Humberto will be stronger but further away from the island; Imelda will be weaker but much closer
The latest forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service has Hurricane Humberto coming closest to Bermuda at 1am on Wednesday, when it will be 188 nautical miles to our north-north-west.
Humberto, currently a Category 4 system, is packing winds of 125 knots with gusts up to 150 knots. Hurricane force winds extend outwards up to 70 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outwards up to 185 miles.
Humberto is expected to bring rainfall of up to two inches from tonight through Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to pass within 25 nautical miles of Bermuda – or even make a direct hit – at 10pm on Wednesday. At that point Imelda is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane. Imelda is currently packing winds of 50 knots, gusting to 60 knots. Tropical force winds extend outwards up to 175 miles from the centre.
Currently, 25% of the French oil major’s operational renewables portfolio comes from its stake in Adani wind and solar assets
International News via Reuters:
TotalEnergies plans to divest from all renewable power holdings except those in the United States, Brazil and Europe, gas, renewables and power president Stephane Michel said on Monday.
Currently, 25% of the French oil major’s operational renewables portfolio comes from its stake in Adani wind and solar assets.
Reporting by America Hernandez; Writing by Makini Brice; Editing by
The Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) Annual Back to School Tournament concluded with high drama at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium, as Tobiah Goodchild emerged as a dual champion, battling through one final before having to concede another.
Boy’s 18 title decided by tie-break
The highlight of the day was the Boy’s Singles 18 Final, which saw Goodchild locked in a three-set epic with Tristan Pettit. After Pettit claimed the opener 6-4, Goodchild battled back to take the second 6-3. The final set went down to the wire, with Goodchild ultimately clinching the contest in a decisive tie-break, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 to secure the Under 18 title.
Due to his intense tournament schedule, Goodchild was forced to withdraw from the Boy’s Singles 16 Final, granting Jadon Spriggs the championship by walkover.
McBrearty’s dominance
In the Girls Singles 14 Final, Chloe McBrearty delivered a performance of clinical control, sweeping aside Arianna Parra Delgado in comfortable straight sets, 6-1, 6-0, to lift the trophy.
The tournament successfully concluded a fiercely contested start to the junior tennis season, showcasing the resilience and talent in Bermuda’s junior ranks.
Qian Zhimin, who was also known as Zhang Yadi, appeared at Southwark Crown Court for the first day of her trial but decided to change her pleas
International News via Reuters:
A Chinese woman accused of laundering bitcoin which was linked to an alleged 5 billion-pound ($6.7 billion) fraud pleaded guilty in a London court on Monday.
Qian Zhimin, who was also known as Zhang Yadi, appeared at Southwark Crown Court for the first day of her trial but decided to change her pleas.
The 47-year-old admitted one count of possessing criminal property and one count of transferring criminal property.
Judge Sally-Ann Hales remanded Qian in custody ahead of sentencing, which will take place at a later date.
Qian was arrested after an investigation in which British police seized wallets holding more than 61,000 bitcoin, currently worth 5.1 billion pounds – making it one of the largest cryptocurrency seizures by law enforcement worldwide.
Her lawyers said in a statement issued after her arrest last year that Qian denied “the allegations of fraud levelled against her in China”.
His travel itinerary includes visits to Ireland, Brussels and Paris
Government press release:
The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon David Burt, JP, MP, will travel to Europe this week to strengthen relations with national and EU decision-makers and advance Bermuda’s interests. The Premier was invited to Dublin, Ireland, to deliver a keynote speech at the European Insurance Forum.
In addition to speaking at the conference, the Premier will conduct a series of high-level meetings with the Irish Government and regulators. These meetings will advance relations with the government, regulator, and insurance industry in Ireland while underscoring the importance of Bermuda’s Solvency II equivalence with the EU.
On this upcoming trip to Ireland, the Premier said, “Bermuda is the world’s risk capital, with a vibrant (re)insurance industry that provides essential protection to businesses and communities around the world. It is an honour to be invited to address the European Insurance Forum during Insurance Ireland’s annual conference.
“Between 2016-2024, Bermuda (re)insurers paid $81 billion in general business and life (re)insurance claims to policyholders in the EU. Bermuda (re)insurers also create about 9,800 jobs in the EU and the UK.”
He continued, “Our message is simple: Bermuda is a compliant, transparent, and trusted partner to the EU in financial services. This Government is committed to maintaining equivalence with European standards, and to creating a business environment that allows our industry to thrive, innovate, and address the risks of tomorrow.”
The Premier will also travel to Brussels and Paris for high-level meetings on insurance, digital assets, and international taxation. These include the European Council, European Commission, Belgian Ministry of Finance, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
Due to the ongoing tropical storm activity, the Premier will remain in close contact with the Deputy Premier & Minister of National Security. Premier Burt stated, “While no direct threat to the island is currently anticipated from Hurricane Humberto, storm tracks are unpredictable, and given the size of the storm, vigilance is warranted. Please take all sensible precautions and follow the advice of the Emergency Measures Organisation regarding Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda.”
The Premier will be supported on this visit by Financial Secretary, Chidozie Ofoego; Daria Annel, Head of International Tax Compliance, Ministry of Finance; Aliyyah Ahad, Director, Bermuda Government’s Brussels Office; and Brandon Sousa, Deputy UK Representative.
Landmark achievement broadens opportunities for students and could strengthen Bermuda’s healthcare system
Renee Y. Faulcon, Head of Nursing and Allied Health
Bermuda College has earned a major milestone, with its Nursing Programme officially accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), a globally recognised U.S. body.
The five-year accreditation confirms the programme meets international standards of excellence, boosting graduates’ opportunities for advanced study and employment abroad while strengthening Bermuda’s healthcare workforce.
“This is a momentous occasion,” said Renee Y. Faulcon, Head of Nursing and Allied Health. “It validates the hard work of our faculty and assures students they are receiving world-class training.”
Since graduating its first class in 2015, the programme has produced 83 nurses, most of whom now serve at the Bermuda Hospitals Board and private practices.
College President Dr. David Sam called the achievement “a defining moment,” adding: “Our graduates are academically prepared and empowered to make a lasting impact in Bermuda and beyond.”
His visit was in support of Recovery Month, observed internationally every September
Images supplied. Mr Grant shows his guests a garden on the grounds of the facility where residents grow plants and vegetables as part of their therapeutic programme.
Government press release:
The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, today toured the Focus Counselling Services facility in St. George’s last week as part of Recovery Month activities.
Minister Weeks was joined by the Director of the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC), Joanne Dean, and DNDC Treatment Officer Mrs. Laura Walker.
The group was hosted by Leslie Grant, Executive Director of Focus Counselling Services, who guided them through the facility and introduced them to residents.
Currently, six clients are receiving treatment at Focus, while four others have recently completed their recovery and have been successfully reintegrated into the community.
The visit was especially personal for Minister Weeks, who previously served as a substance abuse counsellor at the facility. During the tour, the Minister spoke with residents and staff, reflecting on the critical role Focus plays in supporting people on their journey to recovery.
Minister Weeks said: “This visit was a reminder of the resilience and progress made by those facing addiction challenges.
“This issue goes beyond substance abuse and includes mental health, dignity, and hope for people battling substance abuse at helping centres and facilities across the Island, at places like the Nelson Bascome Substance Abuse Treatment Facility at Dockyard, where men and women are helped.
“These men and women are our responsibility, not just during Recovery Month, but every single day. I was encouraged to see that those who want to make a change in their lives have a place like Focus to turn to for support, guidance and life skills training”
DNDC Director Joanne Dean emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling substance abuse in Bermuda.
She said: “The Department for National Drug Control remains committed to supporting organisations like Focus, which provide a safe and structured environment for individuals in recovery.
“Our mission is to provide effective prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services across the island, and partnerships with community-based facilities are essential to that work.”
Welcoming the Minister’s visit, Executive Director of Focus Counselling Services, Mr Leslie Grant, added: “Focus is about second chances, and providing structured, compassionate support for those ready to rebuild their lives.
“Recovery is transformative, and every day we see individuals reconnect with their communities and rediscover their purpose.”
Recovery Month is observed internationally each September to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery, raise awareness of treatment options, and highlight the importance of support services for individuals and families impacted by substance use.
Minister Weeks concluded: “I want people to understand that recovery is not confined to one month of the year. It is an ongoing journey that requires compassion, resources, and community support.
“Focus Counselling Services, and the men and women who come here for help, are testaments to the power of resilience and change.”
Investment firm Modella will buy 156 Claire’s stores from its administrator Interpath Advisory for an undisclosed amount, preserving about 1,000 jobs
International News via Reuters:
Hobbycraft-owner Modella Capital will buy most of U.S.-based Claire’s UK and Irish operations, administrators of the struggling jewellery chain said on Monday.
Investment firm Modella will buy 156 Claire’s stores from its administrator Interpath Advisory for an undisclosed amount, preserving about 1,000 jobs.
The administrators will continue to operate the remaining 145 stores while continuing to assess options for them, Interpath said.
Founded in 1961 in the U.S., Claire’s is known for its trend-led accessories and as a destination for ear-piercing.
Its U.S. operations were bought out of bankruptcy by private equity firm Ames Watson for $140 million earlier this month.
Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Shilpi Majumdar
The decision to remain UK-based will be of some relief to British investors
International News via Reuters:
AstraZeneca laid out plans on Monday to directly list its shares in the United States, as the drugmaker seeks to maximise gains from its biggest market and investor pool, even as it said that it was not exiting London.
The decision to remain UK-based will be of some relief to British investors after media reports suggested the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker – London’s most valuable company – was considering ditching its UK listing in favour of the U.S.
London’s stock market has been shrinking due to companies moving away for higher valuations and access to deeper capital markets elsewhere, particularly the U.S., prompting several listing reforms from British regulators.
AstraZeneca said it would list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange and move away from the current depositary receipts structure, with a U.S. listing expected on February 2, 2026.
However, the company will remain headquartered in the UK and be listed in London, Stockholm and New York, and will put the plan to a vote on November 3.
Its London-listed shares rose roughly 1% on Monday, taking the company’s gains for the year to about 6%.
Still, they have underperformed domestic rival GSK, which is up 13.6%, and the UK’s broader FTSE 100 index which has gained 14.2%.
COMMITMENT TO UK
Nearly 22% of AstraZeneca’s shareholder base is from North America, according to LSEG data, in line with other top UK-based blue-chip companies.
Iain Pyle at Aberdeen Group, a shareholder, said the main takeaway from the announcement was AstraZeneca’s “re-commitment” to the primary listing in the UK.
“From our point of view, (AstraZeneca) remains an attractive investment on a fundamental basis, with a broad pipeline still undervalued by the market – the listing location doesn’t alter that view.”
AstraZeneca Chair Michel Demare said the proposed “harmonised listing structure” would support the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“Enabling a global listing structure will allow us to reach a broader mix of global investors,” he said.
Trading in fully listed stocks is generally more liquid than in American Depositary Receipts, attracting more investors.
Peel Hunt analysts viewed the move as positive in the short term, but cautioned that success might prompt others to follow suit.
In another rare win for the UK though, miner Glencore in August said it would keep its primary listing in London, rejecting a move to the U.S. for the time being.
US INVESTMENT
AstraZeneca has pledged to invest $50 billion by 2030 in manufacturing in the U.S., its biggest market by sales and key to its long-term revenue ambitions, amid threats of hefty tariffs.
It has also said it will cut some direct-to-patient U.S. drug prices as drugmakers face pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce prices.
The U.S. accounted for more than 40% of AstraZeneca’s revenue in 2024. The company had prioritised the U.S. market – the world’s largest, worth $635 billion – even before Trump’s return to office.
Earlier this month, AstraZeneca paused a planned 200 million pound ($268.80 million) investment in its research site in Cambridge, England, becoming the latest drugmaker to pull back from the UK, citing a tough business environment.
($1 = 0.7440 pounds)
Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; Additonal reporting by Charlie Conchie, Danilo Masoni and Maggie Fick in London; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Susan Fenton
The European Environment Agency said biodiversity in Europe is declining due to unsustainable production and consumption, especially in the food system
International News via Reuters:
Climate change and environmental degradation pose a direct threat to the natural resources that Europe needs for its economic security, the EU’s environmental agency said on Monday.
The European Environment Agency said biodiversity in Europe is declining due to unsustainable production and consumption, especially in the food system.
Due to over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and invasive alien species, more than 80% of protected habitats are in a poor or bad state, it said, while water resources are also under severe pressure.
EUROPE’S FASTEST-WARMING CONTINENT
“The degradation of our natural world jeopardises the European way of life,” the agency said in its report: “Europe’s environment 2025”.
“Europe is critically dependent on natural resources for economic security, to which climate change and environmental degradation pose a direct threat.”
Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent and is experiencing worsening droughts and other extreme weather events.
But governments are grappling with other priorities including industrial competitiveness, and negotiations on EU climate targets have stoked divisions between richer and poorer countries.
EU countries last week confirmed that the bloc will miss a global deadline to set new emissions-cutting targets due to divisions over the plans among EU governments.
TIME RUNNING OUT, AGENCY SAYS
“The window for meaningful action is narrowing, and the consequences of delay are becoming more tangible,” executive director Leena Yla-Mononen said.
“We are approaching tipping points – not only in ecosystems, but also in the social and economic systems that underpin our societies.”
Unsecured consumer borrowing in August was 7.1% higher than a year earlier, up from an annual increase of 7.0% in July and the highest since last October
International News via Reuters:
British consumer borrowing rose at the fastest annual pace since October 2024 in August, Bank of England data showed on Monday, in a sign that household demand remains solid ahead of potential tax rises in November’s budget.
Unsecured consumer borrowing in August was 7.1% higher than a year earlier, up from an annual increase of 7.0% in July and the highest since last October. In the most recent three months alone, borrowing rose at the fastest pace since March 2024.
“Nervousness about forthcoming tax rises in the Budget, in August at least, didn’t put consumers off borrowing and spending,” Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves will present her annual budget on November 26 and many economists think she will have to find tens of billions of pounds in tax rises to keep her deficit reduction goals on track.
On a monthly basis, net consumer borrowing rose by 1.692 billion pounds ($2.27 billion) on the month – slightly higher than the 1.6 billion pounds forecast in a Reuters poll – and little changed from July’s 1.669 billion pound increase.
Mortgage approvals in August were little changed at 64,680, down marginally from 65,161 in July and marginally higher than expectations in the Reuters poll.
Net mortgage lending – which tends to lag approvals by around a month – fell to 4.308 billion pounds form 4.506 billion, below a poll forecast of 4.8 billion.
Gregory said it was possible that concerns about higher taxation on the most expensive homes could dampen demand before the budget.
($1 = 0.7442 pounds)
Reporting by David MillikenEditing by William Schomberg and Toby Chopra
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