400m sprinter Caitlin Bobb took silver with a time of 52.14
Bobb was leading into the final stretch when she was edged out for gold by Deanna Proctor of Canada in the last 10 meters of the race.
Google unveils modest upgrades to Pixel smartphones, other gadgets
The products were launched at the annual ‘Made by Google’ event held in New York
International News via Reuters:
Alphabet’s Google introduced on Wednesday a new lineup of Pixel smartphones and gadgets, intensifying its efforts to embed artificial intelligence across a wide ecosystem of products.
The products were launched at the annual ‘Made by Google’ event held in New York, which marked a return to more modest upgrades of its smartphones, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds compared to last year’s event that industry analysts said was bigger and bolder than usual.
New AI features rolling out with the Pixel 10 lineup include a “coach” in the camera app to help users take better pictures and an assistant that displays relevant information without a user’s explicit request, such as showing a flight confirmation email when they call an airline.
The exteriors of the phones remain largely the same, though Google added a telephoto lens on the base model to bring it in line with the cameras on its pricier units.
Prices, starting at $799 for the base unit and $1,799 for the foldable model, remained flat despite concerns earlier this year that some smartphones could experience drastic price hikes due to U.S. tariffs.
The Pixel 10, as well as the souped-up Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, will be available later this month, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is slated to ship in October.
All the Pixel phones are equipped with Google’s latest mobile processor, Tensor G5, and for the first time, feature a magnetic charging technology called Pixelsnap that is reminiscent of the MagSafe functionality on rival Apple’s iPhones. Google unveiled a series of Pixelsnap chargers, cases and phone stands to accompany the launch.
MARKET SHARE WOES
Google’s annual hardware event has traditionally served as a way for the company to show off to device makers and software developers the potential of Android, a key strategic component to battling competition from Apple, which has its own operating system for its iPhones.
Though Google develops the Android operating system underlying more than 80% of smartphones worldwide, its Pixel line generates a fraction of the sales of other firms selling Android-powered phones, such as Samsung and Xiaomi.
Google has so far limited its focus to the high-end market. Nearly three-quarters of Pixel shipments occurred in the United States, Japan and UK, according to research firm IDC.
Amid the generative AI boom, the company shifted the timing of its hardware event for the first time last year from its traditional autumn schedule to the summer, giving it a chance to preempt Apple in promoting AI integrations on smartphones.
That has not yet translated to a material improvement in market share: for the second quarter, Google held 1.1% of the worldwide smartphone market, up from 0.9% one year ago, according to IDC.
In the United States, Pixel’s biggest market in terms of shipments, the share slid to 4.3% from 4.5% in that same time period, according to IDC.
Google announced new versions of its smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, and its cheaper Pixel Buds 2a wireless earbuds, though it left the Pixel Buds Pro 2 pat besides announcing a new color and an upcoming software update with device-specific upgrades.
Reporting by Kenrick Cai; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman
Economy ‘resilient and robust,’ says Minister
Household spending, investment and higher incomes drive growth, but affordability remains a risk
Bermuda’s economy continues to perform well, yet, the affordability of living and doing business remains an associated risk.
That’s the assessment of Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour after he broke down the figures for the first quarter of 2025 today.
Alisa Bernardo has more in the above report.
UK faces more protests and legal action after asylum seekers hotel injunction
On Tuesday, the High Court in London granted a temporary injunction to stop asylum seekers from being housed in the Bell Hotel in Epping
International News via Reuters:
The British government policy of housing thousands of asylum seekers in hotels was facing severe pressure on Wednesday, as opponents leapt on a court ruling to call for protests and legal action to have them all evicted.
According to a regular tracker of voters’ concerns, immigration has overtaken the economy as the biggest issue amid anger over record numbers of asylum seekers arriving in small boats across the Channel, including more than 27,000 this year.
On Tuesday, the High Court in London granted a temporary injunction to stop asylum seekers from being housed in the Bell Hotel in Epping, about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of London in the county of Essex.
The hotel had become a focal point for regular protests after a resident was charged with sexual assault, a crime he denies, with large numbers of police separating anti-immigration protesters and pro-immigration groups.
The injunction in the Epping case centred around a specific planning issue and could be reversed when the case is heard in full later this year.
But other councils said they would also urgently seek legal advice on evicting asylum seekers from hotels in their areas.
Nigel Farage, the leader of the populist Reform Party which is leading in opinion polls, said all the 12 local authorities his party controlled would do everything in their power to do so.
“Let’s hold peaceful protests outside the migrant hotels, and put pressure on local councils to go to court to try and get the illegal immigrants out; we now know that together we can win,” Farage wrote in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
“No doubt we will be attacked as ‘far Right’ provocateurs for daring to suggest that people follow the lead of Epping’s parents and residents by protesting peacefully.”
ASYLUM HOTELS
Britain currently houses about 30,000 asylum seekers who are awaiting decisions on their claims in more than 200 hotels across the country and, although the government has said it intended to close all of these by 2029, it now faces a major headache if others are able to follow Epping’s lead.
In the court hearing, the Home Office (interior ministry) said the injunction would have a “substantial impact” on the government’s ability to comply with its legal duty to provide accommodation, and security minister Dan Jarvis said they would look closely at the decision and whether to appeal it.
“The big challenge remains, which is, we need to process asylum claims much more speedily and much more effectively than was the case previously,” Jarvis told BBC TV.
Critics say that housing asylum seekers in hotels, often young men who are not allowed to work, puts the local community at risk, and point to recent incidents such as in Epping and other locations where some migrants have been accused of serious crimes including the rape and sexual assault of young girls.
They also contrast the facilities provided to migrants in hotels with the difficulties many in Britain are facing with rising living costs and shortages of affordable housing.
However, pro-migrant groups say far-right groups and opportunistic politicians are deliberately seeking to exploit and enflame tensions for their own ends.
Across Europe governments have struggled with how to house asylum seekers, with far-right and anti-migrant groups in France also leading protests against dedicated centres in recent years.
During riots in Britain last year, hotels containing migrants were attacked when unrest involving some far-right supporters erupted after misinformation that the murderer of three girls in Southport was a radical Islamist migrant.
Reporting by Michael Holden and Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Alex Richardson
Finance industry bodies call for changes to crypto rules for banks
While the crypto market remains a small part of the overall financial system, it has grown rapidly in recent years, with cryptocurrency prices reaching record highs
International News via Reuters:
A group of finance industry bodies is calling for a rethink on looming regulatory standards that they say will make it difficult for banks to participate in crypto markets.
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which comprises regulators and central banks from the world’s main financial centres, agreed a set of standards in 2022 for how banks should manage and disclose risks around their exposure to crypto assets.
In an open letter to the committee, various finance industry groups said that the crypto market has changed since 2022, making the proposed standards too conservative.
While the crypto market remains a small part of the overall financial system, it has grown rapidly in recent years, with cryptocurrency prices reaching record highs. It has also become increasingly connected to mainstream financial markets.
Banks are trying to tap into a shift in the regulatory environment in the U.S., where President Donald Trump has taken a pro-crypto approach. U.S. regulators this year made it easier for banks to engage in crypto-related activities.
“The Cryptoasset Standard’s restrictive qualification standards, combined with otherwise punitive market and credit risk capital treatments, effectively make it uneconomical for banks to meaningfully participate in the cryptoasset market,” the letter said.
The letter called for the committee to “temporarily pause” implementation of the new standards, seek new information and consider making changes.
Signatories included the Global Financial Markets Association, the Institute of International Finance and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association – which lobby for the mainstream financial sector – as well as crypto industry groups.
The Basel Committee has no enforcement powers, but its members agree to apply its standards to international banks in their jurisdictions. The standards around crypto are due to come into effect in January 2026.
The Bank for International Settlements, where the Basel Committee is based, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A series of collapses at major crypto companies in 2022 left millions of investors out of pocket and revealed widespread misconduct in the industry, prompting calls for regulation.
Reporting by Elizabeth HowcroftEditing by David Goodman
Hurricane Erin threatens North Carolina’s Outer Banks with storm surge
The National Hurricane Center warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands may become impassable
International News via Reuters:
Hurricane Erin, churning north in the Atlantic hundreds of miles offshore, is expected to trigger a dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions on Wednesday along North Carolina’s Outer Banks and other stretches of the U.S. East Coast.
The National Hurricane Center warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands may become impassable, with waves as high as 20 feet crashing ashore. The heavy surf is likely to result in significant beach erosion, it said in its 8 a.m. EDT update.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, freeing up state money and manpower to help during the storm and its aftermath.
Tropical storm and storm-surge warnings are in place for other parts of the North Carolina coastline.
Earlier in the week, the coastal counties of Dare and Hyde – which encompass most of the Outer Banks – ordered residents and tourists to evacuate the vulnerable Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, whose populations swell during the summer months.
Local media reported that ferries took more than 2,220 people off Ocracoke, with the final sailing scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Ferries to Hatteras will keep operating as long as conditions allow, ABC News affiliate WCTI reported.
But Chris Styron, manager of the Pony Island Inn on Ocracoke, is ignoring the evacuation orders and staying to watch over the 50-room hotel.
“We’re used to storms like this,” Styron said. “I’m born and raised here. We’re not really worried – it’s so far offshore.”
The eye of Erin, rated as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), was expected to move midway between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda on Wednesday and Thursday as it traveled northward, the NHC said. That trajectory will keep the worst of its winds offshore.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 265 miles (426 km) from the storm’s center, with hurricane-force winds extending for 90 miles.
Even so, the NHC warned beachgoers along most of the East Coast to stay out of the water because of “life-threatening surf and rip currents.”
Along the New Jersey shore, swimming and other water activities were prohibited on beaches from Cape May north to Sandy Hook, with high surf and rip current warnings in effect into Friday, the NWS said. Coastal flooding is expected to peak during high tide on Thursday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered all city public beaches – including Coney Island and Brighton Beach – to close Wednesday and Thursday.
Fortunately, temperatures in New York were expected to be seasonably cool on Wednesday and Thursday, with highs only reaching 70 F, well below the average of 82 F.
Erin, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season and the first to attain hurricane status, had strengthened to a Category 5 storm. The last Atlantic storm to reach that intensity was Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Frank McGurty and Mark Porter
Hurricane Erin: Rough seas but business as usual
Causeway, airport and Government offices will remain open. Buses will run, all Orange Route ferry services suspended
The strongest winds from Hurricane Erin are expected here in Bermuda between 11pm Thursday and 2am Friday
Press release:
The Ministry of National Security today advised that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) executive met for a second time this week to review the latest developments regarding Hurricane Erin.
The Bermuda Weather Service has confirmed that Erin is now expected to pass farther away from Bermuda than initially forecast, to the north-northwest of the island on Thursday night. As a result, Bermuda will be spared the worst effects of the storm.
However, the public is reminded that Erin is still a powerful hurricane and that Bermuda will experience associated impacts.
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect, and a Tropical Storm Warning may be issued later today. Winds are forecast to strengthen through Thursday, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 knots (29 to 40 mph) and gusts up to 45 to 50 knots (52 to 58 mph).
Residents should note that winds are expected to begin strengthening from Thursday afternoon, becoming increasingly gusty into the evening. All household preparations should be completed by then.
The strongest winds are expected between 11:00 p.m. Thursday and 2:00 a.m. Friday, accompanied by heavy showers, isolated thunderstorms and the risk of localised flooding.
Very rough to high seas, rip currents and dangerous surf are also forecast, gradually beginning to ease from Friday evening onward.
As a result of today’s EMO meeting, the following operational decisions were confirmed:
- Bermuda will remain open for business.
- The Causeway will remain open.
- The airport remains fully operational with no intention of closing – residents should check with their respective airlines for confirmation of flight arrivals and departures.
- Government offices will remain open.
- The Government emergency shelter will not be opened.
- The ‘Liberty of the Seas’ cruise ship has cancelled its call to Bermuda for August 18th – 19th.
- There are no cancellations for public buses.
- All Orange Route Ferry Services have been suspended and will resume on Monday, 25 August 2025. All other ferry routes will continue to be closely monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary.
In addition to Hurricane Erin, the EMO noted that the Bermuda Weather Service is tracking two other systems in the Atlantic with the potential for cyclone development in the coming days. One of these, located near the Leeward Islands, may take a track towards Bermuda’s general area, although it has not yet developed.
The Acting Minister of National Security, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, cautioned the public against complacency: “While it is welcome news that Hurricane Erin is expected to pass well to our north-west, residents must not let their guard down.
“The Bermuda Weather Service has advised that two other systems are being monitored and it is vital that the public continue to follow the official forecasts and maintain their hurricane preparedness.”
Rough Seas
The Ministry also highlighted dangerous sea conditions. In conjunction with warnings from the Bermuda Weather Service and advice from lifeguards, High Surf warning signs have been placed on south shore beaches. A High Surf warning means that the water is dangerous and that no one should be swimming.
Lifeguard services at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay were suspended on 19 August due to hazardous conditions. Lifeguards remain on duty at Clearwater Beach and Turtle Beach where conditions are calmer.
Minister Adams added, “Absolutely no one should be swimming under High Surf conditions, and it would be reckless to ignore this advice.
Carlos Santana honours Big Brothers Big Sisters with mural
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda has unveiled a vibrant mural in its office space, created by Bermudian artist Carlos Santana.
The mural celebrates the organization’s 47 years of service to Bermuda’s youth and its recent recognition as the 2025 Best of Bermuda Award winner for Best Charity/Community Service Organization.
Managing Director Patrina O’Connor-Paynter tells us how this initiative came about and the inspiration behind bringing the project to life.
Unveiling the mural, Bermudian artist Carlos Santana talked about why he chose to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda.
He speaks to the sense of community and togetherness that inspired him to create the piece free of charge, as his way of giving back to the organization and the young people it serves.
Report a pothole … on your app
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment today announced the launch of the GovAlert mobile app, a new tool that allows residents to conveniently and securely report potholes across Bermuda using their smartphones.
The app, available for free download from both the Google Play Store and the App Store, enables residents to play an active role in improving Bermuda’s road network.
To assist the public in using the new service, the Ministry has created a step-by-step instructional video available at www.gov.bm/potholes, where residents can learn how to download, navigate, and submit reports through the app.
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, praised the launch of the new technology as a great step forward: “The launch of the GovAlert app demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to deliver real solutions for the people of Bermuda.
“We are empowering residents to report potholes directly from their phones, and we are strengthening the partnership between the public and the Ministry in maintaining safe and reliable roads.
“This initiative is part of our wider strategy to upgrade Bermuda’s infrastructure. Alongside the Government’s ongoing paving programme and the use of new equipment to resurface roads across the Island, the app will help us respond more quickly and effectively to community concerns.”
The GovAlert app provides users with:
- A built-in map of Bermuda to accurately identify the pothole location.
- The ability to move the location pin and select “Report a Concern,” choosing “Pothole” as the issue.
- Options to describe the concern, attach a photo, and provide contact details before submitting.
- The ability to track the status of their report.
- A public map that displays, in real time, potholes reported by other users.
Important Safety Reminder
The Ministry reminds the public to safely pull over their vehicle before reporting a pothole. Residents should never attempt to use the app while driving.
It is also important to note that the GovAlert app is for reporting potholes on public roads only and not on private roads.
Minister Adams added: “We have listened to the public, who have been clear about the need for swift action on potholes. This app is a practical response that will allow us to improve service delivery and accountability.
“Together with our ongoing road paving schedule, the GovAlert app represents our commitment to building better roads for all Bermudians.”
Hayward: ‘GDP up by 1.1% in 1st Quarter’
Remarks by:
THE HON. JASON HAYWARD JP MP
MINISTER ECONOMY AND LABOUR
———————————————————
1st QUARTER 2025 GDP AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
Wednesday, 20 August 2025
Quarterly GDP and Economic Performance
Bermuda’s economy continued its steady progress. Building on good momentum and strong growth in 2024, in the first quarter of 2025, Bermuda’s economy expanded by an estimated 1.1 per cent, adjusted for inflation, signifying continued economic expansion. This economic growth resulted from increased household and Government expenditure and investment.
In current prices, GDP increased by 3.3 per cent during the first quarter.
The significance of this continued economic expansion for Bermuda is far-reaching. It is accompanied by higher employment levels, improved household incomes, and stronger consumer confidence. This momentum underscores Bermuda’s resilience, its ability to adapt to shifting global conditions, and its capacity to maintain stability while fostering an environment where both public and private sectors can prosper.
Consumer Spending
Consumer spending in the first quarter increased 1.5 per cent year-over-year to $824.1 million. This increase reflects growth in the total amount of money consumers spent on goods and services during the quarter.
Consumption of services increased by 1.3 per cent year-over-year, reflected in higher expenditure for personal care, catering and air transport services.
Spending on durable goods grew by 1.1 per cent, with notable increases in purchases of new and used cars, sound and picture reception equipment, recording and reproduction, and photographic and cinema equipment. At the same time, spending on non-durable and semi-durable goods rose 2.2 per cent in large part due to expenditures on accompanied personal goods, fuel and power, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The increase in consumer spending in Bermuda’s first quarter demonstrates a favourable economic environment and positive consumer confidence, with growth in both service consumption and the consumption of goods.
Employment Income
In the first quarter of 2025, employment income rose by 6.3 per cent compared to 2024 levels. Notable increases in employment income were observed across all industries:
● Business Services (17.1%)
● Transport & Communication (12.8%)
● Hotels & Restaurants (9.8%)
● Construction (8.1%)
● Public Administration & Defence (6.0%)
● Banking, Insurance & Real Estate (5.1%)
● International Business (5.1%)
● Wholesale & Retail (0.2%)
This growth in employee remuneration across all sectors reflects positive economic performance indicating a robust labour market.
Government Expenditure
Government consumption increased by 1.5 per cent to $201.4 million during the quarter, reflecting increased expenditure on wages, salaries, and insurance.
Investment
Gross Capital Formation reflected strong growth, increasing 5.2 per cent to $216.1 million. Investment in machinery and equipment saw a positive increase of 7.3 per cent, driven by higher imports of industrial machinery, transportation equipment and agricultural machinery. Construction investment continued its rebound, increasing by 2.9 per cent. Investment in capital assets serves as a strong foundation for increased economic development.
The External Balance of Goods and Services
Bermuda’s Trade Balance abated 0.5 per cent to $779.1 million, as the increase in receipts from the import of goods and services outpaced the growth in receipts for the exports of goods and services.
Exports of goods and services grew by 1.7 per cent during the quarter, with a notable contribution from higher receipts related to business services. Imports of goods and services increased 5.4 per cent as payments rose for transportation and travel services.
Business Registrations
Bermuda’s business ecosystem remains robust, and total local business registration increased year-over-year, bringing the complete business register to 4,082. There were 50 new local businesses registered in Bermuda during the first quarter of 2025.
Conclusion
The Government is committed to fostering the expansion and sustainability of Bermuda’s economy by cultivating a business environment that enables businesses to flourish. To that end, the Government will continue executing the strategic initiatives outlined in Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy to ensure Bermuda experiences sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.
For more information, please see the Q1 2025 Quarterly GDP by Expenditure and the Q1 2025 Balance of Payments & International Investment Position publications available at the Department of Statistics online at gov.bm.
Thank you
