In a significant legal development, a U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to terminate more than 500 employees of the Voice of America (VOA). The decision, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, suspends the layoffs that were scheduled to take effect on September 30. The move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over the administration’s efforts to restructure government-funded media. Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has been leading the charge to reduce the workforce, arguing it is a necessary step to dismantle what she describes as a ‘bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy.’ However, Judge Lamberth ruled that Lake’s actions were ‘arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law,’ and emphasized the need for USAGM to fulfill its statutory mandate. The court also expressed concerns that the defendants lacked a plan to comply with an earlier injunction issued in April. The USAGM, established during World War II, plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and countering propaganda through entities like VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. President Trump has frequently criticized VOA, accusing it of being overly critical of his administration and undermining its editorial independence.
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WATCH: Vox pop on mental health
As Suicide Prevention Month concludes on Tuesday, Jamaicans have voiced their perspectives on the island’s approach to mental health challenges. In a series of interviews, opinions varied widely. Some individuals expressed concern that mental health issues are often overlooked until they escalate into crises, while others emphasized the need for greater support in schools to alleviate stress among students. When discussing personal coping mechanisms, many highlighted simple yet effective activities such as listening to music, journaling, gardening, and spending quality time with friends as their preferred methods of relaxation. The discussions underscore the growing recognition of mental health as a critical issue in Jamaica, though many believe more proactive measures are necessary to address it comprehensively.
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Central Bank of Bahamas says economy grew at moderate pace in August
The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) has reported that the domestic economy experienced moderated growth through August 2025, aligning closer to its medium-term potential. While tourism output slowed due to constraints in the high-value stopover segment, the cruise sector remained resilient, buoyed by robust earnings and foreign investments in onshore private destinations. However, the unemployment rate rose in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a decrease in employed individuals and an increase in labor force participation. Monetary trends for August were marked by a contraction in banking sector liquidity, as domestic credit growth outpaced deposits, and external reserves declined due to net foreign currency outflows. Tourism sector earnings also slowed compared to 2024, primarily due to accommodation capacity constraints in the stopover segment. Official data revealed a 3.3% decline in total arrivals for July 2025, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8% and air traffic by 0.9%. The short-term vacation rental market saw a 1% increase in room nights sold, but occupancy rates declined. The average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings rose by 11.8%, while hotel comparable listings saw a 1.1% increase. Labor market conditions worsened in the first quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate climbing to 10.8% and youth unemployment reaching 20.9%. External reserves decreased to $74.7 million in August, with the central bank’s net foreign currency outflow to the public sector widening. The CBB forecasts slower economic growth in 2025, driven by tourism sector performance, ongoing foreign investments, and global trade uncertainties.
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Prosecutors recommend over 11 years in prison for ‘Diddy’ in prostitution case
Federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial prison sentence of over 11 years for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. According to People magazine, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a highly publicized federal trial. While he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue that his actions warrant a significant penalty. In a sentencing memorandum, they emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that similar cases have resulted in sentences exceeding a decade. They are recommending a term of at least 135 months, just over 11 years. The memorandum also portrays Combs as ‘unrepentant,’ citing a history of abusive behavior. Testimony from his former partner, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, was referenced to highlight his past misconduct. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the defense’s request for a sentence of no more than 14 months. Combs has already spent over a year in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 and was denied bail both before and after the trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday, October 3, while also considering a defense motion to overturn the conviction.
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30+ Fashion Show & Expo returns for third staging in Portmore
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The highly anticipated 30+ Fashion Show and Expo is gearing up for its third edition, set to take place on November 22 at the ALIV Night Club in Naggo Head, Portmore. The event will commence at 4:00 pm with a mini-expo showcasing a diverse array of exhibitors specializing in beauty, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, nails, and fashion.
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67-year-old man mowed down on North Coast Highway
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities in Trelawny are investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 67-year-old pedestrian on Monday night. Patrick Jackson, a renowned wood carver from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, was struck by a Toyota Voxy while attempting to cross a section of the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate. The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, and Jackson was rushed to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 19th road fatality in Trelawny since the beginning of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The police are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution to prevent further tragedies.
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PNP criticises govt’s silence on Palestine at UN
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has strongly criticized the current administration for its perceived lack of solidarity with the Palestinian people during critical moments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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48-hour curfew extended in sections of the Kingston Eastern
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have prolonged a 48-hour curfew initially imposed in specific areas of the Kingston Eastern Police Division. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 29, will now continue until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1. The restricted zone is demarcated by the following boundaries: North – an imaginary line stretching from Mountain View Primary School to Cane River Falls; East – a line from Cane River Falls to the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay; South – the coastline from the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay to Flag Circle; and West – South Camp Road from Flag Circle to Vineyard Road, extending to an imaginary line back to Mountain View Primary School. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
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Blk Orchid’s ‘How Long’ takes the prize at Canada’s Reggae North Music Awards
At the prestigious 2025 Reggae North Music Awards in Canada, singer Blk Orchid clinched the award for Top Reggae Single of the Year with her powerful track ‘How Long.’ The song, penned in 2016, was deeply inspired by the tragic events surrounding the police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Blk Orchid described the track as an emotional outcry against systemic violence targeting Black communities, channeled through music. Despite its timely message, she hesitated to release it immediately due to its politically charged nature and her initial focus on producing rather than performing. The song was eventually brought to life by Cut and Clear Productions and Indie Rootz Records. Blk Orchid expressed her astonishment at the song’s success, admitting she never anticipated such a profound connection with listeners. ‘I was overwhelmed with gratitude when my name was announced,’ she shared, reflecting on the surreal moment of her victory. The category featured strong contenders, including Tonya P’s ‘Rise,’ Ammoye’s ‘Baby I Love You,’ and Paris Ivey’s ‘Mek it to Di Top.’ Blk Orchid was also nominated for Top Female Vocalist, further cementing her rising influence in the reggae scene. Beyond her recent win, Blk Orchid is actively working on new projects, including a collaboration with Empress Divine titled ‘No Longer Lonely’ and an innovative venture into AI-driven music production. Her multicultural heritage and collaborations with industry legends like Sly Dunbar have shaped her unique artistic journey, solidifying her place in the global music landscape.
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Bermuda braces as Hurricane Imelda follows Humberto
Bermuda is bracing for an unprecedented meteorological challenge as Hurricane Imelda approaches the British Overseas Territory, closely following the outer bands of Hurricane Humberto. Imelda, which intensified into a hurricane early Tuesday, is projected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon. Currently classified as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph), the US National Hurricane Center warns of potential strengthening over the next 48 hours. Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, urged residents to prioritize safety, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Imelda is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) from Wednesday into Thursday, raising concerns of flash flooding and dangerous storm surges. Meanwhile, Hurricane Humberto, which has weakened to Category 1 after reaching a rare Category 5, continues to generate hazardous surf and rip currents across the western Atlantic. Earlier this week, Humberto claimed two lives in Cuba’s Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba provinces, according to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. Meteorologists attribute the US East Coast’s relative safety to a rare Fujiwhara interaction, where the two cyclones rotated around each other, diverting Imelda away from South Carolina. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be above-normal, though no storms have yet made US landfall.