Tropical rainstorm to drench Gulf Coast as renewed flood threat hits Northeast and Midwest
A tropical threat on the Gulf Coast has a 40% chance for development into a tropical depression by Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center Wednesday morning.
The system, which could currently be considered a tropical rainstorm or tropical disturbance, is likely to bring heavy rain to the central Gulf Coast for days — especially to Louisiana.
The disturbance is expected to move along the coast, but the closer it stays to shore, the less chance it will have to grow into a tropical depression or storm, though a change to a more southerly track would give it a chance to gain steam.
This tropical disturbance is expected to produce long duration heavy rainfall and, if it develops into a tropical storm, it would be named Dexter.
Source- ABC
Trump blasts 'past supporters' for demanding release of more Epstein files
President Donald Trump continued Wednesday to dismiss calls within his own party for more transparency into the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and made claims, without evidence, that the controversy was designed to undermine him.
In a lengthy social media post, which included references to the president's previous claims about the 2017 Russian election interference probe, Trump blamed Democrats for creating what he called a "scam" and "hoax."
Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have come under fire from conservatives on the Hill and across the country for declining to release the Epstein probe files in their entirety.
The Justice Department and FBI last week stated they found no evidence the deceased financier kept a "client list" of associates whom he blackmailed or conspired with to victimize dozens of women.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that Bondi should explain the administration's handling of the case, especially after she told Fox News in February that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk now to review."
In his post, Trump disavowed those who focus on the Epstein story rather than his accomplishments.
Source - ABC
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE TCI- JULY 16TH 2025
GENERAL SITUATION: A surface high pressure ridge extends across the islands, however, tropical moisture combined with upper-level support will bring a chance of convective activity near the island chain today.
WEATHER: Partly sunny and breezy with a low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Fair and breezy tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 6 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
HEAT INDEX 103°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 01:17 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 07:38 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The Atlantic high pressure will build gradually westward across the region, leading to breezy to windy conditions across the islands through Friday night.
THURSDAY: A medium (40 percent) chance of scattered showers in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:15 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:36 AM (2.3 FT) 02:20 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:52 AM (0.7 FT) 08:46 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 20 knots.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:16 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:35 AM (2.3 FT) 03:24 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:46 AM (0.7 FT) 09:59 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
Northeastern and north-central Gulf (AL93): A broad area of low pressure is moving westward across the Florida Panhandle between Tallahassee and Panama City. This system is forecast to continue moving westward, and could emerge or redevelop over the far northeastern to north-central portion of the Gulf later today or tonight. This system has a medium chance of formation over the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A middle to upper level trough centered over the Turks and Caicos Islands is generating some shower and thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: The Saharan Dust Advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands has been discontinued.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Mostly fair with isolated showers tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
HEAT INDEX 98°F 37°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 05:40 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:57 PM (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The trough will drift westward, while the high pressure over the central Atlantic builds westward across the region, maintaining generally fair conditions with some isolated showers.
TUESDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of isolated showers in the morning. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 89°F (31°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C)
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
LOW TIDE: 06:18 AM (0.7 FT) 06:36 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 12:20 PM (2.3 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers in the morning. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 89°F (31°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:15 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:44 AM (2.6 FT) 01:17 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:03 AM (0.7 FT) 07:38 PM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: An area of low pressure located offshore the east coast of Florida is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms this morning. This disturbance is forecast to move westward across Florida during the next day or so, and into the northeastern Gulf by late Tuesday. This system has a low chance of formation over the next seven days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Grenada PM calls for the acceleration of the digital future of the region
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is calling on the Caribbean to take advantage of the existing environment to reimagine and accelerate the digital future of the region.
“This gathering isn’t just a celebration of four decades of collaboration; it’s a moment to take stock of how far we’ve come and to ask bold questions about where we go next,” said Mitchell, who has lead responsibility within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) quasi- cabinet with responsibility for Science and Technology.
He told delegates attending the 40th annual conference of Trinidad-based Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) that building a single CARICOM Information Communication and Technology (ICT) space will harmonise regulations, enable seamless data flows, and protect the region’s collective sovereignty.
“Only by speaking with one voice can we bridge fragmented markets and unlock the full promise of a gigabit enabled Caribbean,” he told the conference, which is being held under the theme “Towards a Unified and Sustainable Gigabit Society,” and ends on Thursday.
Mitchell urged heads of government, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to seize this milestone moment to reimagine and accelerate the digital future of the region, drawing upon on his dual responsibilities as Grenada’s head of government and CARICOM’s ICT leader.
He said Grenada’s national strategy spreads across five pillars – digital government, resilient infrastructure, secure digital identity, a thriving digital economy, and universal inclusion – indicating that progress in Grenada is inseparable from regional unity.
Mitchell also highlighted global digital trends and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, 5G, and blockchain that are reshaping economies today and not tomorrow.
“The question is not if we will participate in this revolution, but how – and on whose terms,” he said, identifying urgent priorities such as ensuring satellite connectivity for disaster resilience, establishing a federated cloud that respects regional data laws, embedding trust through digital ID and fraud prevention, and embracing open Radio Access Networks (RAN) and interoperable 5G rollouts.
“Governments cannot deliver this transformation alone. The private sector must move beyond service provision to become genuine partners in policy, infrastructure investment, and inclusive growth. Your success is the success of our societies, and we must share responsibility for expanding access, sharing infrastructure, and upskilling our youth,” he said.
The conference has brought together more than 700 delegates from 52 countries and CANTO chairman, Dr. Delreo Newman, reminded the audience that the Port of Spain-based entity was not formed to watch the evolution of Caribbean telecommunications.
“We were born to lead it, from analog to AI, we have powered healthcare, commerce, and education across the region. But our work remains unfinished,” Newman said, noting that 15 million Caribbean citizens still lack mobile broadband, and four million households remain without fibre, even as regional data demand is projected to grow fivefold by 2030.
He said that four major global content platforms collectively generated more than US$11.5 billion in revenue from Caribbean users in 2024, yet their direct contribution to regional network investment remains limited.
He said that this imbalance must be addressed and reiterated CANTO’s view that digital infrastructure should be a shared responsibility among all who benefit from it.
Newman said CANTO will continue working with Caricom’s private-sector partners and regulators to advance balanced digital policy.
Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, whose prewsaence marked the agency’s first official presence at CANTO since 2018, said “we are committed to working with our Caribbean partners to strengthen ties between our networks, our economies, and our people”.
Carr noted that telecom is at an inflection point due to AI, low-Earth orbit satellite broadband, and spectrum reform, pointing to how US investment in 5G and policy agility helped drive down broadband prices and expand service reach.
Carr also called for shared priorities — network security, spectrum harmonisation, and infrastructure expansion.
Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said that connectivity is not just about speed but about opportunity and resilience. “Connectivity is economic empowerment. It is societal resilience. It is saving lives,” she said adding that ”as the digital tide rises, let us make sure it lifts every island, every community, and every life”.
Bodan-Martin highlighted ITU support in the Caribbean, including school connectivity via Giga, digital ID systems, mobile financial services security, and emergency telecoms preparedness.
CANTO’s Secretary General, Teresa Wankin, urged delegates to treat the conference as both a forum and a catalyst.
“When you commit to CANTO, whether by attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring, you are not just showing up. You are joining a movement that is shaping the future of our region,” she said, highlighting a forward-looking agenda featuring AI-powered networks, federated cloud infrastructure, and fintech convergence.
Source-CMC
Trump sending weapons to Ukraine, threatens 'severe tariffs' against Russia if ceasefire deal not reached in 50 days
President Donald Trump threatened "severe tariffs" against Russia if a ceasefire deal isn't reached in 50 days over its war in Ukraine.
"We're very, very unhappy with them," Trump said of Russia during remarks in the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday.
Trump also announced an agreement with NATO regarding weapons to assist Ukraine amid Russia's onslaught.
The announcement comes after Russia launched four missiles and 136 drones into Ukraine overnight into Monday morning, according to Ukraine's air force.
Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces downed 11 Ukrainian drones overnight into Monday morning.
Source-ABC
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Questlove nominated for 2025 Emmys
With an Emmy already under his belt for the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar now has a chance to win another. His halftime performance at the 2025 Super Bowl received four nominations for the 77th Emmy Awards, which were announced Tuesday morning.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar earned a nod for outstanding music direction and will face Beyoncé's Beyoncé Bowl in the categories of outstanding variety special live, outstanding directing for a variety special and outstanding choreography for variety or reality programming.
Bey's Netflix documentary also received a nod for outstanding production design for a variety special; it has earned a total of four Emmys nominations.
Questlove follows behind with three nominations, including outstanding directing for a documentary/nonfiction for Ladies & Gentleman...50 Years of SNL Music. His documentary about Sly Stone, Sly Lives! (Aka The Burden of Black Genius), is up for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special, and SNL Music: The Homecoming Concert is nominated for outstanding music direction.
The 77th Emmy Awards will air live on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. It will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Source- ABC
Gout dazzles in major
Australian sensation Gout Gout has taken another significant step in his trailblazing career by coasting to a dominant victory at a Diamond League meeting in Monaco on Friday.
Racing in an under-23 event at the prestigious track and field meet, the Queenslander maintained his unbeaten record in Europe when posting a sizzling 20.10 over 200m in his first ever run at a Diamond League event.
It followed an open age win at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike event last month, with the Ipswich Grammar student taking down in-form sprinters with big reputations when charging to the line in 20.02.
A year ago Gout said he was go-karting with mates when the Monaco meet was held. But now he is a big deal in athletics, with the eyes of the world on the dasher from downunder.
In now familiar fashion, Gout turned on the afterburners when rounding into the home straight to overtake South Africa’s Naeem Jack and then Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi.
“My top-end speed is my secret, so I’ve just got to focus on the first 100, first 50, and once I get out of that bend, I know I can run people down,” Gout told reporters after his second success from as many starts in Europe.
“So (I told myself to) stay relaxed, stay focused, and just power through.”
Adding lustre to the success of Gout, who has been likened to Usain Bolt given the trajectory of his times over 200m, the swift effort was recorded despite pushing into a strong head wind of -1.9m/s, which indicates he is capable of sizzling regardless of the conditions.
“I know there was a little headwind, but those are the things you’ve just got to compete against,” Gout said.
“Those are the things you can’t control, you’ve just got to go out there, and try your best, whatever the conditions are, you’ve just got to go out there and run.”
The international triumph is a positive for Gout as he builds towards representing Australia in a senior World Championships for the first time in Tokyo in early September.
Aside from his excellence in the individual pursuits, he shapes as a wildcard in the relay events, an area where Australia is aiming for big things given some promising results in the Paris Olympics last year and also at the World Relay Championships in China in 2025.
Source-BBC
Hiker dies on Grand Canyon trail amid extremely high summer temperatures
A 67-year-old man from Alvarado, Texas, died on the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park while attempting to reach the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of an unresponsive hiker on the trail, below Cedar Ridge, on July 8, just before noon, according to NPS. Bystanders began CPR while National Park Service medical personnel and volunteers responded on foot, according to the NPS.
The man was attempting to reach the river for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, NPS said. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Source-ABC
Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Anguilla have been chosen to represent the Caribbean at this year’s Bolivarian Games.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has revealed that Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Anguilla have been chosen to represent the Caribbean at this year’s Bolivarian Games.
The 2025 Games, a regional multi-sport event held in honor of Simón Bolívar, and organized by the Bolivarian Sports Organization, is slated to be held from November 22 to December 7, 2025.
Speaking during an interview on WESN TV’s Face of Sports programme on Thursday, CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow explained that CWI had used a simple selection process to determine which teams would take part in the tournament.
“For the Bolivarian Games in November this year, we will have four teams from the Caribbean and the Pan Am Games are in 2027, but we haven’t quite finalised which teams are going to be present there, but the intention would be to have more teams.
“The four teams [for the Bolivarian Games] have been confirmed; Barbados, T&T, Jamaica and Anguilla,” Dr Shallow disclosed.
“Anguilla qualified because what we did, we picked the top four teams in the last Super 50 because we didn’t have a T20 [competition] and we couldn’t use the Breakout [League] because all of the players weren’t eligible for the Breakout.
“So, we used the last Super 50 tournament, the Leewards being included, but the Leewards recently had a T20 tournament and Anguilla was the champion, that’s how they qualified,” he explained.
Source-CMC