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  • Carol Hylton continues to raise awareness about neurovascular disease after son’s death from stroke

    Carol Hylton continues to raise awareness about neurovascular disease after son’s death from stroke

    In the wake of her son Michael Hylton’s untimely death from a stroke in 2009, Carol Hylton, a registered nurse from Portland, established Smiley’s Voice Foundation. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness about neurovascular diseases and has since become a beacon of hope and action in the fight against such conditions. The foundation is the driving force behind the annual Black, Red & White Foundation Gala, now in its 12th year, which will take place on November 22 at the Doubletree By Hilton hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

    Michael Hylton Jr., affectionately known as ‘Dee Jay Smiley,’ was a vibrant 29-year-old who left an indelible mark on those around him. Described as warm, kind, and deeply respectful, Michael was a humanitarian who always saw the best in people. His passion for music led him to form Crowdpleasers Entertainment, a venture that brought joy to countless events, from weddings to parties at his favorite venue, Ginger Bay Cafe in downtown Hollywood, South Florida.

    Last year’s gala raised $5,000, which was donated to the Stroke Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St. Andrew, Jamaica. In July 2024, Carol Hylton, alongside Dr. Rosemarie Lewis, coordinated a mission to UHWI, led by renowned South Florida neurosurgeons Dr. Norman Ajiboye and Dr. Brandon Davis. During their time in Jamaica, they performed five critical surgeries in collaboration with Dr. Kevin Wade, a consultant neurointerventional surgeon at UHWI.

    Carol Hylton, supported by her husband Michael and daughters Mikara and Marissa, continues to lead Smiley’s Voice Foundation with unwavering dedication. This year, the foundation aims to raise even more funds and honor Michael’s memory by advancing their mission. ‘Michael was a God-fearing young man who loved his family and considered us his foundation,’ Carol shared. ‘We started this Foundation after this life-changing experience to continue his legacy of love. If we can save one person from dying from a stroke or its impact, then we are living the mission of Smiley’s Voice Foundation.’

  • One dead, several injured after shooting, fire at US Mormon church

    One dead, several injured after shooting, fire at US Mormon church

    A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a shooter targeted a Mormon church, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The assailant, a 40-year-old man from a nearby town, was fatally shot by law enforcement following the attack. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the violence, which also involved the suspect setting the church on fire. President Donald Trump condemned the act on his Truth Social platform, labeling it as a “horrendous” attack on Christians in the United States. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depicted emergency services evacuating victims on stretchers and a massive plume of dark smoke rising from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Local Police Chief William Renye reported that the suspect drove his vehicle through the church’s front doors before opening fire with an assault rifle. The service was reportedly attended by hundreds of congregants. Authorities believe the gunman intentionally ignited the fire before being neutralized by responding officers. Ten individuals with gunshot wounds were hospitalized, one of whom succumbed to injuries. The fire has since been extinguished, but officials anticipate discovering additional victims once the scene is secured. A nearby resident recounted hearing screams and pleas for help. FBI agents have joined the investigation, with Chief Kash Patel denouncing the act as a “cowardly and criminal” attack on a place of worship. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she has been briefed on the incident.

  • Arsenal strike late for ‘beautiful’ Newcastle win, close in on Liverpool

    Arsenal strike late for ‘beautiful’ Newcastle win, close in on Liverpool

    In a thrilling Premier League showdown at St James’ Park, Arsenal staged a remarkable late comeback to defeat Newcastle 2-1 on Sunday, signaling their intent in the title race. The Gunners, who had been on the verge of a fourth consecutive loss at the venue, turned the game around with two decisive goals in the closing stages. Newcastle had taken the lead in the first half through Nick Woltemade’s header, leaving Arsenal struggling to find their rhythm. However, Mikel Merino’s equalizer and Gabriel Magalhaes’ 96th-minute winner from a corner sealed a dramatic victory, propelling Arsenal to second place in the league standings, just two points behind leaders Liverpool. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed the emotional triumph, stating, ‘Football is about emotion, and today we experienced a beautiful one at the end of the match.’ The win was particularly significant given Arsenal’s recent struggles at St James’ Park and their determination to close the gap at the top of the table. Arteta’s tactical substitutions proved pivotal, with Merino and Gabriel delivering when it mattered most. Newcastle, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses, as they remain in 15th place with only one win from their opening six games. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, saying, ‘We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren’t at our best.’ The result underscores Arsenal’s resilience and ambition, as they aim to end their three-year streak of finishing as runners-up and claim the Premier League title.

  • Kingston joins Carter Center’s global women’s empowerment campaign

    Kingston joins Carter Center’s global women’s empowerment campaign

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Kingston has been selected as one of 13 cities worldwide to participate in the Carter Center’s Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign. This global initiative seeks to enhance women’s access to government information and essential city services, fostering gender equity and transparency. Mayor Andrew Swaby hailed the inclusion as a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to empower women and promote inclusivity. He emphasized that the campaign aligns with Kingston’s broader objectives, including the potential adoption of frameworks like CEDAW, which would further solidify the city’s commitment to gender equality. The initiative will provide Kingston with resources to implement activities such as media outreach, community programs, government training, and public art installations, while also facilitating knowledge-sharing among participating cities. Now in its fourth phase, the campaign spans 48 cities across five continents, impacting over 255 million people. Kingston joins a diverse group of cities, including Abuja, Cardiff, Guadalajara, Karachi, and Toronto. The launch coincides with the International Day of Universal Access to Information, highlighting the campaign’s focus on transparency and the fundamental right to information. For further details, visit www.informwomen.org.

  • Afghanistan’s Taliban release US citizen

    Afghanistan’s Taliban release US citizen

    In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s Taliban government released American citizen Amir Amiri from detention on Sunday. The release marks the latest in a series of high-profile prisoner exchanges facilitated by international mediation. Amiri, 36, had been held in Afghanistan since December 2024, though details surrounding his case remain scarce. He was handed over to Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy on Hostage Affairs, who recently visited Kabul to negotiate the release. Amiri is expected to undergo medical checks in Doha, Qatar, before returning to the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release, emphasizing the Biden administration’s commitment to securing the freedom of Americans detained abroad. This follows the release of an elderly British couple last week and other Americans earlier this year, all mediated by Qatar. The Taliban government has expressed a desire to improve relations with the U.S. and other nations, despite ongoing accusations of human rights violations. However, Western countries continue to advise against travel to Afghanistan, where dozens of foreign nationals have been detained since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

  • WATCH: Trafalgar Park resident flooded out twice in a week

    WATCH: Trafalgar Park resident flooded out twice in a week

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Trafalgar Park resident, Nadine Thompson, is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has left her home uninhabitable for the second time in just over a week. The latest deluge occurred on Saturday night, following torrential rains that battered the Corporate Area. Thompson recounted waking up around midnight to find her house inundated with water. ‘When I got up, I stepped in a pool of water off the bed,’ she told Observer Online. Her tenant, residing in a two-bedroom section of the property, was also forced to evacuate with his two children after their living space was flooded once again. Thompson reached out to the police for assistance but received no response. This incident follows a similar flooding event on September 19, which prompted local representatives, including Member of Parliament Julian Robinson and Councillor Jesse Clarke, to visit the area and assist with cleanup efforts. Despite these measures, Thompson’s home was overwhelmed by floodwaters again. She expressed uncertainty about her living arrangements, as her closest relative resides in Manchester. ‘I don’t know where I’m going to go. Nobody asked me where I’m going. I can’t go back in there,’ she lamented. Robinson, who revisited the community, identified a blockage in the gully behind the premises as a contributing factor to the repeated flooding. ‘We have identified where the blockage in the gully is so that the blockage can be cleared, allowing the water to flow freely and ensuring that the residents can return to their homes. That is our immediate priority,’ Robinson stated. The situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters on vulnerable communities.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ debuts top of N. America box office

    ‘One Battle After Another’ debuts top of N. America box office

    LOS ANGELES, United States — Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest cinematic endeavor, ‘One Battle After Another,’ has made a resounding impact at the North American box office, securing the top spot during its debut weekend. Industry estimates released on Sunday revealed that the action thriller, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as a retired radical fighter thrust back into action to aid his daughter, captivated audiences with its blend of absurdity and gravitas. Critics have lauded the film as a ‘carnivalesque epic’ exploring themes of good versus evil, violence, power, and the relentless fight against injustice. The film amassed an impressive $22.4 million in its opening weekend, according to Exhibitor Relations, sparking early Oscar speculation for both Anderson and DiCaprio. Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research praised the film’s performance, noting its alignment with the success of an action series launch and its exceptional critical and audience reception. Meanwhile, ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,’ a family-friendly live-action/animation hybrid, secured second place with $13.7 million, while the anime feature ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ continued its strong run, adding $7.1 million to its North American total of $118.2 million. The horror franchise installment ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ also maintained momentum, earning $6.9 million to reach a cumulative $161.5 million. Other notable entries in the top 10 included ‘The Strangers: Chapter 2,’ ‘Him,’ ‘The Long Walk,’ ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,’ ‘Spider-man Trilogy,’ and ‘They call him OG.’

  • WATCH: Man shot dead at St Toolies River

    WATCH: Man shot dead at St Toolies River

    A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon near the St Toolies River, close to the Manchester/Clarendon border in Jamaica, where a young man was fatally shot by an unknown assailant. Authorities were swiftly dispatched to the scene, but the victim’s identity remains unconfirmed. Preliminary investigations suggest the man, believed to be in his early 20s, was visiting the area when he was pursued and attacked by the shooter. Local residents, deeply unsettled by the event, voiced their concerns, emphasizing that such violence starkly contrasts with the typically tranquil nature of their community. The incident has sparked unease among the populace, raising questions about safety in the region. Police are actively investigating the case, though no arrests have been made yet.

  • FBI director urges Americans not to mourn over late black militant, Assata Shakur

    FBI director urges Americans not to mourn over late black militant, Assata Shakur

    FBI Director Kash Patel has urged Americans not to mourn the death of Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army, whom he branded a ‘terrorist.’ Shakur, also known as JoAnne Chesimard, passed away last week in Havana, Cuba, where she had lived in exile for decades. She was convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout at a routine traffic stop. Despite her claims of innocence, she was sentenced to life in prison in 1977 but escaped in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she remained until her death at 78. In 2013, she was added to the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists, with a $1 million reward offered for her capture. Patel criticized those mourning her, stating that doing so dishonors the memory of fallen officers. While Shakur is celebrated by some as a freedom fighter, Patel emphasized her criminal past and escape from justice.

  • WATCH: Culture Minister underscores importance of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival

    WATCH: Culture Minister underscores importance of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival

    The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has emerged as a cornerstone event for celebrating the island’s rich culinary traditions, according to Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. Speaking at the media launch for the 2025 edition at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Grange emphasized the festival’s role in uniting Jamaicans through food and drink. ‘This festival has become a signature moment where we gather to celebrate our identity as Jamaicans,’ she remarked. ‘While we often focus on music, dance, and language, food is equally vital in preserving and expanding our heritage.’ The 2025 festival is scheduled for November 13–16, marking its 11th anniversary. The event showcases the nation’s finest food and drink offerings in a lively, community-driven setting. Grange also highlighted the government’s new Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Sector Insurance, urging attendees from the creative industry to enroll and benefit from the initiative. ‘This insurance plan, covering life, accident, and health, is designed for you,’ she said, addressing the creative community. ‘It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.’