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Shenseea Hospitalised After Falling Seriously Ill During Tour
Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea has reportedly been hospitalised after falling seriously ill while on tour, prompting concerns among fans and forcing changes to her scheduled performances.
Reports emerging in August 2026 say the singer became unwell while travelling in Madagascar and was later admitted to hospital after arriving in Réunion. She reportedly experienced severe symptoms and was unable to continue with her planned performance.
Shenseea is understood to have told fans that she may have been suffering from malaria or severe food poisoning, although there has been no confirmed diagnosis publicly establishing the exact cause of her illness.
Her hospitalisation resulted in a scheduled show in Réunion being postponed, as the artist focused on receiving medical treatment and recovering.
Fans have since expressed their concern and sent messages of support to the Jamaican performer, who has built an international career through dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and R&B.
The latest reports are a reminder of the physical demands placed on artists who spend long periods travelling between countries for performances. Long journeys, changes in climate and exposure to unfamiliar environments can also make touring particularly challenging when an artist becomes unwell.
Shenseea has previously experienced serious health problems. In 2021, she was hospitalised after suffering severe pain and was later diagnosed with a hematoma, a condition involving bleeding from damaged blood vessels. At the time, she told fans she needed to take time away from work to recover.
For now, fans will be hoping that Shenseea makes a full recovery and is able to return to the stage when she is medically well enough to do so.
Smileband News will continue to follow the story as further information about Shenseea’s condition becomes available.
Attached is a News article regarding shenseea in hospital with food poisoning
Raheem Sterling Charged With Dangerous Driving and Possession of Laughing Gas
Former England footballer Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, following a motorway crash in Hampshire.
The 31-year-old is accused of being involved in a single-vehicle collision on the southbound M3 near the Minley Interchange on May 28, 2026. Police said the incident involved a Lamborghini and that no other vehicles were involved. No injuries were reported.
Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. The charges follow an investigation that began after the crash.
The former Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal player was previously arrested on suspicion of drug-related driving following the incident. At the time, Hampshire police said the driver had been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a Class C drug and failing to provide a specimen.
Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, became a Class C controlled drug in the UK in November 2023. Possessing it for recreational inhalation can therefore lead to criminal proceedings.
Sterling is due to appear before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15, 2026, where the allegations will begin to be dealt with by the courts.
The charges represent a serious development for the former England international, who earned 82 caps and scored 20 goals for his country. He enjoyed the most successful period of his club career at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles and several domestic trophies.
Sterling most recently played for Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal but is currently without a club.
Sterling has not been convicted of any offence, and the charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
Attached is a news article regarding raheem sterling charged and has to attend court over dangerous driving and possession of laughing gas
Jamaican Culture: A Rich Heritage Shaped by West Africa, South America and the Wider World
Jamaican culture is one of the most distinctive and influential cultures in the Caribbean. While Jamaica is often associated with reggae, dancehall, jerk food and vibrant celebrations, the story of Jamaican identity is much deeper. It has been shaped by people and traditions from West Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and other parts of the world.
The strongest ancestral influence on Jamaica comes from West Africa. During the era of the transatlantic slave trade, millions of Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas and Caribbean, including Jamaica. People from areas that are today parts of Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other West African countries brought languages, musical traditions, religious practices, food traditions and cultural customs with them. Although slavery attempted to suppress these traditions, many survived and became an important part of Jamaican culture.
West African influence can still be seen in Jamaican music, particularly in the use of rhythm, percussion, call-and-response patterns and communal forms of expression. These influences helped contribute to musical traditions that eventually developed into mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall.
Jamaican food also reflects this history. Dishes such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, and various vegetable and meat dishes contain influences that developed through the interaction of African, European, Indigenous Caribbean and Asian culinary traditions. The famous use of spices, peppers and distinctive cooking techniques has become an important part of Jamaica’s cultural identity.
However, Jamaican ancestry is not exclusively West African.
Jamaica has also experienced migration from other parts of the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Americas. South American connections are particularly relevant when discussing the wider Caribbean because Jamaica has long been connected through trade, migration and cultural exchange with countries across the region.
There are also Jamaican communities and families with ancestry connected to countries such as Guyana, which has a population with substantial African, Indian and other ancestral backgrounds. These connections have contributed to the movement of food, music, language, religion and traditions throughout the Caribbean and neighbouring regions.
Jamaica’s population also includes people with Indian, Chinese, European, Lebanese and other ancestral backgrounds. These communities have contributed significantly to Jamaican society, business, cuisine and cultural life.
This mixture is one reason Jamaican identity cannot simply be described as “West African” or “South American.” Jamaican culture developed on the island of Jamaica through centuries of interaction between different peoples. A Jamaican person may have predominantly African ancestry, but another Jamaican may have African, European, Indian, Chinese, Indigenous Caribbean or mixed ancestry.
Religion has also played an important role. Christianity became dominant, but African spiritual traditions survived and influenced Jamaican religious practices. Rastafari, which emerged in Jamaica during the 20th century, became one of the country’s most internationally recognised spiritual and cultural movements. It placed strong emphasis on African heritage, Ethiopia and resistance to oppression.
Jamaican Patois developed over several centuries during British colonial rule, particularly from the 17th and 18th centuries. It emerged through contact between:
* West African people, many of whom were enslaved and brought to Jamaica.
* English-speaking British colonists, whose English provided much of the vocabulary.
* People from West and Central Africa, who brought different African languages and grammatical influences.
* Later migrants from places such as Ireland, Scotland, India and China, who also contributed words and expressions.
So, Patois wasn’t simply “taught” to Jamaicans. It developed naturally as different communities needed to communicate with one another. English became the main source of vocabulary, while West African languages and speech patterns influenced pronunciation, grammar and sentence structure.
Today, Jamaican Patois is a language variety spoken alongside Jamaican Standard English, and it remains a major part of Jamaican cultural identity.
Jamaica’s influence has spread far beyond the island. Reggae and dancehall have become global musical movements, while Jamaican athletes, artists, chefs and entertainers have helped introduce Jamaican culture to audiences around the world.
Ultimately, Jamaican culture is best understood as a Caribbean culture built from many ancestral influences. West African heritage is a major foundation, but Jamaican identity has also been shaped by Europe, Asia, the wider Caribbean, South America and other parts of the world.
That mixture is not a contradiction—it is part of what makes Jamaica and its people culturally distinctive. Jamaican culture demonstrates how different peoples, histories and traditions can come together and create something that is uniquely Jamaican.
Attached is a news article regarding Jamaican culture and there background of origin
Dolly Parton Dies Aged 80 After Brief Battle With Cancer
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives have confirmed.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. Her publicist said she had been “bravely facing” cancer, although the specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the music and entertainment industries, with tributes pouring in for one of the most recognisable and influential figures in country music.
A legendary career
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton grew up in a large family and began performing from a very young age. She went on to build a career spanning more than six decades, becoming a hugely successful singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist.
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote thousands of songs during her career. She also became a major Hollywood star, appearing in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Her final years
Parton had spoken publicly about experiencing health problems in recent years. In a statement released just four days before her death, she said she had been dealing with health issues that she had previously put aside while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
She had also postponed performances and withdrawn from a planned Las Vegas residency because of health concerns.
Her death came as she was still involved in several projects, including plans for a museum celebrating her life and career.
A legacy beyond music
Parton’s influence extended far beyond entertainment. Through her Imagination Library, she helped provide hundreds of millions of books to children around the world, encouraging young people to develop a love of reading.
She also supported medical research and donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University, funding that contributed to the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Her generosity and philanthropy became just as important to her public legacy as her music.
Tributes pour in
Friends, musicians and celebrities have paid tribute to Parton following the announcement of her death.
Actress Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Parton in 9 to 5, described herself as devastated by the news, while Beyoncé praised Parton as an inspiration and “north star” for the entertainment industry.
The US government has also announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in Parton’s honour through September 1.
Parton’s family has requested that a small, private funeral service be held for immediate family members. They have asked fans wishing to honour her memory to consider donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.
Dolly Parton’s death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in country music. From a small-town girl in Tennessee to a global superstar, songwriter and philanthropist, her influence reached generations of people around the world.
At 80, the Queen of Country leaves behind a musical and charitable legacy that is expected to endure for generations.
Attached is a News article regarding Dolly Parton dies of breast cancer
Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million Over Children’s Mental Health Harm
By 222 News
Meta, the technology company led by founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has been ordered by a New Mexico court to pay $567 million into a fund aimed at addressing the mental-health harms suffered by children and teenagers using its social-media platforms.
The ruling, issued by New Mexico state court Judge Bryan Biedscheid, follows a landmark legal battle over allegations that Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, contributed to serious risks for young users.
The latest $567 million order comes on top of an earlier $375 million penalty imposed in March 2026. Together, the penalties bring Meta’s financial liability in the New Mexico case to approximately $942 million.
Mental-health concerns
The case centred on allegations that Meta designed its platforms in ways that encouraged children and teenagers to spend excessive amounts of time online, while failing to adequately protect them from harmful experiences.
The court has ordered a series of additional measures in New Mexico, including restrictions on teenagers’ social-media use, limits on certain notifications, stronger protections against unwanted contact between adults and minors and safeguards relating to Meta’s artificial-intelligence systems.
A significant portion of the money — $420 million — is expected to support clinical and behavioural-health services designed to address the effects of social-media use on young people.
Pressure on Mark Zuckerberg and Meta
The decision represents another major legal challenge for Mark Zuckerberg and Meta as governments, parents and campaigners increasingly question how social-media companies protect children.
Meta has denied the allegations and maintains that it has introduced numerous measures designed to improve the safety of young users. The company has said it intends to appeal the New Mexico decision.
The New Mexico case is also unfolding alongside a much larger wave of litigation against Meta. A separate federal trial in California currently involves 29 US states, which accuse Meta of designing its platforms in ways that can be addictive to young people and of failing to adequately protect children.
A warning for the social-media industry
The New Mexico ruling could have consequences far beyond Meta. Regulators and governments across the United States are increasingly examining whether social-media companies have done enough to protect children from excessive use, harmful content and unwanted contact.
For families, the case highlights growing concerns over how much time children spend on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook — and whether technology companies should face greater responsibility when their products are alleged to contribute to harm.
For Meta, the $567 million order is another significant financial and reputational blow, while the company continues to fight legal cases concerning the safety and wellbeing of young users.
222 News will continue to follow the legal battle and any further action taken against Meta and Mark Zuckerberg.
Attached is a News article regarding mark Zuckerberg meta fined $567 million for the harm of children mental health
Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school-aged children, following a five-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Dott, 49, was convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour relating to a girl and a boy. The offences involving the girl were said to have taken place between 1993 and 1996, while the allegations concerning the boy covered the period between 2006 and 2010.
During the trial, the court heard evidence from both victims, who are now adults. Jurors heard allegations that Dott exposed himself, touched the children inappropriately and engaged in other sexual behaviour.
The woman, now in her 40s, told the court that the abuse began when she was a child and that Dott subsequently told her not to reveal what had happened. The male victim, now in his late 20s, also described multiple incidents of abuse during his childhood.
Dott denied the allegations throughout the trial and gave evidence in his own defence. He described the accusations as untrue and denied sexually abusing either child. The jury nevertheless returned guilty verdicts on both charges.
Following the conviction, Dott was remanded in custody. His sentence has been deferred until 29 September 2026, when the court will consider the appropriate punishment after receiving a background report. He has also been ordered to register with police as a sex offender.
Two years later, Dott achieved the biggest success of his career, defeating Peter Ebdon to become World Snooker Champion in 2006. He reached the final again in 2010, where he was beaten by Neil Robertson.
His professional career was suspended after the child-sex charges became public in 2025. Following his conviction, reports said the governing bodies of professional snooker moved to remove Dott from the sport’s official honours.
The conviction marks a devastating end to the sporting career of a former world champion, while the focus now turns to sentencing and the continuing impact on the two victims who came forward about abuse dating back decades.
Attached is a news article regarding on the former snooker world champion found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school children
£360,000 Raised for Families of Two Police Officers Killed in A66 Crash
More than £360,000 has been raised to support the families of two Cleveland Police officers who were killed in a devastating collision on the A66 in Teesside.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August, when a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction collided head-on with their marked armed response vehicle. Five people travelling in the Passat also died, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven.
The fundraising campaign was launched by the Cleveland Police Federation to provide financial support to the families of the two officers as they come to terms with their devastating loss. The money raised is intended to be split equally between the two families.
Who has supported the £360,000 appeal?
The overwhelming response has come from the wider public and the policing community, with thousands of individual donations made through the online fundraising campaign. Reports said the appeal attracted more than 4,100 donations shortly after it was launched, demonstrating the scale of public sympathy for the officers and their families.
Support has also come from serving and former police officers, colleagues, friends and members of the wider policing family, alongside members of the local Teesside community and people from across the UK.
The Cleveland Police Federation said it had been overwhelmed by the response, describing the fundraising as a phenomenal show of support for the families.
A second crowdfunding effort was also reported, raising approximately £28,000, meaning the combined fundraising had already passed the £360,000 mark.
Remembering PC Blades and PC Clough
PC Matthew Blades was a married father of two and had previously worked as a teacher. He was also involved in youth football and had been preparing to coach his son’s team.
PC Tom Clough was remembered by his family as a much-loved man with a strong sense of humour who was always willing to help others. He had previously served with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, including as an authorised firearms officer, before joining Cleveland Police.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the policing community.
The fundraising is not only about money. For many of those who have donated, it represents a way of showing gratitude to two officers who lost their lives while serving and protecting the public.
The Cleveland Police Federation has said it will continue supporting both families during the difficult months ahead.
The £360,000 raised so far is a powerful demonstration of the public’s respect for PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, and a reminder that their sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Attached is a news article regarding £360k that was raised to support the families of the two police officers who died in the car crash
A powerful tornado has torn through southern France, leaving widespread destruction in its wake and injuring more than 40 people.
The tornado struck the Aude department on Monday afternoon, August 24, with the village of Pomas, near Carcassonne, among the worst-hit areas. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, with roofs ripped away, windows shattered and buildings seriously damaged. Around 300 homes were reported to have been affected.
French authorities said 41 people received medical assistance following the tornado, with 15 taken to hospital. Earlier reports had put the number of injured lower as emergency crews continued assessing the situation. Two of those injured were reported to be in critical condition.
More than 120 emergency responders were deployed to deal with the aftermath, while roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris. Emergency shelters were also opened for residents whose homes were damaged or who were unable to return home.
The severe weather also caused widespread disruption beyond the tornado’s immediate path. Around 2,800 households in the area were left without electricity, while storms, heavy hail and strong winds affected transport across parts of southern France.
Authorities described the tornado as an unusually intense weather event. Nearby wind gusts reached around 117 km/h, although the tornado itself may have produced stronger winds locally.
The disaster came as southern France was experiencing a period of severe summer weather, following an extended heatwave. Residents are now facing the difficult task of clearing debris, repairing damaged properties and assessing the full cost of the destruction.
Emergency services remain on the ground as officials continue to assess the damage and support those affected by one of the region’s most dramatic severe-weather events in recent years.
Attached is a news article regarding a tornado that has torn through southern France
£10 Billion Housing Boost: Government Announces Major Push to Build Thousands of New Homes Across England
By 222 News | 25 August 2026
The UK Government has announced a major £10 billion housing investment, aimed at helping councils, housing associations and other providers build around 70,000 new homes across England as ministers attempt to tackle the country’s housing shortage.
The announcement forms part of the Government’s wider £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which is planned to run for ten years. Around 60% of the homes in the latest allocation are expected to be for social rent, with the remainder falling into other affordable-housing categories.
The programme is being presented as a major revival of social and council housebuilding, with regional mayors, councils and housing associations receiving funding to bring forward developments.
More than £2.5 billion of the latest allocation is expected to go through six regional mayoral areas outside London, while the overall programme will involve 33 strategic partners.
Where is the £10 billion coming from?
A key question for taxpayers is where the money is actually coming from.
The £10 billion is not simply £10 billion sitting in a government bank account waiting to be spent. It is part of the Government’s longer-term housing spending commitments, with the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme agreed as part of the Government’s spending plans.
Government funding ultimately comes from the public finances — primarily taxation and government borrowing. The Treasury allocates money to departments and programmes through its spending decisions. Where spending is greater than government revenues, borrowing can also be used to finance expenditure.
The Government has also established financial mechanisms designed to attract additional investment into housing. Homes England, for example, can use government-backed funding and investment tools to help unlock development and increase the capacity of housing providers.
This means the £10 billion should not be interpreted as the Government personally paying the entire construction cost of every home. Public funding can provide grants or financial support, while councils, housing associations, developers and lenders can contribute additional finance.
Will taxpayers pay for the homes?
Ultimately, taxpayers are helping finance the programme through public spending.
However, the relationship is more complicated than simply saying that taxpayers are paying £10 billion for 70,000 houses.
Government grants can cover part of the development cost, while housing associations and councils can use their own resources and borrowing. Private developers can also contribute to schemes, particularly where developments contain a mixture of affordable and market housing.
There is therefore potential for the initial public investment to unlock a considerably larger amount of total construction activity.
Banks are also providing finance to the social-housing sector. NatWest, for example, announced in 2026 that it intends to provide a further £10 billion of funding to the UK social-housing sector by the end of 2028, demonstrating how government support and commercial lending can operate alongside each other.
Why does the Government want to build more homes?
Britain has faced a long-running shortage of affordable housing, with high rents and house prices putting pressure on families and younger people.
The Government has a broader ambition to deliver 1.5 million homes during the Parliament, making housebuilding a major part of its economic and housing strategy.
More social housing could also reduce the amount councils spend accommodating families in expensive temporary accommodation and potentially reduce dependence on privately rented properties.
The Government argues that increasing construction will not only provide homes but also create jobs, stimulate construction and support economic growth.
But critics are asking another question
The announcement has also attracted criticism over whether the spending represents genuinely new money or money that had already been committed under previous government plans.
Reports indicate that the £10 billion forms part of funding that had already been set aside within the wider £39 billion programme. That means the announcement represents the allocation and deployment of existing housing funding, rather than the Government suddenly finding an additional £10 billion.
That distinction matters because taxpayers may understandably ask whether the Government is increasing spending or simply moving previously announced money into specific housing projects.
The bigger picture
The £10 billion housing programme represents one of the largest attempts in decades to increase the supply of social and affordable homes.
But the success of the programme will ultimately depend on whether councils and housing associations can turn government funding into completed homes.
For taxpayers, the important point is that the money comes through the UK public finances, backed by taxation and borrowing, while additional funding can come from councils, housing associations, banks and developers.
The Government is effectively using public money to help unlock a much larger housing-building programme — with the hope that tens of thousands of new homes will eventually be delivered across the country.
222 News will continue to follow where the money goes, which areas receive funding and how many of the promised homes are actually completed.
Attached is a news article regarding the government 10bn investment in to the housing sector for development
HAWK FIRE RAGES ACROSS NEVADA AS 90,000 PEOPLE URGED TO EVACUATE
Reno, Nevada — 24 August 2026
A fast-moving wildfire has erupted near Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes as firefighters battle powerful winds, dry vegetation and rapidly changing conditions.
The blaze, known as the Hawk Fire, began on Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, northwest of Reno. It spread rapidly through the Peavine Peak area, with officials reporting that more than 15,000 acres had burned. At the latest reports, the fire remained 0% contained.
Thousands forced from their homes
Authorities have ordered around 42,000 people to evacuate, while another large number of residents have been placed under evacuation warnings. Overall, almost 90,000 people are living in areas affected by evacuation orders or warnings.
Several homes and other structures have been damaged or destroyed, while at least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders.
The fire has also caused major disruption across the Reno area. Schools in Washoe County have been closed, roads have been shut, and thousands of homes and businesses have experienced power outages.
Strong winds make firefighting difficult
Fire crews are facing extremely challenging conditions. Strong and unpredictable winds have repeatedly changed the direction of the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to establish containment lines.
More than 800 personnel, along with fire engines, aircraft and other emergency resources, have been involved in efforts to stop the blaze from reaching more densely populated neighbourhoods.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, allowing additional resources to be deployed as the emergency continues.
Fire described as human-caused
Officials have confirmed that the Hawk Fire was human-caused, but investigators have not yet revealed exactly how it started or whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The investigation remains ongoing.
Residents in threatened areas have been warned not to delay evacuation. Emergency officials say rapidly changing winds could cause the fire to move in unexpected directions and make roads increasingly difficult to use.
The Hawk Fire is now one of the most serious wildfire emergencies affecting Nevada this summer, with firefighters continuing their efforts to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure around Reno.
The situation remains active and could change rapidly as firefighters continue battling the flames.
Attached is a news article regarding the fire in Nevada
