Two dead after flash flooding in New Jersey and New York
Torrential rains in New York and New Jersey on Monday night brought flash flooding that killed two people and led New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency.
Officials had to perform rescues after flooding left drivers stranded as their vehicles rose in the waters.
In Plainfield, New Jersey, two people died when a car was swept away by floodwaters as the storm hit, Governor Murphy said on Tuesday.
Additional storms are expected on Tuesday with the potential for more flooding in the north-east as well as Florida and the mid-western US, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
As of Tuesday morning, several main roads in New Jersey were closed because of the floods, while both New York City and New Jersey experienced subway delays.
New Jersey saw more than 6in (15 cm) of rain in a matter of hours on Tuesday evening, leading to flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport.
In Scotch Plains, New Jersey, people had to be rescued, including one instance in which responders had to use a rope to pull a man out of his car to escape the floodwaters, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Flood waters also rushed through subway stations in New York City on Monday evening, pouring into subway cars and forcing passengers to kneel on their seats to avoid getting wet.
New York City saw its second-ever highest hourly rainfall in over 80 years - 2in of rainfall in just 30 minutes.
Source- BBC
Mulder says Lara wanted him to break record
South African Wiaan Mulder says West Indies batting legend Brian Lara told him he should have tried to “create his own legacy” by going after his Test batting record.
Mulder was on the verge of breaking Lara’s 21-year-old record of 400 not out for the highest individual Test score, but opted to retire on 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe on Monday.
He defended his decision by describing Lara as a “legend”, saying he deserved to keep the record.
However, Mulder said he had since spoken to Lara, who admitted he would have loved to see him set a new record.
“Now that things have settled a little bit, I’ve chatted a little bit to Brian Lara.
“He said to me I’m creating my own legacy and I should have gone for it. He said records are there to be broken and he wishes if I’m ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had,” Mulder told SuperSport.
“That was an interesting point of view from his side, but I still believe I did the right thing and respecting the game is the most important part for me.”
5-year-old boy dies in hot car, mother thought she dropped kid off at day care: Police
A 5-year-old boy in Texas died after being left in a hot car, with his mother "fully" believing the child was at day care, according to the San Antonio Police Department.
The mother, 22, typically drops her son off at day care at Pinnacle Kids' Academy in San Antonio and then goes to work, which is "right next door," police said. But on Wednesday, she went to work at 8 a.m. — "fully" believing that the child was at day care — with the boy left in the back seat of the vehicle, officials said.
When she finished work at approximately 4:30 p.m., the mother drove to the day care to pick up her son, but staff told her she did had not dropped him off, police said.
"That is when she realized he left him in the vehicle," police said in a statement.
The mother then went back to her vehicle and "noticed he was still in his car seat and unresponsive," police said.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and "made notification that he died," police said.
As of Thursday, there have not been any arrests made and the investigation remains active, officials said.
Ruthless Sinner beats Djokovic to set up Alcaraz final
Jannik Sinner will face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final after a ruthless demolition of Novak Djokovic's latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, 38, was left reflecting on how age was catching up with him after a humbling 6-3 6-3 6-4 defeat by a man who plays uncannily like the seven-time champion in his prime.
Sinner's victory put him into a first Wimbledon final and set up a re-match of last month's epic French Open showpiece, where he lost in five sets to Alcaraz having led by two sets and seen three championship points saved.
At least one of Sinner and Alcaraz have contested the men's singles final at the last six Grand Slam tournaments, while Sinner is going for a first title away from the hard courts against Alcaraz, a two-time winner at the All England Club.
Djokovic had admitted previously that this tournament on his favourite surface offered probably his best chance of setting a standalone record of major singles title.
"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that," Djokovic said.
"I don't think it's bad fortune. It's just age, the wear and tear of the body."
Having been largely outplayed for two sets, Djokovic threatened a comeback in the third but Sinner remarkably won five games in a row on his way to securing a fifth Grand Slam final.
Three-time major winner Sinner, 23, has now won the last six meetings against Djokovic but this was the first time on grass.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Ignites Hospitality Careers for over 100 Students with Enhanced Summer Internship Programme
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort recently launched its 2025 annual Summer Internship Programme, welcoming over 100 high school and college students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the next six weeks, these aspiring professionals will embark on a personalized and integrated experience, designed to advance their hospitality careers through hands-on experience and comprehensive exposure into the dynamic world of hospitality.
The programme kicked off on Monday, with interns assigned to various departments across the resort, including food and beverage, concierge, cost control, front office and public relations. They will work alongside seasoned departmental trainers and team members, learning standard operating procedures and receiving mentorship throughout their journey.
Focusing on the innovative outlook of this year’s programme, Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby, shared insights into the internship’s refined approach. “This year’s programme is designed to offer a more personalized experience – beginning with onboarding, where participants will be introduced to the company's training benefits. Interns will be more integrated into the work environment, allowing them to engage in daily activities alongside their colleagues.”
Coleby further highlighted the programme's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment. “Forums for interns to share their experiences and provide feedback on how we can enhance the internship will be provided. This approach aims to encourage interns to consider full-time positions upon the completion of the programme.”
Another standout addition to this year’s internship experience is the introduction of weekly soft-skills development sessions, spearheaded by the resort’s learning and development division. “We believe this is a great opportunity to add significant value to the training our interns will receive,” shared Phildreka Mayham, learning and development manager. “Not only will interns be trained in day-to-day operations, but they will also acquire essential life skills that is transferable across any industry they choose to pursue.” These sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, including personal branding, financial management, customer service excellence, resume development and interview skills.
Further enhancing the programme experience, a community service project has been integrated, led by the public relations team. “The Beaches brand is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate,” Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan shared. “So we are passionate about exposing this year’s interns to our ongoing programmes and initiatives, and they will be tasked with participating in one of these projects, playing their part in corporate social responsibility.”
Managing Director James McAnally, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s evolution. “I am excited for this year’s programme and eager to witness the development of our interns over the next six weeks. This enhanced internship experience underscores Beaches Turks & Caicos’ dedication not only to providing invaluable career exposure but also to cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who may become integral members of the resort’s team in the future. By offering a hands-on, immersive experience combined with direct feedback channels, the programme will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, strengthening the hospitality sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Celebrating its 17th year, the resorts prestigious Summer Internship Programme has been a cornerstone in introducing local students to the world of hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over 1500 locals have benefited from the programme, with many going on to secure full-time employment at Beaches and progressing to senior management positions within the resort. Others have charted diverse career paths, crediting the programme for fostering their early learning and growth, as affirmed by Sabrina Green who shared, “I’m proud to say I’m a Summer Internship Programme alum. What I received at Beaches was more than training. It was branding. It was a mindset. It encouraged me to set the bar high and to never settle for anything less than excellence. The experience provided professional grounding that eventually led to my appointment as chair of the Board of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. I carried the Beaches ethos into every boardroom, every negotiation and every decision.”
The Beaches Summer Internship Programme remains a source of pride for the resort's community developmental mission, providing valuable opportunities for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to gain hands-on experience and learn new skills while enhancing their employability and contributions to the growth and success of their communities.
US measles cases hit highest number in 33 years: CDC
Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest number in more than 30 years, according to new federal data published Wednesday.
There have been 1,288 confirmed measles cases across 38 states nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By comparison, the U.S. recorded 285 cases all of last year, CDC data showed.
This marks the highest number of cases since 1992. The previous high occurred in 2019 when the U.S. reported 1,274 cases.
Source- ABC
Town Hall Meetings scheduled to discuss the Split of Social Development and Welfare
The former Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is inviting all residents within the Turks and Caicos Islands to a series of island-wide town hall meetings to discuss the restructuring of the Department of Social Development and Welfare which has now split into two different departments: Family and Children Services and Community Support and Engagement.
The town hall meetings will discuss the split of the DSDW into two specialized departments:
The Department of Family and Children Services, focusing on family support, child protection, youth development, juvenile justice and clinical social work support.
The Department of Community Support and Engagement, focusing on poverty reduction, adult protective services, elderly support services, social inclusion, and community development initiatives.
"It is essential for the public to attend these town hall meetings to fully understand the division of the department and the purpose and impact of our programmes,” says Ashley Adams, director of the former Department of Social Development and Welfare. “This transition represents a major step forward in tailoring services to meet the specific needs of families, children, and vulnerable adults. Your participation and feedback is invaluable in shaping the work that we do and ensuring our policies reflect the priorities and realities of our communities.”
The town hall meetings will provide an opportunity for all residents to:
Learn about the changes and how these changes will enhance social service delivery across the islands.
Gain understanding of the services and programs under each new department.
Share your ideas and expectations to help shape the future of social services in the TCI.
Ask questions and receive clarity directly from executive members of the departments and the technical teams.
Schedule of Town Hall Meetings:
South Caicos
Thursday, July 10, 2025
6:00 PM
South Caicos Community Centre
Middle Caicos
Monday, July 14, 2025
6:00 PM
Conch Bar Community Centre
North Caicos
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
6:00 PM
Kew Community Centre
Salt Cay
Thursday, July 17, 2025
11:00 AM
Salt Shed
Grand Turk
Thursday, July 17, 2025
6:00 PM
H.J. Robinson Auditorium
Providenciales
Mon-Thurs, July 28-31, 2025
6:00 PM
Various Locations by Community-TBA
Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, also urges the public to attend the town hall meetings. He stated, “This is more than a change in structure, it’s a chance to strengthen how we care for our people. Your voices are vital to ensure that we build systems that are responsive to the needs of our communities. Therefore, we encourage all residents to mark their calendars and join us to learn more about the purpose of our division, what this means for our programmes and services, ask questions, and share your thoughts on how we can work together to build a stronger nation.”
At least 120 dead in Texas
The statewide death toll in Texas has climbed to 120, with 172 people still considered missing, officials said Wednesday night.
In hard-hit Kerr County, the death toll has climbed to at least 95, including 36 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference Wednesday.
Kerr County's number of missing persons remained at 161 as of Wednesday night, including five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic.
"This incident will be reviewed — you have my word,” the sheriff said, adding that improvements will be made if needed.
Source- ABC
Smurfs director shares Rihanna's special connection to the franchise
Rihanna's favorite childhood show was The Smurfs, making her a good fit for the role of Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs movie.
The film's director, Chris Miller, said in an interview with Variety that "everything just clicked" once he learned of her connection to the show.
"It felt completely natural to reimagine The Smurfs for today’s audience with Rihanna as Smurfette because her genuine love for the franchise made her the perfect fit," he said. "She was really very insightful."
Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, added Rihanna's passion was necessary to help put the reboot together, as the franchise already features seven films.
"I think when you’re refreshing a beloved franchise like The Smurfs, the secret ingredient is love. And that love must come from people who truly care about the characters and their story," he said. "Rihanna brought that passion, and it shines through in every part of the film."
Arriving in theaters July 18, Smurfs will follow Smurfette as she leads the Smurfs on a mission to save Papa Smurf from the evil wizards.
Source- ABC
FortisTCI Earns Prestigious Platinum Accreditation from Investors in People
FortisTCI has achieved Platinum status from the Investors in People (IIP) organization, which is the highest level of recognition and a distinction held by only 7% of IIP-accredited companies worldwide. Investors in People is the leading global accreditation for people management.
IIP accreditations last for three years, and organizations can achieve different levels of certification (Standard, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on their performance. The Investors in People framework evaluates how well an organization leads, supports, and improves its people. It uses a structured model with nine performance indicators and 27 themes, each assessed across four levels of maturity: Developing, Established, Advanced, and High Performing. By achieving a rating of “high-performing” across all 27 assessment themes, FortisTCI made the extraordinary leap from Silver to Platinum since its last assessment three years ago.
The themes closely examine the ways companies lead and inspire teams, live the organization's values and behaviors, empower and involve employees, manage performance, recognize and reward high performance, structure work, build capacity, deliver continuous improvement, and create sustainable success. Although FortisTCI submits a supporting evidence portfolio as part of the evaluation, the results are primarily shaped by employee feedback, gathered through an anonymous online survey and one-on-one interviews with employees, randomly selected by IIP assessors. A record-breaking 93% of employees voluntarily participated in the assessment held in May.
The survey results show that 93% reinforced their belief that the Company has clear and shared values, and nearly 90% recognized the strong learning and development opportunities and understand how this impacts the organization’s success. FortisTCI's overall performance score of 768 surpassed the sector and IIP global averages, placing the Company third in its sector worldwide. FortisTCI scored 60 points higher than the sector average and 39 points above the Investors in People average. FortisTCI has also been identified as one of the very best We Invest in People Platinum accredited organizations from outside of the United Kingdom. The Company has been invited to enter the Investors in People Global Awards for Overseas Employer of the Year 2025 for a chance of being crowned the number one Platinum employer in this category.
FortisTCI is the only Investors in People certified organization in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the only utility Company in the Caribbean region with Platinum, and one of two companies generally in the region with this mark of excellence. Only 7% of Investors in People's 50,000accredited organizations worldwide have achieved Platinum. Prior to this, FortisTCI was first accredited as a Standard in 2016 and received Silver certification in 2018 and 2022.
Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People stated: “We’d like to congratulate FortisTCI. Platinum accreditation on We Invest in People is a remarkable effort for any organization, and places FortisTCI in fine company with organizations that understand the value of people.”
FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: "As a Company, we benchmark ourselves against the best globally, and we're always looking for ways to make work better. This Platinum accreditation reflects our continuous commitment to sustaining a high-performance, people-centered culture. The Investors in People results tell a powerful story about how our people practices, policies, and programs continue to evolve. Several initiatives were implemented in line with a comprehensive HR strategic plan, and we extend heartfelt gratitude to the human resources department for championing our mission to transform the employee experience, creating a more engaged workplace.
She continued: “A special thank you to the entire FortisTCI team for sharing their views on how we lead, support and improve them. We will continue to invest in our people, as this not only strengthens their level of fulfilment, engagement and productivity at work, but equally contributes to how well we serve our customers, improve our communities and add value to our stakeholders.”