news and current affairs.
New files put Matt Gaetz back in scandal glare
Newly revealed documents have renewed scrutiny into allegations against Congressman Matt Gaetz. According to these reports, a 17-year-old girl involved in a wider investigation stated she had sexual encounters with him while she was underage and that he subsequently provided her money. The young woman, who was experiencing financial hardship and at times resided in a homeless shelter, reportedly said the funds helped pay for her braces. A congressional ethics investigation later found substantial evidence indicating that Gaetz had engaged in paid sexual activities, including those connected to the teenager. Investigators noted the girl's age and vulnerable economic situation created a significant power imbalance, raising concerns about...
Stars back in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, caused severe damage across western Jamaica with winds of 185 miles per hour. The storm devastated communities, destroying homes, flooding farms, and killing livestock. This left thousands of families in crisis and forced schools to close. A significant international relief effort mobilized in response. Numerous celebrities and athletes provided support, including Denzel Washington, who donated 500,000 dollars, and The Weeknd, who gave 350,000 dollars through his humanitarian fund. Sean Paul pledged to match public donations, while Shaggy and Tyrese Gibson personally delivered essential supplies. Rihanna established a fund for rebuilding, and Drake sold charity apparel. Sprinter...
Jamaica warns of leptospirosis after Hurricane Melissa
Health officials in Jamaica are advising citizens to take protective measures following the emergence of suspected leptospirosis cases in areas recently flooded by Hurricane Melissa. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie confirmed that the Ministry of Health is investigating these cases, noting that stagnant water contaminated with animal waste creates an ideal environment for the bacteria. Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie emphasized that the illness can be fatal and that prevention is critical. She urged the public to wear protective footwear when in floodwater to avoid infection. The bacterial disease, which initially presents with flu-like symptoms, can progress to severe complications, including kidney failure and liver damage...
JN Money reopens sites after Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
JN Money Services has reopened the majority of its agent locations in several western Jamaican parishes following Hurricane Melissa. The restored offices, situated in Hanover, St James, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth, reinstate a critical channel for remittances sent to communities recovering from the storm's damage. The hurricane, a Category Five system, caused significant destruction to infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods when it made landfall. The company confirmed its ongoing commitment to providing reliable financial services during the recovery period. This network restoration allows Jamaicans abroad to resume sending support to relatives and friends in the affected regions through the company's extensive international...
Aunt says missing Jayden Smith may be alive
The primary caregiver for missing 12-year-old Jayden Smith has expressed her continued belief that he is alive, despite his disappearance since late September. His aunt, Annmarie Thompson, revealed her profound worry for his safety, especially during recent severe weather, and described the emotional toll the situation has taken on the family. Jayden Smith was last seen near his school, Manchester High, on Perth Road in Mandeville. Thompson stated that her most recent communication with the police provided no new updates on his whereabouts. She recounted a vivid dream of finding her nephew, illustrating the family's ongoing distress. The school's principal previously reported that a staff member spotted the boy near the school...
Lila Iké's case delayed to 2026 in St Catherine
Jamaican reggae singer Alecia Gray, known professionally as Lila Iké, and her co-defendant, Shennelle Moore, will face trial in February 2026. A St Catherine Parish Court set the new date after the case was delayed because the official case file remains incomplete, awaiting a statement from a police officer who is currently on leave. The charges against the two women originate from an incident in July 2025, when police stopped a vehicle Gray was driving for an alleged traffic violation. Authorities state that both individuals became disorderly and disregarded instructions during the stop, leading to their arrest. Both defendants, who have had their bail extended, have pleaded not guilty. The ongoing delays have prolonged the resolution...
Akon fights for support in Los Angeles divorce
The musician Akon is confronting new legal challenges in his divorce proceedings, alongside a recent arrest. New filings in Los Angeles show he has asked the court to terminate spousal support obligations to his estranged wife, Tomeka. He is also seeking joint physical custody of their minor child. This follows his arrest in Georgia for operating a vehicle with a suspended license. The divorce case reveals a disagreement over custody, as Tomeka is requesting full physical custody while agreeing to joint legal custody. The financial and custody arrangements will be negotiated through the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Schools guide students in the post-exam period
With the academic year concluding and public examinations finished, a period of unstructured time begins for students who remain at school. Educators suggest this interval presents an opportunity for productive and restorative activities beyond the traditional classroom. Recommended pursuits include collaborative group work, outdoor learning, and passion projects that allow students to explore personal interests. Physical activity and reflection on the year's learning are also encouraged as valuable uses of this time. For individual students, this period is ideal for relaxation and personal development. Suggestions include learning new skills, researching potential careers, reading for pleasure, and spending time with friends and...
Kunzvi Dam hits 72 percent in Mashonaland East
The Kunzvi Dam project in Mashonaland East province has reached 72 percent completion and has begun impounding water. Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri reported that the dam is being developed as a multi-faceted economic project, incorporating future irrigation, hydropower generation, and aquaculture. Its primary objective is to alleviate severe water shortages in Harare and Chitungwiza. A parallel project involves constructing a 48-kilometer pipeline to transport raw water from the dam to a treatment plant in Donnybrook. This pipeline is expected to supply up to 240 megalitres of water daily to the capital, addressing a significant portion of the current supply deficit. The government has also built new homes for families relocated due...
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