Eleven planes, 12 helicopters and 170 firefighters were deployed around Keratea, 30 kilometres southwest of the capital
International News via Reuters:
A wildfire killed at least one person and burned houses and farmland in a town outside Athens on Friday as Greek firefighters struggled to contain a series of blazes at the start of what is forecast to be several days of gale-force winds.
Eleven planes, 12 helicopters and 170 firefighters were deployed around Keratea, 30 kilometres southwest of the capital, and residents were called to evacuate, the fire brigade said.
Much of the area has seen barely a drop of rain in months. Wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour fanned the fire, setting olive tree orchards alight. Images on local media showed houses engulfed in flames.
Firefighters discovered the body of an elderly man in a burned-out structure in Keratea, Greek Fire Brigade Spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said during a briefing
“The fire is advancing. In some places only aerial firefighting is being possible,” Yiannis Schizas, a member of the Civil Protection in the area, told SKAI TV.
“There is too much wind. It is becoming a mess,” he said.
High winds are expected through the weekend and beyond.
In the touristy island of Kefalonia, in western Greece, a wildfire was out of control, burning forests and farm land, authorities and local media said.
Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed “a wildfire hotspot” by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach.
Parched southern France is currently facing its worst wildfire in decades.
Reporting by Ivana Sekularac, Daria Sito-Sucic and Edward McAllister; Editing by Mark Porter
The Bermuda Olympic Association is proud to announce the individuals who will be carrying the Bermuda flag at the opening ceremony of the Junior Pan Am Games in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Both athletes have distinguished themselves through outstanding performances and unwavering dedication to their sport. Elijah Daley, a rising star in Bermudian swimming, has consistently shattered national records while representing Bermuda internationally. Robin Selley, known for her tenacity and leadership, has demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment in Archery and beyond.
Bermuda Olympic Association President Peter Dunne shared, “Tomorrow evening our team will be led into the ceremony by two young athletes who represent the potential in all of Bermuda’s athletes. Robin and Elijah will experience the rare opportunity to be carrying our flag at a major multi-sport games; an honor for them and a moment of pride for the entire team.”
Chef de Mission, David Thomas remarked, “I am incredibly proud to announce Robin Selley (Archery) and Elijah Daley (Swimming) as our flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. These two remarkable athletes exemplify the spirit and excellence of Team Bermuda. It will be a proud moment for our entire delegation to see them lead us into the stadium at the opening ceremony and another milestone occasion, as Bermuda continues to make its mark on the international stage”.
The ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games will take place on August 9th to 23rd, 2025, and will feature the participation of more than 4,000 athletes from 41 countries, with Bermuda competing in Archery, Cycling, Swimming, Rugby, Sailing, Golf and Athletics. Games Coverage will be streamed via https://www.panamsportschannel.org/, kicking off with the Opening Ceremony Saturday August 9th at 7pm.
For team updates, competition schedules and behind-the-scenes content, follow the Bermuda Olympic Association (@nocbermuda) on social platforms Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and X.
The aim is to foster a global sense of solidarity against the backdrop of geopolitical violence
An activism group sought to remind residents today about the power of advocacy and solidarity.
It came 55 years after members of the Black Beret Cadre gathered at Nellies Walk and circulated flyers protesting the fact that the UK Government of the day had announced its decision to sell weapons to South Africa – reportedly defying UN Sanctions.
According to Imagine Bermuda, “the flyers explained that the Apartheid Regime employed racist policies, reinforced by their police and military; citing the Sharpeville Massacre of 1959 when 79 South Africans, peacefully protesting the Pass Laws, were killed.”
The group marked the 55th anniversary of the 1970 protest on the steps of City Hall this afternoon, where its founder Glenn Fubler recounted his involvement in the campaign. Speaking to current events, he maintained that there are instances that “parallel the circumstances of apartheid” in 2025, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict.
He also used the opportunity to cite other examples in Bermuda’s history where residents have banded together in global solidarity for various causes.
A press release issued by Imagine Bermuda added: “Here in 2025 the Human Family is experiencing war, genocide, divisiveness on steroids and unprecedented chaos; to the benefit/profit of a ‘Clique’. Our own history has shown that fostering Global Solidarity provides ordinary people with the Light to navigate the Night.”
Robert King, who replaced former Premier Michael Dunkley in Smith’s North, will challenge Ben Smith for leadership of the Opposition
Robert King with Ben Smith and Jarion Richardson at Nomination Day for the May 2024 Smith’s North by-election (file photo)
Relative political newcomer Robert King is vying for leadership of the One Bermuda Alliance in what he calls a “critical moment for our party of for Bermuda”.
After Jarion Richardson announced he would be stepping down as OBA leader last month, questions circulated regarding the party’s future leadership.
Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman are running for Deputy Leader. Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will run for the Deputy Chair position. William Soares will be the party chairman by acclamation from September 6th.
In a subsequent statement, Mr King says he is “honoured to put my name forward for consideration as Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.”
“We need to present an alternative to the PLP that is both principled and practical, rooted in service, unity and solutions that improve the lives of all Bermudians.”
If elected leader, Mr King says his focus will be on engaging and strengthening the membership and OBA team, and rebuilding the trust and connection that are “essential to winning the confidence of the public.”
“Over the weeks ahead, I look forward to listening, learning, and sharing my vision for how the OBA can be a modern, inclusive, and effective voice for Bermuda’s future.”
Robert King stepped into politics as Michael Dunkley stepped out, vying for the former OBA Premier’s Smith’s North seat in the May 2024 by-election.
He fended off independent Sir John Swan and the PLP’s Lindsay Simmons in a close race with 36.4% of the by-election vote, and followed up with a victory over the same challengers in the February 2025 General Election.
Mr King took 303 votes, with a close challenge from the PLP Senator Simmons, who claimed 286 votes. Independent Sir John Swan, who came second in the by-election, fell to a distant third with 170 votes.
Robert King now serves as Shadow Minister of National Security, Cabinet Office & Innovation.
The OBA leadership contest will take place at their party conference on September 6th, where Mr King will challenge his constituency neighbour, OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith, MP for Smith’s South.
We reached out to Mr Smith for comment, and will be interviewing him on Monday.
OBA’s new leadership will be decided at September 6th conference
Deputy OBA Leader Ben Smith and relative political newcomer Robert King will vie for the leadership of the One Bermuda Alliance at the party conference on September 6th.
Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman are running for Deputy Leader.
The One Bermuda Alliance also confirmed that Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will contend for the Deputy Chair position. William Soares will be the party chairman by acclamation, effective September 6.
Goalkeeper Nathan Trott made a strong first impression for Cardiff City, keeping a clean sheet in a hard-fought goalless draw against Port Vale. The match at Vale Park was a physical affair from the start, but Trott commanded his area and was a steady presence between the posts. The point on the road is a valuable result for the Bluebirds, who now have four points from two matches. Trott was one of three changes made by manager Brian Barry-Murphy, with the Bermudian joined in the starting XI by captain Calum Chambers and winger Chris Willock. Cardiff City will now turn their attention to a Carabao Cup Round One clash with Swindon Town on Tuesday.
Bermuda’s Elan Daley is set to make a splash in the 2025-26 swimming season after joining the University of Tennessee. The sprint Freestyle specialist arrives in Knoxville as one of eight new athletes for the Volunteers’ swimming and diving team.
Daley, a transfer from the University of Florida, spent her first two collegiate seasons with the Gators. Her impressive performances at the 2024 UGA Invitational saw her record personal best times in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle events.
Before her collegiate career, Daley was a member of the Canadian National Junior Team and holds multiple national records for Bermuda. Her move to Tennessee will provide her with a new opportunity to continue her development and compete at a high level in the NCAA.
The BoE cut rates on Thursday, but four of its nine policymakers voted to keep borrowing costs on hold
International News via Reuters:
The pound neared two-week highs versus the dollar on Friday as traders continued to digest Thursday’s Bank of England meeting, which saw interest rates cut to 4% as well as the central bank’s first ever re-vote.
At 1124 GMT the pound was unchanged at $1.345 , having risen to its highest level since July 25 in early trading.
The dollar was marginally stronger across the board on Thursday, though headed for a weekly loss, as traders mull U.S. President Donald Trump’s temporary choice for a fill-in Federal Reserve governor.
Meanwhile, sterling was stronger against the euro, which eased 0.2% to 86.59 pence.
The BoE cut rates on Thursday, but four of its nine policymakers voted to keep borrowing costs on hold, leading to the Monetary Policy Committee holding two rate votes for the first time in its history.
The meeting saw the pound rise by 0.7% against the dollar on Thursday, its biggest one-day rally in 11 weeks. It is on track for a 1.3% rise this week.
“The key takeaway is that they did maintain their gradual and careful guidance when it comes to future policy easing,” said Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone.
“…if you cut out all the noise about having to vote twice…that guidance is still there and…kind of implies that that means a quarterly pace of monetary easing,” Brown said.
Traders are placing a 93% chance of no change to the bank rate at the BoE’s next meeting in September.
“As Bailey said, the direction of travel for rates is lower, I still think they go again this year, it’s just a question of the conviction behind that vote has waned a little bit,” said Brown.
In a note, Commerzbank FX strategists said BoE decision-makers appear increasingly concerned about persistent inflation.
“It seems extremely unlikely that interest rates will be raised. Rather, the question is when we can expect the next rate cut,” they wrote, adding that a cut at the September meeting now seems highly improbable, and one at the November meeting could be called into question if inflation remains high.
“For the time being, this is good news for the pound,” they said.
Knee-deep brown water still covered the main road into the village on Friday as residents dragged damaged furniture and home appliances out of their homes
International News via Reuters:
The several hundred residents of Pingtou, a village in China’s sub-tropical south, have seen plenty of typhoons and rainstorms over the years. But nothing prepared them for this week’s flooding – the worst there in generations.
Knee-deep brown water still covered the main road into the village, in Guangdong province, on Friday as residents dragged damaged furniture and home appliances out of their homes, at least four of which collapsed in the downpour earlier this week.
“The older folks here say that in the 100 years we’ve been here, they’ve never experienced such flooding,” said one villager aged in his 50s who asked to use only his surname Zhong.
Floodwaters have never before entered his two-storey house, but this time they surged in, wrecking many of his belongings. Water marks on the walls of nearby houses were more than a metre (3.3 feet) high.
It was not immediately clear if anyone had been killed in the village.
A record 622.6 mm (24.5 inches) of rain fell on Guangzhou, the provincial capital from August 2-6 – almost three times average monthly rainfall for the city in August. At least seven people were killed due to flooding there, state media said.
China has been battling with record rainfall in its north and south as well as prolonged heatwaves in its interior.
The government announced on Thursday 430 million yuan ($59.9 million) in fresh funding for disaster relief, taking the total allocated since April to at least 5.8 billion yuan.
But in Pingtou, villagers said they were not getting enough support from local authorities to deal with the aftermath.
Zhong said he was told by officials that there was no relief aid available to deal with the floods.
“There was not even a bottle of mineral water provided to us,” he said.
‘NO ALERTS’
Across Guangdong, 75,000 people were evacuated as a precaution, but several residents of Pingtou told Reuters there had been no alerts about flooding in the area – leaving them ill-prepared.
On the night of the heaviest downpour on Tuesday in Pingtou, 73-year-old Zhang was woken up by her worried daughter-in-law in the middle of the night and rushed over to the relative safety of her son’s two-storey home.
When the family woke the next day, the roof of Zhang’s house had caved in.
“I’d been living in that house for more than 50 years,” said Zhang, as she stared at her household items coated in the debris left by the receding waters.
Just outside Pingtou, fish and duck farmer Hu Songlin said the deluge had swept away the fish in his ponds, estimating the immediate losses at about 120,000 yuan.
“Now we won’t be able to earn a single cent,” his wife Hua said.
Experts have linked China’s erratic weather – including floods and droughts – to climate change.
“We say that global warming can lead to heavier rainfall, but there’s only so much water,” said Johnny Chan, a professor at the City University of Hong Kong’s School of Energy and Environment.
“So if one area has more rain, another area will have less rain. So what we’re seeing is that there will be places which are becoming wetter and there will be places which will become much drier.”
($1 = 7.1827 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Reporting by Liz Lee; Additional reporting by Florence Lo and Joyce Zhou in Hong Kong; Writing by Ryan Woo;Editing by Helen Popper
Norre Robinson and Amara Samuels, two of Bermuda’s promising track and field athletes, delivered standout performances and set new personal bests at the recent Bahamas National Open Championships.
Robinson was in blistering form in the men’s 100m, clocking a new personal best of 10.50 seconds to finish third in his preliminary heat. He then went on to finish fourth in the Second Final with a time of 10.69 seconds. Robinson continued his strong showing in the men’s 200m, where he again set a new personal best, finishing fourth in his heat with a time of 21.44 seconds.
In the women’s 100m, Samuels also impressed, finishing third in her preliminary heat with a time of 12.41 seconds. She then went even faster in the final, crossing the line in 12.25 seconds to secure a fourth-place finish.
The impressive results are a significant boost for both athletes as they continue to compete on the international stage.
The top quarter of expectations for QT in August had fallen to 75 billion pounds from 100 billion pounds in May
International News via Reuters:
Investor expectations for Bank of England quantitative tightening in the 12 months from October edged lower to a median 72 billion pounds ($97 billion), down from 75 billion pounds in a survey conducted by the central bank in May.
The BoE’s quarterly Market Participants Survey also showed that a much smaller minority of investors expected the BoE to keep up the current 100 billion pounds annual pace of QT into the next year.
The top quarter of expectations for QT in August had fallen to 75 billion pounds from 100 billion pounds in May.
Median expectations for rate cuts were little changed from three months ago. Investors still see the Bank of England steadily cutting Bank Rate to a low of 3.25% by the time of its April 30 meeting next year, down from 4% after Thursday’s rate cut.
($1 = 0.7440 pounds)
Reporting by David Milliken; editing by William James
While he needs to deal with these headwinds, Modi also has to answer opposition charges of vote-rigging in the 2024 general election
International News via Reuters:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is navigating one of the most challenging stretches of his 11 years in office. A contentious ceasefire with archenemy Pakistan, renewed scrutiny over his age and a diplomatic chill with the United States despite much-publicised rapport with President Donald Trump have converged to test his leadership like never before.
While he needs to deal with these headwinds, Modi also has to answer opposition charges of vote-rigging in the 2024 general election. The challenges are coming to a head just before a difficult electoral battle in Bihar, one of India’s most politically significant states.
A defeat in the vote to the state assembly would not affect Modi’s position in the national parliament, but it would be a hammer blow to the reputation of a leader who has maintained a vice-like grip on power since he was elected prime minister over a decade ago.
This week, Trump’s administration announced a total 50% tariff on imports from India, among the highest of any country in the world, throwing the bilateral relationship into deep disarray. Yet, until just six months ago, Trump and Modi were exchanging bear hugs and describing each other as close friends.
“The Indo-U.S. relation sort of revolved around the personalities of Donald Trump and Narendra Modi,” New Delhi-based political commentator Arati Jerath said.
“So now when it’s souring, Modi has no buffer at all. There is a fair amount of disappointment that this strong leader has not been able to show the kind of strength and muscularity that he claimed to have.”
Modi, however, has begun to push back. He said on Thursday the country was ready to stand by its farmers at any cost, without referring to the tussle with the U.S. on opening up the agricultural and dairy sectors to lower Trump’s tariffs.
“India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen,” he said at a public event. “And I am fully aware that I may have to pay a very heavy price personally, but I am prepared for it.”
In a social media graphic posted by his party, Modi is shown taking blows on his back from stones, bricks and a dagger depicted as tariffs, while shielding a farmer with a plough on his shoulder.
Analysts say Modi’s comments indicate that the tariff battle with the U.S. would be front and centre of the campaign in Bihar that is likely to kick off next month. According to a recent survey by the VoteVibe agency, Modi’s National Democratic Alliance will struggle to retain power in the state, largely because of a lack of jobs.
However, VoteVibe founder Amitabh Tiwari said any nationalist backlash against Trump is unlikely to sway voters in what he calls a “hyper-local election” in the economically backward state.
“There is no over-arching theme other than unemployment,” Tiwari said.
WORLD’S MOST POPULAR
In other signs of pushback against Trump, Modi is planning to visit China in coming weeks and is likely to meet President Xi Jinping as well as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, suggesting a potential realignment in relations.
Modi also spoke with Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday to discuss the tariffs. The two countries, founding members of the BRICS bloc that Trump has criticised, are the two most affected by the U.S. levies. Russia, China and South Africa are the other founding members.
Modi remains the world’s most popular head of government, with an approval rating exceeding 75%, according to data intelligence firm Morning Consult. Yet, even his core Hindu nationalist base was unsettled by a surprise ceasefire with mainly Muslim Pakistan in May, following the most intense military confrontation between the two old enemies in decades.
The ceasefire sparked controversy at home and abroad. Modi’s government has repeatedly denied Trump’s claims that he leveraged trade negotiations to broker the truce. Trump has since notably strengthened ties with Pakistan, which publicly thanked him for his role in ending the conflict, further complicating India’s diplomatic narrative.
At home, the main opposition Congress party has presented what it says is proof of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission “rigging and stealing” the 2024 general election by adding fake people to voter lists.
“There is a huge criminal fraud being perpetrated on this country by the Election Commission and the party in power”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told a press conference on Thursday.
The BJP dismissed the allegations as Congress’s frustration at repeated electoral losses: “When Rahul Gandhi can’t cheat his way to power, he calls it a conspiracy,” it said on X.
The Election Commission asked Gandhi to “stop arriving at absurd conclusions and misleading the citizens of India”.
As Modi approaches his 75th birthday next month, his age has also become a topic of discussion, since other BJP leaders were sidelined after they passed the milestone. The BJP however maintains that there is no formal retirement age for its leaders.
All in all, analysts said, Modi faces an onerous task.
“Mr. Modi’s brand value is now diminishing very fast, he needs to reinvent himself,” said Rasheed Kidwai, visiting fellow at the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi.
“The sheen will come off particularly if he loses the Bihar election. Because in India, elections determine everything.”
Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan
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