This is a final reminder for those still considering the 2026 Bermuda Race—early registration discounts end Saturday, December 20, 2025. After that date, entry fees will increase, and cancellation fees will also rise.
Momentum continues to build with 130 boats already entered—and counting. If the 2026 Race is on your horizon, now is the time to commit. Don’t let this become the item that stayed on the Holiday list a little too long—take advantage of the lower fees while they’re still available.
The Newport Bermuda Race will begin on Friday, June 19, 2026. Ashore, the public is also welcome to view the start at the Starting Line Festival held 11-4 at Fort Adams State Park and a live broadcast will also be streamed online.
HAMILTON, BERMUDA – A staff gift drive at the Bermuda Monetary Authority (Authority or BMA) has collected over 1,000 gifts and essential items for the residents of four nursing homes across the island.
The gift drive was part of a programme organised by the BMA and the nursing homes to bring joy and holiday cheer to nursing home residents. The gifts and donations will be distributed to Lefroy House and the Packwood Home in the west end, Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care Home in Hamilton and the House of Esther in St. George’s.
In preparation for the initiative, each nursing home submitted its wish list. In response, the Authority invited its staff members to donate gifts and much-needed essential items over a two-week period. The donations include food and festive treats, clothing, socks, hats and scarves, small appliances, personal care products, colouring books, board games and arts and crafts kits. In addition, BMA staff members also donated two recliner chairs for the Westmeath home. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff and leadership of the BMA for their generous and thoughtful donations,” said Santashae Ascento, Therapeutic Activities Coordinator at the Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care Home. “Each gift makes a difference in the lives of our residents, particularly the much-needed personal care products and toiletries. The holiday season can also be lonely for some of our senior citizens, and many of the gifts, like the board games and playing cards, bring smiles to their faces and spread warmth and cheer.”
Mesheiah Keane, the Chief Human Resource Officer of the Authority, stated, “The BMA is proud to continue our annual tradition of giving back to the community. This year, BMA staff came together to deliver essential items and gifts from the residents’ holiday wish lists. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our staff, we have shown our seniors in the community just how appreciated and valued they truly are.” Craig Swan, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, stated, “The BMA is pleased to support community-focused appeals like the annual gift drive that help those in need and make a positive impact on our island home. I am very thankful and proud of the energy and enthusiasm our staff have demonstrated in contributing to this worthwhile cause and sharing their spirit of kindness and generosity.”
The Authority encourages its staff to participate in a range of philanthropic activities throughout the year to support charitable, community-serving organisations in Bermuda.
The 15-member council, in a unanimously-adopted resolution, also demanded that Congolese troops stop supporting groups such as the FDLR and that DRC fulfil its commitment to “neutralize the group.”
International News via Reuters:
The U. N. Security Council on Friday condemned an offensive by M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, demanded Rwanda stop supporting the rebels and withdraw its troops, and renewed the mandate for U.N. peacekeepers.
The 15-member council, in a unanimously-adopted resolution, also demanded that Congolese troops stop supporting groups such as the FDLR and that DRC fulfil its commitment to “neutralize the group.”
The FDLR was founded by Hutus who fled Rwanda after participating in the 1994 genocide that killed close to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus. M23 says it is fighting to protect ethnic Tutsi communities in eastern Congo.
The latest M23 advance in mineral-rich eastern Congo came a week after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington earlier this month and affirmed their commitment to a U.S.-brokered peace deal.
Rwanda, which says its troops are in eastern Congo for what it calls defensive measures, has rejected claims of supporting M23 and has blamed Congolese and Burundian forces for the latest escalation of violence.
The Security Council extended for one year the mandate for the long-running peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO. There are currently nearly 11,000 troops and police deployed as part of the operation.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Alistair Bell
The yen fell against the dollar after the BOJ lifted its policy rate to 0.75% from 0.5% in a move that had been well-telegraphed by policymakers, prompting traders to sell
International News via Reuters:
The yen weakened sharply against the dollar and other major peer currencies on Friday after the Bank of Japan raised rates to a 30-year high but did not offer clarity on future hikes.
The yen fell against the dollar after the BOJ lifted its policy rate to 0.75% from 0.5% in a move that had been well-telegraphed by policymakers, prompting traders to sell.
Losses in the Japanese currency extended after BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s post-meeting press conference, where he remained vague on the exact timing and pace of future rate hikes and said only that the door was open to further tightening.
The dollar rose as high as 157.67 against the Japanese yen, its strongest level in four weeks and on track for its largest one-day rise since early October. It was last up 1.23% at 157.535 yen.
The euro hit a record high of 184.71 yen while the Swiss franc hit an all-time high of 197.23 yen. Sterling rose by as much as 1.36% to its highest since 2008, at 210.96 yen.
“I think most of the currencies are consolidating but the big one, of course, is the yen,” said Marc Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex in New York.
“The BOJ delivered a rate hike like everybody expected and indicated that they will continue to raise should the economy evolve as they expect. The yen is weaker across the board. I think many people are saying that the BOJ was not hawkish enough,” Chandler added.
In Friday’s statement, the BOJ maintained its view that underlying inflation will converge around its 2% target in the latter half of its three-year projection period through fiscal 2027. It reiterated that real rates were at “significantly” low levels even after the hike, and pledged to continue tightening should the economy and inflation pan out as forecast.
But none of this was enough to halt the slide in the yen.
Traders have started to consider the chances of official intervention to support the currency once the yen crossed the 155 level against the dollar in November.
The last time Tokyo authorities stepped into the market to intervene was July 2024, when the dollar/yen rate hit 161.96, the most since the mid-1980s.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama warned on Friday that Tokyo would take appropriate action to deal with any excessive volatility in the foreign exchange market. “We will respond appropriately to excessive moves, including those driven by speculators,” she said.
“We would fade that dovish BOJ narrative,” said Elias Hadad, global head of markets strategy at BBH in an investor note. “In our view, the bar for additional BOJ rate hikes is low. First, the BOJ warned that ‘the risk of firms’ active wage-setting behavior being interrupted is low’, implying that underlying wage and inflation pressure are likely to persist. Second, BOJ Governor Ueda pointed out the policy rate is still some distance from the lower end of the neutral rate range.”
EURO STEADIES
European Union leaders decided on Friday to borrow cash to fund Ukraine’s defence against Russia for the next two years rather than use frozen Russian assets, sidestepping divisions over an unprecedented plan to finance Kyiv with Russian sovereign cash.
The euro held steady at $1.1720. European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde on Thursday offered no forward guidance and said all options were on the table, pushing back against more hawkish members. The ECB left its policy rate on hold at 2%, as expected.
Sterling round-tripped to sit at $1.3388 after the Bank of England cut interest rates to 3.75%, as expected, but the decision was closer-run than the market had anticipated, which may limit the room for further easing.
Overnight, the dollar had briefly weakened following a sharp and unexpected fall in U.S. inflation, but investors were not sure how far to trust the data since collection was interrupted by the U.S. government shutdown, and the move soon retraced.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar strengthened 0.06% versus the greenback to $0.66175 while the kiwi weakened 0.23% versus the greenback to $0.57619.
The dollar was flat at 7.0342 versus the offshore Chinese yuan.
In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin gained 2.77% to $87,978.94. Ethereum rose 5.73% to $2,991.88.
Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Additional reporting by Tom Westbrook in Singapore; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Alexander Smith, Louise Heavens and Edmund Klamann
The four detainees, from Haiti, Nicaragua, Eritrea and Bulgaria, died between December 12 and 15, ICE notices said
International News via Reuters:
Four immigrants died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in the past week, according to the agency, as deaths in 2025 reached a two-decade high.
The four detainees, from Haiti, Nicaragua, Eritrea and Bulgaria, died between December 12 and 15, ICE notices said. While the incidents remain under investigation, ICE said two followed medical emergencies and two were believed to be the result of natural causes.
President Donald Trump, a Republican, has pushed for the mass deportation of immigrants in the U.S. illegally. To increase removals, his administration has ramped up ICE detention to record levels, with roughly 66,000 people detained as of late November.
At least 30 people have died in ICE detention this year, according to agency notices. The total for 2025 – which still has 12 days remaining – is the highest level since 2004, according to ICE statistics.
“ICE remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” the agency said in a statement announcing one of the latest deaths.
Democrats on Thursday criticized the deaths in detention, blaming the Trump administration.
“ICE has a responsibility to take care of these people, something they are clearly disregarding,” said U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes most of Seattle. “This is beyond horrifying.”
A federal judge on Wednesday said the Trump administration could not bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits to immigration detention centers. Democratic lawmakers had sued over the lack of access, saying the visits were protected under U.S. law and necessary for oversight.
Following the judge’s order, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, a Democrat, on Friday visited an ICE holding facility in Lower Manhattan in New York City.
Reporting by Ted Hesson and Susan Heavey; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien
The newspaper said one of the women who had raised concerns about the 54-year-old had been given a five-figure payoff by the publisher and left
International News via Reuters:
David Walliams, a bestselling British children’s author, was dropped by HarperCollins UK on Friday after the Daily Telegraph reported the publisher had investigated claims that he had harassed some of its junior female employees.
The newspaper said one of the women who had raised concerns about the 54-year-old had been given a five-figure payoff by the publisher and left.
“After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision,” the publisher said in a statement to the Daily Telegraph.
“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.”
Walliams’ representatives did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
Walliams, who found fame on British television with comedy partner Matt Lucas in the early 2000s, has sold more than 60 million books and been translated into 55 languages.
His bestsellers include his 2008 debut “The Boy in the Dress”, “Billionaire Boy” and “Gangsta Granny”.
The Daily Telegraph, citing sources, said that, following the investigation, some junior staff were kept away from the author and one employee had received a payoff.
HarperCollins UK, the British division of the global publisher owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, appointed Kate Elton as its chief executive in October after the departure of Charlie Redmayne.
Reporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien
B-Mobile marks its first anniversary by assisting two social charities
B-Mobile is preparing to mark its first year in business by giving back to the community through new support initiatives for HOME and the Women’s Resource Centre.
As the company continues to grow, it is highlighting the importance of community connection as part of its anniversary celebrations.
More details were shared during an interview with Lee Greene, Founder and CEO of B-Mobile, who spoke about the company’s first year in operation and its community giveback efforts.
He also encouraged the public to come out and get involved.
The Bermuda Police Service said the suspects, traveling on two separate motorcycles, may have carried out both robbery incidents on Wednesday
Full statement from the Bermuda Police Service:
Around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 17, 2025, police responded to a reported robbery at Specialty Inn restaurant, Smiths.
The victim informed officers that while making deliveries as part of his job, he was approached by three males travelling on two dark coloured motorcycles.
Two up on one bike and a solitary rider on the other.
One suspect was described as tall and slim, dressed in black. He reportedly brandished a knife and demanded the victim hand over the neck chain he was wearing.
The victim complied and the suspects then left the area.
About thirty minutes later, police received a report of a robbery on Devon Springs Road, Devonshire.
The complainant, stated he was painting at the property when three males on two black cycles approached him.
One suspect, described as tall, slim, and wearing all black, snatched a gold chain from his neck before the suspects fled on their motorcycles.
Based on the descriptions provided, police believe both robberies were carried out by the same suspects.
An investigation into these matters has now commenced.
Anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents or, who may have information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Detective Inspector, Tiffany Caisey of the Criminal Investigations Department, on 247-1744 or, via email at tcaisey@bps.bm
You may also call the non-emergency reporting number, 211 or share the information via the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm
Today, Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, stated: “I want to start by saying this plainly. Another family in Bermuda is grieving today because of gun violence, and there is no way to dress that up. My heart is with the loved ones of the person who lost their life in Pembroke last night.
“This happened days before Christmas, a time when families should be together in peace. Instead, another household has been shattered. We cannot keep accepting this as normal.
“I fully support the Bermuda Police Service as they investigate this incident. I am urging anyone who saw something, heard something, or has home camera footage to come forward. Silence protects violence. Information saves lives.
“We owe it to the victim. We owe it to their family. And we owe it to this country to stop pretending this is just another headline.”
Under U.N. financial regulations, any money unspent, often because states paid too late or not at all, is automatically subtracted from their future dues
International News via Reuters:
U.N. officials are hoping to overhaul a “bizarre” rule that could see the global body credit hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent dues to states next year, even as it faces fears of bankruptcy.
Under U.N. financial regulations, any money unspent, often because states paid too late or not at all, is automatically subtracted from their future dues.
This means the global body would have to credit members nearly $300 million next year, U.N. officials say, reducing by close to 10% the planned budget of $3.2 billion.
Tatiana Valovaya, director general of the U.N. in Geneva, called the rule “bizarre”, saying reforms have been sought for years but so far have not succeeded.
“The organisation has to return to the member states the money which it hasn’t received, and that could make our situation for the year 2026 even more difficult,” she told reporters this week.
The U.N. is already facing a 15% budget reduction as it seeks to cut costs in its 80th year amid a cash crisis, driven largely by arrears from top contributor the United States.
A decision is set to be made on reforming the rule as part of ongoing talks on the 2026 budget, with the General Assembly set to make a decision before year-end, a U.N. spokesperson told Reuters.
U.N. fees are based on the size of each of its 193 members’ economies. Observers say the rule made sense when countries paid their dues punctually and in full but as of December 15 only 148 had done so, a U.N. website showed.
Many fear U.S. President Donald Trump will not pay the U.S.’ outstanding fees after criticising the body.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is seeking to temporarily suspend the return of credits as part of the budget package, a U.N. document showed. In October, he estimated the amount to be credited to states will rise to $600 million in 2027 based on unspent funds from 2025.
“That means a race to bankruptcy,” he said.
U.N. finances expert Ronny Patz called it a “runaway crisis”. “We are getting to a point where core functions cannot be performed and that impacts everything that depends on the Secretariat,” he said.
Reporting by Emma Farge; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Sharon Singleton
The country of nearly 175 million people has been on edge since a student-led uprising in 2024 toppled Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government
International News via Reuters:
Printing presses at Bangladesh’s two leading newspapers went silent on Friday for the first time in decades after mobs torched their offices in the worst attack on the media ahead of February’s national elections.
The country of nearly 175 million people has been on edge since a student-led uprising in 2024 toppled Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government. Hasina is now sheltering in New Delhi, straining ties with India.
Tensions spiked further after youth leader and election candidate Sharif Osman Hadi – a vocal critic of India – died on Thursday night in a Singapore hospital, days after being shot by masked assailants in Dhaka.
Hundreds of mostly young protesters then flooded Dhaka’s streets, ransacking and setting ablaze the offices of Prothom Alo, the nation’s largest daily, and The Daily Star. By Friday, their charred shells stood as grim evidence, windows shattered and interiors gutted.
STAFF TRAPPED FOR HOURS IN BURNING OFFICES
Journalists and a government source said the newspapers may have been targeted for being seen as pro-Hasina and pro-India, though both say they are independent. The Daily Star said in an online report that the mob had called them “Delhi’s lapdog” and “Sheikh Hasina’s enabler”.
“There have been sporadic attacks on newspaper offices but never at this scale,” Kamal Ahmed, the newspaper’s consulting editor, told Reuters.
“When they set fire to the building, the staff members inside could not escape. They went up to the rooftop, and they were trapped … for about five hours. Our employees were gasping for breath in the dark smoke.”
They were finally able to exit the building after 4 in the morning with the help of military reinforcements, he said.
The paper said in a statement “certain elements and quarters have exploited the public anger (after Hadi’s death) to incite mobs against two newspapers that have always stood for objective journalism”.
YUNUS GOVERNMENT UNDER FIRE
The latest violence has rattled the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has faced criticism for failing to restore order since taking office in August 2024.
“This is a reflection of the interim government’s failure to control the rise of mobocracy,” said political analyst Asif Shahan, a professor at the University of Dhaka. “The monster has been unleashed and the key challenge for the next government is to tame this leviathan.”
Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said he was sorry that he could not help the journalists in time despite him receiving “frantic, tear-choked calls for help”.
“I made scores of calls to the right people, trying to mobilise help, but it did not arrive in time,” he said in a social media post. “I wish I could dig up a great piece of earth and bury myself in shame.”
ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS CONTINUE
Bangladesh ranks 149 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, two places ahead of neighbour India. Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International says harassment of journalists, writers and activists persists under the interim government.
At least 1,073 journalists have faced physical assaults, lawsuits, killings, threats, imprisonment, and property seizures in the past year, its latest report says.
Yunus’ government promised “full justice”, calling attacks on journalists “attacks on truth itself”.
But for those trapped Thursday night, the ordeal lingers. “The smoke was so thick we couldn’t see our hands,” said one journalist, declining to be named.
The Daily Star missed its first edition in 35 years but plans to resume Saturday, Ahmed said.
“Whatever progress the interim government … had achieved in respect of freedom of press and expression, this failure to prevent attacks on two top newspapers has undone that,” he said.
Prothom Alo could not publish on Friday for the first time in its 27-year-history, said its Executive Editor, Sajjad Sharif.
“It’s the darkest day for freedom of press,” he said.
Reporting by Tora Agarwala and Saurabh Sharma in New Delhi; Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Ros Russell
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