MARJORIE BASDEN HIGH KNIGHTS FACE WESLEY METHODIST ANGELS IN INTER-HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
Concluding the three-month season of Inter-High School Softball, the Championship weekend will take place February 8, 2025. The defending champions, Marjorie Basden High School Knights, will take on the Wesley Methodist Angels in a nail-biting showdown. This comes as the Knights defeated 2023-24 champions the HJ Robinson Stallions, in the semi-final matchup. Leading up to this game, the HJ Robinson Stallions had lost zero games, resulting in a devastating defeat.
Semi-final results - January 18, 2025
Semi-final 1 | MBHS 17 vs HJRHS 11
Semi-final 2 | WMHS 21 vs CHHS 7
Championship Round - Saturday, February 8, 2025
Third Place | 4:00 pm Clement Howell High School vs HJ Robinson High School
Championship Game | 5:30 pm Marjorie Basden High School vs Wesley Methodist High School
Passenger jet collides with helicopter in the US
A passenger jet collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Wednesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
There was no immediate word on casualties, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport have been halted.
Helicopters, including those from the U.S. Park Police, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the military, were flying over the scene of the crash in the Potomac River. D.C. Fire and EMS said on X that fireboats were also on the scene.
Washington police said on X that multiple agencies are conducting a search-and-rescue effort in the river.
Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.
The airport said emergency personnel were responding to "an aircraft incident on the airfield."
No other details were immediately available. This is a developing story, RTC will have more later.
Source-CBC
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MAKES POST MEETING STATEMENT
Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a special meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday 19th January 2025 at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Headquarters in Providenciales.
In attendance, Her Excellency the Governor, the Hon. Premier, Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Deputy Premier, the Hon. Minister for Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Attorney General, the Acting Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance, Deputy Commissioner of Police RTCIPF Ag, ACP Special Tactical Operations RTCIPF, the National Security Advisor, the Permanent Secretary of National Security, the Head of the Governor's Office, the Permanent Secretary of Governor's Office and the NSS Threat Lead.
Members were briefed by Acting Commissioner Police Rodney Adams and the RTCIPF representatives on the shooting incident that occurred at a restaurant and bar on the island of Providenciales on the evening of Saturday January 18th, 2025, which resulted in two fatalities and one person being hospitalised.
The RTCIPF advised of the full force response to the incident. These measures include, but are not limited to, reactivating the joint tactical Police and Regiment Operation Mightier. There will be an increased presence throughout communities with additional assets directed to support operations both in-land and at sea. Work is also underway to expedite the support of additional experienced armed officers from regional partners. The NSC Chairs gave assurance of the decisive action and support that will be taken to address matters of the violent crime being experienced in TCI.
Confirmation was received of the support extended to the families of the victims.
The NSC concluded with an action plan for the RTCIPF that has been activated. The Council will be kept apprised on all actions.
Double Homicide in Provo over the weekend of January 18.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is actively investigating two fatal shooting incidents and a wounding that occurred yesterday (January 18) at approximately 10:00 p.m. near a popular restaurant on Grace Bay Road.
Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the Police Control Room received reports of gunfire being heard in the vicinity of a Bar along Grace Bay Road. Officers of the RT&CIPF and medical personnel were immediately deployed.“Responding officers discovered three individuals injured during the shooting, one of whom
succumbed to injuries at the scene while the other was at the hospital.
A third victim, who has been identified as a 29-year-old male, is undergoing medical treatment.“The deceased have been identified as Shamone Duncan, 50, a visitor from the United States, and Dario Stubbs, 30, a TCI resident. There is no evidence to suggest that Ms Duncan, Mr Stubbs or the wounded victim were the targets of this incident. I wish to take this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased.
The RT&CIPF will continue to provide victim support resources to those devastated by these incidents. We condemn this violence and will remain resolute in our pursuit of the person(s) responsible for this despicable act”
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The RT&CIPF is appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity around the time of the incident to come forward with information. Witness accounts, video footage, or any details, no matter how small, could be critical to the investigation.
Please call the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477 to anonymously provide information on these incidents. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
TCI Weekend Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: High pressure over the area will maintain northeasterly winds, keeping temperatures on the cool side while supporting pleasant weather across the islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO MODERATE TO ROUGH SEAS, ESPECIALLY IN ATLANTIC WATERS. STRONG BREEZES MAY CREATE CHALLENGING MARINE CONDITIONS THROUGH THE WEEKEND. SWIMMERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG NORTHERN AND EASTERN COASTLINES.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly sunny. Mostly fair with some isolated showers possible tonight.
ADVISORY: Small craft operators should exercise caution.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 15 knots, becoming easterly at 10 to 20 knots tonight
SEAS: 3 feet or less in the Caicos Bank; 4 to 6 feet in Atlantic waters
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 66°F 19°C
SUNSET: 05:28 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 05:11 PM (1.0 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:08 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST (NEXT TWO DAYS): The high-pressure system will gradually shift eastward as a low-pressure system exits the eastern United States. Seasonably cooler and drier conditions will persist, with the Turks and Caicos Islands remaining under the influence of the outer edges of the high-pressure ridge over the next couple of days.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers are possible in the early morning. A mix of sun and clouds and breezy, with a high near 80.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low of around 68.
ADVISORY: Small craft operators should exercise caution.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots.
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet in the Caicos Bank; 4 to 6 feet in Atlantic waters
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:19 AM (1.0 FT) 05:51 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:34 AM (2.3 FT) 11:58 PM (2.3 FT)
SUNDAY: Partly to mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 81.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers are possible in the evening. Mostly fair, with a low around 70.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Caution will come into effect. Smallcraft operators should exercise caution in Atlantic waters.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet in the Caicos Bank; 4 to 6 feet in Atlantic waters
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:29 PM
LOW TIDE: 06:12 AM (1.0 FT) 06:29 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 12:18 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Brad Pitt spokesperson comments on scam that cost French woman $850K
A spokesperson for Brad Pitt has given a statement regarding the French woman who was scammed out of her life savings while believing she was in a relationship with the actor.
The French woman, named Anne, revealed she was scammed out of $850,000 after she believed she was in a long-distance relationship with the Hollywood actor. The story was first reported on the TF1 show Sept à huit on Sunday, according to Men's Journal.
"It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities, but this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence," the spokesperson for Pitt told ABC Audio.
Anne, who was married to a wealthy man at the time, first began communicating with the scammer while on vacation with her children in the French Alps. She downloaded Instagram and shared photos from her trip. The scammer originally pretended to be Pitt's mother, Jane Pitt. They found her Instagram profile and told Anne "that her son needed someone like me,” she said on the TF1 show. Their communication lasted over a year.
"At first I said to myself that it was fake, that it’s ridiculous,” Anne said. “But I’m not used to social media and I didn’t really understand what was happening to me.”
As time went on, Anne received AI-generated photos and audio messages from the scammers, now pretending to be the actor. They claimed Pitt needed $1 million for a kidney transplant and was unable to access his bank accounts due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie, coercing Anne into sending them the money.
“I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm like this?” Anne said. “I’ve never harmed anyone. These people deserve hell.”
Anne ultimately left her husband before she realized she had been conned when she saw reports about Pitt's real-life girlfriend, Ines de Ramon.
Source-- ABC
Israeli cabinet to ratify ceasefire on Friday
A day after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was announced, the agreement is being held up by disagreements between the two sides, according to a senior Israeli official.
"The hold up is due to new demands by Hamas that Israel will never agree to. Among them, issues regarding Palestinian Prisoners," an Israeli official told ABC News.
Hamas has denied that it has made more demands and said it is abiding by the ceasefire deal announced on Wednesday.
"Regarding the claims of Netanyahu's office, I confirm that Hamas is committed to what was agreed upon and to the ceasefire agreement that was announced by the mediators; and no amendments were added," a senior Hamas official told ABC News.
The Israeli cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss and ratify the ceasefire deal reached with Hamas, according to a senior Israeli official.
Source-ABC
TikTok ban upheld by Supreme Court days before law takes effect
The Supreme Court on Friday, January 17, 2025, upheld a law set to ban social media platform TikTok in less than 48 hours.
"There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community," the ruling states. "But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."
It continues, "For the foregoing Per Curiam reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed."
The court's ruling was unanimous, with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor and conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch writing concurring opinions.
Unless TikTok severs ties with China-based parent company ByteDance, the ban will take effect on Sunday, the day President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The ruling follows an indication from the Biden administration that it would not enforce the potential ban in the immediate aftermath of the deadline, leaving implementation of the law to Trump. Trump, who opposed the ban, has said he will seek to reverse it.
TikTok — which boasts more than 170 million U.S. users — challenged the sale-or-ban law on First Amendment grounds, arguing that a potential ban would limit the free-expression rights of its users.
Lower courts, however, found merit in security concerns about potential Chinese government data collection or content manipulation.
This is a developing story and RTC's Zoya Faessler will have more on this during the week.
Diddy 'freak off' videos prove his 'innocence,' defense claims
Defense attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs claimed in a new court filing on Tuesday that videos depicting sexual activity between the rapper, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and male prostitutes "confirm Mr. Combs's innocence" because they show sexual activity among "consenting adults."
There are nine videos of what prosecutors have alleged Combs called "freak offs" — described by prosecutors as "elaborate and produced sex performances" — that are currently available for defense attorneys to view. They're asking the judge for electronic copies.
"Contrary to what the government has led this Court and the public to believe, the so-called 'Freak Offs' were private sexual activity between fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship," defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos said.
Prosecutors have said the "freak offs" are evidence that Combs coerced, drugged and kidnapped women into sexual activity and hired prostitutes to join.
Ventura alleged in a civil lawsuit that Combs "regularly beat and kicked" her, "leaving black eyes, bruises, and blood." The lawsuit described "freak offs" as drug-fueled, dayslong sexual performances which Combs allegedly coerced women into and filmed for his own pleasure.
The defense filing took a sharply different view.
"These videos unambiguously show that the person alleged in the indictment to be 'Victim-1' not only consented but thoroughly enjoyed herself," the defense said.
"At bottom, this case is about whether Victim-I was or was not a willing participant in her private sex life with Mr. Combs. The videos confirm that she plainly was," the defense said.
Combs, who was arrested in September on sex trafficking charges, remains in custody in the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after a judge denied him bail.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs had "abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct" since 2008.
He was charged with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy, alleging he ran an "enterprise that he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor or, kidnapping, arson and other crimes," according to the federal indictment.
Combs has denied all wrongdoing.
Source-ABC
Tribute to Jim Kelly: A Legacy of Passion, Empowerment, and Hope
Director of Sports, Jarret Forbes shared heartfelt condolences to the sporting & boxing community.
Forbes added, "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the untimely passing of Jim Kelly Joseph, a man whose life was a testament to his motto: “Humble. Discipline. Respect.” Jim embodied these values in every aspect of his work and life, leaving a profound impact on our community that will never be forgotten. To know Jim Kelly was to know a man of deep conviction, a relentless advocate for youth, and a voice of hope and empowerment for all.
Jim Kelly was more than a boxing instructor at the Felix Morley Community Center and a fitness instructor for the Let’s Move TCI campaign—he was a mentor, a leader, and a fierce advocate for change. From the day I met him, Jim Kelly spoke with unwavering passion about his vision for our youth, especially young men and boys. He believed in their potential, even when they didn’t believe in themselves, and he dedicated his life to guiding them toward discipline, purpose, and a future free from violence. He spoke fervently about his desire to see young men in Turks and Caicos thrive, break free from cycles of violence, and embrace discipline, confidence, and purpose.
Through boxing, Jim Kelly instilled more than just physical strength in his trainees. He taught them resilience, respect, and the value of hard work. He would often share videos of his students, brimming with excitement as he declared, “This one will be the next champion.” But for Jim, it was never just about winning—building character and transforming lives.
Jim’s dedication was deeply personal. He carried dreams not only for himself and his family but for an entire community. He envisioned a generation of strong, disciplined, and respectful young men who would lead with integrity. His pride as a father was unmatched—he often spoke of his deep love for his son, the challenges they overcame together, and the joy he found in watching his son thrive. While we grieve his loss, we are grateful that his son survived this tragedy, a testament to Jim’s legacy of love and strength.
As we reflect on Jim’s contributions, we are reminded that his work is not done. Jim Kelly’s legacy calls us to continue his mission of empowering our youth, promoting discipline and respect, and believing in the transformative power of sports. We are committed to ensuring that his dreams for our community are fulfilled and that his efforts are not in vain.
To his family and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences. Jim Kelly was a man of vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. He will be profoundly missed, but his values and mission will live on in every program he touched every young person he inspired, and every heart he moved.
Rest in peace, Jim Kelly Joseph. You were a true champion, not just in the ring but in life, and your impact will continue to shape our community for generations to come.''
