Cyclist Conor White, fresh off his victory in the National Road Race Championship, competed today in the Raynor Foundation Men’s Ilkley Cycle Race, a one-day criterium held in the heart of the Yorkshire town.
The challenging circuit starts outside Bettys Café Tea Rooms on The Grove, featuring a sharp 90-degree right-hand turn onto the 200m Riddings Road ramp, known for its steep climb. Riders then navigate a long stretch of false flat along Albany Walk onto Parish Gyll Drive before a fast descent back to the town centre.
White, representing Muc-Off-SRCT-Storck, put in a solid performance against a strong field. He finished in 18th place, clocking a time of 51 minutes and 32 seconds. He crossed the line 45 seconds behind the race winner, Milo Wills, who took a decisive victory in 50 minutes and 47 seconds.
White’s top-20 finish in such a competitive UK criterium event, known for its high pace and demanding profile, adds valuable experience as he continues his European racing calendar.
The move follows various restrictions on DeepSeek in other countries driven by concerns about data protection
International News via Reuters:
The Czech government has banned the country’s public administration from using any of the services of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek due to data security concerns, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.
The move follows various restrictions on DeepSeek in other countries including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, driven by concerns about data protection.
“The government decided on a ban on usage of AI products, applications, solutions, web pages and web services provided by DeepSeek within the Czech public administration,” Fiala told a news conference shown live.
Fiala said that, as a Chinese company, DeepSeek was obliged to cooperate with Chinese government bodies, which could give Beijing access to data stored on DeepSeek’s servers in China.
DeepSeek and the Chinese embassy in Prague did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
DeepSeek shook the technology world in January with claims that it had developed an AI model to rival those from U.S. firms such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI at much lower cost.
However, it has come under scrutiny in the United States and Europe for its data security policies.
According to its own privacy policy, DeepSeek stores numerous pieces of personal data, such as requests to its AI programme or uploaded files, on computers in China.
The South Korean company lost its global smartphone crown to Apple in 2023
International News via Reuters:
Samsung Electronics on Wednesday unveiled thinner, lighter new foldable phones as it aims to fend off Chinese competition in the higher-margin, premium segment that remains untapped by arch rival Apple.
The stakes are high. The South Korean company lost its global smartphone crown to Apple in 2023, and faces growing competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei and Honor.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s mainstay chip business has suffered a profit slump stemming in part from its delayed supply of artificial intelligence chips to Nvidia.
Samsung’s mobile president and chief operating officer, Choi Won-joon, said his most important mission was to make Samsung a leader in AI-powered smartphones.
“I believe that foldable phones, integrated with AI features, are ready to become mainstream by offering unique, differentiated experience,” he told Reuters in his first media interview since being promoted in March.
He said Samsung aims to take a leadership position in AI by enhancing cooperation with external partners like Google, unlike Apple, which has been using in-house AI technology that has faced delays in adding key features.
Samsung also in New York unveiled its first smartwatches equipped with Google’s AI voice assistant, Gemini, which can make recommendations to the owner such as good locations for a run, as an example.
PREMIUM HALO
Samsung said in April that it was pushing ahead with a premium product strategy, as U.S. tariffs threatened to dampen demand and raise component costs.
The smartphone maker increased the U.S. price of Galaxy Z Fold 7 to $1,999 by 5% from its predecessor Fold 6, while introducing a less expensive version of its Galaxy Z Flip 7 clamshell phone, Flip 7 FE, priced at $899.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 is equipped with Qualcomm’s fast processor, Snapdragon 8 Elite, while Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips.
Analysts said Samsung’s new models tackled some of the issues with foldable phones such as bulkiness, and would create a premium halo around the brand. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 weighs 10% less than its predecessor and is 26% thinner.
But high prices and a lack of use cases mean foldable phones are likely to remain a niche segment, the analysts said, with data from research firm IDC showing they account for just 1.5% of the total smartphone market.
Research firm Canalys predicts Samsung’s foldable shipments, which peaked in 2022, will remain flat or slightly declining in 2025, in line with the broader market’s flat growth, according to data provided to Reuters.
Samsung’s foldable smartphones account for 4% of its total phone sales but 16% of those priced over $800, Canalys said.
Its data shows Samsung’s dominance of the foldable phone segment is being eroded by Honor and Huawei, which are enjoying strong sales, especially in China.
Samsung, which held its unveiling event in New York on Wednesday, will focus on the United States, Europe and South Korea for foldable phone sales, Choi said.
Choi said Samsung is “working hard” to develop tri-foldable phones, which users can fold three ways, without elaborating on the launch date.
Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Jamie Freed
Bermudian tennis player Daniel Phillips has continued his impressive ascent on the professional circuit, successfully advancing to the main draw of an ATP Tour event for the second consecutive tournament. Phillips is currently competing in the M15 Monastir event in Tunisia, maintaining the momentum from his recent quarter-final appearance in Kayseri.
Phillips secured his main draw spot by navigating the challenging qualifying rounds with remarkable consistency. In his Third and Final Qualification Round match, he took to the court against Yassine Smiej from Morocco. After a hard-fought battle lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, Phillips emerged victorious in straight sets, clinching the win with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.
This achievement marks a significant step for the young Bermudian, who is demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience against a tough international field. Having already secured his first ATP Tour main draw win last week in Turkey, Phillips will now look to build on that success as he competes in the main draw of the M15 Monastir tournament. His continued progress underscores his potential to climb the professional rankings.
Issues of political biases, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022
International News via Reuters:
Poland is going to report Elon Musk’s xAI to the European Commission after its chatbot Grok made offensive comments about Polish politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Issues of political biases, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022.
Grok removed what it called “inappropriate” social media posts on Tuesday after complaints from X users and the Anti-Defamation League that Grok produced content with antisemitic tropes and praise for Adolf Hitler.
A Turkish court earlier blocked access to some content from Grok after authorities said the chatbot generated responses insulting President Tayyip Erdogan, modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and religious values.
Poland’s digitisation minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski, told RMF FM radio on Wednesday that the government will ask Brussels to investigate the chatbot’s offensive comments about its politicians.
“I have the impression that we are entering a higher level of hate speech, which is driven by algorithms, and that turning a blind eye or ignoring this today… is a mistake that may cost humanity in the future,” he said.
“The Ministry of Digitisation will react in accordance with current regulations, we will report the violation to the European Commission to investigate and possibly impose a fine on X. Freedom of speech belongs to humans, not to artificial intelligence.”
The chatbot’s developer xAI did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.
Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Louise Heavens
(L-R): Minister Wilkerson, Christopher McIver, Keivon Scott, Kevin Goater, and Commissioner Joell-Benjamin.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, recently attended a graduation ceremony at the Westgate Correctional Facility. Three inmates were formally recognised for completing their studies through the Bermuda-based Koinonia Training Centre.
Westgate inmate Keivon Scott completed an associate degree in Ministry, while Christopher McIver and Kevin Goater, fellow inmates, completed certificates of Attendance and Participation. Mr Scott is now working on his Bachelor of Ministry Degree.
Their programmes were overseen by the Christian International Theological Seminary (C.I.T.S.), headquartered in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Evangelist Joan Simmons teaches the programme locally, delivering weekly lessons at the Westgate Correctional Facility.
Minister Wilkerson, who was joined by senior officials from the Department of Corrections, congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the role of family members who have encouraged them throughout their journey.
“Education, particularly one grounded in purpose and service, is a powerful vehicle for personal growth,” the Minister said. “The decision to pursue these studies reflects a meaningful step forward in their rehabilitation journey.”
Minister Wilkerson added: “I commend the graduates for their dedication and focus. Their accomplishments reflect a willingness to reflect, rebuild, and redefine their future.
“I also recognise the families who have stood by them. Your support matters deeply in their continued progress.”
The Minister reiterated the Government’s broader commitment to rehabilitation through education and skills development.
She added: “When we invest in structured programmes within correctional facilities, we provide real opportunities for individuals to return to society equipped with tools for a more constructive life.”
Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin also spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of such programmes in the department’s rehabilitative framework.
“The achievements of these graduates reflect the potential that can be unlocked when inmates are given access to structured, purpose-driven learning,” said the Commissioner.
“The Koinonia Training Centre has provided a platform for spiritual and academic development, and we commend their partnership in helping us further our rehabilitative mission.”
Commissioner Joell-Benjamin continued: “Our focus remains on fostering environments where inmates can engage meaningfully in education and training.
“These initiatives are central to helping individuals re-enter the community with greater self-awareness, responsibility, and a desire to contribute.”
This graduation follows ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Justice to expand rehabilitative offerings within the Department of Corrections.
These include investments in digital literacy, vocational training, and creative arts, supported by recent budget allocations to improve inmate outcomes and facility programming.
Bermuda’s dynamic beach volleyball duo of Olivia Gazzard and Sophie Weikl will compete for places 9th and 10th on the final day of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Under 18 Beach World Championship Qualifier. The event, held on the sands of Juan Dolio Beach, serves as a crucial qualifier for the FIVB U18 World Championship.
The Bermudian pair, flying the island’s flag in Group D, faced a challenging end to their group stage campaign. They went down to the formidable United States pair of Jordyn Scribner and Ella Grimes in a 21-minute battle, with scores of 21-3, 21-10. This match followed a mixed opening day for Gazzard and Weikl, where they secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Anguilla (21-14, 21-11) after an initial loss to Mexico (21-8, 21-4).
Following their group stage matches, Gazzard and Weikl took to the court for a 9th-12th place Play-off match against Philisha Brunette and Nevae Robertson from Antigua. The Bermudian pair delivered a strong performance, securing a 2-0 win in a 28-minute battle, with set scores of 21-14, 21-17. This victory ensures they will compete for 9th and 10th place on the final day of the tournament.
While World Championship qualification was not achieved, the experience gained by Gazzard and Weikl against top-tier international competition from the NORCECA region will be invaluable for their continued development in beach volleyball. The tournament, which runs from July 7th to 9th, has provided a significant platform for the young Bermudian athletes.
Premier David Burt and a delegates are in Montego Bay, Jamaica for the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM heads of government this week
Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne, Premier David Burt and MP Chris Famous in Jamaica. Photo: Bermuda Government
Bermuda delegates attending the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government have progressed an expression of interest in full membership.
Bermuda has been an associate member since 2003.
This year’s meeting is taking place as more countries and territories are collaborating on national and global challenges, advancing shared development opportunities. Premier Burt will also update regional counterparts on Bermuda’s progress in areas such as digital finance.
Premier Burt said, “Bermuda is proud to once again participate in the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting.
“Our Associate Membership has enabled collaboration across various sectors, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships. In a time of increasing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, regional partnerships and collaboration are more important than ever.
“We remain committed to deepening our engagement with the region as we pursue shared goals of economic progress, climate resilience, and development for our people.”
CARICOM is now drafting a membership agreement for Bermuda that will later be up for consultation and include potential digital, trade and security benefits.
Premier Burt is scheduled to return to the island on July 9.
Citywealth honours Managing Director of the Bermuda Business Development Agency among top 100 global female leaders in private wealth and finance
Image supplied
The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) is proud to share that its Managing Director, Kendaree Burgess, has been named on Citywealth’s Top 100 International Powerwomen list for 2025. The annual list recognises the most influential women in the private wealth and financial services sectors – leaders who are not only shaping policy and strategy, but also mentoring the next generation and driving meaningful change in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Curated by Citywealth’s editorial board and informed by peer nominations, market insight, and industry impact, the Top 100 International Powerwomen honours those who are, in Citywealth’s words, “rewriting the rules of wealth.” Burgess is recognised alongside an impressive cohort of global changemakers from leading firms including HSBC, Citi Private Bank, KPMG, IQ-EQ, and J.P. Morgan.
“It’s an honour to be recognised among this group of accomplished women,” said Kendaree Burgess, Managing Director of the BDA. “This recognition speaks to the power of partnership, long-term value creation, and the importance of bringing diverse voices to global investment conversations. I’m especially pleased to represent Bermuda on this global stage and to play a part in raising our jurisdiction’s voice in international investment circles. I accept it on behalf of the many stakeholders who share in our mission to position Bermuda as a trusted, future-ready jurisdiction.”
Citywealth reaches a global audience of private clients, family offices, and international finance professionals.
Karen Jones, Citywealth Editor, added: “As Managing Director of the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), Kendaree has continued and strengthened the agency’s mission and communication strategies to attract quality investment to the island. With a calm, collaborative leadership style, Kendaree has become a respected face of Bermuda in international markets—especially in areas like fintech, reinsurance, and private wealth. Her work helps ensure Bermuda remains both competitive and trusted on the world stage.”
Since the BDA’s formal transition to an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) model, the organisation has sharpened its focus on investor services, data-driven strategy, and strategic sector growth. Over the past 12 months, Bermuda’s visibility across global wealth and risk sectors has expanded through high-level engagements, media recognition, and a growing pipeline of inward investment opportunities. As Bermuda continues to attract international interest, the BDA remains committed to facilitating investment that aligns with national priorities and delivers sustainable economic impact.
1,500 deaths were linked to climate change, which made the heatwave more severe
International News via Reuters:
Around 2,300 people died of heat-related causes across 12 European cities during the severe heatwave that ended last week, according to a rapid scientific analysis published on Wednesday.
The study targeted the 10 days, ending July 2, during which large parts of Western Europe were hit by extreme heat, with temperatures breaching 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in Spain and wildfires breaking out in France.
Of the 2,300 people estimated to have died during this period, 1,500 deaths were linked to climate change, which made the heatwave more severe, according to the study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“Climate change has made it significantly hotter than it would have been, which in turn makes it a lot more dangerous,” said Dr Ben Clarke, a researcher at Imperial College London.
The study covered 12 cities including Barcelona, Madrid, London and Milan, where the researchers said climate change had increased heatwave temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius.
The researchers used established epidemiological models and historical mortality data to estimate the death toll, which reflects deaths where heat was the underlying reason for mortality, including if exposure exacerbated pre-existing health conditions.
The scientists said they used peer-reviewed methods to quickly produce the estimated death toll, because most heat-related deaths are not officially reported and some governments do not release this data.
Last month was the planet’s third-hottest June on record, behind the same month in 2024 and 2023, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said in a monthly bulletin on Wednesday.
Western Europe experienced its warmest June on record, with much of the region experiencing “very strong heat stress” – defined by conditions that feel like a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more, Copernicus said.
“In a warming world, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent, more intense and impact more people across Europe,” said Samantha Burgess, Copernicus’ strategic lead for climate.
Researchers from European health institutes reported in 2023 that as many as 61,000 people may have died in Europe’s sweltering heatwaves in 2022, according to new research, suggesting countries’ heat preparedness efforts are falling fatally short.
The build-up of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere – which mostly come from the burning of fossil fuels – means the planet’s average temperature has increased over time. This increase in baseline temperatures means that when a heatwave comes, temperatures can surge to higher peaks.
Reporting by Kate Abnett and Alison Withers; editing by Mark Heinrich
Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there is no evidence of hostile action
International News via Reuters:
The European Union has summoned the Chinese ambassador following an incident in which China’s military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission in the Red Sea. China has denied the accusation.
According to Germany, a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German patrol aircraft taking part in Operation ASPIDES, the EU-led mission tasked with protecting commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks. The incident reportedly occurred in early July during a routine flight, with no prior warning or communication from the Chinese vessel.
“The Chinese military’s use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable,” said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy. “This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft’s mission.”
While German officials have reported multiple encounters with the same Chinese warship in the region, Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there is no evidence of hostile action.
China has previously denied accusations of firing or pointing lasers at U.S. planes. Incidents involving a European NATO member and China are more unusual.
Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Philippa Fletcher
Trump’s comments on Tuesday sent the price of copper soaring to record highs and caused Wall Street to close lower
International News via Reuters:
European stocks rose on Wednesday as traders seemed untroubled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose a 50% tariff on imported copper and soon introduce levies of up to 200% for pharmaceuticals.
Trump’s comments on Tuesday sent the price of copper soaring to record highs and caused Wall Street to close lower.
But equity markets soon shrugged off the news. Asian stocks were mixed overnight and at 0956 GMT the MSCI World Equity Index was up 0.1% on the day.
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0.2% and the pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.8%.
Wall Street futures pointed to the gains continuing, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures both up by 0.1%.
The U.S. dollar index was little changed at 97.567 and the euro was down 0.1% at $1.1714 .
The dollar touched its highest level in more than two weeks against the yen, as Japan, which is dependent on exports, stands out among major U.S. trading partners as being the farthest from reaching a trade deal with Washington.
U.S. copper futures jumped by more than 10% to a record high after Trump threatened new duties on the metal that is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, the power grid and many consumer goods.
Traders are awaiting further developments in Trump’s trade war in the coming days, after he told 14 nations on Monday that they will face sharply higher tariffs from a new deadline of August 1.
Trump said he would “probably” tell the European Union within two days what rate it can expect for its exports to the United States.
The EU is struggling to get immediate tariff relief from the U.S. and a commitment not to introduce new measures, the head of the European Parliament’s trade committee, which has been negotiating on behalf of the bloc, said on Wednesday.
Investors are concerned that higher tariffs will increase inflation and slow economic growth, and so will pay attention to the latest meeting minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve, due to be released later on Wednesday, for any clues as to how volatility will affect the outlook for rates.
“We’re really in the dark when it comes to tariffs, because it’s very difficult to know the impact on end-inflation, the impact on margins for U.S. corporates, or corporates in general,” said Amelie Derambure, senior multi-asset portfolio manager at Amundi.
“The uncertainty is immense.”
Derambure said that while equity markets are expecting tariffs to be manageable and are supported by underlying expectations of growth, the impact of tariffs could be seen in the rising yields in fixed income.
U.S. Treasury yields rose on Tuesday, and an auction of three-year Treasury bills saw weak demand.
The Treasury will sell $39 billion in 10-year notes on Wednesday and $22 billion in 30-year bonds on Thursday.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield edged back down early on Wednesday, at 4.4072%, compared to Tuesday’s peak of 4.435%, which was its highest in more than three weeks.
European government bonds were little changed, with the benchmark 10-year German yield at 2.637%.
Gold was in its third day of declines, down 0.3% on the day at $3,290 per ounce.
Oil prices rose slightly, with Brent crude futures up by 0.4% at $70.42.
Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft; editing by Joe Bavier and Mark Heinrich
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