Five ice hockey players found not guilty in Canada sexual assault case
Five Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman were all acquitted by an Ontario judge on Thursday.
In a packed courtroom, Justice Maria Carroccia reviewed testimony and evidence from the highly publicised eight-week trial over the course of several hours, before declaring the men not guilty.
The former players for Canada's world junior hockey team were accused of assaulting the woman, known as EM, in a hotel room in 2018 in London, Ontario, where they had attended a Hockey Canada gala.
Justice Carroccia said she did not find EM's evidence "credible or reliable". She added that "the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me".
The central issue of the trial was whether EM, who was 20 at the time, had consented to every sexual act in the room that night.
Lawyers for the players contended that she asked the men to have sex with her and they believed she gave consent.
Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were all players with the National Hockey League (NHL) when the allegations surfaced, although one was playing in Europe. Only one, Mr Hart, testified in his own defence.
The trial attracted significant attention in Canada, and so many people attended court to hear the ruling on Thursday that clerks had to open two additional overflow rooms.
In explaining her ruling, Justice Carroccia pointed to inconsistencies in EM's testimony, including about who had bought drinks that night, and said EM's statements reflected an "uncertain memory" that did not line up with evidence presented in the trial.
There were differences in what the woman told police investigators and those for Hockey Canada, which settled a C$3.5m ($2.5m; £1.9m) lawsuit for an undisclosed sum in 2022, as well, the judge said.
Two videos from the incident were shared in the trial, where EM was recorded giving her consent to the activities. The first was taken without her knowledge.
While, under Canadian law, the videos did not establish consent, the judge said they did show EM "speaking normally, smiling," and that she "did not appear to be in distress." That undercut the Crown's argument that EM did not leave the room out of fear, she said.
It is unclear if the Crown will appeal the ruling, with prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham saying in a statement that they will carefully review the decision. She also said they had received "dozens of messages from people across Canada and abroad" expressing thanks and support for EM.
Source-BBC
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday at the age of 71, according to Clearwater, Florida, police and World Wrestling Entertainment.
"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and featured prominently in World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE), World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling, but it his was run with the WWE in the 1980s that propelled him and the company to the cultural zeitgeist.
Hogan is widely credited for helping to turn professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a mainstream phenomenon in the 1980s. In the squared circle, he was the larger-than-life Hulk Hogan, the classic good guy, known as a face in wrestling terminology, who encouraged children to eat their vegetables and say their prayers as he grappled the villains known as heels. He became champion on six different occasions with the WWE.
"Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You!" was one of his more popular catchphrases and he, as "The Hulkster," would put a hand behind his ear to hear the roar of the crowds.
Hogan, including his signature leg drop and 24-inch pythons, was synonymous with WrestleMania, the annual extravaganza put on by WWE. "The Immortal One," as the character of Hogan was known as, headlined the first one on March 31, 1985, alongside his tag team partner Mr. T, and defeated "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.
The first WrestleMania led to an infamous confrontation in March 1985 between Bollea and actor Richard Belzer, who was hosting Hot Properties. Bollea and Mr. T were promoting their upcoming bout and Bollea placed Belzer in a headlock to prove that wrestling wasn't fake. Belzer momentarily passed out and was injured.
Belzer sued Hogan for injuries over the incident. The suit was settled in 1990.
Hogan would appear in 10 WrestleMania matches and featured in the main event eight times.
Hogan parlayed his wrestling appeal by becoming a cultural icon himself, appearing on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and the short-lived series Thunder In Paradise, which co-starred his longtime friend and manager "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart. He also starred in movies like Rocky III and Mr. Nanny.
Hogan left the WWE in the mid-'90s and joined rival promotion WCW. However, the once adoring fans dubbed Hulkamaniacs began to boo his heroic persona.
Hogan changed the industry once again with his transformation to the evil "Hollywood Hogan" character. In 1996, for the first time in his illustrious career, the character of Hogan was now a villain, the leader of the faction New World Order in WCW.
Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 and faced off against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8, with the fans cheering him on once again.
Hogan's dip in popularity was not just limited to the arenas. His image took a battering in 1994 when the federal government accused WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon of illegally giving performers anabolic steroids. Hogan testified that he took steroids but denied doing so at McMahon's direction. McMahon was ultimately acquitted.
Hogan was once again in the news in 2012 when Gawker published a sex tape involving Hogan and a friend's then-wife. Hogan sued for invasion of privacy and won a $140 million judgment by a jury in June 2016. He settled with the company for $31 million.
Hogan was previously embroiled in another scandal when a 2007 recording of him making racist remarks and saying the N-word were made public in 2015. Bollea was fired from the WWE and temporarily removed from the WWE Hall of Fame.
Hogan apologized for his use of the slur, telling Good Morning America in 2015 that he wanted his fans' forgiveness.
"I'm not a racist but I never should have said what I said. It was wrong. I'm embarrassed by it," he said, but added: "People need to realize that you inherit things from your environment. And where I grew up was south Tampa, Port Tampa, and it was a really rough neighborhood, very low income. And all my friends, we greeted each other saying that word."
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 for the first time as an individual performer and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO.
Despite his retirement, he continued his connection to the sport that made him famous. He was reinstated by the WWE in 2018 and hosted WrestleMania 37 alongside WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil in 2021.
Hogan announced his engagement to yoga instructor Sky Daily in July 2023 and the two married in September 2023.
He took the stage at the Republican National Convention in July 2024 to endorse President Donald Trump, a longtime friend. He ripped his shirt off in famous fashion and revealed a Trump-Vance 2024 T-shirt below.
"I’ve known that man for over 35 years, and he’s always been the biggest patriot, and he still is," Hogan said. "He’s always told you exactly what he thought, and he still does, brother. No matter the odds, he always finds a way to win."
Hogan was married three times, first to Linda Bollea from 1993 to 2009. The former couple had two children, Brooke Hogan and Nick Hogan.
Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 but they filed for divorce in October 2021 after 11 years of marriage.
Hogan is survived by his two children and wife Sky Daily.
Source- ABC
Trump to visit Fed as pressure on Powell mounts
Donald Trump is set to make the first visit by a sitting president to the US central bank in roughly two decades as his pressure on the Federal Reserve intensifies.
Trump will tour buildings undergoing a $2.5bn (£1.8bn) renovation, which the White House has accused Fed chairman Jerome Powell of mismanaging.
The attack is the latest in a drumbeat of criticism Trump has mounted against Powell, who Trump says is moving too slowly to cut interest rates.
He has repeatedly floated the possibility of firing Powell, only to quickly disavow the idea, which analysts say would rock financial markets and spark a legal battle.
Trump's visit would mark only the fourth visit by a president to the Fed in recent history and the first since former president George W Bush attended the swearing-in of Ben Bernanke as Fed chairman in 2006.
It comes ahead of the Fed's meeting in Washington next week, where policymakers are widely expected to vote to leave interest rates unchanged.
A spokesperson for the Fed said it was "working with the White House to accommodate their visit".
Source- BBC
Food Network chef Anne Burrell died by suicide, acute intoxication, medical examiner confirms
Chef Anne Burrell died by suicide, ABC News confirmed.
It's been just over five weeks since Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17. The City of New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner concluded its investigation on Thursday, determining suicide as her cause of death.
The chef died by "acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine," the medical examiner said.
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in October 2021, and his son, Javier; her mother, Marlene Burrell; her sister, Jane Burrell-Uzcategui, and Jane's children; and her brother, Ben Burrell.
Burrell was a longtime co-host of Food Network's Worst Cooks in America, and she left a lasting impact on her culinary TV family.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the food world in the days following her sudden death, with sentiments from fellow titans of the industry like Tyler Florence, Alex Guarnaschelli and Elizabeth Falkner, who shared fond memories and deep remorse for the loss on social media.
Burrell was born on Sept. 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, and developed a passion for cooking early on, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and TV icon Julia Child.
As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1996, Burrell went on to study at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, where she honed her love for Italian cuisine through apprenticeships across the country.
Upon returning to the U.S. in 1998, Burrell worked at kitchens in New York City under Lidia Bastianich and later led the kitchen at Savoy in SoHo, where she crafted Mediterranean-inspired dishes over an open wood fire.
After several years in the restaurant world, Burrell transitioned to teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education.
She began her television career as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, eventually landing her own Emmy-nominated show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for nine seasons.
Burrell was an early star and staple figure on Food Network, appearing in shows including Chopped, Chef Wanted and Food Network Star, most recently competing in House of Knives in 2025.
The new season of Worst Cooks in America, featuring Burrell's final appearance as a mentor, premieres on Food Network on Monday at 9 p.m. ET and streams the next day on HBO Max.
She also authored two cookbooks, including The New York Times bestseller Cook Like a Rock Star.
Ministry of Education Receives Tech Donation from the Shore Club and YPO Southern 7
The Shore Club, in partnership with the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) Southern 7 Chapter is proud to announce the donation of 26 computers (8 desktops and 8 laptops) to the Ministry of Education, Youth Sports and Culture. The generous contribution aims to support students learning by providing them with the resources needed to enhance their ICT skills.
In response to the donation, the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor noted, ‘With the donation of these state-of-the-art computers, students will gain valuable opportunities to develop essential digital skills, conduct in-depth research, complete assignments efficiently, and engage in innovative learning activities. This technological upgrade will bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. Equipping students with reliable computers is not just about access to technology; it’s about unlocking their potential and preparing them for future academic and career pursuits. We are excited to see how this donation will inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and enhance educational outcomes across our community.”
Director of Education, Mr. Mark Garland further noted, “The donation of these computers will facilitate remote learning, support STEM education, and enable teachers to incorporate engaging digital resources into their curriculum. Overall, this contribution will help to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and empowerment for the next generation”.
The YPO Southern 7, one of the largest and most established chapters in the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) network with over 600 members, visited the Shore Club for a group event, and as a part of their community give-back programme spent $17,000.00 donating the computers. Their commitment to making a positive impact is reflected in this meaningful donation.
Karen Whit, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for the Hartling Group, proudly presented the computers to the Ministry of Education at a handing-over ceremony which took place on 21 July 2025. This initiative underscores the Hartling Group and YPO Southern 7’s shared dedication to supporting education and fostering community development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Standing Committees of Parliament meets the departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs
The Turks & Caicos Administration Committee is one of the Standing Committees of Parliament, established pursuant to section 64 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Order 2011, and mandated with the responsibility for monitoring the conduct of the business of Government with responsibility assigned to a Minister or Ministers under section 36 (1).
According to Section 119 of the Standing Orders, further provides:
(1) An Administration Committee, constituted under section 64 of the Constitution charged with responsibility for monitoring the conduct of the business of Government, except in the matter referred to the Expenditure Committee.
(2) This Committee shall report on the implementation, administration and development of policies of Government in every Ministry.
(3) The Leader of the Opposition or his or her nominee shall be Chairperson of this Committee.
The Committee held its first meeting of the first session 2025/2026 on Wednesday, 16th - Friday, 18th July 2025 in the West Committee Room of the Parliament, Hon. N.J. S. Francis Building, Pond Street, Grand Turk.
At that meeting, the Committee focused its attention on Policy matters relating to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, District Administrations (North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay,) Department of Motor Vehicles, Registrar General, Department of Community Support and Engagement, Gender Affairs, Citizenship and Naturalization and Department of Family and Children Services.
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Department of Citizenship and Naturalization to gain knowledge of its daily organizational operations.
A detailed report including findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Parliament during the First (1st) Sitting of the Ninth (9th) Meeting.
The Committee Membership Comprised of:
Hon. Kimbule A. Skippings – Chairman
Hon. Samuel E. Been - Member
Hon. Randy D. Howell – Member
Hon. Sharon A. Simons – Member
Hon. Tamell E. Seymour - Member
TCI Border Force Applies Relentless Pressure with $264,570 in Drug Seizures during Operation Transit Shed
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force has carried out two major drug seizures at one of the Transit Sheds as part of Operation Transit Sheds, an ongoing intelligence-led effort to combat drug trafficking.
On Wednesday, 16 July 2025, officers intercepted packages of suspected cannabis weighing approximately 21,865 grams with a street value of approximately $218,650 USD, followed by a second seizure on Thursday, 17 July 2025, involving suspected narcotics weighing 4,592 grams with a street value of $45,920 USD. The drugs were concealed in vacuum-sealed packages inside two boxes that drew suspicion due to unusual labelling and a strong detergent odour, believed to be an attempt to mask the scent of the cannabis.
These interdictions are the result of coordinated multi-agency operations and form part of a broader national strategy to disrupt the illegal importation of drugs into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, praised the success of the operations, saying, “The Border Force is cracking down on the importation of illegal drugs, and those involved will continue to feel our presence. We remain relentless in our mission to protect our borders and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The investigation is in collaboration with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and remains active, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
The public is reminded that the illegal importation of controlled substances is a serious criminal offense, punishable by substantial fines and imprisonment upon conviction. Protecting our borders and safeguarding our communities remains a top priority for the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force.
TCI Recruits joined Forces with Royal Bermuda Regiment and Honoured for Outstanding Performance
As part of the National Security Council's commitment to investing in capability building, a contingent of 23 new recruits from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment joined forces with the Royal Bermuda Regiment for a two-week summer training at Warwick Camp, Bermuda. This marked the first such collaboration between the two island nations, offering recruits a basic introduction to soldiering while strengthening regional defence cooperation. Several recruits from theTurks and Caicos Islands Regiment were recognised for exceptional performance during the joint training exercise including, Recruit Olivia Gravely who was named Best Recruit, while Recruit Ashanti Arthur received the award for Best Shot Overall. Recruit Othneil Parrish earned Second Best Shot and Second Best Recruit.
In addition, Section 1, which included TCI recruits, took home top honours for Best Drill, Best Sports, and Best Overall Section, while Section 3 was recognised for Best in the Assault Course. These achievements reflect the high calibre and preparedness of TCI’s Regiment’s newest members.
Before departing, the recruits were officially sent off by Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel- Selvaratnam and Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who both expressed pride in the Regiment’s development and their role in promoting national security.
The TCI team was led by Captain Francis Glinton and Captain Dixie Smith, and included three non- commissioned officers: Lance Corporal Ronica Ewing, Lance Corporal Anderson Raphael, and Corporal Tevar Patrick. These experienced officers were guiding and mentoring the recruits through the intensive training.Additionally, Bermuda’s Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, and Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Tarita Cartwright officially welcomed TCI’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Tito Lightbourne and Lt. Col. Ennis Grant, Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment. The delegation toured Warwick Camp and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard explored best practices in disaster response, maritime operations, and capacity building.
The training camp offered rigorous training in military fitness, weapon handling, map reading, first aid, discipline, and leadership. More than just drills, the camp fostered character development, team cohesion, and a shared sense of purpose.
Marine Kanisha Stubbs reflected on the lessons gained, stating: “The last two weeks reaffirmed how important teamwork is, in all its aspects: respect, leveraging strengths, clear communication, and strategic thinking. Strategic thinking and leveraging the strengths of my diverse team members were definitely two skills that I obtained.”
Fellow Marine Karen Barr added, “I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t about giving orders, it’s about setting the example. Whether it’s pushing through physical exhaustion during morning drills or staying focused when things get chaotic, I’ve realized that calm, consistent actions speak louder than words... Most of all, I’ve gained respect for structure, discipline, and teamwork.”
Recruit Oniel Ingham also noted the broader impact of the experience, saying: “This experience has likely deepened my appreciation for TCI's regional partnership by highlighting the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving common goals. Through various activities and exercises, I've probably gained a better understanding of the strengths and challenges faced by different regions and how they can work together to drive progress.”
These reflections underscore the personal growth and regional unity fostered through the camp. Captain Francis Glinton concluded, “We’ve had a strong relationship with Bermuda over the past five years, and we’re proud to be building on that. The training here is excellent, and we wanted our new marines to benefit from that standard while creating lasting memories.”
TURKS AND CAICOS DELEGATION ADVANCES NATIONAL ICT AGENDA AT 40TH ANNIVERSARY CANTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Honourable Otis Morris, Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, led the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”) delegation to the 40th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (“CANTO”), held from July 13th to 16th, 2025, in Nassau, The Bahamas. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (“TCITC”), the statutory body responsible for regulating and guiding the development of the national telecommunications sector.
The delegation's participation in this high-level conference reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands' commitment to regional collaboration and policy leadership in the information and communication technology (“ICT”) space. The Telecommunications Commission, as the primary regulator, plays a critical role in promoting digital transformation, ensuring fair competition, expanding infrastructure, and safeguarding consumer interests. Its presence at the conference underscored the importance of regional engagement in shaping resilient, future-ready telecommunications ecosystems.
At the conference, the delegation engaged in a series of bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at enhancing TCI’s connectivity and regulatory frameworks. Strategic meetings were held with executives from FLOW and Digicel to discuss network expansion and improved service quality, while a pivotal engagement with Ookla, the global leader in broadband analytics, focused on leveraging network intelligence tools to map service disparities across the Islands.
The delegation also took part in technical forums and working sessions that explored best practices in spectrum management, cybersecurity, rural broadband access, and the development of smart infrastructure. These sessions provided valuable insight into how similarly positioned small island nations are navigating regulatory innovation, public-private partnerships, and digital inclusion.
This year’s CANTO conference, held under the theme “Towards a Unified and Sustainable Caribbean Gigabit Society, “convened more than 700 delegates from 52 countries. Among the keynote speakers were U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr and ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. They, along with the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, emphasized the urgency of closing the regional digital divide and the need for harmonized digital policy.
Established in 1985, CANTO is the region’s premier ICT trade association, serving as a forum for governments, regulators, service providers, and innovators to work collaboratively toward a digitally connected Caribbean. The Turks and Caicos Islands, through the Telecommunications Commission, has long maintained an active and respected presence within CANTO, contributing to policy development and supporting efforts to enhance the digital capabilities of small island developing states.
Reflecting on the conference, Minister Morris remarked:
“Attending this milestone event was both an honour and a timely opportunity to collaborate with regional leaders on the future of telecommunications in the Caribbean. The insights gained on digital equity, investment, and innovation will directly support our mission to deliver future-ready, inclusive, and resilient ICT services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
He further praised the Telecommunications Commission for its continued leadership and proactive approach to modernizing TCI’s digital infrastructure. “The Commission has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of the sector, ensuring that Turks and Caicos remains at the forefront of digital transformation in the region,” Minister Morris stated.
The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation returned from the conference equipped with renewed perspectives, valuable partnerships, and practical tools to support the Government’s broader vision of a connected, competitive, and inclusive digital future.
CWI and Coca-Cola enter into two-year partnership
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a new, dynamic two-year partnership with globally renowned beverage brand Coca-Cola.
The collaboration will see Coca-Cola designated as the official soft drinks partner, while Powerade and Dasani water have been named CWI’s official hydration partners.
The partnership, secured through the Coca-Cola Caribbean System, took effect from June 24, 2025, just ahead of the men’s legs of the West Indies “Full Ah Energy” home series, which bowled off with the first Test Match between West Indies and Australia at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Dasani Water and Powerade will be provided for all CWI cricket operations, including youth and high-performance programmes.
In addition to hydration, Coca-Cola will take the lead on event and fan engagement, leveraging their global brand power to activate across CWI events, venues, broadcast, and digital platforms.
Cricket West Indies’ chief executive officer, Chris Dehring, spoke on the importance of such a partnership.
“Hydration plays a critical role in athlete performance, safety, and recovery, and ensuring consistent access to high-quality hydration solutions across all levels of cricket—from grassroots and age-group programmes to our elite men’s and women’s teams—is a top priority for CWI.
“This partnership ensures that the hydration needs of every player across the region are met, reinforcing our commitment to player welfare, preparation, and development,” Dehring said.
Vineet Singhal, vice-president of Franchise Operations Caribbean at the Coca-Cola Company, said he was looking forward to partnering with CWI.
“We are incredibly excited about this partnership with the CWI.
“Through Powerade and Dasani, we are bringing science-backed hydration solutions to players in the Caribbean, helping them to stay at their peak performance,” Singhal said.
Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands, has a long history of association with major global sporting properties, including cricket.
Most recently, the brand was a key sponsor of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which was co-hosted by the Caribbean and the USA.
Source-CMC