Novo said the new offer was part of its ongoing efforts to explore new collaborations and approaches towards improving access to authentic semaglutide medicines
International News via Reuters:
Novo Nordisk said on Monday it was offering its diabetes drug Ozempic for $499 per month to eligible cash-paying type 2 diabetes patients in the United States.
Earlier this month, it said it expects continued competition from copycat versions of its blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy this year and rising pressure from main U.S. rival, Eli Lilly.
Novo said the new offer was part of its ongoing efforts to explore new collaborations and approaches towards improving access to authentic semaglutide medicines.
The offer will roll out across multiple platforms. Ozempic will be available through its NovoCare pharmacy program – launched earlier this year to sell Wegovy outside of insurance – for the first time, Novo said.
It also said it was partnering with telehealth service GoodRx to offer both Wegovy and Ozempic for $499 per month.
Novo said in April it was working with telehealth firms Ro and LifeMD to sell Wegovy to expand access to cash-paying patients.
The Bermuda Under-19 cricket team finished in third place inthe ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Qualifiers, driven by several standout individual performances.
The star of the tournament for Bermuda was Luke Horan, who was named the Tournament’s Best Bowler. Horan’s consistent efforts with the ball saw him claim a series-leading 12 wickets throughout the six matches. He was well-supported by Sa-Qui Robinson, who took eight wickets, and Keegan Jones and Isaiah O’Brien, who both claimed five.
On the batting front, Luke Fulton led the team with a high of 139 runs, while Sa-Qui Robinson continued his impressive all-around performance, scoring 113. Horan rounded out his excellent tournament as the team’s third-highest run-scorer with 98 runs.
In the field, Isaiah O’Brien led the team with four catches, with Zeri Tomlinson, Callum Macfarlane, Luke Fulton, and Keegan Jones all contributing with two catches each.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is proud to announce the return of its Birdies for Charity program, offering an exciting opportunity for the community to rally behind local charities while celebrating world-class golf.
At a reception last week held at Butterfield’s head office, charities were given an opportunity to meet with the organizers and to learn more about how they can benefit from the program.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity program is an easy and effective matching fund program where the tournament sponsors match fundraising efforts made by participating charities. Organizations receive every penny they raise, plus up to a 10% match on every donation.
“The Birdies for Charity program is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” said Danielle Carrera, Tournament Director. “It is truly a risk-free opportunity to maximize fundraising efforts. We encourage every charity on island to join us and make an impact.”
The program has become a vital fundraising tool for local charities, supporting a variety of initiatives in education, youth development, health, the environment, and social services.
Since its inception, Birdies for Charity has generated more than $4.4 million for Bermuda-based organizations.
How It Works:
Local nonprofits register to participate in the Birdies for Charity program
Fans, businesses, and supporters may donate via the tournament website
Charities may raise dollars on their own through tag days, events, and other fundraisers and submit them to the program
100% of funds raised go directly to the charity
Funds raised are matched up to 10% and donated back to the charity at the conclusion of the program in the spring of 2026
Registration for local nonprofits is now open and those interested can register via the link here: Birdies for Charity – Charity Registration. Charities are encouraged to sign up early to maximize their fundraising potential and take advantage of tournament marketing opportunities.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship will take place November 13-16 featuring top PGA TOUR professionals competing for the title against the stunning backdrop of Bermuda’s south shore.
The government accused the United Nations of making baseless assertions and stating falsehoods in the report
International News via Reuters:
Burkina Faso has declared United Nations regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak persona non grata over a U.N. report alleging violations against children in the West African country, a government spokesperson said on Monday.
Burkinabe authorities were neither involved in the preparation of the U.N. report, titled “Children and Armed Conflict in Burkina Faso”, nor informed of the study’s conclusions before publication, he said in a statement.
The government accused the United Nations of making baseless assertions and stating falsehoods in the report, without citing relevant investigations or court rulings.
There was no immediate response to requests for comment from U.N. officials in Geneva and New York.
Violence fuelled by a decade-long battle against Islamist militants linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State has worsened in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries seized power in a series of coups from 2020 to 2023.
The U.N. has in the past condemned what it says have been killings, abuses and abductions of children in the Sahel regional conflict as well as the recruitment of child soldiers.
Writing by Anait Miridzhanian in Dakar and Emma Farge in Geneva; editing by Hugh Lawson and Mark Heinrich
Traders pared bets on a cut at the Fed’s September 16-17 meeting after producer price inflation was hotter than expected in July
International News via Reuters:
The dollar gained on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared to host talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, and traders pared bets on a September rate cut before a speech on Friday by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday before holding talks with the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO, the White House said.
The European leaders were heading to Washington to show solidarity with Ukraine and to press for strong security guarantees in any settlement of the war in Ukraine.
Traders are also focused on Powell’s appearance later this week at the U.S. central bank’s annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for any new indications on whether a rate cut is likely next month.
Powell has said he is reluctant to cut rates on expectations that Trump’s tariff policies will lead to higher inflation this summer.
Traders pared bets on a cut at the Fed’s September 16-17 meeting after producer price inflation was hotter than expected in July. They had ramped up bets on a cut after consumer price inflation data for last month showed limited pass through from the trade levies.
Fed fund futures traders are now pricing in a 85% probability of a September rate cut, after last week briefly fully pricing in a move.
Powell is unlikely to lock himself into a monetary path before seeing August’s round of data.
“I don’t think that he can be definitive after being so cautious for so long. But I do think he has a clear opening on the labor market,” said Lou Brien, strategist at DRW Trading in Chicago.
“If the labor market weakens, he can move on that without having to wait for inflation, and that has historically been the way the Fed goes. They talk tough on inflation. They react to the labor market. The last jobs number was weaker than expected, the revisions were weaker than expected, and that makes it more than one report,” Brien said.
The euro was last down 0.21% on the day at $1.1673. Against the Japanese yen, the dollar strengthened 0.46% to 47.85.
Sterling weakened 0.1% to $1.3538.
In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin fell 1.66% to $115,764.
Reporting by Karen Brettell, Additional reporting by Jaspreet Kalra, Editing by Sonali Paul, William Maclean, Toby Chopra and Timothy Heritage
Bermuda’s Under-14 Girls’ national team put in a determined performance to secure a commanding victory over hosts Trinidad in their second match of the 2025 Caribbean Football Union Challenge Series.
The game started as an open contest, with both teams creating chances. The deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time when Alva Tucker’s clever pass found Mia Daponte, who beat the advancing goalkeeper to give Bermuda a crucial 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half continued to be a hard-fought affair, but Bermuda’s defence remained resolute, denying the Trinidadian forwards any clear opportunities. The team’s hard work paid off in the 69th minute when a free-kick from Avery Taylor found its way into the back of the net, doubling Bermuda’s lead and sealing a well-deserved victory.
Bermudian athletes delivered a series of strong performances on Day Seven of the Junior Pan American Games, with sailor Sebastian Kempe claiming the island’s second medal of the games after a superb silver-medal finish.
Sailing
Kempe secured his medal in the ILCA7 Fleet after a day of three races. Despite a challenging start with an 11th-place finish, he mounted a strong comeback by winning the next race and finishing third in the final one, holding on to the second-place position he started the day with.
In the ILCA6 Fleet, Nicole Stovell finished eighth overall with 36 net points, showing consistent improvement throughout her races.
Rugby
The Bermuda rugby team took to the field for their final matches, finishing in eighth place. They fell to a narrow 12-10 defeat to Mexico in their 5-8 place playoff match, with tries from Aiden Kendall and Dante Noel-Simmons. In the 7th-8th place playoff, Bermuda was defeated 24-10 by Trinidad, with Noel-Simmons and Nyindae Smith scoring the tries.
Cycling
In cycling, Charlotte Millington competed in the Girls’ Road Race, finishing 32nd with a time of 2:52:08. She crossed the line just 49 seconds behind the winner.
Monique Bailey are Simone Fox honoured for their outstanding service and critical contributions to the Government’s year-end audit processes for fixed assets
Government press release:
The Government of Bermuda is pleased to announce that Monique Bailey, of the Ministry of Public Works Headquarters, and Simone Fox, of the Accountant General’s Department, have been named the recipients of the July Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).
Both Ms. Bailey and Ms. Fox are being honoured for their outstanding service and critical contributions to the Government’s year-end audit processes for fixed assets, achievements that led to the completion of deliverables for the Consolidated Fund two months ahead of schedule.
As the Ministry of Public Works’ Accounts Officer and primary contact for fixed asset data, Monique Bailey demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of complex asset reporting requirements. She ensured all relevant asset information was submitted accurately and on time, resolved system anomalies, and produced audit-ready continuity schedules, significantly streamlining what is traditionally a time-consuming process.
As the fixed asset specialist supporting all government departments, Simone Fox delivered exceptional results through strong coordination, follow-through, and strategic process improvements that reduced follow-up time. She ensured timely submission of quarterly returns, accurately set up assets in the E1 system, ran depreciation, identified and corrected anomalies, and prepared continuity schedules for audit while successfully reconciling fixed asset categories with the Government’s financial statements.
“Ms. Bailey’s and Ms. Fox’s work are shining examples of what excellence in public service looks like,” said the Premier of Bermuda, The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP. “Their dedication and professionalism have not only improved the efficiency of Government operations but have set a great example for collaboration across departments. I extend my congratulations to both of them for being recognized.”
Echoing this sentiment, Cherie-lynn Whitter, Head of the Public Service, remarked: “Monique and Simone exemplify the values we strive to uphold; collaboration, accountability, and a pursuit of excellence. Their leadership, attention to detail, and proactive approach made a measurable difference in the Government’s financial reporting process, and we are proud to recognise their accomplishments.”
The PSEA is a programme that recognises a group or individual within the Public Service who has made significant achievements in service delivery in the last 60 days.
The European Union and the United States struck a framework trade deal in late July with many key details yet to be clarified
International News via Reuters:
Germany said on Monday that the United States would have to follow through on agreed lower tariffs on Europe-made cars before a wider agreement on trade can be finalised in writing.
“In particular, car tariffs must be reduced quickly as agreed. We are also aware of the considerable burden on the export-orientated economy. … Our role here is to continue to fully support the European Commission in this process,” a German government spokesman said in a press conference.
The European Union and the United States struck a framework trade deal in late July with many key details yet to be clarified.
Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Rachel More
14 rookies on the path toward a career of “service, discipline, and purpose”
Recruits put on a scenario-based demonstration. Images supplied.
Government press release:
The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) last week celebrated the achievements of 14 recruits who have successfully completed the BFRS Foundation Course.
The certificate presentation ceremony took place at the Hamilton Fire Station on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in front of family, friends, BFRS officers, and dignitaries.
While this milestone marks the end of the recruits’ initial training phase, it is also the beginning of the next stage of their professional journey.
The foundation course is the first step towards becoming fully qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Bermuda.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, participated in presenting the awards alongside Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell and congratulated the recruits, stating: “Today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose”.
“You have been through weeks of demanding training physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform”.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of family and friends in the recruits’ success, stating: “Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.”
Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell commended the recruits’ performance while emphasising the importance of the next stage in their development, highlighting that they have successfully completed an important first step, but that the journey is not over.
He emphasised, “Over the coming months, you will gain crucial work experience in preparation for your National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians test, and that step is every bit as important as the training you have just completed, and it will further define your readiness to serve.”
The foundation training covered various firefighting and emergency response skills, including fire ground operations, hazardous material handling, water rescue, road traffic collision response, and emergency medical care. Recruits also underwent rigorous physical training and academic testing.
The BFRS continues to align its training with UK Fire & Rescue Service industry standards, ensuring that Bermuda’s firefighters are equipped with internationally recognised qualifications and best-practice skills.
The BFRS is proud that, as part of their comprehensive training, all recruits are expected to earn the Skills for Justice Level 3 award, a UK qualification for professionals in various public and emergency services roles.
The Ministry of National Security reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the BFRS by recruiting and preparing more Bermudians for this vital public safety role.
The recruits are:
Ari Cannonier, Jayce Basden, Matthew Mello-Cann, Jacob Estis, Malik Joell, Tariq Sabir, Tarreko Wilson, Corey Torak, Nasir Ray-Georges, Jashon Poyer-Pitcher, Jamori Jones-Tyrell, Kimai Hendrickson, Benjamin Furquan and Azende Furbert.
Sterling was flat at $1.3547 on the day but has gained about 2% against the dollar over August so far
International News via Reuters:
Sterling treaded water against the dollar on Monday as investors focused on a pending meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders from Ukraine and Europe as well as UK consumer inflation data due later in the week.
Sterling was flat at $1.3547 on the day but has gained about 2% against the dollar over August so far, helped by upbeat economic data and a hawkish rate cut by the Bank of England earlier in the month.
Britain’s consumer inflation data for July is due on Wednesday and analysts at Goldman Sachs reckon that the domestic macro backdrop will continue to be a key source of volatility for the currency’s performance versus European peers.
Goldman Sachs forecasts imply that core inflation in Britain edged down to 3.62% last month, from 3.66% in June and 9 basis points below the level implied by the Bank of England’s projections.
“Even with regional underperformance, though, we continue to expect sterling’s high beta to the Euro to support an upward path in GBP/USD,” analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note.
On Monday, the euro was down 0.1% against sterling at 0.8624.
“We do think that the UK’s CPI data is going to come in a little hotter this week. That should temporarily support the pound but PMI (data) on Thursday should reverse that,” said Nick Rees, head of macro research at Monex Europe.
“We think you’re going to see increased divergence between the UK and euro zone economies.”
The major economic event for global markets this week will be the Kansas City Federal Reserve’s August 21-23 Jackson Hole symposium.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is due to speak on the economic outlook and the central bank’s policy framework on Friday.
Money markets are currently pricing in an 85% chance that the Fed will cut policy rates by 25 basis points next month.
Reporting by Jaspreet Kalra; editing by Mark Heinrich
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