Super Mario Bros. Movie teaser: Hear Chris Pratt as Mario for the first time
The first look at the highly anticipated The Super Mario Bros. Movie is finally here.
Nintendo and Illumination, the studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions films, released the first teaser for the movie on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET during a Nintendo Direct presentation specifically focused on the film.
While revealing more about the movie's story, the trailer also debuted Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt's voice as the iconic Italian plumber, one of the most popular and instantly recognizable video game characters of all time.
Joining Pratt is The Queen's Gambit actress Anya Taylor-Joy as Mario's beloved Princess Peach and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Charlie Day as Mario's sidekick and brother Luigi.
Also in the film's cast are Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
Charles Martinet, who has voiced Mario since the '90s, will also be featured in "surprise cameos."
Some fans expressed apprehension upon learning Pratt would voice Mario. However, the actor has since addressed this directly and provided insight into his approach to the role. "I worked really closely with the directors [Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic] and [tried] out a few things and landed on something that I'm really proud of and can't wait for people to see and hear," he told Variety in June.
"It's an animated voice-over narrative. It's not a live-action movie. I'm not gonna be wearing a plumber suit running all over," Pratt continued. "I'm providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you've heard in the Mario world before."
The Super Mario Bros. Movie hits theaters on April 7, 2023.
Source-ABC
Samsung warns of 32% hit to profits on chip slump
Technology giant Samsung has warned of a 32% slide in its profits as demand for electronic devices and the memory chips that power them shrinks due to the global economic slowdown.
The South Korean company estimates its quarterly operating profit was about 10.8tn won ($7.6bn; £6.9bn).
On Thursday, US chip maker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also said it was hit by a fall in demand for computers.
It comes as people cut back on purchases as the cost of living rises.
Samsung's profits from its microprocessor-making business suffered as the global price of memory chips plunged due to weakening demand for consumer electronics.
The estimates, which are for the three months to the end of September, mark Samsung's first year-on-year decline in quarterly profits in almost three years.
Meanwhile, AMD's revenue estimates for the third quarter were about $1bn (£895.6m) less than previously forecast, signaling the slump in demand for chips could be much worse than expected.
"The PC [personal computer] market weakened significantly in the quarter," AMD's chief executive Lisa Su said.
Weak economic conditions had driven demand lower than expected, she added.
AMD's shares fell by 4.5% in after-hours trading in New York.
Sales of electronic devices have been hit as rising inflation, higher interest rates and the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine deter people from making purchases.
This has led firms that buy memory chips, such as manufacturers of smartphones and personal computers, to cut their purchases as they use up their existing stocks.
Technology industry analysts have forecast that memory chip prices will continue to plunge in the next three months as sales of smartphones continue to slide, with demand not expected to recover until early next year.
Source-BBC
US State Department Warning issues warning in travelling to Trinidad
The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, with a warning to its citizens to stay out of Port of Spain.
It has elevated Port of Spain to a Level 4: Do Not Travel.
In the advisory published on its website, citizens were advised that violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain.
“U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the following areas: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen's Park Savannah. After dark, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, and all beaches.”
The advisory also calls on its interests to exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The following advice was also given.
Do not travel to: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain due to crime.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping, is common.
Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not display overt signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
Be extra vigilant when visiting ATMs.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Source-TriniExpress
STATEMENT ON INCIDENT INVOLVING VISITOR ON 2nd OCTOBER 2022
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) regrets the unfortunate incident involving the death of a visitor to our islands on 2nd October 2022. The incident which occurred was accidental and not one in which the victim was targeted. While the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police force (RTCIPF) continues its investigations, we wish to reassure the public (citizens, residents, and visitors alike) that the safety and security of all, is our top priority.
The TCI has long established itself as a safe destination for visitors from around the world. Evidence of this can be seen in the countless awards the destination has won, most recently at the World Travel Awards. Our commitment to providing safety to residents and visitors is unwavering. The government will continue to work with local authorities including the RTCIPF and our partners in the international community to protect residents and visitors alike.
The incident which occurred on the date mentioned above is one that is rare and does not reflect who we are as a people. On behalf of the government and the people of these islands, we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
As this matter is now an ongoing police investigation, further statements will be referred to RTCIPF.
The TCI remains a safe destination and the government is working assiduously for it to remain as such.
Rihanna is "nervous" but "excited" to perform the Super Bowl halftime show
How is Rihanna feeling about becoming the newest Super Bowl halftime performer? She finally broke her silence but made it clear she's keeping her cards close.
TMZ ambushed the star in Los Angeles after she was done shopping to ask about the big game. Rihanna called the pap "sneaky" for waiting for her outside the store, but that didn't stop her from throwing a few bones.
"I'm nervous," she revealed through a dramatic whine when asked how she feels about taking on football's biggest stage. She then quickly deadpanned, "But I'm excited."
The pap didn't let up and continued peppering Rihanna with NFL-centered questions, namely who will be accompanying her on the halftime show.
At the moment, no one has been announced as the singer's co-headliner; there are some reports Rihanna will do the event solo -- as Lady Gaga did in 2017.
The paparazzi threw out a few potential guests to Rihanna, such as A$AP Rocky, but she declined to answer. Instead, Rihanna threw up a peace sign and continued walking to her car. The hitmaker did call out a polite "Thank you, girl" before climbing into the vehicle.
The Super Bowl halftime show will mark Rihanna's return to music after an extended, six-year absence. The singer last released the album Anti and its supporting tour back in 2016.
Source-ABC
Petrol price rise warning after Opec oil output cut
Some of the world's top oil-producing countries have agreed to cut the amount they export in a decision expected to raise petrol prices around the world.
Members of Opec+ - a group that includes Saudi Arabia and Russia - said they would slash production by two million barrels per day.
The group said it wanted to stabilize prices, which have fallen in recent months as the world economy slows.
But the decision raised fears that prices for motorists will climb.
Expectations that countries were planning to pump less had already pushed oil prices higher this week, including by 1% to $92.74 a barrel on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the RAC motoring group said the reduction announced Wednesday would "inevitably" lead to higher oil prices, forcing up the wholesale cost of fuel.
"The question is when, and to what extent, retailers choose to pass these increased costs on at their forecourts," spokesman Simon Williams said.
The cut announced by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and allies is the biggest reduction by the group since the height of the pandemic in 2020.
It comes despite pleas from the US and others to pump more, after oil prices spiked this spring when the war in Ukraine disrupted supplies.
In a statement, the White House said US President Joe Biden was "disappointed by the short-sighted decision". The US pledged to continue to release oil from national stockpiles "as appropriate" and look at other ways to try to rein in prices at the pump.
Opec members defended their decision as a response to significant "uncertainty" about future demand for oil, amid fears that the global economy is headed to a recession.
"The decision is technical, not political," United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui told reporters as Opec+ members gathered in Vienna to discuss the plans.
A barrel of Brent Crude oil was trading at $84.06 in late September - down from highs of around $130 this spring.
Despite falling prices and concerns about the global economy, Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist for research firm Capital Economics, said it was unusual timing to slash supply.
"Global oil stocks are historically low and, so far, high prices have failed to materially dent demand," she added.
Analysts said that the impact of the cuts is likely to be less significant than its size might suggest, since some countries were already producing less than they had said they would, with Capital predicting a 1% drop in global supplies as a result.
Kathleen Brooks, director at Minerva Analysis, said the output cut was the "worst case scenario people were looking for" - one that would weigh on UK financial markets and raise fears that prices across the economy would continue to rise.
It "changes the narrative in terms of peak inflation - we might not be there yet," she said.
Source-BBC
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE – ‘FUELLING HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES’ delivered by His Excellency Nigel Dakin Governor
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE – ‘FUELLING HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES’
as delivered by His Excellency Nigel Dakin Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands at the opening of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, Helena Jones Robinson, High School Auditorium, North Back Salina, Grand Turk
Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, the book of Isaiah tells us that: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles”.
We meet to launch the activities for a new parliamentary year at a time of turmoil and economic uncertainty in the world.
As a tourist-dependent economy, we will continue to be affected by global economic conditions.
Honourable Speaker, added to that, we are dealing with the damage from Hurricane Fiona and an unprecedented wave of gang violence and murders.
The psychopathic monsters struck again last evening causing harm to many including the shooting of a police officer. Three persons died in this incident including a visitor and assassin.
My government is resolute in its determination to provide relief to those in need and tackle gun and other serious crimes head on.
Today, we will focus on the economic outlook, our development agenda, Fiona relief and outline measures to deal with the upsurge in violence and bring those who murder with impunity to justice.
ECONOMY
Honourable Speaker, the Russia/Ukraine war, the disruptions in the supply chain and economic challenges have created an unstable global economy.
The challenges have caused excessive spikes in the prices of fuel and food across the world.
The high rates of inflation, especially in the United States will continue to negatively impact the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr Speaker, inflation, hurricane damage and crime abatement have forced us to revise the financial targets for 2022/2023.
With the additional demands, my government is forecasting a budget deficit of about 16 -million dollars for this financial year.
However, despite the temporary challenges, the economy continues to perform well, and the outlook is very positive.
Importantly, we remain in compliance with the framework agreement between the government and the UK.
The Minister of Finance will speak to the Supplementary Estimates that will be tabled shortly.
Mr. Speaker, my government will continue to be nimble and make changes as global economic headwinds continue to affect us.
We are laying the foundation to simplify taxation and make it more equitable and promote entrepreneurship and wider participation in the economy.
Mr. Speaker, my government will continue to cushion the impact of inflation on our people through various relief programmes.
We have given qualified persons $2,500 in combined assistance over the last eighteen months.
For those who did not receive a stimulus cheque from the latest allocation, a provision is made in the current supplementary.
Details will be shared during the Minister’s presentation.
Mr Speaker, my government is completing work on a living wage for the lowest earners among us. This is expected to take effect on April 1, 2023.
To help deal with the increase in the cost of energy, the fuel charges on residential electricity bills have been capped at 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
This will save consumers about 10 cents per kWh. This relief came into effect in September and will continue to December 2022.
Mr. Speaker, my government is focused on the sustainable prosperity of each island.
Our goal is to provide opportunities, improve quality of life, and keep our people safe and secure.
The events of the last two years have forced us to be nimble and build resilience.
HURRICANE FIONA
Mr. Speaker, through the mercies of God, these Islands dodged the worst possible effects of Hurricane Fiona; however, some public and private properties have suffered damage.
My government has established a National Recovery and Resilience Committee (NRRC) to focus on our recovery and restoration efforts.
Two million dollars will be allocated for general clean-up and repair of government properties.
An additional two million dollars will be allocated to help homeowners affected by Fiona.
A framework for the management of the relief effort will be established to ensure that only those most in need benefit.
SECURITY
Mr Speaker, of all the challenges, my government has faced in recent times, none has threatened more our sense of well-being, than the explosion of gun violence.
Based on intelligence, we know that the increase in execution-style murders and violence has connections outside of the TCI.
We have had 23 murders this year with 15 in the last six weeks alone.
Mr. Speaker, most of these murders are connected to drugs and other criminal activities among rival gangs. Some of these gangs are now infiltrated by transnational drug traffickers.
Mr. Speaker, my government regrets the loss of any life and mourn with the families who have lost loved ones.
This unprecedented streak of violence has shaken communities. It has turned all who have had to curtail activities and restrict their movement out of fear into victims.
Mr Speaker, as a country, we have every reason to be angry.
We must turn our anger into action and defeat those who make violence their business and continue to disrupt the peace and safety of our communities. This will require full cooperation between citizens and the Police Force.
My government is aware that some persons have reservations about cooperating with the police.
Let me assure you, measures are in place to weed out unscrupulous police officers as we try to increase the trust between the police and the public.
Based on intelligence, we believe that our Islands now face a trans-regional threat fuelled by drugs and driven by armed gangsters.
With the growth of unregulated settlements, many have embedded in our communities and are increasingly difficult to monitor.
Mr. Speaker, for years the government has been able to intercept almost every overloaded sloop bringing people to our shores; however, our extended maritime borders make us vulnerable to fast boats bringing guns, drugs and criminals.
While significant investments have been made in maritime defences and our Regiment, we must do more.
We are deepening alliances with our neighbours and sharing intelligence. We are in talks with the relevant UK ministers, and the prime ministers of our Caribbean neighbours.
We expect support in personnel, more investigative capacity and greater intelligence capability.
The Bahamas will give us direct support.
Our commissioners have worked out a substantive package that will provide us with boots on the ground. Their impact should be seen by the public and felt by the gangs shortly.
Jamaica has significant experience in dealing with violent gangs and some of the criminals we now face have their roots in that country. A request was made to Jamaica’s Prime Minister for support, and we expect a positive response.
Some of the requested UK Police support is now here. An initial team to reinforce our Tactical Unit with planning and skills training is working.
A combined contingent of military and police personnel has been requested from the UK to bolster the overall security of the islands. The initial response to this has been encouraging and my government hopes for an early and positive response.
The UK has also agreed to establish and pay for a large anti-gang investigative unit. Members of that Task Force are being recruited. Once established that Task Force will improve our capacity to police and dismantle violent gangs.
My government is allocating an additional $4 million for the RTCPF:
- $1.5 million will be used for equipment and additional manpower
- $1.5 million to build a hangar for the new surveillance aircraft being donated by the UK government
- We will give the police a 10-per cent across the board increase on basic salary
An armoured vehicle was purchased and will arrive in the TCI by the end of this month.
My government is also allocating 2 million dollars to purchase and install the latest versions of CCTVs, especially in the hotbed areas.
Our significant investment in technology, the investigative capacity and operations of the police, communication and cyber forensic systems will help us suppress and disrupt criminal gangs.
CRIME BILLS
Mr Speaker, my government is buttressing our crime-fighting action with legislative support.
Later this month, critical crime-fighting bills will be presented to this Honourable House. We urge you honourable members to pass them quickly.
The Bills aim to:
- Stiffen penalties for gun crimes
- Strengthen police powers to investigate, stop and search, detain, and break up gang activities; and
- Protect law enforcement who fight hardened criminals on the front lines.
The Firearms (Amendment) Bill introduces higher penalties for possession of an unlicensed firearm, a prohibited weapon or ammunition.
The Police Force (Amendment) Bill allows the police to stop and search a person or vehicle believed to be linked to criminal activity. It also allows the police to set up roadblocks in high-crime areas.
The Firearms Related Offences Bill extends the period of detention for persons accused of murder and firearms offences.
The Anti-Gang Bill makes it an offence for a person to become a member of a gang. A first conviction will carry a penalty of ten years in prison and twenty years for any subsequent conviction with enhanced penalties for gang leaders.
Importantly, if you wound or shoot law enforcement or intelligence personnel, you could face up to thirty years in prison.
It is a serious offence to coerce or aid another person to become a gang member.
It is an offence to retaliate against a person who refuses to obey an order from a gang leader or gang member.
It is an offence to knowingly counsel, finance, support or tip off a gang leader, gang member or gang.
The Anti-Gang law will allow the police to:
- Arrest, without a warrant, a person believed to be a gang leader
- Enter any premises, without a warrant, if there is cause to believe that a gang member may be found there
- Empower the Court to order the forfeiture of property of a person convicted of certain offenses
The Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill, Magistrates Court (Amendment) Bill, Defence (Amendment) Bill, the Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill introduce higher penalties for obstructing, assaulting or threatening an investigative officer. These include Immigration, Customs and Police Officers, the TCI Regiment and a Court or Judicial officer in the exercise of his or her duty.
The Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill makes it mandatory that every sim card must be sold to and registered to a person with valid identification.
The Interception of Communications Bill provides a single legal framework to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to obtain communications. This includes the interception, retention, and acquisition of communications data.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to promote respect for life, stronger families, and values.
My government will be unrelenting in its efforts to reduce crime and build safer communities.
Mr. Speaker, over the last year and a half my government laid out many initiatives that were important planks of the People’s Contract.
My government is happy to report that it is faithful to its promises and are delivering.
CONSTITUTION
A consultant hired to advise on amendments proposed by both political parties to the constitution will submit recommendations soon. A resolution should be tabled before the end of this financial year.
CROWN LAND
Consultants have made recommendations to reform the management and provide more access to residential Crown Lands. Final negotiations with the UK Government will take place in early November.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL POLICY
Our Housing and Community Renewal Policy will dovetail with the Crown Land Policy and will be presented to Cabinet on the 12th of October.
It will reflect our promise to develop safe communities – by delivering completed residential shelters rather than undeveloped plots of land.
POPULATION POLICY
My government has established an Immigration and Population Policy Council (IPPC) which will review the recently completed population policy report. It will review the relevant pieces of legislation, policies and projections and develop a plan to resolve legacy issues.
The plan will address the eligibility of residents especially those residing in the TCI for many years. It will establish a fair and simplified pathway to naturalisation which is sustainable and will contribute to the economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The plan will also address labour market trends and how these align with labour force demand.
INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
To reduce unplanned communities, my government has established “An Informal Settlement Unit”.
The unit will operate under the remit of the National Security Council and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Its dedicated team of twenty persons, including experts, will work full-time to address informal settlements.
A project leader has been identified and will be appointed this month.
The Informal Settlement Unit will have five teams:
• Communication and Public Awareness
• Monitoring, Containment and Eviction
• Regularization and Settlement Upgrade
• Housing and Social Support
• Administration, Procurement and Process Monitoring.
TRANSPORTATION STUDY
My government believes that investment in infrastructure development will set the TCI on a path of increased economic growth.
A Transport Infrastructure Master Plan has been commissioned and will address:
- Climate change impact and adaptation
- Opportunities for private sector participation
- Employment in the transport and service sub-sectors
- Holistic development of all transport modes; and
- Connectivity throughout the islands
PORT TRANSFORMATION
Modern and efficient port infrastructure is a major plank of my government’s sustainable development plan.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority (TCIPA) is currently engaged in several development projects including:
- Providenciales Port turning basin dredging
- Grand Turk Port pavement improvements
- Grand Turk Port Ro-Ro Ramp rehabilitation
- Providenciales Port Master Plan update
- Over the longer term, there are plans for rehabilitation and expansion of the Providenciales Port and the development of a transhipment terminal.
- South Caicos Port rehabilitation; and
- We are pleased to report that the Bellfield Landing Terminal facilities will be opened tomorrow
ROAD NETWORK
The Turks and Caicos has a network of approximately 340 miles of roads. Some are unpaved and prone to flooding, and traffic accidents.
My government will embark on a major programme to develop and rehabilitate our road network.
The first project is a feasibility study for the proposed Caicos Causeway and roads infrastructure. A modern and efficient road network will be a game changer for the economy and a catalyst for the social development of our people.
THE TCI AIRPORTS AUTHORITY (TCIAA)
The TCIAA has commenced a long-term redevelopment programme to increase the capacity, safety, and security of airports in all island groupings.
Major developments will occur at Providenciales and South Caicos.
Negotiations for a public-private partnership to develop the North Caicos Airport is advancing.
Funding is provided in the TCIAA budget to upgrade the JAGS McCartney International Airport. This is in anticipation of subsidised airlifts into Grand Turk this winter.
YOUTH AND SPECIAL NEEDS
My government has made a special effort to empower our young people through education, sports, and other programmes.
Millions of dollars have been allocated for scholarships and community college is now free for Belongers.
We are opening the Felix Morley Community Centre in Five Cays as a multipurpose facility. It will serve as a police post and a centre for youth development and sport activities.
We hope that the close interactions between the police and young people will deepen the trust and improve relations with the community.
Our Special Needs community demand our love and care.
Refurbishing will begin soon on the recently acquired Whole Gospel Christian Academy property. On completion, it will provide a safe, modern, and well-equipped space for persons with special needs.
PROJECT DELIVERY
My government is delivering on our commitment to implement impactful programmes, and complete projects in a timely manner.
The Premier’s Delivery Unit (PDU) has been established within the Office of the Premier & Public Policy to monitor, track, and facilitate the completion of ten specific priority projects:
The PDU will be an active partner to ministries, departments, and other government bodies.
The ten specific priority projects are:
- South Dock Port Redevelopment
- Fibre Optic Cable Link
- Solid Waste Management
- Comprehensive Housing Development - a framework to guide the different pathways to home ownership
- Agriculture and Food Security
- National ID
- Digitisation of the Land Registry
- Management & Containment of Informal Settlements
- Digitization of Border Services
- New Providenciales Court Complex
A detailed plan with clear start and completion dates and the persons responsible for execution at various stages has been developed for each project.
These plans are paired with key performance indicators for progress tracking.
Results will be constantly monitored for the Cabinet’s attention and intervention where required.
The Delivery Unit will publish the first Dashboard and Scorecard this Friday, 7 October 2022 to show the progress of these ten priority projects.
Special thanks to all civil servants who were involved in achieving this critical milestone.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker, my government is delivering for our people and will never stop until we improve their lives and give them hope that our best days are ahead.
Hope will sustain us in the midst of the storm.
Hope and faith will fuel our passion to achieve the impossible.
As Emily Dickinson said: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all”.
Let us together fire up and fuel that hope.
Let us together put our shoulders to the wheel.
Let us build stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands.
Thank you and may God bless each of you and bless our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
NBA GMs see Milwaukee Bucks winning title, first MVP for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic
The Milwaukee Bucks are slight favorites to win the 2023 NBA championship, and Luka Doncic was tapped as most likely to win the 2023 Most Valuable Player award in NBA.com's annual survey of all 30 of the league's general managers.
The 21st edition of the survey was released Tuesday and saw Milwaukee receive 43% of the vote. The other teams to receive votes were the defending champion Golden State Warriors with 25%, the LA Clippers with 21%, and the Boston Celtics with 11%.
Not surprisingly, the Bucks were the clear favorites to win the East. They were followed by the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Those six teams were the only ones to receive votes to finish among the top four seeds in the East this season.
Out West, meanwhile, nine teams received votes. The Clippers finished slightly ahead of the Warriors for first in the West, followed by the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves (tied for sixth), the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.
Doncic was a narrow, but clear, favorite at MVP, as the Slovenian superstar collected 48% of the vote, compared to 34% for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, 14% for 76ers star Joel Embiid and a single vote for Warriors star Stephen Curry.
It was Antetokounmpo, however, who finished ahead of Doncic in the category of player a GM would most want to build their team around, with Antetokounmpo getting 55% of the vote and Doncic 45%. No other player received a single vote.
Curry, Suns star Devin Booker, Nets star Kevin Durant, Antetokounmpo, and Nuggets star Nikola Jokic were selected as the top player at each position. The only change from last year was that Booker surpassed James Harden as the league's top shooting guard.
Source-ESPN
President Biden visits Puerto Rico
President Joe Biden visited Puerto Rico on Monday, surveying the damage caused there by Hurricane Fiona.
The president said the storm dealt a serious blow to the rebuilding that was already done or underway after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc five years ago.
“Roads and bridges built after Maria have been washed away again,” he said. “Families who spent their savings to build new homes losing their homes have seen them flooded away.”
Biden also announced more than $60 million in aid to help Puerto Rico prepare for future storms.
The total death toll from Hurricane Ian in the U.S. is 103 across two states -- 99 and four in Florida and North Carolina, respectively.
The majority of the deaths come from the two hardest southwestern Florida counties of Lee, with 54, and Charlotte, with 24.
The president is also set to visit Florida on Wednesday to view the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Source-ABC
7 suspects robbed a family, 4 did not survive
A police report stated that around 7 a.m. the 43-year-old businessman and his wife, aged 42, who are both of Chinese descent, left their home in their vehicle and headed to Rio Claro.
They returned home to their home at Krista Park, Beaumont Road, when around 8.45 a.m., as they were re-entering their home, they were accosted by seven men, all armed with firearms.
Police were told that the men had already breached the house in which they had left their 16-year-old son.
The intruders had bound the hands and feet of the teenager with duct tape, and they did the same with the businessman and his wife.
Police officers received information of the home invasion and a police team under the supervision of Sgt Mohammed responded.
Upon arrival at the townhouse, they observed the men all armed with firearms exiting the house.
The report said the armed men opened fire on the police officers, and the officers returned fire.
When the exchange of gunfire ceased four men were found lying motionless.
Police said they retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun, three nine-millimetre pistols and an air rifle.
The 12-gauge shotgun and two of the nine-millimetre pistols were discovered to be the property of the businessman. A quantity of cash was also found scattered on the premises in proximity of the deceased men.
The police party then entered the house and rescued the victims.
They were taken to seek medical attention at the Mayaro District Health Centre.
A party of officers under the supervision of Snr Supt Khan, Supt Wayne Doodhai, ASP Jankie, Insps Ramkissoon and Ramlakhan and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene.
Supt Wayne Doodhai is continuing investigations.
Source-Trinidad Express