The ISSA daCosta Cup football competition enters its playoff phase this Thursday, just two days after the conclusion of the regular season. The intense battle for a spot in the Round of 32 is set to unfold across various zones. In Zone I, Glenmuir High, the current leaders, will face Kemps Hill High in an away match. Glenmuir had previously secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Kemps Hill last Saturday. Meanwhile, defending champions Garvey Maceo Tech will host Denbigh High, aiming to recover from their first defeat of the season, a 4-0 loss to Glenmuir on Tuesday. The top three teams from each playoff zone will advance to the second round. In Zone F, Belair High, currently in second place with 15 points from seven games, will play against May Day High, who are third with 10 points from six games. A win for Belair could solidify their position and potentially join Manchester High as zone winners. In Zone L, Yallahs High and Morant Bay High, both tied on six points but separated by goal difference, will clash in a pivotal match. Yallahs High had previously edged out Morant Bay 3-2 in their first encounter, giving them a slight advantage. Other key matches include Tacius Golding vs Charlemont High, Claude McKay High vs Edwin Allen High, and Ferncourt High vs York Castle High. The playoff phase promises thrilling encounters as teams vie for advancement in the prestigious competition.
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WATCH: Manchester High students, staff comb Wesley Road for missing schoolboy
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A collective effort involving over 100 students and staff from Manchester High School has been mobilized to locate their missing schoolmate, Jayden Smith. The search, which commenced on Thursday morning, is concentrated around Wesley Road in Mandeville, following reports of a child resembling Jayden being sighted in the area on Wednesday evening. Eyewitnesses claim the child fled when approached by locals.
Observer Online reported from the scene, noting the presence of police officers and Manchester High students meticulously scouring the vicinity. Principal Jasford Gabriel provided an update, expressing cautious optimism: ‘We believe we are nearing a breakthrough. With numerous eyes on the ground, we are hopeful of finding him soon.’
Gabriel also conveyed the emotional toll on the school community, stating, ‘The entire school is deeply unsettled. When one member of our community is in distress, we all feel the impact.’ The search continues as authorities and volunteers remain steadfast in their efforts to locate Jayden.
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Cowan receives Mountain Masters award
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tommy Cowan, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer, was bestowed with the Mountain Masters Award at the Kingdom Keepers Association’s Pinnacle Conference & Awards Ceremony. The accolade recognized his enduring contributions to the arts and entertainment industry over six decades. The event, held on September 20 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College Auditorium, featured notable speakers such as Pastor Christopher Morgan and Dr. Lance Wallnau.
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Mt Pleasant FC to meet Defence Force in two-way Concacaf semis
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The semifinal matchups for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been finalized, with Jamaica’s Mt Pleasant FA set to clash against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC. The announcement came a day after the conclusion of the group stages on Wednesday. Mt Pleasant FA secured their spot by dominating Group A, amassing a flawless 12 points from four victories without conceding a single goal. Meanwhile, Defence Force FC emerged as Group B runners-up with seven points, narrowly surpassing Barbadian team Weymouth Wales on goal difference. Their qualification was sealed with a decisive 2-0 victory over group leaders Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic. The first leg of the semifinal will take place on October 22 in Trinidad, followed by the return leg in Kingston on October 29. In the other semifinal, Dominican Republic clubs O&M FC and Cibao FC will face off on October 23 and 30 to determine the second finalist. Notably, defending champions Cavalier SC of Jamaica, who had reached the previous two finals, were eliminated in the group stages this year.
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Caribbean-American legislators blame Trump, Republicans for US gov’t shutdown
NEW YORK, United States (CMC) – Prominent Caribbean-American Democratic leaders have squarely placed the blame for the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Brooklyn representative and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, articulated the frustration felt by many in her community during a statement to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Clarke accused the Trump administration of systematically undermining the nation’s affordability, equity, and core values since taking office. She described the government shutdown as the inevitable result of these efforts, emphasizing that the American public is fully aware of the Republicans’ control over the House, Senate, and White House. She stressed that the responsibility to fund the government lies with the majority party.
The congresswoman criticized the GOP for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with Democratic leaders, instead resorting to divisive and racially charged rhetoric on social media. Clarke, who also chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), vowed that Democrats would remain united in their opposition to Republican policies that threaten healthcare access and increase financial burdens on working families.
Clarke highlighted the healthcare crisis exacerbated by proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, warning that Black communities would bear the brunt of these policies. She reiterated the CBC’s commitment to opposing any spending bill that jeopardizes healthcare for millions, eliminates federal jobs, or raises living costs for working-class Americans.
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JUTC Rural Express routes begin service with send-off ceremony
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) has officially introduced its Rural Express Routes, marking a significant expansion in premium inter-city travel options for Jamaicans. The service, which commenced on October 1, 2025, connects Kingston to key destinations including Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and May Pen.
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Israel condemns ‘barbaric’ attack outside UK synagogue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denounced the recent violent incident outside a synagogue in Manchester, UK, labeling it a “barbaric terror attack.” The assault, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, resulted in two fatalities and four injuries. The suspect was reportedly shot dead by authorities, who classified the event as a terrorist act. Netanyahu emphasized that “weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism,” urging strength and unity to combat such threats.
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Asafa Powell and wife Alyshia welcome third child
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrated Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell and his wife, Ghanaian model Alyshia Powell, have joyfully announced the birth of their third child. The couple shared the exciting news on their YouTube channel, The Powells, through a heartfelt video titled ‘The Day We Have Been Waiting For, Baby Number Three.’ While the gender of the newborn remains undisclosed, the child joins their two older brothers, Azhaf Powell and Amieke Powell. The Powells, known for their vibrant social media presence, have garnered widespread attention and warm congratulations from fans and followers worldwide. This new addition marks another milestone in their journey as a family, further solidifying their bond and shared happiness.
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US fighter jets flew close to Venezuela’s shores—defense minister
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has raised alarms over the presence of five US fighter jets reportedly flying near its coastline, escalating tensions between the two nations. The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, disclosed the incident during a televised address, stating that the country’s air defense systems and tracking mechanisms at its largest airport had identified the aircraft. He described the maneuver as a deliberate provocation and a direct threat to Venezuela’s national security. This development comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean region, including the deployment of 10 F-35 aircraft to Puerto Rico, eight warships, and a nuclear submarine. US President Donald Trump has framed this operation as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking from the Caribbean to the United States. However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Trump of orchestrating a covert campaign to destabilize his government. Recent weeks have seen US forces targeting alleged drug traffickers, resulting in the destruction of three boats and the deaths of at least 14 individuals. The situation underscores the deepening geopolitical rift between Washington and Caracas.
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Trump ally threatens immigration sweep at Bad Bunny Super Bowl show
In a recent development, US authorities have hinted at the possibility of conducting immigration enforcement operations during next year’s Super Bowl, following the announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Corey Lewandowski, an advisor to Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, emphasized that no location, including the Super Bowl, would be exempt from immigration enforcement. “We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you,” Lewandowski stated during a podcast with conservative influencer Benny Johnson. This stance aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown, which aims to deport millions of undocumented individuals residing in the US. Bad Bunny, who recently skipped the US on his global tour due to fears of immigration targeting, has become a focal point of controversy. Lewandowski criticized the NFL for its ‘woke’ decision to feature Bad Bunny, accusing the artist of harboring anti-American sentiments. The selection of Bad Bunny, who predominantly performs in Spanish and supported Trump’s 2024 rival Kamala Harris, has further incited backlash from Trump’s loyal Make America Great Again movement. Historically, Super Bowl halftime shows have featured iconic performers like Michael Jackson and Madonna, but this year’s choice has sparked a heated political debate.