Summit organizers also confirmed the fire was under control, adding that Brazilian fire officials had ordered the evacuation of the summit’s entire premises
International News via Reuters:
A fire that forced an evacuation of the COP30 climate summit in the Brazilian city of Belem on Thursday was under control, officials said, although it was unclear whether delegates would return immediately to continue negotiations.
Brazil’s tourism minister told reporters at the venue that the fire was under control and no one was hurt, but that he did not know whether delegates would be able to return today or Friday to the part of the venue where the summit negotiations were taking place.
Summit organizers also confirmed the fire was under control, adding that Brazilian fire officials had ordered the evacuation of the summit’s entire premises.
The UN climate body said the fire service would conduct safety checks and expected to provide an update later in the afternoon.
The summit in the Amazon city was initially scheduled to wrap up on Friday, but it missed a self-imposed Wednesday deadline to secure agreement among the nearly 200 countries present on issues including how to increase climate finance and shift away from fossil fuels.
The fire scare occurred in what is already a hive of activity during the summit’s two-week run, interrupting ongoing negotiations inside the venue.
A siren sent delegates, observers and journalists running for the exits with their belongings, as police lined up as a barrier to prevent anyone from nearing the area where the fire was reported.
TV footage showed flames and smoke inside the venue, a conference center on the site of a former airport.
Since kicking off earlier this month, the summit has drawn multiple protests demanding climate action and forest protection, at times interrupting talks.
Reporting by Kate Abnett and Sudarshan Varadhan; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Editing by William James and David Gregorio
Long-awaited data released on Thursday showed that employers added more jobs than economists had expected, but the unemployment rate rose
International News via Reuters:
The dollar firmed against most major currencies on Thursday, after losing some ground as signs of faster U.S. job growth in September suggest the Federal Reserve is likely to pause cutting interest rates in December.
Long-awaited data released on Thursday showed that employers added more jobs than economists had expected, but the unemployment rate rose.
Nonfarm payrolls increased by 119,000 jobs in September. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 50,000 jobs would be added. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, from 4.3% in August. The data was delayed because of a government shutdown.
“The September prints were mixed with payrolls at more than twice expectations, August’s figure revised into negative territory, and unemployment edging higher,” said Uto Shinohara, senior investment strategist at Mesirow Currency Management.
“Because the data was stale and avoided a bombshell negative print, risk sentiment improved after the recent drop in risk assets pre-NVIDIA, keeping the dollar in check.”
The yen remained on the back foot, falling 0.41% against the dollar at 157.82 yen. The dollar rose as high as 157.78 yen, its strongest since January, putting the Japanese currency on track for a fourth daily decline.
JAPANESE STIMULUS PACKAGE
Since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of the ruling party last month, the yen has depreciated by around 6% despite rising Japanese bond yields, with markets uneasy about the scale of borrowing needed to fund her stimulus plans.
Japan’s new government is preparing a comprehensive economic stimulus package worth more than 20 trillion yen, the biggest since the COVID pandemic, that Takaichi is expected to unveil on Friday.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Tuesday the government was closely watching the market “with a high sense of urgency.”
“There is a level, we don’t know what the level is, the Japanese authorities may be waiting for the market to get shorter yen before deciding on serving intervention strategy,” said Steve Englander, head of global G10 FX research and North America macro strategy at Standard Chartered.
“One of the issues, and this is something that intervention can’t fix, the yen’s weakness has been correlated with concerns about the Japanese fiscal position and the risk of an expansion. You can intervene and it is going to have an effect, but it doesn’t change the concerns that exist.”
Traders now figure Japanese authorities may intervene somewhere around the 160 mark, as they did last July, or if there are any more sudden moves.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said moves were sharp, one-sided and concerning on Thursday.
FED MINUTES SUGGEST DECEMBER RATE CUT IS UNLIKELY
Beyond Japan, the euro, the Swiss franc, the Australian dollar and sterling all fell against the dollar after minutes from October’s Federal Reserve meeting showed “many” participants had already ruled out a December cut, while “several” others saw a December cut as likely.
Fed funds futures are pricing an implied 39% probability of a 25-basis-point cut at the December 10 meeting, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
The euro was last down 0.15% at $1.1522, after hitting a two-week low, while sterling was up 0.21% to $1.3084, but at its lowest since early this month.
That left the dollar index, which tracks the U.S. currency against six others, up 0.16% at 100.24, testing a six-month high hit in early November.
“I don’t think the U.S. economic data is that strong, and we think there is room for an insurance cut,” said Englander. “But we are not sure the FOMC agrees with us on that.”
Reporting by Laura Matthews in New York and Alun John in London; Additional reporting by Ozan Ergenay in London and Tom Westbrook in Singapore; Editing by Jamie Freed, Gareth Jones, Mark Heinrich and Jane Merriman
Best, Periodt. is an innovative menstrual-care brand created by Bermudian entrepreneur Gayneté Jones.
It is designed to bring safer, higher-quality period products to women. What began as her search for better menstrual care has grown into a global brand, now available internationally — including at major U.S. retailers like CVS — and, as of today, Phoenix Pharmacy here in Bermuda, with availability at Lindo’s and Salt & Cedar coming soon.
Kendal Trott spoke to founder Gayneté Jones, who told us more about her newest product — pads with a unique twist —making their debut at Phoenix today.
They discussed the brand’s rapid growth, today’s launch, and her upcoming event this Saturday.
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) is always seeking ways to lower costs and ensure value for our customers. This includes reviewing all our operational costs and processes and reducing our operating expenses where possible.
Like many utilities in similar jurisdictions, BELCO is adapting its business model to better serve customers and provide the most cost-effective electricity service while ensuring reliability and building for a sustainable future.
In response to evolving stakeholder expectations, we have conducted a comprehensive assessment of our operations. This review has examined our organisational structure, operating models and processes to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and to reduce our operating expenses.
As part of this process, BELCO is offering a Voluntary Separation Package to employees. We know that these changes will impact the lives of our employees, and we deeply value the dedication and expertise our team brings to serving Bermuda every day. This voluntary approach reflects our commitment to making balanced and transparent decisions that require shared sacrifice across the organisation, while providing options and support to our team members during this period of transition.
These adjustments are necessary to ensure BELCO remains operationally efficient while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable electricity service that Bermuda depends on. Our goal is to meet the needs of all our stakeholders – customers, regulators, and our government – while positioning the company for long-term success.”
Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell said the news was part of a wider strategy to attract visitors to the island.
A new Bermuda National Events Committee has been set up a calendar listing the island’s yearly sport, cultural and entertainment events.
Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport said the committee, lead by Melissa Looby and Deputy Chair, Jalen Harvey, said events are meant to better promote events happening on island and act as a central hub.
He said, “The national events and entertainment calendar will be a consolidated schedule of Bermuda’s signature events and entertainment activities.
“This initiative supports our long-term goals of strengthening tourism, boosting the local economy and celebrating the vibrant culture, sport and other events that make Bermuda unique.”
The Minister added that a central calendar will stimulate local spending by offering a clear year-round view of events that encourage participation from residents and visitors.
Committee members include:
Melissa Looby (Chair)
Jalen Haryvey (Deputy Chair)
David Dodwell Jr.
Astride Clarke
Russell Griffiths
Nahkai Alboury
Maceo Dill (ex-officio, Department of Sport and Rec)
A draft calendar will be completed by 30 November 2025 and a final calendar will be provided by December 31 plus a written report of recommendations for long-term planning.
BC president: “This Plan is more than a roadmap — it is a commitment to action.”
Press release:
Bermuda College today unveiled a new strategic plan designed to modernise academic offerings, strengthen student success, elevate institutional excellence, and expand the College’s role as a driver of Bermuda’s social and economic vitality.
The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Innovate, Inspire, Impact, has been developed through extensive engagement with faculty, staff, students, alumni, Government, employers, and community partners.
It outlines a clear path for Bermuda College’s evolution and centres on six strategic themes: academic and global competitiveness; student engagement and achievement; faculty and staff excellence; technology and infrastructure modernisation; organisational excellence; and long-term financial resilience.
Dr. David Sam, President of Bermuda College, called the Plan both transformative and grounded in real opportunity.
“This Plan is more than a roadmap — it is a commitment to action,” said Dr. Sam. “We are reaffirming our mission to transform lives through innovative education, while ensuring Bermuda College is prepared to thrive in a world of rapid technological and economic change.
“This vision positions us to better serve our students, our workforce, and the broader community with bold ambition and renewed purpose.”
He added that the Plan builds directly on opportunities he recognised upon arriving at Bermuda College.
“When I first joined the College, I became aware of the tremendous potential that exists here — potential to strengthen our ties with the community, to deepen access to higher education across the Island, and to help shape a new generation of learners equipped for the future of Bermuda’s economy,” Dr. Sam added.
“This dynamic and agile Strategic Plan gives us the structure and momentum to realise that potential in meaningful, measurable ways.”
Dr. Sam also emphasised the College’s commitment to national workforce development.
“Bermuda needs talent, skilled, adaptable, confident talent, and Bermuda College is uniquely positioned to prepare it,” he said.
“Whether it’s training future nurses, supporting adult learners, expanding global pathways, or developing industry-aligned programmes, our priority is to ensure every learner is ready to contribute on day one.”
The five-year Plan establishes measurable goals that elevate academic quality, expand access, and strengthen Bermuda College’s readiness for the future.
Highlights include:
Modernising academic programmes through new degrees, flexible delivery, and real-world learning experiences such as internships and service learning.
Expanding pathways to global opportunities, including articulation agreements with top 200 internationally ranked universities and leading institutions across the UK.
Strengthening workforce development through new nursing and allied health programmes aligned with Bermuda’s needs.
Enhancing student experience with expanded campus life, improved communications, increased well-being services, and targeted supports for adult learners and evening students.
Advancing faculty and staff excellence through leadership development, performance review enhancements, and world-class professional learning.
Upgrading technology and infrastructure, including expanded computer labs, digital textbook initiatives, modernised accessibility features and campus-wide Wi-Fi.
Building financial resilience by diversifying revenue streams, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening collaboration with the Bermuda College Foundation.
A central focus of the Plan is reaffirming Bermuda College’s role as the “Community’s College.” New initiatives underscore a commitment to lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and community engagement.
These include:
Reintroducing and promoting the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) programme to support adult learners.
Expanding opportunities for continuing and community-based education tied to local needs.
Upgrading wellness, fitness, and social spaces that strengthen belonging and student well-being.
Improving budgeting, planning, and assessment practices to ensure accountability and transparency.
Broadening representation on the Board of Governors to better reflect Bermuda’s community and industry stakeholders.
Necheeka Trott, Assistant to the President for Strategic and Special Projects and Chair of the Strategic Planning process, emphasised the collective effort behind the document.
“This journey was truly a team effort,” said Ms. Trott. “The voices of students, employees, alumni, industry partners, and the broader community are present in every priority.
“Together, we crafted a plan that captures our identity and our aspirations. It positions Bermuda College to innovate boldly, inspire confidently, and create lasting impact for our students, workforce, and community.”
Dr. Sam thanked the many partners who helped shape the Plan — and who will help bring it to life.
“Our success over the next five years depends on partnership,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for the support of the public, our alumni, our industry partners, and our Government stakeholders.
“Together, we will build the kind of college — and the kind of future — that Bermuda deserves.”
The SFO said Basis Markets had raised cash from two public fundraisers in late 2021 by selling non-fungible tokens and used the funds to create a crypto hedge fund
International News via Reuters:
The UK’s Serious Fraud Office said on Thursday it was investigating the collapse of a $28 million cryptocurrency scheme, urging investors to step forward after two men were arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.
In its first major crypto investigation, the SFO said Basis Markets had raised cash from two public fundraisers in late 2021 by selling non-fungible tokens and used the funds to create a crypto hedge fund.
In June 2022, investors were told that the project was being scuppered by proposed new U.S. regulations, the SFO noted. The SFO was not immediately able to provide further details.
SFO investigators and police officers arrested the men after launching two raids in London and West Yorkshire, northern England, earlier on Thursday.
“With our expanding cryptocurrency capability and growing expertise in this area, we are determined to pursue anyone who would seek to use cryptocurrency to defraud investors,” said SFO Director Nick Ephgrave.
Reporting by Kirstin Ridley in London and Aatrayee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas, Aidan Lewis
In an unprecedented decision against such a senior legal figure, Garcia Ortiz was disqualified from holding the office for two years and ordered to pay fines totalling 7,200 euros
International News via Reuters:
Spain’s Supreme Court said on Thursday it found the country’s chief prosecutor guilty of leaking confidential information about a case involving a leading opposition figure’s partner, in a ruling that could dent public confidence in the legal system.
In an unprecedented decision against such a senior legal figure, Garcia Ortiz was disqualified from holding the office for two years and ordered to pay fines totalling 7,200 euros ($8,295), according to a court statement. Two out of seven judges dissented.
The decision is a blow to the Socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who appointed Garcia Ortiz in 2022.
Sanchez’s government will respect the ruling but does not agree with it and will begin the process of naming a new chief prosecutor in the coming days, Justice Minister Felix Bolaños said.
“Disagreement with this ruling should not lead to widespread mistrust of institutions,” he said in a public televised statement.
The ruling was based on a tax fraud case involving Alberto Gonzalez Amador, the boyfriend of the leader of Madrid region – Isabel Diaz Ayuso, a prominent figure in the conservative opposition People’s Party (PP).
Testifying during the case, Garcia Ortiz denied accusations that he shared with the media the contents of an email exchange between prosecutors and Gonzalez Amador’s lawyer, in which the attorney proposed that his client admit two counts of tax fraud in a deal to avoid jail.
Gonzalez Amador later testified in court that he had no knowledge of any such deal.
The case has pitted Spain’s minority leftist government against the PP, which has criticised the government over several corruption cases.
PP lower house spokesperson Ester Muñoz said on X that Sanchez needed to apologise to Spaniards, resign and call a snap election.
The court also ordered Garcia Ortiz to pay 10,000 euros in compensation to Gonzalez Amador for moral damages.
Garcia Ortiz could still appeal for the Supreme Court to annul the judge’s ruling and bring the case before the Constitutional Court.
($1 = 0.8689 euros)
($1 = 0.8679 euros)
Reporting by David Latona and Emma Pinedo; writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Andrew Heavens
Ramaphosa was speaking at a joint news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa
International News via Reuters:
South Africa is discussing with the United States the possibility of U.S. participation in the G20 summit after an initial boycott by the Trump administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Ramaphosa was speaking at a joint news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
“We have received notice from the United States, a notice which we are still in discussions with them over about a change of mind, about participating in one shape or form or other in the summit,” he said, adding that Pretoria would have to see what’s feasible in terms of how U.S. officials could take part.
“This comes in the days before the summit. And so therefore we need to engage in those types of discussions to see how practical it is and what it finally really means.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has said it will not attend the first G20 summit in Africa, alleging that the host country, previously ruled by its white minority under a racist apartheid system until 1994, now mistreats white people.
Trump has also rejected South Africa’s agenda for the November 22-23 summit of promoting solidarity and helping developing nations adapt to worse weather disasters, transition to clean energy and cut their excessive debt costs.
Reporting by Tim Cocks; Editing by Toby Chopra and Mark Heinrich
The Bermuda Ball Hockey Winter League season resumed with a flurry of goals at the PCC Hockey Rink, headlined by a dominant display from Hamilton Princess in a double-header of action.
Hamilton Princess were in clinical form, securing an 8-3 victory over CG. They raced to a four-goal lead in the first period, with strikes from John Duda, Jeremie Faucher, Riley Latour, and Mathew Benson. Jeremie Faucher and Riley Latour both secured doubles, while Bill Calko also netted twice. CG’s response came late, with Danny Hudson scoring a consolation hat-trick in the third period.
In the night’s other fixture, BDA Spirits secured a more tightly contested 3-1 win over Positive Image Dental. Mathieu Ingelman opened the scoring for BDA Spirits and later added a second goal in the third period to seal the result. Ryan Marshall scored the Spirits’ second, while Jordan Gunter grabbed the lone goal for Positive Image Dental.
The two matches ensured a high-scoring return to action, confirming the league’s competitive nature as the season continues.
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