In a dramatic escalation of his campaign against perceived adversaries, former US President Donald Trump has publicly labeled James Comey, the former FBI director, as ‘a dirty cop.’ This accusation follows Comey’s indictment on two criminal counts related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won. The charges, announced on Thursday, include making false statements and obstruction of justice. Trump’s inflammatory remarks were made on his Truth Social platform, where he accused Comey of longstanding misconduct. The indictment comes shortly after Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other political foes, a move that critics argue undermines the independence of the Justice Department. This marks the latest and most significant instance of Trump’s aggressive targeting of opponents during his second term. In response, Comey, in a video posted on Instagram, denied any wrongdoing and stated, ‘I’m not afraid.’ If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison, according to federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, a Trump appointee with no prior prosecutorial experience. Trump’s relationship with Comey has been fraught since 2017, when he fired Comey amid the Russia probe. Comey has since been a vocal critic of Trump’s alleged use of the justice system for political purposes. Trump’s return to power this year has seen him swiftly leverage his authority to challenge the legitimacy of the 2016 election investigation, reigniting debates over Russian interference and his own ties to Moscow.
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Chelsea’s Palmer sidelined with groin injury
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is expected to remain out of action until after next month’s international break, as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday. The decision aims to allow the 23-year-old England international sufficient time to recover from a persistent groin injury. Palmer was forced off during the first half of Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United last week, marking the team’s first loss of the season. This injury had previously kept him sidelined for matches against West Ham and Fulham. Maresca emphasized the club’s cautious approach, stating, ‘We decided to rest him for the next two or three weeks, probably until the international break, to ensure he can recover fully and return to peak fitness.’ While the injury does not require surgery, the manager acknowledged the need to manage Palmer’s discomfort carefully. ‘It’s just a matter of managing his pain in the groin, which can occur with the frequency of games,’ Maresca explained. Chelsea faces a busy schedule with upcoming matches against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool, followed by a two-week international break. Meanwhile, defender Tosin Adarabioyo is also expected to miss action until the break due to a calf injury, and Wesley Fofana is recovering from a concussion sustained in Chelsea’s League Cup win over Lincoln. The team’s goalkeeping situation has also drawn attention after Robert Sanchez’s red card in the Manchester United match and Filip Jorgensen’s underwhelming performance against Lincoln. However, Maresca expressed confidence in both goalkeepers, stating, ‘We are happy with Robert and Filip. Mistakes happen, but they remain valuable to the team.’
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Stush in the Bush named among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
Jamaica’s culinary scene has achieved a remarkable milestone as ‘Stush in the Bush,’ a unique farm-to-table restaurant located in St. Ann, has been recognized among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Owned by Lisa and Christopher Binns, the establishment secured the 49th spot on the prestigious list, which was unveiled during a glamorous awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The top honors went to New York’s Atomix, followed by Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth, and Tanière 3, all of which are based in Canada. ‘Stush in the Bush’ has carved a niche for itself with its immersive dining experience, offering a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes. Signature items include crispy plantain and hot pink dasheen chips, zero-waste almond and pumpkin hummus, calulu dip, and accras with remoulade and cho cho ceviche. This recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine but also underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.
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Central Avenue to be closed this weekend to vehicular traffic
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a temporary closure of Central Avenue in St Andrew to carry out critical drainage improvement works. The road will be shut down for 10 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Central Avenue, a vital thoroughfare connecting Constant Spring Road to West Avenue and providing access to Queens High School, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during this period. Residents needing to access their properties will be permitted entry via West Avenue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the project aims to mitigate frequent flooding issues along Central Avenue, particularly during heavy rainfall. The works are scheduled for the weekend of October 4 and 5. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to flagmen’s instructions, and follow posted warning signs to ensure safety during the closure.
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Facebook, Instagram to offer paid ad-free UK subscriptions
In a significant move to align with regulatory requirements, Meta has announced that Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom will soon have the option to purchase ad-free subscriptions. This initiative, set to roll out in the coming weeks, mirrors a model already implemented across the European Union. UK users can opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) via the web or £3.99 through iOS and Android apps. The company emphasized that this subscription model offers users greater control over their ad preferences, aligning with recent UK regulatory guidance. Notably, the UK pricing is more affordable compared to the EU, where ad-free subscriptions start at 5.99 euros ($7) per month. Meta first introduced this ad-free option in the EU in late 2023 to comply with stricter regulations aimed at curbing the influence of big tech companies. Historically, Meta has relied heavily on selling user data to advertisers, a practice that has sparked numerous disputes with regulators over data privacy concerns. Last year, the European data regulator mandated that Meta cannot compel users to pay for data protection, prompting the company to revise its approach. While Meta criticized what it termed as regulatory ‘overreach’ in the EU, it praised the ‘constructive approach’ of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO acknowledged that the subscription model would enable Meta to adhere to UK data protection laws.
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Technology outage impacting several services at VM Building Society branches
KINGSTON, Jamaica — VM Building Society, a prominent financial institution in Jamaica, experienced significant service disruptions on Friday due to a widespread technology outage. The incident forced the delayed opening of all branches until 10:00 am, with extended operating hours until 4:00 pm to accommodate affected customers. The outage impacted critical services, including online banking, ABM access, and point-of-sale transactions, rendering them temporarily unavailable. The bank assured members that updates on service restoration would be provided by 10:00 am. Customers visiting branches were advised to anticipate longer wait times due to the disruption. VM Building Society issued an apology for the inconvenience, expressing gratitude for members’ patience and continued support as their technical team worked diligently to resolve the issue.
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Caribbean is a zone of peace, says Dominica’s president
Amid escalating tensions due to the growing presence of United States naval forces near Venezuela’s coast, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton has reaffirmed the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Speaking at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burton emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to resolve disputes between the US and Venezuela. She warned that any military conflict in the region would have devastating consequences for the Caribbean and Latin America, urging global powers to seek alternative paths to peace. The US has justified its naval buildup as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. However, recent US strikes on alleged drug boats have raised concerns about potential aggression toward Venezuelan territory. Venezuela has accused the US of conducting an undeclared war and has called for a UN investigation into the strikes, which reportedly killed over a dozen alleged drug traffickers. The situation underscores the fragile geopolitical dynamics in the region and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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Dominica reiterates solidarity with Haiti
During the 80th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Debate on Thursday, Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton reaffirmed her nation’s unwavering support for Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela, emphasizing the need for sovereignty, justice, and international solidarity. Burton highlighted Haiti’s historical significance in the fight for freedom and justice, stating that the current crisis in Haiti transcends regional boundaries and demands a united global response. She called for a Haitian-led transition process, supported by the UN, to achieve lasting peace and stability. Burton also condemned the long-standing economic embargo against Cuba, describing it as unjust and outdated, and urged its immediate revocation. She reiterated Dominica’s solidarity with Cuba, emphasizing its right to self-determination. Additionally, Burton denounced external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and the imposition of sanctions, advocating for respect for its sovereignty. She also expressed concern over the presence of US military assets in the Caribbean, urging restraint and adherence to international law. As the UN marked its 80th anniversary, Burton called for systemic reforms to ensure small and developing nations have a meaningful voice in global decision-making. She emphasized the importance of diplomacy, shared values, and a rules-based international order to promote peace, development, and human rights.
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Tourism minister highlights importance of youth engagement in sectoral developments
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a bid to shape the future of tourism, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical need for industry stakeholders to actively involve the nation’s youth in meaningful conversations about the sector’s evolution. This call to action was highlighted during the World Tourism Day 2025 Youth Forum, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, which saw the participation of over 300 students from across the island. Organized by the Tourism Ministry and its affiliated agencies, the event aimed to engage students, particularly members of Tourism Action Clubs (TAC), in substantive discussions on tourism’s role in national and global developments. This year’s forum, commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27, focused on the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ Minister Bartlett, speaking to JIS News, stressed that the event was designed to foster intellectual exchange between tourism stakeholders and the youth, encouraging them to explore sustainability in both action and thought. He highlighted the importance of young people generating innovative ideas and processes that align with sustainability practices. The Minister also praised TAC members for embracing sustainability principles, which are rooted in the pillars of planet, people, and prosperity. Donovan White, Tourism Director at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), underscored the pivotal role of youth in the industry’s future. He noted that the forum provides a platform for students to learn about tourism, interact with experts, and dispel misconceptions about careers in the sector. White emphasized that tourism encompasses a diverse range of high-paying and skilled professions, including doctors, engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute to the industry’s ecosystem. The forum featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, and creative showcases, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s potential.
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Senior citizens feted on National Grandparents Days
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.
