In case you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top stories for today:

1. 350 people freed from human trafficking in 13 countries, including Jamaica

Jamaica is one of 13 countries where nearly 350 people were freed from human trafficking networks and 22 people were arrested during coordinated police operations across the Caribbean and South America.

2. Cops hunt man accused of hacking ex-lover’s boyfriend to death

The police are currently trying to find a 35-year-old construction worker who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend’s new lover on Saturday.

3. Accused charged with murder of pregnant woman, 2 children

Police have reported that Paul Coote, the 61-year-old man from Green Island, Hanover, who is accused of chopping his two children and their pregnant mother to death, has been charged with three counts of murder.

4. US praises JDF for drug interdiction role

The United States Coast Guard has praised the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) for its role in drug interdiction in the Caribbean Sea.

5. Three feared dead after fiery two-vehicle crash in Trelawny

Three persons are feared dead following a fiery motor vehicle crash involving two cars along a section of the Duncans to Braco main road in Trelawny, today.

6. PSOJ dismayed by ‘crass’, ‘boorish’ conduct of parliamentarians

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it will no longer be sending representatives as spectators to the House of Representatives until parliamentarians adjust “undemocratic, vulgar and embarrassing” behaviour.

7. Cricket fundraiser being held for Antiguan football officials on drug rap in Jamaica

A number of sporting bodies in Antigua are staging a cricket match to raise funds for two Antiguan football officials who are currently facing drug charges in Jamaica.

8. Mandela crash victim marks 100th road fatality

The Road Safety Unity says it recorded Jamaica’s 100th road fatality this year with the death of Marlene James in a multi-vehicle crash on the Mandela Highway yesterday.

9. NCDs take up 70% of health budget — Wheatley

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr Andrew Wheatley, says non-communicable diseases (NCDs) take up 70 per cent of the country’s health budget, and represent the biggest public health challenge globally in the 21st Century.

10. Jamaica to develop financial policy for natural disaster risk

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke, says Jamaica will develop a Public Financial Management Policy for Natural Disaster Risk prior to the end of its Precautionary Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF.