The EU competition enforcer had been investigating the deal on concerns that it may hamper competition and remove an important competitor
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission on Monday said it objected Universal Music Group’s $775-million takeover of Downtown Music, out of competition concerns.
“The Commission is concerned that UMG may have the ability and incentive to gain access to commercially sensitive data that is stored and processed by Downtown,” it said in a statement.
“Such information advantage for UMG would hamper rival labels’ ability and incentive to compete with UMG.”
The EU competition enforcer had been investigating the deal on concerns that it may hamper competition and remove an important competitor, but temporarily halted the investigation in September awaiting further information.
Independent labels have criticised the acquisition and even called for it to be blocked.
Universal Music has the opportunity to reply to the Commission’s objections and request a hearing with the enforcer, the Commission said.
Reporting by Alessandro Parodi, editing by Bart Meijer
The Telegraph has been in limbo since 2023 when RedBird IMI – a joint venture between U.S.-based RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments – tried to buy it
International News via Reuters:
British culture minister Lisa Nandy said on Monday she aimed to clear the way for a “timely sale” of the Telegraph newspaper for 500 million pounds ($655 million) to Daily Mail owner DMGT without further delay.
“My intention is to build a constructive path toward a timely sale, without further delay, that is in the public interest,” Nandy said in a written ministerial statement, two days after DGMT agreed to buy the broadsheet.
The Telegraph has been in limbo since 2023 when RedBird IMI – a joint venture between U.S.-based RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments – tried to buy it, but it was unable to take control when Britain banned foreign state ownership of newspapers.
DMGT and RedBird did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A revised plan limiting IMI to a 15% stake also failed amid slow regulatory clearance and internal opposition from Telegraph journalists, prompting RedBird to withdraw on November 14.
On Saturday DMGT agreed to buy Telegraph Media Group from RedBird IMI.
DMGT said the deal would comply with Britain’s Foreign State Influence regime, introduced last year to block foreign state control of UK newspapers, as there will be no foreign state investment in the funding structure.
Nandy said that, given how long the process had already taken, she expects DMGT’s formal request for approval to be submitted within three weeks.
The acquisition would bring the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph under the same umbrella as the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Metro, The i Paper and New Scientist.
DMGT said the Telegraph would remain editorially independent.
($1 = 0.7630 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; writing by Muvija M, editing by Paul Sandle
But around 253 of the kidnapped children, along with 12 staff members and teachers, are still with the kidnappers
International News via Reuters:
Fifty of the more than 300 students kidnapped from a Nigerian Catholic school last week have escaped and have been reunited with their parents, the Catholic Church and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Sunday.
But around 253 of the kidnapped children, along with 12 staff members and teachers, are still with the kidnappers, said CAN Chairman Bulus Yohanna, a Catholic Bishop who is also the proprietor of the school.
In a statement, Yohanna said the pupils escaped on Friday and Saturday. Parents rushed to the school in Niger state, to the west of the capital Abuja, after hearing that some children were free.
Amose Ibrahim was one of the parents who went to St. Mary’s school to check if any of his three children had escaped.
“Unfortunately, they were not among the escapees,” Ibrahim, whose youngest child is six years old, told Reuters by phone. “As of now, many parents and their loved ones are roaming around the school.”
PRESIDENT ORDERS HIRING OF MORE POLICE
President Bola Tinubu ordered the hiring of 30,000 more police officers at a meeting with security chiefs on Sunday. He directed the removal of all police from VIP protection services to focus on core duties, especially in remote areas prone to attacks.
Nigeria faces scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump who in early November threatened military action over the treatment of Christians in the country.
Gunmen kidnapped students and teachers from the school on Friday, the latest in a spate of school attacks that has forced some northern states to shut schools. The government also ordered the closure of 47 colleges in the north.
POPE LEO PLEADS FOR RELEASE OF CAPTIVES
In response to the kidnappings, Pope Leo pleaded on Sunday for the immediate release of those who had been taken in one of the worst mass kidnappings ever recorded in Nigeria.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” the Pope said at the end of a mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
In a separate incident, Tinubu said Nigerian security forces on Sunday rescued 38 people who were abducted during a service at Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara state. At least two people died during the attack.
Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe and Ben Ezeamalu; Editing by Jane Merriman, David Holmes and Edmund Klamann
The 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens concluded with a challenging final day at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad, as both the Bermuda Men’s and Women’s teams struggled against formidable knockout stage opposition.
The Bermuda Men’s team began their day in the Men’s Tier 1 Semi-Final, ultimately going down 26-7 to a dominant Barbados side. Jamie Baum scored Bermuda’s sole try and conversion in the contest.
In the match for third and fourth place, the men faced hosts Trinidad. Despite taking an early 5-0 lead through another Jamie Baum try, Bermuda conceded 17 straight points before the half. Trinidad secured the Bronze Medal with a comprehensive 29-5 victory over Bermuda.
The Bermuda Women’s team faced a difficult day, starting with a heavy 45-0 defeat against Mexico. This match was compounded by the loss of Apryl Jackson, who was carried off the pitch with a left leg injury.
In their subsequent match for third and fourth place, the women faced the host nation, Trinidad. Trinidad proved too strong, claiming the Bronze Medal with a decisive 27-0 win, bringing Bermuda’s tournament to a close.
Meeting to take place at Harrington Workman’s Club
The Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation reminds the public that a town hall discussion on Electoral Reform will take place this evening, Monday, 24 November 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harrington Workman’s Club/Devil’s Hole Club.
This important community forum provides residents with an opportunity to learn more about the Government’s ongoing work to modernise Bermuda’s electoral system and to share their views on how voting processes can be made easier, fairer, and more accessible for all Bermudians.
During the session, attendees will hear about key areas under consideration, including:
· Implementing absentee voting for eligible Bermudians overseas;
· Establishing clear and transparent standards for political parties and campaign financing;
· Keeping the voters’ rolls accurate, private, and transparent;
· Embracing practical modernisation of our electoral systems and technology; and
· Setting consistent and fair rules for polling‑day administration.
The event will include a short presentation, followed by a moderated forum, providing members of the public with an opportunity to ask questions and contribute directly to the conversation.
All residents with an interest in the future of Bermuda’s democratic process are urged to attend this evening’s town hall.
Two of Bermuda’s overseas players, Brighton Morrison in Spain and Jasmine Spence in the UK, found themselves on the winning side this weekend, contributing to strong results for their respective clubs.
Midfielder Brighton Morrison and his Benamocarra FC teammates secured a solid 3-1 victory over AD Almayate at the Benamocarra – Adolfo Alba Ruíz Municipal Field. The win is a significant boost for the club.
Morrison is currently competing in the Tercera Andaluza Malaga Senior Division, where Benamocarra FC’s form sees them sitting in an excellent second place in the league standings, positioning them for a potential promotion push.
In the UK, striker Jasmine Spence enjoyed a spectacular goal-laden afternoon with her Newport Pagnell Town Women’s teammates. They delivered a resounding 10-1 defeat of Brackley Town Ladies on their 3G pitch.
The massive victory highlights the attacking power of the Newport Pagnell side and ensures they maintain momentum in their league campaign. Spence has been a consistent contributor for the team this season, as evidenced by her past goalscoring performances for the club.
The Bernard Park Netball courts hosted a day of high-octane action, with Storm Surge cementing their place atop the Premier Division and several junior teams showcasing their scoring prowess.
Storm Surge delivered a commanding performance in the Premier Division, overpowering North Village Lady Rams 46-30. Inshan-nae Smith was the force behind the win, netting a massive 32 goals and earning the MVP award. For the Lady Rams, Chaquita Simmons (12 goals) led the scoring, with Jada Richards named MVP.
Phoenix Flames secured a decisive victory in the First Division, defeating Atlantic Aces 47-28, driven by Kammie Mills’ 29 goals and Hailey Trott’s 18. Jaya Dillas was the Flames’ MVP. In the other contest, DC Diamonds defeated Hamilton Parish 27-8, powered by Sioma Rudo (13 goals).
The junior divisions saw several huge results:
16&U: Storm posted a high-scoring masterclass, defeating Dandy Stars 46-6, led by Diya Steede’s 17 goals. In a tighter match, Phoenix Fire edged North Village Lady Rams 18-15, with Shiloh Simmons scoring 15 goals.
13&U: Phoenix Embers dominated North Village Lady Rams 27-3, with Quin Burgess scoring 21 goals to secure the MVP award.
10&U: The division focused on individual stars, with Iyla Bascome (Phoenix Sparks), Valentina Easton (NVCC), Serena Frederick (Storm), and Aalaysia Watson (Dandy Stars) all claiming MVP honours.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises that major structural renewal works at The Glebe Road Bridge in Pembroke have been completed, marking another step forward in the Government’s commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s core infrastructure.
The bridge, which carries The Glebe Road above Palmetto Road, underwent extensive restoration after opening-up works revealed significant deterioration within key structural components. Sunrise Construction Limited executed the project with support from TurnKey Scaffolding.
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, stated that the completion of this project reflects the broader work programme underway to improve infrastructure across the Island.
Minister Adams commented: “Residents have expressed understandable concerns in recent years about the state of Bermuda’s roads and ageing infrastructure, and this Government has taken those concerns seriously.
“The renewal of The Glebe Road Bridge is an example of the sustained investment that is now taking place to ensure that essential structures remain safe and reliable for the public.”
The bridge was hydraulically jacked up so that its bearing pads, which transfer the bridge load into its foundations, could be replaced. The original pads were corroded beyond repair. This hydraulic jacking and bearing pad replacement formed the original main scope of work, along with minor crack repairs.
Following completion of this jacking and bearing pad replacement, engineers discovered the full extent of deterioration in two of the edge beams, which required immediate attention. Emergency concrete repairs were then carried out on these edge beams before further work could continue.
Additional works included the removal of rust and repainting of all steel beams, the repair of concrete cracks throughout the primary structure, and the re-asphalting of only those sections of the roadway and sidewalk that were opened during the lifting process. These upgrades are expected to extend the working life of the structure by an estimated fifteen to twenty years.
Before construction
Minister Adams added, “This was a challenging project and I thank Sunrise Construction Limited and TurnKey Scaffolding for their skilled work throughout. I also thank the motoring public for their patience. Their cooperation allowed the teams to carry out essential work safely and efficiently.”
The seventh-ranked Wisconsin Badger men’s hockey team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the previously undefeated No. 1 Michigan State Spartans 5-4 at Munn Ice Arena, snapping MSU’s nine-game winning streak.
Michigan State took an early 2-0 lead in the first period, including a power-play goal. However, the Badgers erupted in the second period, scoring four unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead. Christian Fitzgerald started the rally on the power play at 1:08. Blake Montgomery then lit the lamp at 4:11, followed by Adam Pietila giving Wisconsin its first lead at 11:19, and Tyson Dyck extending it to 4-2.
The third period saw the Spartans battle back, cutting the lead to one at 9:34. But Ryan Botterill delivered the decisive blow just 16 seconds later at 9:50, restoring the two-goal cushion. Though Michigan State scored again at 10:24, the Badgers held firm for the final minutes to secure the massive 5-4 upset and hand the Spartans their first conference loss of the year.
The Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby Committee voted that Bernard Park provides “unmatched operational and cultural advantages”
Finish line marked off near Bernard Park, Pembroke. Photo: Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby Committee
Full news release:
The Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Committee today announced that the iconic annual race will return to its traditional home at Bernard Park for the 2026 event, reinstating a long-valued finish location that holds deep cultural and community significance.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of operational logistics, runner experience, community feedback, and long-term planning priorities. Bernards Park emerged as the clear choice for 2026, providing the ideal blend of space, accessibility, and atmosphere to elevate the race experience for participants and spectators alike.
“Bernards Park is woven into the legacy of this event,” said Melissa Looby, Finish Line Experience Manager. “From the energy of the crowd to the ease of access for families, vendors, and support teams, especially medical personnel, returning to the Park allows us to enhance the finish-line experience while strengthening the community spirit that defines the Derby.” The return to Bernards Park will also reinstate the race route crossing spectators on Church Street, a welcome change for loyal race spectators.
The Committee noted that while alternative venues had been explored in recent years, Bernard Park continues to offer unmatched operational and cultural advantages – from its central location to its historic connection with Derby Day celebrations.
“The Half-Marathon Derby is about Bermudians coming together,” added Dr. Gina Tucker, Derby President. “Bringing the finish back to Bernard Park aligns us with that legacy and opens the door for new enhancements that honour the past while building for the future. We look forward to continuing with our commitment to continuously enhancing the race experience. ”
Further details about the 2026 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby – including route confirmations, registration dates, and new athlete experience initiatives – will be announced in the coming weeks.
The November 30 election remains a toss-up, with polls showing a virtual tie among the top three candidates
International News via Reuters:
Hondurans will go to the polls on Sunday to vote in a tightly fought presidential election beset by heated accusations of fraud in one of Latin America’s poorest countries.
The November 30 election remains a toss-up, with polls showing a virtual tie among the top three candidates: former defense minister Rixi Moncada of the ruling leftist LIBRE party; former Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura of the conservative National Party; and television host Salvador Nasralla of the centrist Liberal Party.
The Organization of American States and the U.S. State Department have both raised concerns about the electoral process and said they are monitoring it closely.
Moncada often refers to Nasralla and Asfura as “puppets of the oligarchy” while they have labeled her a “communist” and criticized her close ties with Cuba and Venezuela, two countries mired in deep economic and human rights crises.
Whichever candidate wins a simple majority will govern the country between 2026 and 2030. But with the polls showing the candidates neck and neck, political analysts fear more than one could claim victory.
“(That) could provoke disturbances in the streets, and the institutions that should be calling for certainty, sanity, and prudence aren’t helping with that,” said political analyst Henry Salinas, based in the capital Tegucigalpa.
The presidential candidates have offered few concrete plans to solve the main problems plaguing the country, drug trafficking, corruption and poverty, which affects six out of every 10 Hondurans.
Both Asfura and Nasralla have said they could resume diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which the government severed in March 2023. The move would represent the biggest diplomatic setback in the region for China in decades.
A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Honduras said in a statement on X last week that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of China’s territory. He urged Honduran politicians to act “prudently” on the Taiwan issue and “not to infringe upon China’s sovereignty in any way.”
INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
Honduras, with a population of 11 million people, has a long history of corruption and election-related disputes.
In 2009, then-president Manuel Zelaya was overthrown in a military coup. Zelaya is the husband of Honduras’ current president, Xiomara Castro, whose rise to power in 2022 marked the end of more than a hundred years of two-party dominance in Honduras.
Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez of the National Party, who served two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2022, is currently imprisoned in the U.S. on a drug trafficking conviction.
Tensions have risen in Honduras in recent weeks, matched by growing international scrutiny of the election.
In addition to the president, voters will elect all 128 members of Congress and thousands of local officials.
On November 11, the OAS expressed concern about the electoral process, stating that it is the responsibility of Honduran authorities to guarantee the autonomy and independence of election officials.
A day later, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warned on X that the U.S. is “closely monitoring the situation” and called on “electoral authorities and the military to adhere scrupulously and faithfully to the laws and Constitution of Honduras.”
Landau said the U.S. would “respond swiftly and decisively to anyone who undermines the integrity of the democratic process.”
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been explicit about its desire to exert greater influence in the Western Hemisphere, including threatening military action in Venezuela and Mexico.
VOLATILITY AT HOME
The declarations about Honduras come amid weeks of volatility in the Central American country.
Honduras’ Attorney General’s Office, aligned with the ruling LIBRE party, has accused the opposition parties of planning to commit voter fraud, a claim they deny. They counter that LIBRE is trying to manipulate the popular will.
Prosecutors also opened an investigation into audio recordings that allegedly show a high-ranking National Party politician discussing plans with an unidentified military officer to influence the election. The alleged recordings, which the National Party says were created using artificial intelligence, have become central to Moncada’s campaign.
“If they try to touch us or commit fraud, they will see us erupt like the biggest volcano in history,” the leftist candidate said during a campaign event in mid-November.
Deepening the electoral crisis, the Armed Forces asked Honduras’ National Election Council to give them copies of the tally sheets on election day, which violates Honduran law.
Reporting by Diego Oré in Mexico City and Laura García in Tegucigalpa; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Ana Isabel Martínez and Bill Berkrot
New Spring programme introduces and continues several courses particularly relevant for career shifters and professionals
The Bermuda College issued the following press release.
More than 50 courses aimed at career-shifters and people seeking to upskill are being offered at Bermuda College under a new Spring programme.
The College’s Athora Professional and Career Education (APACE) Division has announced its Spring 2026 course offerings, featuring professional development and certification courses designed to help Bermudians advance in fast-changing industries.
One of the programme’s most in-demand offerings is the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course — an in-person, one-semester programme that responds directly to Bermuda’s growing shortage of emergency medical staff.
“There’s a real demand across Bermuda’s healthcare system for trained EMTs, with many current practitioners nearing retirement,” said Tawana Flood, Director of APACE.
“This course provides an opportunity for anyone — whether new to the field or looking to retrain — to gain the practical skills and certification needed to step into a critical, high-impact role.”
The EMT programme blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and other local emergency services.
On completion, participants are eligible to sit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examinations — the benchmark qualification for EMTs in the United States and Bermuda.
The course has already proven transformative for many graduates, including Bermudian Ryan Topple, who completed the Summer 2021 cohort — the first to run during the height of the pandemic.
Despite the uncertainty of the time, he said the course offered invaluable clarity and direction.
“It gave me real exposure to patient care and confirmed that this is the field I’m passionate about,” he said.
For Ryan, the EMT programme became a catalyst. After completing his clinical ambulance shifts, he volunteered with the BHB Ambulance Service, later earning a position as an EMT.
The qualification also strengthened his involvement with St John Ambulance, where he took on greater responsibility and began mentoring new volunteers.
The real-world skills gained through the programme enabled him to complete the Advanced EMT course in 2022 and helped support his acceptance into medical school.
Today, Ryan is in his second year at the University of Warwick’s accelerated graduate-entry medicine programme, where he ranked first in his 200-student cohort.
He continues to volunteer with the West Midlands Ambulance Service in the UK and hopes to return to Bermuda as a doctor after completing his training.
Ryan, 23, a former Saltus student, credits the EMT course as a key foundation, adding: “It’s an excellent entry point into healthcare and a chance to challenge yourself, gain practical skills, and serve your community.”
Ms Flood noted that APACE programmes are built with working adults in mind. “Our average student is over 35 years old — someone balancing work, family, and new career ambitions,” she said.
“We cater to those looking to make meaningful changes, whether that means gaining a new certification, re-entering the workforce, or updating skills for today’s job market.”
She added: “The courses we offer are also ideal for those 18- to 25-year-olds looking to earn job credentials while earning their traditional degrees. Ryan is a prime example of this.”
Beyond healthcare, Spring 2026 introduces and continues several courses particularly relevant for career shifters and professionals seeking advancement, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations and Advanced Generative AI – practical courses for business leaders integrating AI tools and automation.
Compliance Academy (Parts 3 & 4) – advanced modules in Bermuda’s leading compliance and governance certification track.
Corporate Governance Foundations – an entry point into the CGI qualification pathway.
Medical Billing & Coding, Health Information Technology, and Medical Administrative Assistant – providing routes into Bermuda’s growing healthcare support sector.
Project Management and Cybersecurity Certifications – global credentials suited to remote-ready careers.
The complete Spring 2026 Course Schedule is available at www.college.bm, with classes beginning in January 2026.
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