Homeless Shelter Protest: Richmond Hill residents and elected officials rallied against a planned 127-bed men’s homeless shelter on Jamaica Avenue near schools, saying the city didn’t properly consult the community and that the site poses safety concerns; the Department of Social Services says the facility will provide high-quality services with 24/7 security. South Jamaica Town Hall: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. held a South Jamaica town hall where residents raised quality-of-life issues and heard updates on major infrastructure funding and summer safety plans with NYPD and other agencies. Tourism Workers Pay Push: Jamaica’s opposition legislator Damion Crawford urged a special minimum wage for tourism workers, arguing their hours, travel costs, and higher living expenses aren’t reflected in the standard minimum wage increase. CARICOM Reappointment Scrutiny: A legal opinion says CARICOM’s reappointment process for Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett may be procedurally flawed and potentially invalid, intensifying a dispute over member-state participation. Housing Costs Pressure: Jamaica’s rental market is pushing move-in costs sharply higher, with estimates suggesting renters may need several times monthly rent just to secure keys. Walkerswood Expansion: AML, behind Walkerswood seasonings, is investing about US$1.5 million to expand farming and production under Jamaica’s SEZ framework, aiming to multiply capacity for export growth. Black River Climate Plan: Jamaica is moving ahead with a climate-resilient redevelopment plan that would shift Black River inland after Hurricane Melissa damage. Food Awards Spotlight: Rainforest Caribbean and Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records are set to receive major honours at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards.