UPDATE: Milton is the strongest Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Michael in 2018 and is poised to become even stronger. It is the strongest Gulf of Mexico Hurricane this late in the year since at least 1966. Milton is one of only seven (7) Hurricanes on record to increase from Category 1 to 5 in twenty-four (24) hours and did so at the second-fastest rate.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 Hurricane today (Monday 7th October, 2024), threatening to bring additional storm surge and flooding later this week to an already-battered Florida that is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton, which currently has winds estimated around 160 miles an hour (250 km/h), was located in the Gulf of Mexico, more than 700 miles Southwest of Tampa, Florida, as of 12:00 PM ET today. Milton is forecast to weaken as it hits dry air before making landfall on Florida’s West coast as early as this Wednesday (9th October, 2024), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. It warned that Milton is still expected to be a large and powerful Hurricane.
After becoming a Category 1 Hurricane on Sunday evening (6th October, 2024), Milton quickly strengthened from a Category 2 storm as of 5:00 AM this morning (Monday 7th October, 2024) to a Category 5 storm by 12:00 PM.
Hurricane, Storm Surge and Tropical Storm Watches were issued for parts of the Western coast of Florida and the Florida Keys, the NHC said today. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds beginning as early as Tuesday night (8th October, 2024) for parts of Florida’s West coast. Residents should listen to local officials and evacuate if told to do so, the NHC said. The core of Hurricane Milton could make landfall anywhere from North of Tampa Bay, through the Tampa-St. Petersburg region and down to Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, forecasters said. Many of those areas damaged by Helene remain vulnerable to any additional storm surge. Below are Key Messages for Hurricane Milton from the NHC, as at 10:00 AM CDT:
Meanwhile, Florida Officials made a pre-landfall emergency declaration request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a Press Conference today. About 5,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized to prepare for the storm, DeSantis said, with an additional 3,000 set to be activated before Milton makes landfall. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: The Wall Street Journal]
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NO, The Ministry of Labour Is NOT Providing Online Job Positions To Process Temu Online Orders6/10/2024 
The Ministry of Labour is advising members of the public that the current message circulating on Facebook below is FALSE NEWS. The message states the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development is providing online job positions processing TEMU online orders, which is NOT TRUE and is NOT affiliated with the Ministry of Labour.
In a Media Release today (Sunday 6th October, 2024), the Ministry said it “does not have any initiative such as this and its mandate focuses on the provision of decent work, the facilitation of industrial peace and, the provision of employment opportunities through on-the-job training and job placements. The Ministry strongly advises the public to desist from interacting with this post, its accompanying link or adhering to any instructions that it provides or any WhatsApp messages purporting to be from the Ministry of Labour.”
Information from the Ministry of Labour can only be accessed using its official link at: www.labour.gov.tt. Please be guided accordingly. 
Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is assuring the public that all flights and operations continue as scheduled, despite protest action by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) at the Piarco International Airport earlier this morning (Thursday 3rd October, 2024).
In a Media Release, CAL said the airline “remains fully operational, and passengers can be confident that their travel plans will not be disrupted. Caribbean Airlines had been engaging in cordial and productive discussions with the Pilot Union. In fact, agreements have already been reached on several key matters; and the pilots have received their annual increment of up to (3%) three percent. Accordingly, this morning's action was both unexpected and disappointing.”
The Media Release concluded by saying, “Caribbean Airlines thanks the public for their continued support and assures passengers that their safety and comfort remain the airline's top priority.”  Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) said it is pleased to announce that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved it as a participating airline in the TSA PreCheck® program.
in a Media Release on Tuesday (1st October, 2024), CAL said eligible passengers flying on Caribbean Airlines will be able to have the same expedited Airport security screening experience that is available at more than 200 U.S. Airports. Eligible Travelers:
Benefits of TSA PreCheck:
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck is easy via https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. Once approved, travelers receive a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN) that when added to their Caribbean Airlines reservation, makes them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes at Airport security checkpoints throughout the United States. Most new enrollees receive a KTN within three (3) to five (5) days, though some applications can take up to sixty (60) days. Approved TSA PreCheck passengers may enter their KTN at any point prior to their travel via www.caribbean-airlines.com, during web check-in, via the Caribbean Airlines Reservations Call Centre or at any Caribbean Airlines ticket office or check-in counter. For more information on TSA PreCheck and your eligibility, please visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. Please be guided accordingly.  Pictured Above: Israel's Iron Dome anti- missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on Tuesday 1st October, 2024. Photo Credit: Reuters/Amir Cohen. UPDATE: Israeli army radio said nearly 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran. Israeli military, meanwhile, said it is not aware of injuries from the missiles but notes that the attack is serious and will have consequences. In response to the recent killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles against Israel a short while ago today (Tuesday 1st October, 2024). United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are said to be in the Situation Room of the White House, closely monitoring the developing situation. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned citizens to remain alert and follow instructions from the Home Front Command as the Jewish State's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system works to intercept incoming rockets. “Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.” Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this latest barrage of missiles is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, Lebanon, in an Israeli airstrike late last week and the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned in a statement released by Iranian State Media that if Israel responds to the missile barrage, “it will face crushing attacks.” More on this as it becomes available.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: Fox News] 
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of the United Arab Emirates entered into a Bilateral Air Services Agreement on Friday (27th September, 2024).
The Agreement was signed by Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State for Economic and Trade Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. The signing ceremony was held in New York, in the margins of the High-Level Week of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a Media Release today (Saturday 28th September, 2024), the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said, “At the signing ceremony, Minister Browne highlighted the important work done by Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport and his team as well as the Standing Negotiating Committee on Air Services Agreements.”
This Agreement will significantly enhance connectivity between the two (2) countries and provide more efficient and convenient travel options for passengers and cargo. Ultimately, the Ministry said this Agreement is “poised to bolster trade, tourism and investment opportunities, opening new avenues for economic growth. Furthermore, it will foster cultural exchange and deepen the bilateral relationship between both countries, bringing tangible benefits to citizens and businesses.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The signing of the Air Services Agreement underscores the shared commitment of Trinidad and Tobago and the United Arab Emirates to expanding our global partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for mutual economic growth.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs] 
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, at 8:00 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 28.7 North, longitude 84.3 West. Helene is moving toward the North-Northeast near 23 mph (37 km/h). A continued fast motion to the North-Northeast is expected through landfall in the Florida Big Bend in a few hours. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn Northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday (27th September, 2024) and Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts. Helene is a category 4 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is possible before the center reaches the coast in a few hours. Weakening is expected after Helene moves inland, but the fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the Southeastern United States, including over the higher terrain of the Southern Appalachians.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and Tropical-Storm-force winds extend outward up to 310 miles (500 km). Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a sustained wind of 53 mph (85 km/h) with a gust to 76 mph. (122 km/h).
The minimum central pressure estimated from Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations is 942 mb (27.82 inches). The combination of a life-threatening storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the East of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
Hurricane conditions are beginning within the Hurricane warning area. When the eye comes ashore, people are reminded to not venture out into the relative calm, as hazardous winds will increase very quickly when the eye passes. Tropical Storm conditions are occurring in Southern and Central Florida, and these conditions will be spreading Northward across the Tropical Storm warning areas in the Southeastern U.S. through early Friday. Strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, will likely penetrate as far inland as the higher terrain of the Southern Appalachians.
Over portions of the Southeastern U.S. into the Southern Appalachians, Helene is expected to produce total rain accumulations of six (6) to twelve (12) inches, with isolated totals around twenty (20) inches. This rainfall will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding. Numerous significant landslides are expected in steep terrain across the Southern Appalachians. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. 
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago formally established diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine on Sunday (22nd September, 2024).
In a Media Release, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said, “This historic event is one of Minister Browne’s major engagements at the commencement of the High-Level Week of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The move is in follow-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s recognition of the State of Palestine on 2nd May, 2024.” The Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations was signed by Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New York. The Ministry added, “The establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine is rooted in the ongoing commitment of Trinidad and Tobago, at both the regional and multilateral levels, to contribute to international peace and security. Today’s signing reinforces the call for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a two-state solution that guarantees the security of Israel and the right of Palestine to an independent, viable and sovereign state within the pre-1967 borders. The Ministry notes that Trinidad and Tobago’s “consistent support for Palestine has been demonstrated through its endorsement of critical resolutions regularly presented to the United Nations General Assembly, as well as those adopted at the Emergency Special Sessions on the protection of civilians and humanitarian obligations.”
Most recently, Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the 13th September, 2024 Resolution on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories whereby the Court deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestine to be unlawful and urged that it be brought in line with international law.
The Media Release concluded by saying, “Today’s formalization of bilateral relations represents the commencement of an ongoing dialogue between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Palestinian people.” 
UPDATE 3: U.S. President Joe Biden has responded to today’s shooting incident on X:
UPDATE 2: Authorities are treating this shooting incident as a potential second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. A man identified as Ryan Wesley Routh has been arrested. Routh was allegedly armed with an AK-47 fitted with a scope when a Secret Service Agent fired at him.
“This does not appear to be some random guy with an AK-47 walking outside Trump's club,” an Official said. Authorities said Routh, who had a GoPro camera and two (2) backpacks, shoved the muzzle of his rifle through a chain-link fence, raised it and may have been aiming at the former President when he was fired upon. The suspect then fled in a black Nissan, but was quickly apprehended, authorities said.
UPDATE: Reports state a black vehicle has been impounded and a suspect is in Police custody.
Former United States President Donald Trump was immediately covered and whisked away to safety by Secret Service Agents after shots were fired in his vicinity a short while ago today (Sunday 15th September, 2024), the Trump campaign said in a statement. The incident is said to have occurred shortly before 2:00 PM at Trump’s golf course in Florida, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The former President was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The course was immediately locked down. The Secret Service said on X that it is working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a protective incident involving Trump.
The latest scare for Trump comes a little over two (2) months after a shooter on a rooftop unsuccessfully tried to take his life at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Steven Cheung, Trump’s Spokesman, said on Sunday afternoon.
The individual who fired the shots has not yet been identified or apprehended.
An AK-47 was allegedly found abandoned in some bushes near the scene of the shooting. The former President was not injured this time, as he was during his assassination attempt on 13th July, 2024. Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: The Washington Post] 
Pictured Above: The tail of one of the planes is seen damaged on Tuesday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Photo Credit: WAGA.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Delta Airbus A350 and an Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 jet clipped each other this morning (Tuesday 10th September, 2024) on the tarmac at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the FAA said, “while Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was taxiing for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, its wingtip struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526.” The FAA added, “The Delta Airbus A350 was headed to Tokyo. The Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 was headed to Lafayette, Louisiana. The FAA will investigate the incident, which occurred at the intersection of two taxiways around 10:10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 10.” Photos shared on social media show heavy damage to the tail of one of the planes, whose vertical stabilizer appears to have been severed from the aircraft. WFTS Meteorologist, Jason Adams, who was onboard one of the planes, posted on X: “Well that was terrifying. Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. We’re fine. No fire or smoke.”
In its own statement following the incident, Delta Airlines said, “the wing of an Airbus A350 taxiing out as DL295 from Atlanta to Tokyo-Haneda made contact with the tail of an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, DL5526 to LaFayette, Louisiana, on an adjacent taxiway, resulting in damage to the tail of the regional jet and the wing of the A350. There have been no reported injuries at this time and customers are being transported back to the terminal where they will be re-accommodated on alternate flights. There were 221 customers on DL295 and 56 customers on DL5526. At this time, no additional operational adjustments are expected. Delta is co-operating with the NTSB and other authorities on this incident.”
Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Fox News] |
