In case you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top 10 stories for today:

1. ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin has died

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul” who sang with matchless style on such classics as “Think,” ”I Say a Little Prayer” and her signature song, “Respect,” and stood as a cultural icon around the globe, has died at age 76 from advance pancreatic cancer.

2. Count Prince Miller is dead

Jamaican musical pioneer and actor Count Prince Miller is dead.

Miller, who was ailing for some time, died in a UK hospital this morning. He was 85.

3. Alleged gang leader, mother killed in Hanover

An alleged gangster and his mother were killed in Hanover last night. According to police reports, gunmen entered their home in Elgin Town in the parish about 9:30 pm and shot them multiple times.

4. Walker’s Place of Safety to be rebuilt as state-of-the-art facility

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, says the Walker’s Place of Safety, which was destroyed by fire in January this year, will be a state-of-the-art facility once completed.

5. KSAMC to remove illegal signs

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) said it will be removing illegal signs and billboards erected across the city.

6. Phillips highlights need to strengthen corporate governance

Opposition Leader, Dr Peter Phillips said in order to remove the partisan political stranglehold on the Board of Directors of public bodies, there is need to overhaul the method of selection.

7. Independence of auditors necessary – Governor-General

Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, has underscored the importance of auditors being independent in their functions, as their work affects accountability.

8. Barbados records rise in syphilis among pregnant women

The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados on Wednesday expressed concern about the high rates of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), being seen among pregnant women in that country.

9. Three delays contributing to maternal deaths in Jamaica

Maternal mortality is still a problem in Jamaica, due, in large part, to three delays says maternal, neonatal and infant health (MNIH) rights advocate, Linnette Vassell.

10. Unions sign 4-year wage agreement with HEART/NTA

The National Workers Union (NWU), Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the Union of the Public and Private Employees have inked a four-year wage and fringe benefits agreement with the HEART/NTA for over 500 non- management and support services staff island wide.