd be here without the bond Travis and I share. It made me stronger, tougher, smarter, and it taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty, patience and understanding. It's only too poetic that I found my career being fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love. I knew that relationship all too well," he said.
Source-ABC
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS REMAIN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A SURFACE RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE EXTENDING FROM THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION IN ATLANTIC WATERS DUE TO MODERATE NORTHEAST TO EASTERLY SWELLS.
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, WARM, AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. MOSTLY FAIR AND BREEZY AT NIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT FOR NEARSHORE WHILE AN ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTIC EXPOSURES
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET NEARSHORE BUILDING UP TO 6 TO 8 FEET OFFSHORE ALONG ATLANTIC EXPOSURES
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 05:54 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:44 PM (2.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 08:50 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: HIGH PRESSURE RIDGING WILL PERSIST OVER THE AREA SUPPORTING FAIR WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, WARM AND BREEZY. MOSTLY FAIR AND BREEZY AT NIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTIC EXPOSURES.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 6 TO 8 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY TO EASTERLY SWELL
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 05:54 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:44 AM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:21 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, WARM, AND BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. MOSTLY FAIR AND BREEZY AT NIGHT
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION WILL BE IN EFFECT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 5 TO 7 FEET IN NORTHEASTERLY TO EASTERLY SWELL
SUNRISE: 06:04 AM
SUNSET: 05:54 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:44 AM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:18 AM (1.0 FT)
NSC speaks on TCI's National Security
Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, and Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick co-chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, on Monday 4 March 2024, to discuss the escalating volatility and unrest in Haiti with key frontline agencies to proactively address the situation and to activate comprehensive contingency plans.
The primary objective of these measures is to fortify and ensure the safety of our borders and to protect the citizens, residents, and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Immigration and Border Services the Honourable Arlington Musgrove; the Permanent Secretary of Immigration and Border Services; the Director General of the Border Force; the Commissioner, Deputy, and Assistant Commissioners of Police; the Colonel of the TCI Regiment; and other strategic national agencies.
Recognizing the potentially far-reaching impact of the situation in Haiti on the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Security Council is working to ensure that effort is undertaken to implement robust measures that will protect the islands from potential threats.
Collaborating closely with our international partners in the Bahamas, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Turks and Caicos Islands is reinforcing its collective efforts to address the evolving circumstances.
In an immediate response to the developing situation, the National Security Council has activated a Strategic Coordinating Group (SGC) as of today 4 March 2024. This group will be responsible for coordinating and operationalizing a comprehensive strategy on land, air, and sea. This includes the deployment of marine assets, the co-opting of air support, and additional land patrols.
The Council further agreed on the continuation of Operation Shepherd, a joint operation between the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the TCI Regiment. This joint operation seeks to tackle serious and organized crime and provide reassurance to our communities through stepped-up patrols and other operations.
Additionally, contact has been made with the TCI Airports Authority and local air carriers regarding the discontinuation of normal flight operations into Haiti. InterCaribbean has suspended operations into Port-Au-Prince and Caicos Express has suspended their flight operations in Cap-Haitien. Flight operations into Haiti will continue to be monitored.
The National Security Council remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing the protection and safety of our islands. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to keep the public informed and ensure that every necessary step is taken to secure our borders and maintain the safety of our communities.
Fire in North Caicos destroys a church
Just after 7 am on Sunday, March 3rd, officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded to a fire report in Kew, North Caicos.
At the scene, police officers and their fire-fighting colleagues saw a section of the structure. The Grace Temple Church of God in Christ is in flames.
Officers and firefighters took immediate steps to ensure public safety, ascertained that no one was within the building, and evacuated nearby properties as a precautionary action.
The RTCIPF is conscious of the concern that the community will feel at the loss of such an important local institution.
This remains an active investigation, with the RTCIPF officers working alongside fire officers to determine the cause.
At this stage, nothing suggests that the cause of the fire was suspicious.
Nissan accused of dumping its electric car pioneers
Owners of Nissan Leaf electric cars have accused the firm of "dumping its pioneers" after it announced its app would stop working for older vehicles.
The firm says the app - which allows remote control of functions such as heating - is stopping because the UK's 2G network is being switched off.
But customers have reacted with anger, telling the BBC they did not expect it to be withdrawn.
Experts expect the issue to affect more electric vehicles as the market grows.
Around 3,000 Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 cars made before 2016 are affected by the app being withdrawn.
These older vehicles are fitted with 2G control units which communicate with the app.
Nissan told the BBC: "The NissanConnect EV app currently linked to Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 vehicles produced up until 2016 will shut down from 1 April 2024 in preparation of the 2G technology sunset."
It added: "Owners will, however, still be able to use key features such as Climate Control Timer and Charging Timer directly from their car's Navigation System."
Affected drivers have told the BBC of their disappointment - in part because mobile network operators will not be phasing out 2G until the end of the decade.
"I was very surprised," said Max Siegieda, a 2013 Nissan Leaf owner in Manchester.
"I would have expected at least six months, 12 months, something like that to arrange alternatives. This is a key feature of the car that's going away."
He said the app's remote access for features such as heating the car or charging remotely at cheaper times was "a major selling point" when he bought the car second-hand in 2022.
He was already considering upgrading but now says he would be "reluctant" to buy another Nissan "because of the lack of notice" they gave about the app shutdown.
Source- BBC
JOINT STATEMENT FROM HER EXCELLENCY THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND THE HONOURABLE PREMIER
The Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister with the responsibility of the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority (TCIAA), Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Tourism Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Hon. Jamell Robinson and Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor today met with the Chairman and members of the TCI Air Traffic Controllers Association on the matter of their sick out and its potential to upend traffic at the Howard Hamilton International Airport (HHIA) on the island of Providenciales.
The Air Traffic Controllers today reiterated their request to the TCIAA for additional increases in pay, having presented a proposal to the TCIAA for increases in pay that range from 50-70%, as well as increases in allowances, Christmas bonuses and other remuneration requests. This follows on from the 31% increase in pay that was previously awarded to Air Traffic Controllers in 2022.
The ATC Association was advised of governments intention to undertake a comprehensive review of the salaries of all statutory bodies across government. This initiative led by Ernst and Young (Jamaica) is scheduled to commence in March 2024; however, efforts were being made to expedite this work; the recommendations of which would be back paid to April 1, 2024.
There was agreement from 2 of the 6 officers present at the meeting to return to work, while others advised that they were not in agreement to do so. Recognizing the importance of airport operations from both a national security and an economic perspective, the Government working with the TCIAA has put in place arrangements to ensure the continued operation of the international airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick stated: "The HHIA is the gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands. On a weekend when international arrivals are expected to be in the thousands, we cannot allow the behaviour of a select few to disrupt the livelihoods, health, and safety of the people who make this country great.
Our government has been working with TCIAA and all other stakeholders to ensure the Howard Hamilton International Airport operates smoothly, and we intend to continue doing so. It is unacceptable to hold the economy and national security of our country hostage. Our top priority is the safety of all domestic and international travellers, and we will work to prevent any disruptions to travel plans."
Her Excellency Anya Williams, the Acting Governor stated: “We remain committed to resolving the concerns of the nation’s essential personnel, but we must always place the health, safety, and economic stability of our citizens as our top priority.
My team has fully re-engaged Ernst & Young (Jamaica) to progress the review of statutory body compensation packages and will prioritize the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority. We are committed to have the concerns independently represented to the consultants and we look forward to an amicable end of all concerns.”
Hon Arlington Musgrove stated: “The I condemn the actions of those who have sought to disrupt the Turks and Caicos Islands's economy via the nation's gateway. It is unacceptable, and I assure the travelling public that operations will resume fully tomorrow.
The actions taken by a small group of persons had impacted national security and a threat to life. Medical evacuations and flights were delayed, causing a triple effect on the travelling public and the country.
I want to thank those who have demonstrated their commitment to our country by realizing that we are better together than divided as a nation. Under the leadership of Hon. C. Washington Misick, my government has dialogued with stakeholders throughout the day, ensuring that they are kept abreast of the negotiations and, ultimately, the stern decisions made to protect livelihoods.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AIRPORTS AUTHORITY SPEAKS ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SICK OUT
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (“TCIAA”) wishes to advise the public that its airports throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”) remain operational amidst a “sick-out” carried out by its Air Traffic Controllers. The action was intentional in its desire to cause significant and irreparable harm to the reputation of TCI as a stable premium travel destination and its economy.
In what was a strategically coordinated activity, on Friday, 1st March 2024 those scheduled to work the Air Traffic Control Towers at the Howard Hamilton International Airport and JAGS McCartney International Airport failed to report to duty and claimed to be of ill health, while others who were not scheduled for that day refused to answer their phones.
To ensure that operations at the airports were not suspended for the day, a small dedicated team of employees qualified to operate the towers worked non-stop throughout the day to ensure that flights safely arrived and departed both airports. Another dedicated team will continue to provide this service throughout the night.
The Acting Governor and Premier and their teams remained with the TCIAA throughout the day to explore strategies and solutions to ensure that all airports remained operational, that there was minimal disruption to scheduled flights, and to see the return of the air traffic controllers to their posts. The Minister with Responsibility for Airports, the Minister of Tourism, the Minister of Education, and the Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Planning also joined the group to meet with six Air Traffic Controllers, two of whom agreed to return to work, while four declined to confirm their return at the time.
The public is advised that the primary motive for the action taken by the Air Traffic Controllers was to force the TCIAA and TCIG to immediately agree to their demands for salary increases. These demands were made even though during January and February 2024 there were several communications and a meeting between the Air Traffic Controllers, Hon. Arlington Musgrove and the TCIAA to discuss their request for salary increases. On several occasions, the employees were advised that the Government initiated a salary review of all statutory bodies, including the TCIAA, utilizing a reputable global accounting firm with the view to determining and guiding the development of an equitable compensation scheme for all employed in public service. During this period, the Air Traffic Controllers presented material purporting to represent salary comparisons for their counterparts throughout the region and were invited to provide the TCIAA with the sources for the data cited for forwarding to TCIG for consideration as part of the salary review exercise. On 12th February 2024, the TCIAA advised the group that the data they provided was passed on to the Deputy Governor’s Office for inclusion in material to be considered by the consultants conducting the review. The group was also advised of the Government’s appointment of the consultants and the planned commencement of the review by May 2024. In response to this advice, the group responded to the TCIAA dismissing the need and value of an expert salary review, indicating no desire to participate in the study, and effectively directed that their salary demands be met without further discussion at the start of the 2024/2025 Fiscal Budget. In addition to this response, the group cancelled a meeting initially requested of the TCIAA for 15th February 2024 provided no further correspondence about the matter and gave no notice of the intention to pursue industrial action of any kind.
During the meeting with the six representatives for the Air Traffic Controllers on 1st March 2024, the Government confirmed its commitment to expediting the salary review and elevated the Airports Authority to the top of its list of bodies to be studied and reported on. Those present on behalf of TCIG and the TCIAA reiterated the position that the exercise aims to achieve equity and equality of compensation for the benefit of all employees and not just one particular group.
The TCIAA reminds the public that at the end of 2021, the TCIAA and TCIG gave all employees a Christmas Bonus, the first to be given in the history of the organization, and then in the first quarter of the 2022 – 2023 fiscal year, they gave not only the Air Traffic Controllers but all of its employees two salary increases averaging a 31% uplift. Some members of the department benefitted by increases of up to 50%.
The following table provides a comparative breakdown of the compensation scheme for Air Traffic Controllers at the TCIAA prior to 2022, the current salary resulting from the 2022 increase, and the salary which the group demanded to be given to them forthwith without any further due diligence.
|
POSITION |
PRE 2022 SALARY |
CURRENT SALARY |
DEMANDED SALARY BY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ASSOCIATION |
|
SATCO |
$48,139.00 |
$64,000.00 |
$102,000.00 - $114,000.00 |
|
Air Traffic Controller – Approach (Supervisor) |
$39,345.00 |
$54,999.96 |
$90,000.00 - $96,000.00 |
|
Air Traffic Controller – Approach |
$37,260.00 |
$49,172.76 |
$78,000.00 - $90,000.00 |
|
Air Traffic Controller – Aerodrome |
30,532.56 |
$45,000.00 |
$60,000.00 - $72,000.00 |
|
Assistant Air Traffic Controller |
$24,495.00 |
$36,999.96 |
$36,000.00 - $42,000.00 |
|
Flight Information Officer – In Charge |
$24,501.96 |
$36,999.96 |
Not Included |
|
Flight Information Officer (South Caicos) |
$24,495.00 |
$31,500.00 |
Not Included |
|
Flight Information Officer |
$13,800.00 |
$27,000.00 |
Not Included |
The TCIAA recognises the importance of supporting its employees' well-being and further recognises the need for occasional sick leave when necessary. However, such leave mustn't be abused or exploited for personal gain and/or with the intentional pursuit of causing harm, disrupting of business, and compromising the safety of the travelling public. Such actions are a breach of trust and integrity, as well as a failure to adhere to the standards of honesty and transparency expected of all employees.
Notably, those participating in the “sick-out” falsely reported their absence as due to illness and then subsequently attended the meeting held to discuss and pursue negotiations for a salary increase. This conduct further undermines the principles of integrity, professionalism and accountability and the TCIAA cautions the public against endorsing such behaviour, particularly in the case where it was admitted by one of the representatives for the group, that the action taken by them was upon reflection, wrong.
The TCIAA wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to all of its employees who work hard every day to deliver the best of themselves in honour of the TCI. We particularly thank those Air Traffic Controllers who honoured their call of duty and reported to work, even though they were not scheduled for the day.
The TCIAA will be seeking to immediately recruit new and former employees to fill the vacancies created as a consequence of today’s action, to ensure that adequate staffing levels are restored as soon as possible
LeBron James passes 40,000-point mark but LA Lakers lose to Denver Nuggets
LeBron James became the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career regular-season points in Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets.
But he described it as "bittersweet" after his Los Angeles Lakers side lost 124-114 to the defending NBA champions.
"Being the first player to do something, it's pretty cool in this league," said the 39-year-old, who scored 26 points on the night.
"You just know the history, you know the greats that have come through."
James scored the historic basket with 10 minutes and 39 seconds remaining in the second quarter with a driving lay-up from the left side of the basket to give the Lakers a 37-32 lead.
The crowd gave James a standing ovation during a timeout and the ball he used to reach the milestone was removed from the game.
However, the Nuggets stretched their winning streak to six games thanks to 35 points from Nikola Jokic to leave James with mixed feelings.
"The main thing is always the main thing and that's the win," he said. "And I hated that had to happen in a defeat, especially versus a team that plays extremely well.
"We played some good basketball but weren't able to close it out, so [it's] bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment on the floor."
James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in February 2023, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing record of 38,387 points.
The four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player is in his 21st campaign and is the league's oldest active player.
James said he did not know if another NBA player could reach the 40,000-point milestone.
"You have to play the game quite a while and have some good luck with injuries and things of that nature," he said.
"You have to take care of your body. You have to be present on the floor and then you have to be productive as well."
Lakers coach Darvin Ham was among those to pay tribute to James.
"Just happy for him. It was a hell of an accomplishment," he said.
"Wish we could have got the win to cap it off. But my hat's off to him. Amazing, amazing run that continues to this day."
Source-BBC