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Microsoft fights $2.8 billion UK lawsuit over cloud computing licences

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

Microsoft fights $2.8 billion UK lawsuit over cloud computing licences

Regulators in Britain, Europe and the United States have separately begun examining Microsoft and others’ practices in relation to cloud computing

International News via Reuters:

Microsoft was on Thursday accused of overcharging thousands of British businesses to use Windows Server software on cloud computing services provided by Amazon, Google and Alibaba, at a pivotal hearing in a 2.1 billion-pound ($2.81 billion) lawsuit.

Regulators in Britain, Europe and the United States have separately begun examining Microsoft and others’ practices in relation to cloud computing.

Competition lawyer Maria Luisa Stasi is bringing the case on behalf of nearly 60,000 businesses that use the Windows Server on rival cloud platforms, arguing Microsoft makes it more expensive than on its own cloud computing service Azure.

Stasi is asking London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal to certify the case to proceed, an early step in the proceedings.

Microsoft, however, says Stasi’s case does not set out a proper blueprint for how the tribunal will work out any alleged losses and should be thrown out.

MICROSOFT ACCUSED OF ‘ABUSIVE STRATEGY’

Stasi’s lawyer Sarah Ford told the tribunal that thousands of businesses had been overcharged because Microsoft charges higher prices to those who do not use Azure, making it a cheaper option than Amazon’s AWS or the Google Cloud Platform.

She also said that “Microsoft degrades the user experience of Windows Server” on rival platforms, which Ford said was part of “a coherent abusive strategy to leverage Microsoft’s dominant position” in the cloud computing market.

Microsoft argues that its vertically integrated business, where it uses Windows Server as an input for Azure while also licensing it to rivals, can benefit competition.

In July, an inquiry group from Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority said Microsoft’s licensing practices reduced competition for cloud services “by materially disadvantaging AWS and Google”.

Microsoft said at the time that the group’s report had ignored that “the cloud market has never been so dynamic and competitive”.

($1 = 0.7473 pounds)

Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Barbara Lewis

Inflation continues to rise

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the Department of Statistics’ July 2025 Consumer Price Index.

In summary, consumers paid 2.0 per cent more in July 2025 than they did a year ago for the basket of goods and services included in the Consumer Price Index [CPI]. This level of inflation increased 0.3 percentage points from the June 2025 annual inflation rate. Some highlights for July 2024 to July 2025 include:

The Rent division increased 2.4 per cent.
The Health & Personal Care division rose 3.8 per cent.
The Transport & Foreign Travel division increased 2.6 per cent.
The Fuel & Power division increased 4.3 per cent.
The Food division advanced 1.1 per cent.

Between June 2025 and July 2025, the average cost of goods and services increased 0.4 per cent. Additional areas of note between June 2025 and July 2025 were as follows:

The Transport & Foreign Travel division increased 2.1 per cent.
The Clothing & Footwear division increased 2.6 per cent.
The Rent division rose 0.2 per cent.
The Food division rose 0.1 per cent.

*Note: The Government measures the annual and monthly inflation rates. Annual changes are from the same month last year, and monthly changes are from month to month. The July 2025 Consumer Price Index is available online at https://www.gov.bm/consumer-price-index.

Sancho Smith secures top-six finish as indoor campaign begins

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Sancho Smith secures top-six finish as indoor campaign begins

Sancho Smith and his Clayton State University men’s track & field teammates commenced their 2025-26 season today, delivering solid performances at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker meet, marking the start of the new indoor campaign.

In the highly competitive men’s 800-meter run, Sancho Smith delivered a strong showing for Clayton State.

Smith finished the race in sixth place overall, clocking a time of 2:00.21. The result marks a positive season opener for Smith and contributes to Clayton State’s solid performances at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker, setting a good baseline for the weeks ahead.

KO Cup Finals day: Saltus and Berkeley set for eight final showdowns

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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KO Cup Finals day: Saltus and Berkeley set for eight final showdowns

A massive day of school football is set for the National Sports Centre North Field on Saturday, December 13th, as eight teams will be crowned KO Cup Champions across all divisions. The day is expected to be dominated by a rivalry battle, with Saltus Grammar School featuring in seven of the eight finals, and The Berkeley Institute appearing in all three Senior School championships.

The final showdowns begin at 11:00 am with the Primary School Girls Final between Saltus Grammar and Warwick Academy. Both teams needed penalty shootouts to reach the final after tense semi-finals.

Also at 11:00 am, the Under 13 Boys Final pits the Whitney Institute Bulls against Somersfield Academy. Whitney survived a late Saltus comeback to win their semi-final 4-2 on penalties.

The rivalry between Warwick and Saltus continues in the Middle School Girls Final at 12:45 pm. Later, Saltus, who routed Mount Saint Agnes 13-0, will face Sandys Secondary Middle School in the Middle School Over 13 Final.

The afternoon culminates in the Senior School finals, all featuring The Berkeley Institute against Saltus.

The Under 16 Final sees undefeated Berkeley take on Saltus, who advanced with a 3-2 win over Warwick.

The Senior School Girls Final at 4:15 pm features League Champions Berkeley, who had a 9-0 semi-final win, against runners-up Saltus.

The day’s climax, the Senior School Over 16 Final, kicks off at 6:00 pm, with Berkeley facing Saltus once more. Saltus edged their semi-final 2-0 with goals from Isai Gibbons and Rajee Knight-Rowling.

The day promises an exciting showcase of Bermuda’s young football talent.

Year-round lifeguards for Horseshoe Bay

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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(L-R): Nathan Trott, RN, Lifeguard Superintendent, Oliver Brunnock, Archie Connor, Jasper Addey, Katie McMillian, Jonathan Brennan, Liam Crosbie, and Minister Adams.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is pleased to announce that six lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the United Kingdom are now providing year-round lifeguard services at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

The new arrivals, each on a two-year contract, are supporting efforts to establish consistent professional lifeguard coverage throughout the year and to prepare for upcoming peak tourism and cruise seasons.

They arrived in September and have been on duty since that time, using the past several weeks to become familiar with local conditions, operational procedures, and lifeguard operations across the Island. Once the seasonal programme resumes, these lifeguards will support the wider network of beaches traditionally covered during peak months.

Their deployment follows a local recruitment drive earlier this year that did not yield a sufficient number of suitably qualified applicants. As a result, these full-time lifeguards are serving as a temporary measure while the Department of Parks continues to advance efforts to attract, train, and retain Bermudians for long-term roles in lifeguarding.

This approach forms part of a wider strategy to enhance beach safety, support local teams, and strengthen the resilience of lifeguard operations throughout the year.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, visited Horseshoe Bay Beach to meet the new lifeguards and observe their operations.

Minister Adams listens as new lifeguard Jonathan Brennan explains the operations of the Horseshoe Bay lifeguard hut and the team’s approach to beach safety.

During the visit, the Minister toured the lifeguard stand, viewed equipment demonstrations, and held discussions about beach conditions and safety practices.

Minister Adams commented: “These new lifeguards are here for three key reasons. First, they strengthen our coverage across major beaches throughout the entire year, not only during the traditional summer period.

“Second, their presence helps reduce the risk of incidents in our waters, particularly at locations with strong surf and high visitor activity. Third, they will give advice on how to make lifeguarding more attractive to Bermudians.

“For many years lifeguarding has been viewed as a seasonal role for returning students. If Bermuda is to build a strong and dependable year-round service, the profession must be seen as a viable full-time career.”

The Minister added: “I thank the RNLI for its expertise and for working closely with our Ministry. Their partnership has been invaluable as Bermuda strengthens its approach to coastal safety. Training and recruitment of Bermudians remain priorities, and these full-time guards will help ensure that our beaches remain safe while long-term improvements take place.”

FTSE 100 gains after Fed’s softer tone; eyes on GDP data

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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FTSE 100 gains after Fed’s softer tone; eyes on GDP data

The Fed lowered rates by an expected 25 basis points in a divided vote on Wednesday, but signalled interest rates are unlikely to fall further in the near term as it awaits clarity on the labour market

International News via Reuters:

London’s FTSE 100 rose on Thursday, buoyed by gains in precious metal miners, after the Federal Reserve’s softer tone on the monetary policy path supported sentiment globally.

The FTSE 100 closed up 0.5%, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 index added 0.10%.

The Fed lowered rates by an expected 25 basis points in a divided vote on Wednesday, but signalled interest rates are unlikely to fall further in the near term as it awaits clarity on the labour market.

Still, traders continued to bet on more easing from the U.S. central bank.

Even as Wall Street indexes wobbled on concerns about lofty AI spending by tech companies, other pockets of the equity markets rose. Europe’s STOXX 600 index closed up 0.6%.

Investors are looking ahead to the UK’s October GDP data on Friday for clues on the health of the domestic economy.

The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates next week, with a Reuters poll showing all economists forecasting a 25-basis-point cut to 3.75%, as easing inflation and softer economic signals sway a narrowly split MPC toward loosening policy.

The FTSE 350 precious metal miners rose 3.2%, as gold and silver prices climbed against a weaker dollar following the Fed’s rate cut. [GOL/]

Among individual stocks, Entain fell 2.2% after the gambling firm said International Distribution Services executive Michael Snape will replace finance chief and deputy CEO Rob Wood next year.

Industrial and electronic components provider RS Group topped the FTSE 250 with a 6.2% gain after a rating upgrade from J.P. Morgan, while Ceres Power slid 10.6% after Grizzly Research disclosed a short position in the clean-energy firm.

Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore and Philippa Fletcher

Harvey siblings return with national record and Commonwealth qualification

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Harvey siblings return with national record and Commonwealth qualification

Siblings Emma and Jack Harvey have made a highly encouraging return to competitive swimming at the 2025 Toyota U.S. Open Championships, delivering record-breaking performances and securing multiple qualifying times for the Commonwealth Games.

Competing against top international Olympic medalists, Emma Harvey broke her own National Record in the 50-metre Freestyle on her first day. She finished 22nd, clocking a time of 25.69, shaving a fraction off the 25.70 time she set in 2023.

Emma also progressed to the B Finals in both the 50-metre Butterfly (16th, 27.36) and the 50-metre Backstroke (14th, 29.03). Crucially, she achieved Commonwealth Games qualifying times in all five of her events.

Her brother, Jack Harvey, also enjoyed a successful return, reaching the B Finals in both of his events. In the 50-metre Backstroke, Jack clocked 25.72 to finish 17th. He followed that by finishing 15th in the 100-metre Backstroke with a time of 55.62. Jack also secured qualifying times for the Commonwealth Games.

The exceptional results mark an encouraging start to the season for both swimmers, who have only recently returned to full-time training.

Thai PM moves to dissolve parliament, setting stage for elections

News - World

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Thai PM moves to dissolve parliament, setting stage for elections

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat told Reuters the move followed a disagreement with the largest grouping in parliament, the opposition People’s Party

International News via Reuters:

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Thursday that he is “returning power to the people”, moving to dissolve parliament and clear the way for elections earlier than previously anticipated.

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat told Reuters the move followed a disagreement with the largest grouping in parliament, the opposition People’s Party.

“This happened because we can’t go forward in parliament,” he told Reuters.

The political turmoil coincides with a fourth day of a fierce border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in which at least 20 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded.

Anutin told reporters on Wednesday that dissolving parliament would not impact Thailand’s military operations along the frontier, where clashes have broken out at more than a dozen locations, some involving exchanges of heavy artillery.

“I am returning power to the people,” Anutin said on social media late on Thursday.

He is Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023, and political instability is taking a toll on Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which is grappling with U.S. tariffs, high household debt and weak consumption.

If the king approves a request for the dissolution of parliament by the prime minister, polls must be held within 45-60 days, according to the Thai constitution.

ACCELERATED TIMELINE FOR ELECTIONS

In September, Anutin had said that he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election to be held in March or early April, but this move would accelerate that timeline.

Anutin took power after pulling his Bhumjaithai party out of a ruling coalition and securing the backing of the People’s Party, which put forward a number of demands – including a referendum on constitutional amendments – as part of a deal to support him.

“When the People’s Party couldn’t get what they want, they said they will submit a no-confidence motion and asked the PM to dissolve parliament immediately,” Siripong said.

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, told reporters late on Thursday that the Bhumjaithai party did not follow the terms of their agreement.

“We have tried to use the voice of the opposition to push forward amending the constitution,” he said.

Reporting by Bangkok newsroom, Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal, Editing by Andrew Heavens and Philippa Fletcher

Portugal general strike stalls transport, closes schools in labour reform protest

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Portugal general strike stalls transport, closes schools in labour reform protest

The minority centre-right government says the proposed changes – amending more than 100 labour-code articles – aim to boost productivity and spur economic growth

International News via Reuters:

Train services ground to a halt across Portugal on Thursday, hundreds of flights were cancelled, and schools closed as unions launched a first general strike in more than a decade, in protest against proposed labour reforms.

The minority centre-right government says the proposed changes – amending more than 100 labour-code articles – aim to boost productivity and spur economic growth. But unions accuse it of tilting power toward employers at the expense of workers’ rights, despite a strong economy and low unemployment.

The bill, yet to be submitted to parliament, is expected to pass with backing from the far-right Chega party.

Some public transport operated due to minimum service requirements imposed by authorities, but Lisbon’s streets were noticeably quieter. While hospitals stayed open, most surgeries and appointments have been postponed as nursing staff walked out.

The government played down the impact and said workers in the private sector, who outnumber public sector employees roughly five to one, did not join the labour action, although some were affected by transport stoppages.

“The vast majority of the country is working … This seems more like a partial public sector strike” than a general one, Cabinet Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro told a news briefing.

Unions, however, cited disruptions at several large companies, including the auto industry hub around Volkswagen’s Autoeuropa plant near Lisbon, where the morning shift downed tools.

“The government is only trying to minimise the impact of the strike to continue pushing its political agenda, but the workers will certainly resist, as they are doing now,” Tiago Oliveira, secretary-general of the umbrella union CGTP, told reporters, adding that a “major general strike” was underway.

FIRST STRIKE SINCE BAILOUT ERA

Called by the largest unions CGTP and UGT, the one-day action is the first general strike since June 2013, when Portugal was under harsh austerity measures imposed by an international bailout that cut wages and lifted taxes.

The labour reforms envision easing just-cause dismissals in small- and medium-sized businesses and lifting limits on outsourcing. Other contentious measures include capping flexible-work rights for breastfeeding mothers at two years.

The government has refused to back down and insists the changes will ultimately benefit all Portuguese. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro pledged on Wednesday that his administration “will not give up on being reformist and transformative”.

Some of the people who still went to work on Thursday said they had little choice, even if they sympathised with the strike.

“I don’t have a permanent contract. I can’t go on strike,” 32-year-old stationery store worker Joao Silva told Reuters.

“They want to fire older people so they can hire younger people…with lower salaries… Why do (labour changes) always have to be in favour of company profits?” he said.

Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; writing by Andrei Khalip; editing by Charlie Devereux and Ros Russell

Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, license characters for Sora video tool

News - World

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk

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December 11, 2025

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Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, license characters for Sora video tool

The three-year partnership announced on Thursday is a pivotal step in Hollywood’s embrace of generative artificial intelligence

International News via Reuters:

Walt Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator, a crucial deal that could reshape how Hollywood makes content.

The three-year partnership announced on Thursday is a pivotal step in Hollywood’s embrace of generative artificial intelligence, side-stepping the industry’s concerns over the impact of AI on creative jobs and intellectual property rights.

As part of the licensing deal, Sora and ChatGPT Images will start generating videos using licensed Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Mufasa, from early next year. The agreement excludes any talent likenesses or voices.

“Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said.

TALKS BEGAN LONG AGO

Iger and OpenAI’s Sam Altman began talking years ago, as they explored a way to do more to showcase the potential of generative AI, when combined with Disney’s characters and stories, according to one person familiar with the talks.

Prior to the launch, OpenAI offered the studio early looks at its image-generation tool Sora, the source who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations said, adding that Disney found OpenAI willing to engage constructively in this dialogue.

Iger previewed part of the strategy during an investor call in November, saying AI would allow the company to provide Disney+ users with tools to create and consume user-generated content, mainly in short form.

As part of the agreement with OpenAI, a selection of the videos by users will be made available for streaming on Disney+, allowing the streaming platform to capitalize on the growing appeal for short-form video content.

The media conglomerate will also receive warrants to purchase additional equity in the ChatGPT maker.

The companies will use OpenAI’s models to build new products and customer experiences, including for Disney+ subscribers, while Disney will deploy ChatGPT for its employees.

The deal also includes guiderails to protect against the characters being depicted in inappropriate situations and Disney also plans to use OpenAIs tools for its internal purposes to support film production as it looks to gain efficiency, the source said.

The partnership comes months after Creative Artists Agency, Hollywood’s premier talent agency, criticized OpenAI for exposing artists to “significant risk” through Sora and questioned if creative professionals would be compensated for their work.

“An entertainment giant partnering with an AI company will inevitably invite backlash from labor groups in the entertainment industry,” Emarketer analyst Ross Benes said. “But unions’ power is limited and they will unlikely be able to stem the momentum of AI-produced media.”

CNBC reported earlier in the day that Disney sent a cease and desist letter to Google alleging the company infringed its copyrights.

Disney and Comcast’s Universal had in June filed a copyright lawsuit against AI photo generation firm Midjourney for its use of the studios’ best-known characters.

Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in San Francisco and Deborah Sophia and Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur

Hospitality wages trail inflation

Gary Foster Skelton

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December 11, 2025

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Median incomes in hotels and restaurants have lagged behind the cost of living – another talking point when it comes to the attractiveness of hospitality jobs to Bermudians

Median wages in the hospitality sector have not kept up with the cost of living.

This is another talking point in the ongoing discussion about how we will fill up to 700 jobs at the Fairmont Southampton when it reopens.

Marico Thomas, President of the Chamber of Commerce, has already highlighted the potential impact of low unemployment and fewer Bermudians in working in hospitality.

In an interview with Mr Thomas, Gary Foster Skelton goes on cite income statistics, and questions the apparent low wages in the hotel and restaurants sector. (WATCH above)