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Pope Leo laments ‘diabolical intensity’ of Middle East conflicts

The U.S.-born pope also did not directly address the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran

FILE PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV attends a meditation inside St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee of Bishops, at the Vatican, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File photo

International news via Reuters:

Pope Leo said on Thursday that conflicts in the Middle East were raging with an unprecedented “diabolical intensity” and appealed for greater respect for international law, in comments to Catholic bishops and aid agencies operating in the region.

At a meeting in the Vatican, the pontiff said countries in the region were being “devastated by wars, plundered by special interests, and covered by a cloud of hatred that renders the air unbreathable and toxic.”

“Today, violent conflict seems to be raging… with a diabolical intensity previously unknown,” he said, adding that the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza was “tragic and inhumane”.

Leo, elected on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, appealed last month for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. He did not name Israel in his remarks on Thursday.

The U.S.-born pope also did not directly address the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran that also saw the United States bomb suspected Iranian nuclear facilities but he called for countries to show better respect for international law.

“It is truly distressing to see the principle of ‘might makes right’ prevailing in so many situations today, all for the sake of legitimising the pursuit of self-interest,” he said.

“It is troubling to see that the force of international law and humanitarian law seems no longer to be binding, replaced by the alleged right to coerce others,” Leo added.

Reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Gareth Jones

Dutch consumer groups prepare legal action against Booking.com, alleging inflated hotel prices

FILE PHOTO: Booking.com app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

Two Dutch consumer groups said on Wednesday they are seeking affected customers for a legal claim against Booking.com, one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, over what they described as inflated hotel prices since 2013.

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCC) and the Consumers’ Association said in a statement that Booking.com had allegedly been charging consumers too much for hotel rooms for years, leading to “hundreds of millions of euros in damage to Dutch consumers”. 

“We have done research and it shows that Booking has been violating competition rules and consumer law since January 2013,” CCC Chairman Bert Heikens said.

A spokesperson for Booking.com said the company had “always been committed to providing travellers with the best possible prices and a transparent booking experience” and that it rejected any claims to the contrary. 

In 2024, the EU’s top court ruled that Booking.com’s restrictions against hotels offering lower rates on their websites or on rival sites were unnecessary and could reduce competition, but also that such clauses were not anti-competitive under EU laws.

Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout. Editing by Jamie Freed and Mark Potter

UK shares gain as investors assess company news, economic data

Industrial and precious metal miners led sectoral gains

Signage is seen outside the LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) headquarters in Paternoster Square, London, Britain, April 25, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

UK shares edged higher on Thursday, with the midcap index hitting a two-week peak as investors digested a mixed bag of corporate results and mulled the outlook for interest rates after data indicated softening consumer spending. 

The internationally focused FTSE 100 rose 0.4% by 1100 GMT, while the domestically focused midcap index <.FTMC> gained 0.6%. 

Traders also scrutinised Shell’s latest comments after the oil giant denied reports of ongoing talks to acquire rival BP. Shares in both energy companies traded marginally higher in the morning.

Industrial and precious metal miners led sectoral gains, tracking higher mineral prices as a weaker dollar made resources cheaper for holders of other currencies. [MET/L][GOL/] 

Fresnillo, Antofagasta, Anglo American and Endeavour Mining each added over 2%.

Car distributor Inchcape gained 6.2% to top the midcap FTSE index after maintaining fiscal-year outlook through cost-cutting measures that offset U.S. tariffs and increased competition. 

The midcap index has outperformed the FTSE 100 this quarter and is on track for its biggest quarterly rise since late 2020.

Analysts note that domestically focused companies have been relatively insulated from trade uncertainties, while the UK remains among the few countries to have signed a trade deal with the United States.

On the data front, British retail sales slumped this month and expectations within the industry for July also deteriorated, a Confederation of British Industry survey showed.

Recent data reports have signalled a softening economy, and traders are now pricing in a 25 basis point Bank of England rate cut in September, according to LSEG data.

Among other stocks, Associated British Foods rose 1.1% after the food retailer said it would close the UK’s largest bioethanol plant by September unless the government provides support — potentially the first casualty of Britain’s tariff deal with the United States. 

Greeting card retailer Moonpig slumped 9.6% to touch a more than two-month low after forecasting slower earnings growth and announcing its CEO’s departure. 

Outsourcing firm Serco rose 2% on expectations of North American market driven first-half growth due to a high volume of defence contracts from last year. 

Consultancy Next 15 Group slumped 25% after warning full-year 2026 profit would significantly miss market expectations.

Reporting by Twesha Dikshit; Editing by Tasim Zahid

Kenyans clean up looted shops, torched buildings after day of deadly protests

Smoke was billowing from torched buildings in downtown Nairobi on Thursday morning

People walk past debris of broken retail electronics following demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 26, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

International news via Reuters:

Torched buildings were smouldering and shop owners were cleaning up the charred wreckage in central Nairobi on Thursday, after a night of looting and arson followed youth demonstrations in which rights group Amnesty Kenya said 16 people were killed.

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday, to mark the anniversary of deadly demonstrations a year ago and to protest against the death this month of a blogger held in police custody over a complaint by a senior police official.

More than 60 people were killed in the 2024 demonstrations, led by youth who refer to themselves informally as Gen Z, against a proposed tax hike. This month has seen a number of demonstrations following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, found to have been beaten in jail.

Wednesday’s protests saw police fire tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Nairobi, with isolated clashes also breaking out in other towns. Reuters saw several protesters injured in clashes with police.

Amnesty Kenya’s executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters the 16 who were killed on Wednesday had all died of gunshot wounds, suspected to have been inflicted by police officers.

The police have not given an account of casualties or of any shooting. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Smoke was billowing from at least 10 torched buildings in downtown Nairobi on Thursday morning.

“Look: everything they burnt. So please government, try talking to the Gen Z. Because that this happened (because) of Gen Z. So the Gen Z, try to sit down and talk with the government,” said Ibrahim Hamisi, owner of one of the burnt buildings.

Shopkeeper Josephine Apondi said “thugs” had looted 2 million shillings ($15,500) worth of phones and electronics from her Nairobi shop. 

“Things are so tough in our country right now. Sometimes we come morning until evening and we have not sold. And to remember this is something you have invested in for so long,” she said.

Kenyan media also reported cases of destruction and looting in 26 other counties where protests took place.

Prosecutors have approved murder charges against six people, including three police officers, in the case of the blogger Ojwang, 31, who died after being arrested as part of an investigation triggered by a complaint by the deputy national police chief, Eliud Lagat.

All six defendants have pleaded not guilty. Reuters has been unable to reach Lagat for comment.

Additional reporting by Humphrey MalaloWriting by George ObulutsaEditing by Ammu Kannampilly and Peter Graff

Bermuda Tonight – 25 June 2025

In tonight’s news at 7pm…

  • Cost of Living Summit gets underway
  • Economist says booming IB sector pushed up living costs
  • Chamber of Commerce hits back at Minister’s comments
  • LIVE at Harbour Nights

Bermuda Charge gears up for its annual Scooter Mart Motor Fest this weekend

The Scooter Mart Motor Fest, held each summer, is organized by Bermuda Charge and billed as the island’s premier celebration of motor culture and creativity.


This year it will feature more than 100 vendor tents, showcasing custom and vintage bikes, modified cars, scooters, auto parts, eco-products, food, and drinks.

We sat down with David Cahill, Event Director for Bermuda Charge, who noted how bikes are a huge part of Bermuda’s culture. 


He spoke enthusiastically about the event’s continued growth and shared what spectators can look forward to on the day.

Two-time Isle of Man TT winner Steve Plater will be attending the 2025 Scooter Mart Motor Fest, where he’s set to take part in the CG Slow Race exhibition and serve as a judge for the Plater’s Choice awards.

Ahead of the event, he sat down with Kendal Trott to reflect on his remarkable career, what it takes to compete at the highest level, and why he’s so excited to be part of this year’s Motor Fest.

Strong Junior Squash Contingent for CASA Championships

20-strong squad head to Cayman for the Regional Squash Championships

Bermuda’s next generation of squash talent is set to take to the international stage, with twenty junior players selected to represent the island at the 2025 Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held in the Cayman Islands from June 29th to July 5th.

This year’s Junior CASA Championships promises to be the largest edition to date, with around 200 players from 24 countries across the region converging to compete. It’s renowned as the biggest squash event in the Caribbean, known for its blend of high-level talent, fervent national pride, and an electric atmosphere that rivals professional circuits.

Bermuda’s strong contingent comprises a robust boys’ team featuring: Kaiden DeSilva, Mason Smith, Benjamin Sherratt, James Bigley, Michael Schrah, Owen Rosorea, William Frith, Rocco Adderley, Jonah Every, Hudson Ferris, Eli Carpol, Ethan Rosorea, and Andrew Cox. The girls’ team is equally promising, made up of Taylor Kyme, Mckenna Kyme, Somers Stevenson, Olivia Sherratt, Rose Paulos, Tyler Komposch, and Gabrielle Turchiaro. These athletes will compete across the Under 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 Age Groups.

The tournament unfolds in three dynamic stages: the Individual championships, where players vie for the title of #1 in the Caribbean; the fast-paced Doubles matchups; and the emotionally charged Teams event, where every point carries the weight of national pride.

Bermuda will be looking to make a significant impact across all disciplines, with this robust squad showcasing the depth of junior squash development on the island.

Pro Tennis: Phillips’ Strong Run in Turkey Ends

Daniel Phillips falls in the final round of qualifying in the ATP Tour’s M15 Kayseri

Tennis player Daniel Phillips’ impressive run on the professional circuit has come to an end, as he fell in his third and final qualifying round match at the M15 Kayseri tournament in Turkey.

Phillips took to the court against his toughest test yet in the qualifying draw: the top seed, Ali Yazdani from Iran, currently ranked World No. 755. In a tightly contested encounter, Phillips battled fiercely through two sets of “give and take,” pushing his higher-ranked opponent all the way.

Ultimately, Yazdani proved just too strong, advancing to the main draw with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-6 victory.

Despite the loss, Phillips can take significant positives from his performance in Kayseri. He secured his first two ATP Tour wins and demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience throughout the qualifying rounds, building on the momentum from his recent Davis Cup successes. This experience against a top-ranked opponent will undoubtedly prove invaluable as he continues his journey on the professional tennis circuit.

Betschart Makes Strong Showing at Foiling Week 2025

Sailor Rachael Betschart makes waves in Italy

Sailor Rachael Betschart is making a notable impact at Foiling Week 2025 in Italy, the world’s premier event dedicated entirely to foiling boats. This 12th edition, running from June 23rd to 29th, promises a guaranteed spectacle for sailors and spectators alike, with a record-breaking 131 registered athletes in the WASZP class alone.

After nine races in the highly competitive WASZP Fleet, Betschart, representing the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, finds herself in 39th place with 183 net points. This is a solid position in a fleet of 110 skilled international sailors, highlighting her ability to compete at a high level against a deep field of global talent.

Betschart has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the competition, with her best individual race finish being a strong 12th in the third race. Furthermore, she has secured four top-20 finishes, demonstrating her consistent performance amidst the challenging conditions and strong competition.

Foiling Week is more than just a regatta; it’s a hub for innovation, education, and community within the rapidly evolving world of foiling. Betschart’s participation and strong results are a testament to her continued development as a prominent Bermudian sailor on the international stage.

Divine Secures More Points at Snetterton

Motorcycle Racer Finding An Extra Gear In The British Talent Cup

Motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine continued his British Talent Cup campaign at the challenging Snetterton Race Circuit, securing another points finish despite a tough start to Race 2.

Divine, representing Bermuda, delivered a personal best and finished inside the points for the first time in Race 1, having been elevated to 11th place from an initial 14th after post-race penalties. In Race 2, starting from 16th on the grid, Divine found himself battling hard in the early stages. He noted, “I started from P16 on the grid but struggled a lot at the start of the race as I kept getting shuffled to the back due to so much battling that was happening within our group.” This early jostling unfortunately slowed his group’s pace, causing them to lose touch with the leaders.

Despite the early difficulties, Divine fought back admirably in the latter stages of the race, making up several positions to cross the finish line in 18th place. This strong recovery highlights his race craft and determination, earning him valuable championship points.

Following the race, Divine expressed his gratitude to his team and support staff: “I want to give a massive thanks to everyone at Fibre Tec Honda – MLav Racing for being so supportive, especially my one and only mechanic Aaron Lilly for keeping me going throughout the season! I also want to give a big shout out to Trick Tuning for everything he does and keeping our bikes at the top!”

Divine’s performances at Snetterton, consistently battling for championship points in a highly competitive series, mark a significant step forward in his British Talent Cup journey.

IB boom pushed up living costs, says economist

Citing ‘Dutch Disease’, economist Craig Simmons says rapid growth in IB led to a decline in other sectors

At today’s Cost of Living Summit, economist Craig Simmons presented data to explain how Bermuda got to where we are today.

He compared Bermuda’s position to the economic phenomenon of Dutch Disease, where the rapid growth of one sector, such as a natural resource like fossil fuel, leads to a decline in other sectors.

In Bermuda’s case, the big oil was international business. (WATCH above)

Watch the Cost of Living Summit HERE.


Grocers, wholesalers cite small profit margins 

Butterfield & Vallis CEO says ‘we’re fighting to earn 1-3% net profit margin’

What percentage of a food item’s price is the landed cost on island? 

It’s a question that emerged during the Government’s Cost of Living Summit this morning during a panel discussion on Food Security and Affordability.  

In his response, Spencer Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis revealed: “Roughly 55% of every dollar that we sell is the cost on the East Coast so it’s actually 75% – there’s an additional 20% in getting it here. So, by the time it lands in Bermuda, we’re at about 75% of what we sell.” 

He added that it leaves them with 25% to pay other expenses that go toward running a business, of which labour is the largest additional cost.  

“There’s a very, very small amount left for us to manage all of those costs,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re fighting to earn 1 to 3 % net profit margin.” 

Without the benefits of economies of scale to get the first cost down from overseas suppliers, Zach Moniz, Manager of the Lindo’s Group of Companies suggested that one solution to lower prices on local shelves for consumers could be to tackle the freight side of imports. 

He explained: “The first cost is the price that we’re paying to the supplier abroad or locally. Or, we’d be importing it so then you’ve got the freight, then you have the tax and then you have the markup.

“My opinion would be that you would tackle the freight part of that. We have no leverage on the first cost … we’re too small – we just don’t have any leverage. We’re price takers, we’re not price makers. And if we’re going to try to tackle it anywhere, it has to be on the freight side.” 

Mr Moniz added that there are four components that make up the retail price of food items – cost, freight, tax and markup.  

“Built into that markup are indirect expenses that go toward running the business … and like Spencer said, we’re dealing in very small percentages of profit.” 

For more on this discussion, watch the Cost of Living Summit live stream, here.