Stephen Francis dies at 64; Queenie laments Rain EP sales and Chronic Law speaks on US detention

Legendary Jamaican sprint coach Stephen Francis has died. The MVP Track and Field Club founder passed away in hospital last Saturday, one day after his 64th birthday.

Francis is widely regarded as one of the world's leading track and field mentors. Over his career he helped shape some of Jamaica's most decorated athletes, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Nesta Carter, and Asafa Powell.

Recording artist and social media personality Queenie Lady Gangster has drawn attention online after tearfully lamenting weak sales for her seven-track EP, Rain. Speaking with The Star, she said she is usually open with her supporters and felt especially hurt when a release that mattered to her drew little notice. The Double Tap singer released the project on 19 June through her June Plum label, with production work from herself and fellow dancehall artist Zica Rhymes.

Dancehall deejay Chronic Law has issued a public statement following his recent detention by authorities in the United States. In an Instagram post, he said the ordeal is not new and that he is being treated unfairly. Chronic Law said in part, "It is a part of a long ongoing situation, and I believe I am being repeatedly targeted and harassed by the same officer connected to my arrest back in January." He said the dispute is affecting his freedom and career, and asked the media and public to pay attention so the harassment can stop.

On the football pitch, Lionel Messi's Argentina overturned a late deficit against Egypt in their round-of-16 tie this week. With roughly 13 minutes remaining, the South Americans scored three times to rescue the win and keep alive their bid for a second consecutive World Cup title.

In The Star's Dear Pastor column this week, a husband wrote that his wife has refused intimacy and demanded payment after he stopped buying fast food amid rising bills. The letter-writer, who supports the household and two sons alone, said his spouse struggles to keep employment because customers find her rude. Pastor's response warned that paying could become an escalating arrangement.