Bermudian middle-distance runner Nirobi Smith Mills has capped off his preparations for the Junior Pan American Games with an outstanding performance, securing a second-place finish and a new personal best.
Competing in the Men’s 800m ‘B’ Final at the British Milers Club (BMC) Trafford Grand Prix, Smith Mills crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 1:47.67. This superb run saw him finish just behind the winner, Ryan Elston, who clocked a time of 1:47.17.
The result is a significant boost for the Bermudian athlete as he prepares to represent his country at the Junior Pan Am Games in Asunción, Paraguay. His strong performance in Manchester is a clear indicator of his hard work and dedication in the lead-up to the prestigious multi-sport event.
Bermudian boxer Andre Lambe is in the running for the American Boxing Organization’s (ABO) prestigious Boxer of the Year award after a stellar year in the ring. The undefeated southpaw, who holds an impressive professional record of 12 wins and 0 losses with 6 knockouts, is currently ranked as the number one welterweight in the ABO.
Lambe’s latest victory came in Galveston, Texas, where he secured an eight-round unanimous decision. His performance in the fight showcased his superior ringcraft and dominance, further solidifying his status as a formidable force in the welterweight division.
Speaking about the nomination, Lambe expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It’s a great accomplishment. I’ve put a lot of work into the sport and it’s paying off.” He also revealed his ambition to have one more fight this year, believing it could secure him the coveted award.
The ABO Boxer of the Year award would be the culmination of a year of hard work and impressive performances for the rising star.
Bermudian athletes have made a strong start at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, with impressive performances in aquatics and archery on Day One.
In the pool, swimmer Elijah Daley and Sam Williamson competed in the men’s 100m breaststroke preliminaries. Daley finished sixth in his heat with a time of 1:05.55, placing him 17th overall and just five-hundredths of a second shy of a final spot. Williamson finished seventh in his heat with a time of 1:07.23, placing him 20th overall.
Daley’s day wasn’t over, as he was granted a place in the men’s 200m butterfly ‘B’ Final after a competitor’s withdrawal. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing 5th in the ‘B’ Final with a time of 2:07.46, a significant improvement on his morning swim, which saw him place 13th overall.
On the archery range, Jaydon Roberts and Robin Selley delivered a solid performance. Roberts finished 16th in the Men’s Recurve Individual Division with a score of 599, while Selley placed ninth in the Women’s Recurve Individual with a score of 597. The duo then teamed up for the Mixed Recurve Team event, where their combined score of 1196 was good enough for a seventh-place finish, a result that puts them in a strong position for the knockout stages.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that her administration is looking into legal ways of supporting Indigenous communities
International News via Reuters:
Adidas has formally apologised after Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum criticised the sportswear brand over a shoe that replicated traditional Indigenous huarache sandals without attributing the design or crediting artisans.
The misstep comes shortly after Prada triggered a widespread backlash in India when its Milan fashion show debuted a sandal replicating Kolhapuri slippers, highlighting the increased scrutiny multinational brands face over the origin of their designs.
“The ‘Oaxaca slip-on’ was inspired by a design from Oaxaca, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag,” Adidas said in a statement.
“We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honours their cultural legacy.”
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that her administration is looking into legal ways of supporting Indigenous communities whose designs are taken by big companies, after Oaxaca officials criticised the Adidas shoe.
The Oaxaca slip-on, launched five days ago by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria with Adidas, features a black sneaker sole topped with the leather weave typical of Mexico’s huarache sandals.
Chavarria said on Saturday he was “deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community”.
Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Kirsten Donovan
The Bermuda Volleyball Association (BVA) has successfully hosted its first-ever National Beach Volleyball Championships, with Hailey Moss and Amber Simons claiming the women’s title and Kyle Hamilton and Chris Fricke winning the men’s crown.
In the Women’s Final, the experienced duo of Moss and Simons, both of whom have represented Bermuda on the international stage, were crowned the inaugural champions. They overcame a strong field, with Kayley Hamilton and Natalie Gazzard finishing as runners-up.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Final, the title went to Kyle Hamilton and his partner Chris Fricke. Hamilton, who recently competed on the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Mexico, put his international experience to good use as they defeated Sean Tucker and Ben Barnett in a thrilling final.
The BVA’s successful hosting of the championships marks a significant milestone for the sport’s growth and development on the island.
Sports content, especially rights to live events, has become the cornerstone of media strategy
International News via Reuters:
Skydance-owned Paramount will become the exclusive U.S. home of Ultimate Fighting Championship under a seven-year streaming deal valued at about $7.7 billion, the first major strategic move by the newly merged media giant under new CEO David Ellison.
Starting next year, Paramount+ will carry the complete U.S. slate of 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights. UFC, owned by TKO Group Holdings, will also have select numbered cards simulcast on Paramount’s CBS broadcast network, the companies announced on Monday.
The deal builds on Ellison’s commitment to increase investment in high-quality exclusive content, which he had called the “single biggest driver of subscriber growth”.
Sports content, especially rights to live events, has become the cornerstone of media strategy, as cord-cutting accelerates, with rivals such as Netflix and Disney also striking similar deals to strengthen their offerings.
Netflix secured a $5 billion, 10-year global deal for WWE Raw from 2025 and added two NFL Christmas Day games. Disney’s ESPN extended rights with NFL, NHL, MLB and College Football Playoff, and plans a joint sports streaming venture with Warner Bros Discovery and Fox.
“The addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win,” Ellison said, calling UFC a “global sports powerhouse”.
The company will pay an average of $1.1 billion a year and include events at no extra cost to subscribers, shifting away from UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model. It also said it may seek UFC rights in other markets as they come up for bidding.
UFC stages about 43 live events a year, reaching roughly 100 million U.S. fans and nearly 950 million households globally. Its slate includes marquee numbered card events like UFC 300, weekly Fight Nights, and reality shows like “The Ultimate Fighter” and “Dana White’s Contender Series”.
Paramount Global and Skydance Media completed their $8.4 billion merger last week and appointed Ellison as CEO, capping a drawn-out deal process marked by political scrutiny and shareholder concerns.
Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore
The new midsize four-door pickup will be assembled at the automaker’s Louisville, Kentucky, plant
International News via Reuters:
Ford plans to start rolling out its new family of affordable electric vehicles in 2027, including a midsize pickup truck with a target starting price of $30,000, the company said on Monday, as it aspires to the cost efficiency of Chinese rivals.
The new midsize four-door pickup will be assembled at the automaker’s Louisville, Kentucky, plant. Ford is investing nearly $2 billion in the plant, which produces the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, retaining at least 2,200 jobs, it said in a statement.
Chinese carmakers such as BYD have streamlined their supply chain and production system to produce EVs at a fraction of the cost of Western automakers. While these vehicles have yet to enter the U.S. market, Ford CEO Jim Farley said they set a new standard that companies like Ford must match.
“We have all lived through far too many ‘good college tries’ by Detroit automakers to make affordable vehicles that ends up with idled plants, layoffs and uncertainty. So, this had to be a strong, sustainable and profitable business,” Farley said in a release Monday.
Ford has been developing its affordable EVs through its so-called skunkworks team, filled with talent from EV rivals Tesla and Rivian. The California-based group, led by former Tesla executive Alan Clarke, has set itself so much apart from the larger Ford enterprise that Farley said even his badge could not get him into its building for some time.
EVs sold for an average of about $47,000 in June, J.D. Power data showed. Many Chinese models sell for $10,000 to $25,000.
Affordability is a top concern among EV shoppers, auto executives have said, and the global competition for delivering cheaper electric models is heating up.
EV startup Slate, backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, is aiming for a starting price in the mid-$20,000s for its electric pickup. Tesla has teased a cheaper model, with production ramping up later this year. Rivian and Lucid are also planning to roll out lower-priced models for their lineups, although price points are in the $40,000s to $50,000s.
Since rolling out plans earlier this decade to push hard into EVs, Ford has pulled back as the losses piled up. It has scaled back many of its EV goals, canceled an electric three-row SUV, and axed a program to develop a more advanced electrical architecture for future models.
Ford last year announced it would start building its midsize truck from the skunkworks team in 2027.
The automaker earlier this year estimated losing up to $5.5 billion on its EV and software division. It lost nearly $10 billion combined on those operations from 2023 to 2024.
Cutting costs on battery-powered models has been one of the primary goals of Farley, who has said he expects this new family of EVs to be profitable within one year.
Ford sells three EVs in the U.S.: the Mustang Mach-E SUV, E-Transit van, and F-150 Lightning pickup. Sales of those vehicles fell 12% in the first half from the year-ago period. Meanwhile, interest in hybrids has surged, with sales up 27% over the same window. Ford recently pushed back production of its next-generation F-150 Lightning and E-Transit to 2028.
The elimination of a $7,500 consumer tax credit, loosening regulations on emissions and reduced funding for charging infrastructure are expected to further dampen demand.
All this makes it more important for automakers to pick their lanes, Farley has said.
“The pure EV market in the U.S. seems to us very clear: small vehicles used for commuting and around town,” Farley told analysts on an earnings call last month.
By contrast, crosstown rival General Motors has electrified vehicles across its entire lineup, from the hulking Hummer to the smaller Equinox SUV. GM spent more time upfront building a ground-up platform as a base for its EV models.
Meanwhile, Ford has reconfigured many of its popular gasoline-powered vehicles with batteries to get to market sooner, delaying the development and launch of a unified EV platform, details of which it unveiled on Monday.
While being out front has exposed Ford to more EV demand fluctuations over the past two years, it has also learned more about the market, Farley has said.
Ford is using lithium-iron-phosphate, or LFP batteries, for the forthcoming family of EVs. The batteries are produced in Marshall, Michigan, using technology from Chinese EV-battery maker CATL that has helped to bring down the sticker price of electric cars.
Reporting by Nora Eckert. Editing by Mike Colias and Richard Chang
Optimism around potential rate cuts and easing uncertainty amid progress on trade deals have laid the groundwork for a pickup in private-equity buyouts
International News via Reuters:
U.S. financial software provider MeridianLink said on Monday it would be acquired by investment firm Centerbridge Partners in a $2 billion deal, taking it private roughly four years after its New York debut.
Optimism around potential rate cuts and easing uncertainty amid progress on trade deals have laid the groundwork for a pickup in private-equity buyouts. Dealmaking appetite for software businesses has also remained robust this year.
Last week, Blackstone clinched a $6.5 billion deal for energy data and analytics provider Enverus.
MeridianLink shareholders will receive $20 apiece in cash for each share held, implying a 26% premium to the stock’s last close.
Shares of the Irvine, California-based company jumped 24.6% to $19.79 in premarket trading. They have lost 23% this year, as of last close.
Founded in 1998, MeridianLink powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions. It also provides data verification solutions for credit bureaus.
The company caters to nearly 2,000 community financial institutions and reporting agencies, including BankFirst and Financial Center First Credit Union.
“As the pace of change across the finance and tech sectors continues to accelerate, MeridianLink is uniquely positioned to help financial institutions enhance their digital lending and credit reporting capabilities to expand and deepen client relationships and drive their growth,” said Centerbridge’s Jared Hendricks and Ben Jaffe.
MeridianLink’s revenue rose 8% to $84.6 million during the three months ended June 30, while net loss narrowed to $3 million.
In May, the company had announced its president, Larry Katz, would takeover as the CEO in October.
Holders of roughly 55% of MeridianLink’s shares have agreed to vote in the favor of the transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
Centerview Partners and J.P. Morgan are advisers to MeridianLink on the deal, while Goldman Sachs is advising Centerbridge.
Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar
The 71-year-old victim had succumbed to his injuries
A man has been charged in Magistrates’ Court today with the unlawfully killing a 71 year old man.
Appearing during this morning’s plea court session, 43-year-old John Paul Samuels of no fixed abode was charged with the unlawful killing of James Burgess.
It was alleged to have occurred on the 7th of August this year in Pembroke parish near the No. 1 Car Park on Front Street.
Mr. Samuels was not required to enter a plea as the charge is indictable and must be heard in the Supreme Court.
Senior Magistrate Maxanne Anderson remanded the defendant to the Westgate Correctional Facility.
He is due to reappear in the Supreme Court on October 1st during the arraignment session.
Jahkobi Smith was fatally stabbed eight years ago at the West End Sailboat Club in Sandys
Jahkobi Smith Image supplied by BPS
Police press release: The Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing for information regarding the tragic murder of Jahkobi Smith, who was fatally stabbed on the evening of Saturday 29th July 2017, now eight years ago. At approximately 7:15pm, Mr. Smith was involved in an altercation at the West End Sailboat Club in Sandys, where a wake was being held for the late Jahcari Francis. Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded quickly and rendered aid at the scene. However, despite their efforts, Mr. Smith was later pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. On this solemn anniversary, the Bermuda Police Service is renewing its call for witnesses to come forward. Any information no matter how minor it may seem could prove vital in helping to solve this case and bring long-overdue closure to Jahkobi Smith’s family. We are especially interested in speaking with:
Anyone who was at the West End Sailboat Club on the evening of the incident
Individuals in the surrounding area around the time of the altercation
Anyone with knowledge of Mr. Smith’s movements prior to the incident
If you have any information, please contact:
Detective Inspector Dean Martin at 717-2074
Serious Crime Unit at 247-1739
A police officer you trust
Or call the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477
Tips can also be submitted online at www.crimestoppers.bm
Detective Inspector Martin stated: “Someone out there knows who is responsible for Mr. Smith’s death. We urge you to do the right thing. You can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers. Even the smallest piece of information could be the missing link we need. “The Bermuda Police Service has made significant strides in solving serious crimes with the help of the public. Your assistance can make the difference in ensuring justice is served. “If you know anything about the murder of Jahkobi Smith, we implore you to come forward. Let’s work together to bring peace and justice to those left behind. “The Bermuda Police Service has made significant strides in solving serious crimes with the help of the public. Your assistance can make the difference in ensuring justice is served. “If you know anything about the murder of Jahkobi Smith, we implore you to come forward. Let’s work together to bring closure and justice to those left behind.”
Five-year ACF recognition affirms programme’s global standards and boosts graduates’ career prospects
Press release:
Bermuda College is proud to announce that its Culinary Arts programme has received official reaccreditation from the American Culinary Federation.
The rigorous process confirms that the College’s culinary arts curriculum meets the highest standards of excellence set by the ACF, the premier professional organisation for chefs in North America.
The reaccreditation is valid for five years and positions Bermuda College among an elite group of institutions with globally recognised culinary credentials.
Dr. Teneika Eve, a senior lecturer at the College and Chair of the Faculty Association within the Division of Business, Hospitality, and Technical Education, said the designation reflected the hard work of faculty, staff, and students.
“This is a big achievement for Bermuda College and our community. It validates the quality of education we provide and opens doors for our graduates to pursue international opportunities,” she said.
The evaluation process included an in-depth review of the curriculum, teaching methods, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and industry partnerships.
Inspectors also praised the College’s commitment to hands-on training and its alignment with industry expectations.
Bermuda College President Dr. David Sam said: “This reaccreditation reflects the strength of our programmes and our commitment to producing graduates who are ready to compete and succeed at a global level.
“It is also a testament to the leadership and vision of our Culinary Arts faculty.”
The reaccreditation will benefit both current students and alumni, as they are now eligible for ACF certification — a professional advantage when applying for employment or further training overseas.
“This is not just about a badge of honour,” added Dr. Eve. “It’s about expanding access, elevating standards, and empowering Bermudians to take their place among the world’s finest culinary professionals.”
The College was last accredited by the ACF in 2019, and reaccreditation takes place every five to six years.
The ACF is the largest professional chefs’ organisation in North America, comprising more than 14,000 members.
It is the leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeships, competitions, and programmatic accreditation designed to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs. It also operates the most comprehensive culinary certification programme in the world.
Gina Spence Program reports over 80% of registered children have endured major loss; $60,000 still needed to meet fundraising goal
Image supplied
Press release:
The Gina Spence Program’s annual Each One Reach One Back-to-School Campaign in partnership with Gibbons Company has reached its halfway point, and the numbers tell a sobering story: over 80% of the 300 children registered so far come from households that have experienced a major loss including incarceration, terminal illness, job loss, death, divorce, or unemployment.
These are not just statistics. Behind each application is a child walking into a new school year carrying burdens no child should have to bear.
One mother shared in her application that her son lost his father to violence earlier this year, while also watching his grandmother battle cancer. Another family is struggling after the breadwinner was laid off, leaving them unable to afford even the most basic school essentials.
The Each One Reach One campaign exists for children like these providing First Day Starter Kits valued at $150 each, including uniforms, socks, undergarments, and a backpack, so every child can start the school year with confidence and dignity.
The Need:
• Fundraising Goal: $80,000 by Friday, August 22, 2025
Funds Raised So Far: Just over $20,000
Registration Deadline for Families in Need: Friday, August 15, 2025
Deadline for Gently Used Uniform Donations at Gibbons Children’s Department: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (donors receive a $10 Gibbons coupon for every $50 spent)
This year, the campaign launched three weeks earlier than usual, raising $10,000 in its first week in July. But with hundreds more children expected to register and walk in on Distribution Day historically over 500 the need remains urgent.
Founder’s Statement
“We’ve seen firsthand how a new uniform can change a child’s entire outlook,” said Dr. Gina Spence, Founder and Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. “When a child walks into school on the first day wearing a fresh, clean uniform, they hold their head higher. They feel like they belong. For so many of the children we serve, this is the first step toward hope after loss. But we can’t do it alone. Bermuda, we need you. Whether it’s sponsoring a child, volunteering your time, or donating a gently used uniform, every act of kindness makes a difference. This is how we show our children they matter.”
How to Help:
Donate $150 to sponsor one child’s First Day Starter Kit
Volunteer your time for Distribution Day on Saturday, August 23, 2025
Drop off gently used uniforms at the Gibbons Children’s Department
To donate or sign up as a volunteer, visit www.gspcharity.com or call 296-0016.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
