Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged
The speculation can stop now: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged.
Taylor announced the news on Instagram on Tuesday with the caption, "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married." She posted a photo of herself and Travis in a flower-filled garden, with Travis kneeling in front of her. There are additional photos of the two embracing, and one of Taylor showing off her gold and diamond ring.
ABC News has confirmed the big news, which came after the happy couple spoke in detail about their relationship on Travis and his brother Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast earlier in August.
ABC News has also confirmed that Taylor's ring is an old mine brilliant cut designed by Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry.
Taylor and Travis have been dating since 2023. Their relationship began in July of that year, when Travis said on the podcast that he was upset that he hadn't gotten to meet Taylor when she performed in Kansas City on the Eras Tour. His comments set off a chain of events that led to the two meeting and, eventually, becoming romantically involved.
Their relationship first became evident when Taylor appeared at one of Travis' games in September 2023. The two were then photographed holding hands that October, confirming their relationship.
TCI TOP MODELS TAKE NEW YORK BY STORM
Three of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ brightest rising stars have taken a major leap toward international modelling success following a transformative and career-shaping journey to New York City, the beating heart of the global fashion industry.
Shakem Charles, TCI Top Model 2025; Brittney Bien-Amie, TCI Top Model Muse 2025; and Hubert Prospere, Cycle 6 First Runner-Up, recently travelled to the fashion capital with a clear goal: to meet with leading fashion and commercial agencies and secure international representation that could launch their careers onto the global stage.
Curated and led by Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer and Founder of the TCI Top Model Contest, the visit was more than a talent showcase—it was a strategic career development initiative aimed at placing TCI models on par with the world’s top talent.
“This trip marked an essential next step in elevating our models from local promise to international prospects,” said Robinson. “Our meetings confirmed what we already knew—TCI talent is world-class. The response from agencies has been overwhelmingly positive, and our models represented both themselves and the Turks and Caicos Islands with pride, poise, and professionalism.”
Over several days, the trio participated in a rigorous schedule of agency interviews with top-tier fashion and commercial representation, runway walk assessments, digital photoshoots, and self-taped auditions. Each model left a strong impression on industry executives, setting the stage for potential signings with agencies that have global networks spanning US states: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, along with international cities: London, Milan and Paris.
In between meetings, the models explored New York’s most iconic neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks, absorbing the city’s dynamic energy and artistic spirit. Highlights included the cobblestone streets of SoHo, the edgy vibrance of the Lower East Side, the architectural grandeur of Hudson Yards and the bright lights of Times Square. At The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), they explored the exhibitions Face Value: Celebrity Press Photography, The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, and Oasis in the City. At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, they experienced Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Lorna Simpson: Source Notes, and Arts of Africa and Oceania. These cultural encounters provided creative fuel and deepened the models’ understanding of global aesthetics, visual storytelling, and self-expression.
Reflecting on his experience, Shakem Charles shared, “Walking into those agencies in New York felt like stepping into a vision I’ve carried quietly for years—something I wasn’t sure would happen so soon. It wasn’t just a series of interviews—it was a pivotal moment that sharpened my focus and deepened my resolve. Each meeting confirmed that this is where I’m meant to be. I’m no longer watching from the sidelines—I’m ready to take my place on the world stage.”
Brittney Bien-Amie, who captivated agencies with her commanding presence, said, “New York was surreal—like watching pieces of my own dream come to life. I’ve always held this vision in my heart, but to actually be seen, heard, and embraced by some of the biggest names in the industry—it was overwhelming in the best way. I wasn’t just showing them my portfolio—I was showing them my journey. And I walked out knowing, not hoping, that I belong. This is just the beginning of something bigger than I ever imagined.”
Hubert Prospere, known for his sharp editorial edge, added, “This trip wasn’t just about meeting agencies—it was about proving to myself and the world that I belong at the highest levels of this industry. Every meeting, every look, every conversation confirmed that my talent and professionalism stand shoulder to shoulder with the best. The agencies were genuinely impressed, not only by my portfolio but also by the passion and discipline I showed. This is not the finish line—it’s the launching pad for a path that will take us well beyond what we envisioned. The possibilities ahead are limitless.”
What especially stood out to the agencies was the calibre of the models’ portfolios, built in collaboration with leading TCI Top Model’s creative forces—particularly renowned local photographer Renau Destine, who has been a mainstay of the creative team since 2012. His work has helped shape the visual identity of the competition and prepared the models for the international spotlight, ensuring their materials matched the standard of top global talent.
With meetings concluded and follow-ups underway, the models are now awaiting final decisions regarding agency representation, development deals, and placement in international markets. Many of the agencies have affiliate offices across major fashion hubs, opening doors to careers that span continents.
“This moment isn’t just about modelling,” Robinson emphasised. “It’s about representation, visibility, and proving that world-class talent can come from anywhere—even a small island nation. This is a win not just for the models, but for the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole.”
As they return home to await the next chapter, one thing is clear: they didn’t just visit New York—they made their mark.
HISTORIC $1.2 BILLION PALACE RESORTS AGREEMENT SIGNED
Thursday August 14, 2025 was a defining moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the Washington Misick Government signed a landmark development agreement with The Palace Company, part of the world-renowned Palace Resorts family – a brand celebrated globally for luxury, excellence, and exceptional guest experiences.
This is far more than the construction of another resort. With an estimated investment of $1.2 billion- the single largest private investment in our nation’s history – and the development of a 40-acre property in Leeward, Providenciales, this project represents a bold step forward in shaping the future of our economy, our communities, and our place in the world.
The benefits will be far-reaching, and the investment will create hundreds of jobs for Turks and Caicos Islanders during both construction and long-term operations. It will stimulate the local economy, providing new opportunities for entrepreneurs and suppliers, while also boosting tourism revenues and reinforcing TCI’s status as a premier luxury destination.
Equally important, this development reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable, high-quality growth — protecting our environment, preserving our cultural heritage, and enhancing the beauty that makes these Islands unlike any other.
The world already recognizes our unmatched beaches and turquoise waters. Through this partnership with Palace Resorts, we will also be known as a nation where vision, investment, and excellence come together to create opportunity and prosperity for all our people.
On behalf of my Government and the people of these Islands, I welcome Palace Resorts to our shores and look forward to the transformational impact this historic investment will deliver for generations to come.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS REPORTS STEADY IMPROVEMENT IN 2025 CSEC RESULTS.
The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the results of the May/June 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, which demonstrates steady national improvement and encouraging signs of progress in critical subject areas.
A total of 531 students (245 males and 286 females) registered for examinations; reflecting 2823 subject entries. Of the total entries, 2694 sat exams in 29 subjects, achieving an overall pass rate of 70.97% with Grades I–III; an increase of 1.33 percentage points from the 2024 results.
The data reflects strong attendance, with a 95.43% examination participation rate from those registered.
It is worth noting that pass rates in English A rose sharply to 75.91%, marking a 5.91 percentage point increase from 2024 and the best performance since 2020.
Following years of decline, Mathematics results saw a modest rise from 31.50% in 2024 to 32.62% in 2025. This improvement follows the Ministry’s recruitment of additional Mathematics teachers, the introduction of a national Mathematics Jeopardy competition, and participation in a UWI-led regional initiative to transform mathematics teaching.
The distribution of grades showed:
Grade I passes: 17.63% of entries, up 1.40% from 2024
Grade II passes: 42.63% (largest cohort, with 12.2% growth)
Grade III passes: 39.74% (12% growth)
These figures indicate growth across all performance levels, with particularly strong gains in the middle tiers.
While female candidates outnumbered males by over 300, results showed both strengths and challenges for each group. Females performed more consistently in top grade ranges, while males showed slightly higher proportions in both the highest and lowest categories, suggesting variability in performance.
There were a number of high-achieving subjects (90%+ pass rate) including Biology, Food, Nutrition and Health, Family and Resource Management, Industrial Technology (Building), and four subjects with 100% pass rates: Integrated Science, Music, Physical Education and Sport, and Visual Arts.
While those areas achieved (90%+ pass rate) there were also areas of concern with pass rates below 50%, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Industrial Technology (Electrical), Geography, and English B.
Commenting on the May/June 2025 CSEC results, the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor stated, "These results represent more than statistics, they reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and families across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I commend each student, their teachers and school administrators.
While we celebrate the notable improvement in English A and the encouraging upturn in Mathematics after years of decline, we recognize that our work is far from complete.
The growth we see across all grade levels, particularly in the middle tiers, demonstrates that our strategic interventions are beginning to bear fruit. The recruitment of additional mathematics teachers, our Mathematics Jeopardy initiative, and our partnership with UWI are concrete examples of how targeted support can drive positive change.
However, we must address the subjects where pass rates remain below 50%. These areas require our immediate attention and innovative approaches. Our recent educational mission to Jamaica and our commitment to strengthening regional partnerships will inform our strategies moving forward.
I am particularly encouraged by the 95.43% participation rate, which shows our students are engaged and committed to their academic pursuits. As we continue implementing our 'Bridges to Brilliance' vision, we remain focused on ensuring every child in our beautiful islands has access to quality education that prepares them for success in an increasingly competitive global environment."
The Local Registrar will release the results to students at 1:00 p.m. today.
The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring every student in the Turks and Caicos Islands has the skills, resources, and support necessary to succeed in the classroom and beyond. A more detailed analysis of the results is available on the Ministry’s website (gov.tc/education/).
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL POST MEETING STATEMENT
Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday 7th August, 2025 at the Office of the Governor, Raleigh House Graceway Plaza, Providenciales.
In attendance, the Deputy Governor (Ag.), the Hon. Deputy Premier, the Hon. Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance, the National Security Advisor, PS/National Security, the Commanding Officer TCI Regiment and Director General TCI Border Force (Ag.).
Members were briefed:
- By the Hon. Minister for the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy on ongoing recovery efforts following the cyber breach in December 2024. The Minister further briefed
on the development of a Cyber Security Strategy and Transformation Plan (CSSTP) that intends to mature TCI’s cyber security capability. - By the Intelligence Working Group (IWG) on key national security risk, serious crime patterns and emerging trends.
- By the National Security Lead engaged to undertake a National Security Threat Assessment (NTSA) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will form the basis of a National Security Risk Register and National Security and Development Strategy.
- By the Unified Command (UC) on work to acquire a long range – deep water patrol vessel to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.
- By the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) on proposed processes for the redevelopment of designated informal communities along with a proposal to establish the ISU as a Statutory
Agency. - By the Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment on a proposal to expand the enlistment criteria for Reservist and Permanent Staff ranks of the TCI Regiment, subject to section 15 (2) of the TCI Defence Ordinance.
- By the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in regards to community supervision and safeguarding infrastructure requirements.
RTC News will have more on the post meeting in another newscast.
Trump unveils AI plan
The Trump administration has unveiled a sweeping roadmap to develop artificial intelligence, pledging to boost US innovation while stripping away what it calls "bureaucratic red tape" and "ideological bias".
The 28-page AI Action Plan outlines more than 90 policy actions for the rapidly developing technology that administration officials say can be implemented over the next year.
"We believe we're in an AI race, and we want the United States to win that race," Trump administration crypto czar David Sacks told reporters.
The AI plan promises to build data centre infrastructure, and promote American technology - but was panned by critics who consider it an ideological flex by the White House.
The plan also calls for federal agencies to review and repeal policies that stand in the way of AI development, and encourage AI in both government and the private sector.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign three related executive orders on Wednesday. One order will promote the international export of US-developed AI technologies, while another aims to root out what the administration describes as "woke" or ideologically biased AI systems.
"American development of AI systems must be free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas," the White House said. "With the right government policies, the United States can solidify its position as the leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans."
Crypto czar Sacks added that the plan is partially focused on preventing AI technology from being "misused or stolen by malicious actors" and will "monitor for emerging and unforeseen risks from AI".
"AI is a revolutionary technology that's going to have profound ramifications for both the economy and national security," Sacks said. "It's just very important that America continues to be the dominant power in AI."
The Trump administration has positioned the expansion of AI infrastructure and investments in the United States as a way to stay ahead of China.
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.