Music Mogul Clive Davis Has Died
Clive Davis, the legendary music executive widely credited with shaping modern popular music and launching the careers of some of the world’s biggest superstars, has died at the age of 94.
Davis died Monday in his Manhattan apartment surrounded by family and loved ones, according to statements confirmed by multiple U.S. media outlets. His family said he had been recently hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue but was discharged earlier this month. A separate statement described his passing as due to age-related illness.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Davis became one of the most influential figures in the global music industry. Known for his sharp ear for talent and ability to reinvent artists across genres, he played a central role in the rise of performers including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and Billy Joel.
Often referred to as “the man with the golden ears,” Davis began his career as a lawyer before joining Columbia Records in 1960. By 1967 he had become president of the label, helping usher it into the rock era by signing and developing major acts such as Santana, Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Grateful Dead.
After a controversial exit from Columbia in 1973, Davis went on to found Arista Records, a label that would cement his reputation as one of the most successful executives in music history. At Arista, he revived and extended the careers of established artists including Dionne Warwick, Rod Stewart and Aretha Franklin, while also building new stars. One of his most notable discoveries was Whitney Houston, whom he signed at age 19. Houston went on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, achieving a record streak of No. 1 hits before her death in 2012.
Despite his success, Davis’ career was not without controversy. He was dismissed from Columbia Records amid allegations of financial mismanagement and later faced legal issues related to tax evasion, of which several charges were dropped. He consistently maintained that he was ultimately exonerated of wrongdoing in connection with his work at the label.
Davis is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his partner. He had been married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. His family described him as both a towering cultural figure and a devoted father, saying his influence “will endure for generations.”
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Battles Algae Invasion
Fresh repairs are set to begin at Washington D.C.'s iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae growth and peeling paint appeared just weeks following a multi-million-dollar renovation project championed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The $14.7 million refurbishment, completed earlier this month ahead of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, was intended to improve the historic landmark. However, the project quickly came under scrutiny after the water turned green from an algae bloom and sections of the pool's blue lining began peeling away.
Authorities have now approved plans to drain the 609-metre-long pool so repairs can be carried out under warranty by the contractor responsible for the renovation. President Trump has blamed vandals for the damage, alleging that individuals deliberately tampered with the pool and introduced substances into the water, although no evidence has been publicly presented linking vandalism to the algae outbreak or peeling paint.
Trump also warned that anyone found damaging the landmark could face severe penalties, noting that destruction of federal property can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years. Reports indicate at least five people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the site, while several others have reportedly received citations. Among those detained was former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, who has denied any wrongdoing.
The controversy has also raised questions about the no-bid contract awarded for the renovation project, as critics question whether the work was properly completed after problems emerged less than two weeks after the project was declared finished.
Workers have already begun treating the water with hydrogen peroxide to combat the algae while additional repairs are planned in an effort to restore one of the nation's most recognizable monuments.
Jérémy Doku and Wife Welcome Baby Boy Amidst World Cup Controversy
Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has received widespread support after choosing family over football, leaving the FIFA World Cup temporarily to be present for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old Manchester City star had previously stated that he intended to be by his wife Shireen's side when she went into labor, even if it meant missing a World Cup match. Doku's decision sparked controversy after French television presenter France Pierron criticized the move during a live broadcast, describing childbirth as "a disgusting moment" and suggesting fathers play little role during the process.
The comments quickly drew backlash from fans, players and fellow media personalities, with many defending Doku's decision to prioritize his family. Among those voicing support was England striker Ollie Watkins, who said family milestones should take precedence over football. Watkins, himself a father of two, said the birth of a first child is a once-in-a-lifetime moment and added that Doku had every right to be there to support his wife and welcome his son into the world.
Following the criticism, Pierron issued a public apology on social media, saying her comments reflected only her personal opinion and were never intended to diminish the role of fathers. Her employer, L'Equipe, also distanced itself from the remarks and apologized to Doku and his supporters.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Football Association confirmed Doku was granted permission to travel to London, where he and his wife welcomed a healthy baby boy named Praise. The winger later shared his gratitude on social media, saying welcoming his son into the world was one of the greatest blessings of his life.
Doku has since rejoined Belgium's World Cup squad and is expected to resume preparations for the team's upcoming match against New Zealand. The story has sparked a broader discussion about balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities, with many praising Doku for choosing to be present for one of life's most important moments.
BVI Considers Same-Sex Civil Partnerships
According to reports The British Virgin Islands government is moving toward introducing legal recognition for same-sex relationships through civil partnerships, while maintaining its opposition to same-sex marriage, according to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley.
Speaking on the Too Inquisitive podcast, the Premier said the government is seeking to strike a balance between respecting cultural traditions and meeting its legal and constitutional obligations. Dr. Wheatley emphasized that the government does not support discrimination based on sexual orientation and acknowledged that same-sex couples are part of the Virgin Islands community. However, he maintained that marriage would continue to be defined differently under the territory’s constitutional proposals.
“When it comes to the question of marriage, which is a cultural, semi-cultural, religious concept, we’ve decided that same-sex marriage is not something that we recognize here,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
The Premier explained that international human rights obligations require the territory to provide some form of legal recognition for same-sex relationships. He said this could take the form of a Civil Partnership Act or Domestic Partnership Act, similar to frameworks adopted in other jurisdictions.
According to Dr. Wheatley, civil partnerships could provide couples with legal protections relating to inheritance, social security benefits and other matters without changing the territory’s position on marriage. He also noted that the proposed framework would not necessarily be limited to same-sex couples.
“It would be any two people can enter into an agreement that would be able to pass on certain types of benefits in the event that one partner passes away,” he said.
The Premier indicated that further details will be presented to the public in the near future as constitutional and legislative discussions continue. The proposal has received support from BVI Governor Daniel Pruce, who described the move as an important step toward ensuring the territory complies with its legal and constitutional obligations.
The issue has remained a source of debate in the Virgin Islands since a 2021 ruling by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court determined that same-sex couples are entitled to legal protections equivalent to those afforded by marriage.
The proposed civil partnership framework forms part of broader constitutional reform discussions currently underway in the British Virgin Islands.
TCI Government Announces $500 Stimulus
As fuel prices climbed amid tensions in the Middle East and concerns surrounding the conflict involving Iran, many residents in the TCI expressed concern about the impact on their household budgets. Months ago, in an interview with Radio Turks and Caicos, Minister of Energy Hon. E Jay Saunders acknowledged those concerns and indicated that solutions, like a stimulus, were being considered to help residents if global events continued to drive up the cost of living and that solution that was considered is now becoming a reality.
After months of calls from residents for financial relief amid rising living expenses, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has announced a one-time $500 Cost of Living Relief Payment for thousands of eligible residents.
The Cost of Living Relief Payment will assist approximately 13,000 eligible British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTCs) and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Holders, providing direct financial assistance to households across the Islands as they continue to contend with rising global costs.
The relief initiative was approved by Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday June 24, 2026. The total investment is approximately $6.5 million and is intended to provide immediate support to residents facing increased financial pressures associated with higher fuel prices and impact on the cost of living.
In response to this, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Missick said :
“My Government understands that many families continue to feel the effects of global economic pressures that are beyond our control. Rising fuel costs have affected the prices of goods and services across the world, including here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While no single measure can eliminate these challenges, Cabinet has agreed that it is both appropriate and responsible to provide targeted relief at this time.”
“Assistance is intended to help ease some of the immediate financial burden being experienced by our people and to demonstrate that this Government remains committed to putting the welfare of citizens and residents first.”
The Premier emphasized that the payment forms part of a broader package of measures already implemented by the Government to support households and vulnerable groups throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These measures include:
- Reductions in import duties on a range of breadbasket and essential food items approved under the 2026/2027 Budget
- Increased funding and support through Social Welfare programmes
- Continued assistance through the National Insurance Board for unemployed and furloughed workers who qualify for support the ongoing Financial Assistance Programme for elderly residents aged 70 years and over; and
- Other targeted social support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable households from economic hardship.
The Government says further details regarding eligibility requirements, registration procedures, verification processes, and payment timelines will be announced in due course.
Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova Suspended For Refusing To Do An Anti-doping Test
Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been handed a four-year suspension from professional tennis after refusing to submit to an anti-doping test, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.
The 26-year-old Czech star, who became the first unseeded woman to win the Wimbledon singles title in 2023, was charged after declining an out-of-competition drug test at her home in December 2025. According to the ITIA, a doping control officer arrived at Vondrousova's residence around 8 p.m. to conduct the test, but the former world number six refused to provide a sample. Under anti-doping regulations, refusing a test carries the same starting penalty as a positive doping result.
Vondrousova defended her actions, claiming she feared for her safety when an unfamiliar person arrived at her door late in the evening. She also cited ongoing mental health struggles, including stress and anxiety, as factors that affected her judgment. However, an independent tribunal ruled that her explanation did not provide sufficient justification for refusing the test and imposed a four-year ban, which will run until June 21, 2030.
In a statement, Vondrousova maintained her innocence, noting that she has never failed a drug test throughout her career and tested negative just days after the incident. She described the past several months as emotionally exhausting and said she never intended to evade anti-doping authorities.
The ruling means Vondrousova will be unable to compete in, coach at, or attend sanctioned tennis events during the suspension. She retains the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
STIs On The Rise Among Young People In The Caribbean
Health officials across the Caribbean are raising concerns over a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among young adults aged 20 to 29, as countries report growing numbers of cases and call for stronger education and prevention efforts.
In Tobago, the Division of Health says HIV infections continue to rise, with health authorities also closely monitoring increasing cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis. Senior Programme Coordinator for Sexual Health and Youth Development, Onika Henry, described the trend as alarming, noting that young adults consistently account for some of the highest rates of STI infections on the island.
Meanwhile, in Barbados, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has reported a sharp increase in syphilis cases. National surveillance data show 156 new cases were recorded in 2025, compared to 107 in 2024, representing a 46 per cent increase. The majority of cases were found among people between the ages of 20 and 29.
Health officials in both countries say stigma, misinformation and limited access to sexual health education remain major barriers to prevention and treatment. They are encouraging sexually active individuals to undergo regular testing, practice safer sex and seek prompt treatment when necessary. Medical experts warn that untreated infections can lead to serious long-term health complications, including infertility, organ damage and complications during pregnancy. While HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition due to advances in treatment, officials say rising infection rates continue to place significant pressure on healthcare systems.
In response, public health authorities are expanding awareness campaigns, increasing testing efforts and advocating for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual education in schools. Officials argue that equipping young people with accurate information and practical life skills is critical to reversing the trend.
As Caribbean nations work to address the growing public health challenge, health leaders are urging communities, parents, educators and policymakers to work together to reduce stigma, promote prevention and protect the health of the region's youth.
Jamaican Man Charged For Murdering His Nephew Over World Cup Dispute
A 25-year-old Jamaican man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of his nephew during a dispute over the volume of a television while a World Cup football match was being watched.
Charged is Chad Campbell, a labourer of Ewarton, St Catherine. The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Lamar Mullings. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on June 17 at Campbell's home. Investigators say Mullings was in bed while a football match was being shown on television when he reportedly asked his uncle to lower the volume. The request was allegedly refused, leading to an argument between the two relatives. The dispute reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which Campbell allegedly used a knife to stab Mullings in the chest.
Mullings was rushed to the Linstead Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Campbell was taken into custody by the Ewarton Police on the night of the incident on suspicion of murder. Following further investigations, he was formally charged with murder on june 19th.
Police say a court date is currently being finalised as the matter progresses through the judicial system.
Major Fire at Dominican Republic Resort
A massive fire tore through a luxury beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, killing one tourist and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests.
Authorities confirmed that the victim was a 46-year-old Italian woman who was staying at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, a popular tourist destination on the country's southeastern coast. Three people were taken to hospital for treatment, while six others were treated at the scene. Drone footage captured the scale of the disaster, showing multiple resort buildings engulfed in flames as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Emergency responders worked for hours to contain the blaze and safely evacuate guests and staff from the property.
The Dominican Republic's Emergency Operations Center said approximately 1,690 tourists were relocated to nearby hotels and accommodation facilities. Officials later confirmed the fire had been brought under control and that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas remained largely unaffected. Preliminary investigations suggest strong winds and the presence of flammable thatched roofing materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. However, the exact cause remains under investigation.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts said hotel teams acted quickly to evacuate guests and employees, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased tourist. The company noted that the resort, which is independently owned and operated under the Wyndham brand, will remain closed until further notice.
The incident has renewed attention on emergency preparedness and fire safety measures at tourism properties across the Caribbean, as officials continue investigating one of the most significant resort fires in the Dominican Republic in recent years.
DDME Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Expo in Grand Turk
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) brought together government agencies, emergency responders, utility companies, and community organizations for its Hurricane Preparedness Expo in Grand Turk. The event aimed to educate residents on how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane, while providing valuable information on disaster response, recovery, and community resilience. Throughout the expo, attendees had the opportunity to engage with various departments and organizations, ask questions, and learn practical steps to help keep their families and communities safe during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
RTC spoke to many of the participants on their role during disasters or emergencies.
Officials continue to encourage residents to stay informed by monitoring weather updates from official sources, developing family emergency plans, and assembling hurricane preparedness kits well before a storm threatens the islands. As the hurricane season progresses, residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow guidance from emergency authorities, and take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property.