Chris Brown adds Ashanti, Bryson Tiller, 112 to Tycoon Festival lineup
In honor of Valentine's Day, Chris Brown has announced the addition of some top R&B artists who'll serenade attendees of his Tycoon Festival.
Ashanti, Tank, Mannie Fresh, Bryson Tiller, DJ Envy, 112, Jermaine Dupri, Ty Dolla $ign and newcomer Fridayy have been added to the lineup.
The group joins previously announced performers Mario, Monica, Ginuwine, and Brown, who'll headline the event.
DC Young Fly will return as host for the fifth annual festival, taking place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on February 13.
Source-ABC
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration adds Kirk Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire to lineup
While Usher will be handling Super Bowl 58 duties on game day, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, and Earth, Wind & Fire are putting their efforts toward a preshow event.
The artists have been announced as the first round of stars who'll perform at CBS' The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary, Billboard reports.
The iconic gospel and soul singers join hosts Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold, who'll oversee the one-hour concert event airing Saturday, February 10, at 8 p.m. ET.
For its 25th anniversary, the music special aims to blend soul music and football with performers and honorees, the latter of which have yet to be announced.
"This event has been a labor of unwavering love and dedication, and it’s an immense honor that our 25th Anniversary will debut on a major broadcast network like CBS," Melanie Few, founder of The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, said.
The special is executive produced by Few with Emmy winner Adam Blackstone as the show's musical director.
Those hoping to attend can purchase tickets for The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, which tapes at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas on February 7.
Source-ABC
NBA, NHL & College Basketball Results
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Chicago 116, Toronto 110
New York 113, Washington 109
Oklahoma City 134, Utah 129
Minnesota 118, Memphis 103
Indiana 126 Sacramento 121
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Buffalo 3, Chicago 0
Philadelphia 5, Dallas 1
Washington 5, St. Louis 2
Tampa Bay 7, Minnesota 3
Boston 5, Colorado 2
Ottawa 6, Montreal 2
Edmonton 4, Seattle 2
Toronto 4, Calgary 3
Vegas 5, NY Rangers 1
Vancouver 2, Arizona 1
Nashville 2, Los Angeles 1
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
South Florida 74, Memphis 73
Illinois 88, Michigan 73
FAU 86, Wichita St. 77
Ford is cutting jobs at F150 plant
Ford is dialing back production of its F-150 Lightning as demand for the electric pickup truck wanes, the automaker announced Friday.
The company said it will reduce the number of shifts at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, where it builds the EV pickups, to one, beginning April 1.
The move will affect some 1,400 workers, including 700 who will move to the company’s Michigan Assembly Plant. Some employees will be placed in roles at the Rouge complex or other Ford facilities in southeast Michigan, and others can "take advantage of the Special Retirement Incentive Program agreed to in the 2023 Ford-UAW contract," Ford said.
The company has been producing the F-150 Lightning since April 2022.
Ford sold more than 24,100 F-150 Lightning vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, the company said earlier in the month. That marked a nearly 55% increase from the 15,600 it sold in the prior year.
Ford said it was "moving nimbly across its global footprint to capitalize on its balanced lineup and serve customers with the right mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles while optimizing financial returns."
At the same time, the automaker said it would start using a 1,600-person third crew for Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUV and Ranger and Ranger Raptor pickup production at its Michigan Assembly plant.
The new crew helping meet demand for those vehicles will include nearly 900 newly hired workers, according to Ford. The 700 others will be transferring Rouge Complex workers.
Source- Auto News
THREE DAY WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE EXTENDING FROM THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC WILL DOMINATE THE WEATHER PATTERN ACROSS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TODAY.
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY TODAY BECOMING FAIR AND MILD TONIGHT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 3 FEET OR LESS NEARSHORE, 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F
SUNSET: 05:29 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:04 PM (2.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 09:10 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE HIGH PRESSURE WILL SHIFT EASTWARD AS A COLD FRONT PUSHES THROUGH THE BAHAMAS OVER THE WEEKEND. THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ON SUNDAY.
FORECAST FOR SATURDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLY BECOMING MOSTLY FAIR AT NIGHT.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, BECOMING LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE AFTERNOON.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN EASTERLY SWELL
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:29 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:52 AM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:33 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR SUNDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. PARTLY CLOUDY AND WINDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AT NIGHT. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 20%.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT IN THE AFTERNOON.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE MORNING, BECOMING NORTHEASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON.
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET, INCREASING TO 6 TO 9 FEET IN NORTHERLY TO NORTHEASTERLY SWELL AT NIGHT.
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:30 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:52 AM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:32 AM (1.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
DR. DAVID BURROWS UNVEIL A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO COMBAT RISING GUN VIOLENCE
In response to the concerning surge in gun violence, particularly affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands, key stakeholders from across the various Government Ministries and Departments, in collaboration with Dr. David Burrows are taking proactive steps to address this issue head-on. Mr. Gary Knowles along with members from the Christian Council and representatives from the Private Sector are also playing an integral role in the planning and execution of this rewarding initiative.
Dr. David Burrows is a multifaceted motivator, inspirator, businessman, consultant, and mentor, who has served as Chaplain to the Bahamas Government Parliament and House of Assembly and as the chief advisor to the Bahamas Government on Youth matters as Chairman of the National Youth Advisory Council on three occasions. Dr. Burrows has also engaged the services of two other street intervention specialists in the persons of Carlos Reid and Eric Fox as key contributors to this project. Collectively, they have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to accessing, engaging, and mentoring troubled youth.
The ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, which will be facilitated by Dr. Burrows will take place in two phases. In phase one, Dr. Burrows and his team will conduct critical stakeholder engagements on Providenciales and Grand Turk. The interventions will include all sectors and will be divided into three sessions where presentations and active engagement and participation will be the order of the day. Phase one takes place between January 21st to January 24th, 2024. This assessment is critical and will provide much-needed information for the phase two intervention which will take place in February 2024.
Phase two will consist of multisector training, street interventions, and presentations across the islands. The training seeks to equip both experts and everyday individuals with useful strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of gun violence and influence troubled youth to make more positive choices. Participants for the training will include law enforcement, correctional officers, church and ministry leaders, community leaders, educators, pastors, parents, children, social workers, entrepreneurs and other non-profit organizational members.
The components of the training are as follows:
● Characteristics of troubled youth - Who are they and why?
● Understanding the Game- (Street and gang life)
● How to access and engage troubled youth
● Proven success strategies for effecting change
● Practical examples of successful interventions
● Organizing follow-up and monitoring
● Sustained long-term programming
● Youth leadership development for teenagers
● Mentoring and life coaching for young men
● Utilizing community resources
It is anticipated that the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’ will promote the following:
Community Engagement Programs: Implementing community-based initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among young men. This includes mentorship programs, sports activities, and art initiatives that provide positive outlets for self-expression.
Conflict Resolution Education: Integrating conflict resolution and anger management modules into the school curriculum to equip students with essential skills to peacefully navigate disputes and challenges.
Counseling and Mental Health Support: Strengthening mental health services within schools, ensuring that students have access to professional counseling and support to address underlying issues contributing to violent behavior.
School Resource Officers: Collaborating with law enforcement to station School Resource Officers in educational institutions. These officers will build positive relationships with students while providing a visible deterrent to potential criminal activity.
Parent and Community Involvement: Establishing partnerships with parents, community leaders, and organizations to create a united front against gun violence. Regular forums and workshops will be organized to educate and involve the community in the efforts to address this pressing concern.
Curriculum Enhancement: Enhancing the curriculum to include modules on conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The aim is to instill values that promote a peaceful and inclusive community.
Youth Outreach Programs: Launching targeted outreach programs that engage young men through positive activities, skill-building workshops, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, the Hon. Rachel Taylor added that, “The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all citizens, residents and visitors. By implementing the ‘REACHING THE STREETS TRAINING’, we aim to empower our youth with the tools and support necessary to make positive life choices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more harmonious community.”
We request the general public’s support as we seek to provide meaningful opportunities and experiences for the youth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Kate the Princess of Wales recovers from abdominal surgery
Kate, the Princess of Wales, is recovering after undergoing abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace confirmed Wednesday.
Kate, who turned 42 last week, was admitted Tuesday to The London Clinic for a "planned" surgery, according to the palace.
The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent but confirmed to ABC News that the princess's medical issue is non-cancerous.
The surgery was "successful," according to the palace, but Kate, the wife of Prince William and mom of their three young kids, is expected to remain hospitalized for 10 to 14 days before returning to the family's home to recover.
The palace noted that Kate's hospitalization means she is not likely to resume her public duties "until after Easter."
Guyana saves millions of dollars since the country embarked on oil production
The government of Guyana has reportedly saved millions of dollars since the country embarked on oil production in 2020.
After the government’s total withdrawals of US$1.002 billion in 2023 from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) based on the legally entrenched formula, a senior government official estimated that Guyana has saved almost US$500 million.
The withdrawals were transferred to the Consolidated Fund for budgeted capital projects and programs.
In 2022 Guyana saved US$269 million which earned almost US$13 million in interest and all of the money deposited in the NRF in the United States Federal Reserve has been earning about 5 percent from overnight deposits.
More Crime in Trinidad
A shooting on the eastern Caribbean island of Trinidad left three people dead and five others wounded, police said Wednesday.
The violence occurred late Tuesday in the northwest town of Morvant when a van drove up to a group of men gathered outdoors and opened fire, police told reporters.
The conditions of the wounded weren't immediately known. It wasn't immediately clear what led to the shooting, although police are investigating whether it was gang-related. No arrests have been made.
At least 27 killings have been reported so far this year on the island of around 1.5 million people, according to local media reports.