Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday: UTech; Bunting predicts murder tally; Gas prices; Today's Weather; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday, July 27, 2023 Expanded staff structure for UTech Cabinet has approved the expanded staff structure for the [University of Technology (UTech)]( consisting of 832 additional posts that were identified in the post audit conducted by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. Cabinet also approved the current operational pay plan that is being utilised by UTech, consequent on its increased responsibilities and programme offerings since it was conferred with university status in 1995. Jamaica to end 2023 at close to 1,400 murders, says Bunting Jamaica will end 2023 at close to [1,400 murders if the current rate continues]( according to Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting. The former Minister of National Security made the prediction on Wednesday during a People’s National Party (PNP) press conference at the Leader of the Opposition headquarters. “This is 250 murders above the average level in the previous PNP administration (2012-2016),” Bunting said. Bomb threat prankster to be sentenced today A man who caused a security scare in Ocho Rios, St Ann last month with a [bomb threat prank]( is to know his fate today. Chevon Flowers pleaded guilty to creating public mischief and using a computer for malicious communication, but not guilty to extortion, when he appeared in the St Catherine Parish Court last month. Flowers, who told a judge that he has been distressed in lock-up, where he has been since June 5, is to be sentenced for creating public mischief and using a computer for malicious communication when he reappears in court today. Advertisement Big increases in gas, diesel prices Motorists should brace for big increases at the pumps in the prices of gasoline and diesel effective today. This is based on the latest ex-refinery costs from Petrojam. See [full price listing here](. St Elizabeth bar robbers appear in court Two men implicated in a failed robbery attempt at a bar in St Elizabeth in May are to appear in court today. Romario Smith and Alwin Dawkins are charged with robbery, illegal possession of firearm, and shooting with intent. They were allegedly among three men who held up a bar at Stephen Run in the parish on Saturday, May 6. They were both injured in a shootout with police, while the third man was killed. Bars in St Elizabeth have been [under siege from robbers for a number of months](. TODAY'S WEATHER FORECAST The Meteorological Service of Jamaica says a tropical wave is expected to move across the island today into tomorrow, bringing with it unstable weather conditions for both days. Brace for morning showers and thunderstorms across eastern parishes, while it should become mostly cloudy elsewhere. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected across most parishes. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING St James parish council mum on status of mayor after car accident Administrators and officials at the St James Municipal Corporation (SJMC) have been oddly [tight-lipped on the current status of Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Leeroy Williams](. Mad Cobra faces up to 30 years in US prison after cocaine, gun possession Veteran dancehall artiste Mad Cobra is [facing up to 30 years in prison]( deputies in Florence County, South Carolina on Tuesday discovered two kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. On and off pitch, Messi an instant hit in Miami Lionel Messi's impact for Inter Miami has been clear to see, with three goals and an assist in 120 minutes on the field, but his team-mates say his [influence behind the scenes may be just as vita](. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta On this day in 1996, terror struck the Atlanta Olympics as a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park, directly killing one person and injuring 111. (Anti-government extremist Eric Rudolph later pleaded guilty to the bombing, exonerating security guard Richard Jewell, who had been wrongly suspected.) For more stories, visit our website at www.jamaicaobserver.com or [sign up for our e-paper](. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( Copyright © 2023 Jamaica Observer, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 40 - 42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue Kingston 5 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.