White House hasn't received Hamas response as deadline looms
The White House has not received Hamas' response to the peace plan they put out on Monday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.
They still “expect” Hamas to accept the plan, Leavitt said.
In the meantime, Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health said Thursday that Israeli forces killed 77 Palestinians and wounded 222 others in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
That brings the Palestinian death toll in Gaza since the ongoing war began to 66,225, according to the health ministry.
Among those killed over the past day were two people trying to collect humanitarian aid, while another 44 were injured, the health ministry said.
Source- ABC
Sean Combs' ex-girlfriend says she was never sex trafficked
One day before Sean "Diddy" Combs' sentencing, the rap mogul’s former girlfriend is pushing back on prosecutors’ claims that she was sex trafficked or involved in prostitution.
Virginia Huynh — the ex-girlfriend identified as "Victim 3" in the indictment and "Gina" during the trial — told Judge Arun Subramanian in a letter that she was "pressured to feel like a victim" by prosecutors and she believes Combs should be released to his family.
"I told them I was not but they insisted that I was, even when I expressed my truth otherwise," she wrote, referring to prosecutors. "I understand they concluded that I had been sex trafficked and involved in 'forced prostitution.' I did not agree with that conclusion. I was not trafficked. I did not engage in prostitution with him or others."
Prosecutors initially planned to call Huynh as a witness during Combs' trial this summer, but later said they were unable to reach her. Other witnesses testified she was in a relationship with Combs while he was dating Cassie Ventura, and one witness said he witnessed Combs being violent to her in 2015.
"'Gina,' though she will not be testifying, is a main character in this trial," prosecutor Christy Slavik told the court in June.
In August, after Combs’ conviction, Huynh wrote the judge a similar letter requesting that Combs be released, arguing he was no longer violent and deserved to be with his family.
"Our relationship, like many, was not always perfect, we experienced ups and downs, and mistakes were made but he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future," Huynh wrote.
Combs' submission to the court also includes letters of support from mentees, former employees and friends from jail.
Miles Guo, an exiled Chinese billionaire convicted of defrauding investors of hundreds of millions of dollars, wrote a letter based on their time together behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
"I have had multiple conversations with him and they have been very peaceful, enlighten, and motivational. I see Mr. Combs is a very kind, sensitive, and genius person. He really cares about his name and his reputation," Guo wrote, adding Combs wants to create an AI platform with him to "help the people."
Maribel Flaquer, whose son served time alongside the music mogul, urged the judge to release Combs, writing, "I truly believe this experience and [Combs'] mentorship have changed the trajectory of Raymond’s life."
In July, a jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution in connection with another ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane." Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge. He was also found not guilty of both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and "Jane."
Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday. Combs plans to speak in court in the "most dignified and respectful fashion possible," according to a court filing last week.
Federal prosecutors argue Combs deserves at least 11 years in prison, while Combs' attorneys are seeking time served. Combs has been in custody since his September 2024 arrest.
Source-ABC
Grand Turk gets Youth Media Expo
Grand Turk was recently buzzing with creativity as students at H. J. Robinson High got a closer look at careers in the media and communications industry.
The Youth Media Expo connected them with professionals in areas like podcasting, filmmaking, social media, and government communications.
Danae Dennie has more.
TCI ELECTED CHAIR OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE
The Turks and Caicos Islands has been elected as the new Chair of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP), following the Association’s 2nd Annual Conference held in Saint Lucia on September 4–6, 2025. Director of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision, Mr. Jaron Harvey, and Senior Probation Officer, Ms. Marcella Williams represented the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) at the regional gathering. The conference brought together probation and parole professionals from across the Caribbean to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and chart the future of community corrections in the region.
By assuming the chairmanship, TCI will help shape the regional agenda with a key focus on advancing offender rehabilitation, youth crime prevention, and professional standards across the Caribbean. TCI will also have the opportunity to host the 3rd Annual CAPP Conference in 2026.
During the conference, a presentation was delivered that highlighted the significant strides being made in the Turks and Caicos Islands to expand probation and parole services and to implement a national prevention agenda for at-risk youth. The presentation showcased TCI’s progress in strengthening supervision practices, introducing new rehabilitation programs, and building multi-agency partnerships to reduce re-offending and improve public safety. The conference agenda centered on pressing issues facing the region, including the management of sex offenders, gang-involved individuals, and the development of effective crime prevention strategies.
Speaking on the election, the Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, stated: “This is both an honour and a responsibility for the Turks and Caicos Islands. As Chair, we are committed to working alongside our regional partners to elevate probation and parole as key pillars of public safety, rehabilitation, and crime prevention. This recognition underscores the important role our country plays in advancing rehabilitation in the region.”
CAPP is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices, supporting offender rehabilitation, and fostering professional collaboration across the region.
Federal government shuts down after Senate fails to pass funding measures
Both Republican and Democratic proposals that would have funded the government past Tuesday failed in the Senate during the eleventh hour, effectively shutting down the government at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.
The federal government ran out of money after a Democratic-backed spending bill that would have extended health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and reversed cuts to Medicaid failed, as well as the GOP-backed stopgap funding measure that would have funded the government for seven weeks also failed.
The Senate is expected to vote again on Wednesday, likely on the same two measures that failed Tuesday.
Source- ABC
Jane Goodall, famed primatologist, anthropologist and conservationist, dead at 91
Jane Goodall, the most prolific primatologist of a generation, has died. She was 91 years old.
"The Jane Goodall Institute has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes," the institute said on social media. "She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States."
Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.
It was July 1960 when Goodall, 26 years old at the time, first entered Tanzania and began her important research on chimpanzees in the wild. Throughout her study of the species, Goodall proved that primates display an array of similar behaviors to humans, such as communicate, develop individual personalities, and make and use their own tools.
Among the most surprising discoveries Goodall made when the research began was "how like us" the chimpanzees are, she told ABC News in 2020.
"Their behavior, with their gestures, kissing, embracing, holding hands and patting on the back," she said. "The fact that they can actually be violent and brutal and have a kind of war, but also loving and altruistic."
That discovery is considered one of the achievements of 20th century scholarship, according to the Jane Goodall Institute.
Goodall's research garnered both scientific honors and mainstream fame, and she was credited with paving the way for a rise in women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math over the years. The number of women in STEM has increased from 7% to 26% in the six last decades, according to The Jane Goodall Institute, which cited census information from 1970 to 2011.
The anthropologist continued to lend her voice to environmental causes well into her 80s and 90s.
Source-ABC
Sean 'Diddy' Combs opposes request from 'Mia' to give victim impact statement
Sean "Diddy" Combs is opposing a prosecution request to allow his former assistant -- who testified under the pseudonym "Mia" -- to deliver a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing on Friday.
"Simply, she is not a victim of anything," defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a letter to the judge on Wednesday.
In July, a jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution in connection with another ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane."
Federal prosecutors conceded that "Mia" -- who testified about abuse she said she suffered while working as Combs' assistant -- is not a victim of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.
The defense called "Mia" a liar, saying she testified at trial "with a made up voice and demeanor" and now wants to "sully" the sentencing hearing.
"Moreover, that she is so eager to return to court, when she plainly does not have to, and is not even entitled to, puts her proffered fear of testifying at trial into clear relief. This was a show for her,” Agnifilo said.
While the music mogul was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, he was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge. He was also found not guilty of both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and "Jane."
Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
Federal prosecutors argue Combs deserves at least 11 years in prison, while Combs' attorneys are seeking time served. Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest.
The sentencing hearing comes after Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs' request to throw out his conviction on Tuesday, saying the defense arguments that prostitution requires a financial motive or participation in the sexual activity "don’t hold water."
Enforcement Operation Conducted in Kew Town
A joint enforcement operation, comprising teams from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Tactical Unit, Drone Support, TCI Regiment, and TCI Border Force, was conducted this morning in Kew Town.
The patrols were conducted at informal settlements north of Rudy Malcolm Yard and Walter Cox Road, Kew Town. The primary objectives were to build operational intelligence, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and assess the geography and terrain of the area.
During the operation, twenty-two (22) shacks were searched and cleared. While no individuals were found inside, several suspected illegal migrants were observed fleeing north and west upon the officers’ arrival, escaping into nearby terrain.
Additional shacks were identified within the settlement, with several footpaths leading toward other informal areas.
This operation was completed safely and without incident. The information gathered will directly support future intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting illegal migration and enhancing border security across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force reassures the public that the safety of our communities remains our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with partner agencies to address illegal migration and its impact while maintaining a presence in vulnerable areas.
TCI Welcomes Frontier Airlines Again
Frontier Airlines has officially announced plans for a non-stop weekly flight from the world's busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International to the Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales.
Josh Flyr Vice President of Network and Operations at Frontier said that “They are thrilled to begin operations at Providenciales, providing affordable and convenient air travel to tourists visiting the Turks and Caicos,”.
The TCI Airport Authority (TCIAA), in a social media post, shared that they are elated to welcome Frontier Airlines to the Howard Hamilton International Airport.
Additionally, CEO of TCIAA Selvyn Hawkins shared that Frontier had expressed interest from earlier this year and completed their Market Assessment and Analysis, recognizing the Turks and Caicos’ appeal and demand. Hawkins noted that Frontier proposed assisting with the provision of an alternative affordable option, attracting a different customer base.
When asked whether subsidies were provided to secure this partnership, Hawkins explained that the airports authority does not subsidize international airlines.
He said “Subsidies are agreed with other entities like the government, in collaboration with the ministry of tourism.”
However, he noted that they have offered a standing concessionary incentive programme for airlines that launch new routes to TCI, where they receive a concession which is a gradual introduction of the landing, parking and rental fees at the airport.
With the return of this airline, CEO Hawkins expressed that he looks forward to the increase in passenger numbers as well as working with Frontier to maintain the same experience of travel that other airlines provide. He added that we have a slew of quality air carriers and Frontier is committed to continuing quality experience with an affordable price point.
Here is Danae Dennie with more on that story:
Staff Reporter: Danae Dennie
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST- MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH 2025
GENERAL SITUATION: Generally fair conditions will prevail across the islands today, with the chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm activity developing later.
WEATHER: Partly to Mostly sunny with a low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. Mostly fair with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: South to southwest at 10 to 15 knots, falling light and variable at times
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 104°F 40°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 06:38 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:41 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 09:10 PM (1.2 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Moisture and troughing left in the wake of Imelda will continue to spark some showers and isolated thunderstorms across the island chain into the middle of the week.
TUESDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: A low (20 percent) chance of showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: South to southwest at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:39 AM
SUNSET: 06:37 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:29 AM (2.0 FT) 03:34 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:35 AM (1.0 FT) 10:04 PM (1.2 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (30 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: Southwest to west at 10 to 15 knots, becoming westerly at 10 knots or less.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 6 feet in northerly swell
SUNRISE: 06:40 AM
SUNSET: 06:36 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:26 AM (2.0 FT) 04:28 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:32 AM (1.0 FT) 10:58 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: See the latest News Items issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology on Tropical Storm Imelda, located near the northwestern Bahamas and on Hurricane Humberto, located a few hundred miles south-southwest of Bermuda.
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON