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Thursday, augusT 6, 2026

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FDI inflows set to jump 62% in next two years

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net NET foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Bahamian economy are forecast to increase by 62.2 percent over the next two years, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has revealed, although it voiced warnings over a “structural shift” favouring cruise tourism.

The multilateral lender, unveiling its second quarter Caribbean economic bulletin, said International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates show net FDI inflows will increase by $130m in 2028 compared to forecasts for this year as developments come out of the construction pipeline and start to generate full-time employment, earnings and economic impact that is felt more widely.

It cited multiple cruise line investments, such as Carnival’s $600m Celebration Key

IDB report reveals $130m annual increase by 2028 But warns of ‘structural shift’ towards cruise tourism 2026 second half key to stopover revival sustainability project that opened in July 2025, plus Royal Caribbean’s $200m Paradise Island Beach Club and forthcoming $1.5bn Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Cruises developments in Grand Bahama, as key drivers of these increased inflows and economic benefits.

However, while FDI remains a critical factor in growing the Bahamian economy and jobs, the IDB report questioned whether 2025’s “under-performance of air arrivals”, who typically spend up to 28 times’ more than

their cruise counterparts in-country, represents a lasting shift towards the latter form of tourism. It added that the present 2026 second half will provide important answers as it will determine whether the year’s earlier stopover visitor rebound is likely to sustain.

Describing hotel and airport infrastructure investments as “a key upside risk to the growth outlook”, the IDB report said of the IMF’s Bahamas’ projections: “The assessment expects $209m (1.2 percent of GDP) in net

foreign direct investment inflows this year; $263m (1.5 percent of GDP) next year, and $339m (1.9 percent of GDP) on average from 2028 to 2030.”

But, while acknowledging that tourism continues to attract strong FDI flows, the IDB analysis challenged whether this is being driven by cruise tourism at the expense of higher-spending stopover arrivals. It cited “stopover demand sustainability”, along with the Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) fuel hedge’s expiry at year-end and “debt constraints” still burdening the country’s fiscal position, as “three risks [that] warrant monitoring” in the upcoming months.

“The Bahamian tourism sector posted a strong performance in 2025 and into 2026.

The period saw record visitor arrivals and major new and ongoing foreign and local investment projects across the

MIXED - See Page B7

Hotel’s 50-year owner to ‘take care of staff’ over $7.2m sale

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A DOWNTOWN Nassau resort’s 50-year owner has pledged to “take care of our loyal staff whatever happens” once the George Street property’s sale closes.

Ron Overend, The Towne Hotel’s owner and operator, in an e-mailed reply to Tribune Business inquiries explained that retirement planning is behind his decision to seek a purchaser for the well-known, 46-room George Street resort by listing it for a $7.2m asking price.

“After having been in the hotel industry in The Bahamas since 1962, received the Order of Merit for my services to the hospitality industry in 2023 and owning the Towne Hotel since 1977, it is time to retire,” Mr Overend, who is presently off-island, said.

“Depending on the buyer and their plans, if it is maintained as a hotel most of our staff would probably be re-employed. Whatever happens we will take care of our loyal staff.”

Rafique Symonette, a realtor and broker with The Good Life Bahamas, who is spearheading the buyer

RETIREMENT - See Page B4

‘Mexican stand-off’ at Old Bahama Bay

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE WARRING Old Bahama Bay parties were last night said to be locked “in a Mexican stand-off” with efforts to repossess the resort described as “in the process” and yet to successfully conclude.

Michael Scott KC, attorney for the hotel’s two corporate owners, LRAOBB and Resort Holdings, accused Grand Bahama police officers of “running interference” on behalf of Island Ventures Resort and Club (IVRC), the management vehicle formed by a group of condo owners to

operate the property, and preventing his clients from repossessing the asset.

Speaking as agents for LRA-OBB, which stands for Lubert Adler-Old Bahama Bay, and Resort Holdings, made at least their fourth attempt within the past 17 months to oust IVRC, he added that they remain “firmly committed to recovering possession of their premises” despite all the delays and obstacles encountered.

“My clients are fully committed to recovering possession of their property, having cancelled the licence that was in favour of IVRC,” Mr Scott blasted.

CLAIM - See Page B6

Ex-DPM: Opposition must ‘stand up’ over BPL woes

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net AN EX-DEPUTY prime minister is asserting that the Opposition has ”fallen short” in holding the Government to account for The Bahamas’ energy woes with households and businesses paying high bills for “a service they are not getting”.

Desmond Bannister, in what will likely be perceived as criticism of his own Free National Movement (FNM) party, told Tribune Business that

while the Opposition had “shouted about” the Davis administration’s failure to be transparent and disclose key documents related to its energy reforms, and issues affecting Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company, it had failed “to make a meaningful impact”.

Arguing that frequent, lengthy power outages had largely been banished on New Providence when the Minnis administration was voted out of office in September 2021, Mr Bannister,

ELECTRICAL - See Page B6

TOWNE HOTEL ENTRANCE

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Concern safeguards made ‘meaningless’ in Investment Fund $265m draw down No explanation for Gov’t tapping sovereign wealth funding Leaves just $200k in National Investment Fund end-March Opposition: Can’t handle people’s money on ‘blind trust’

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net THE GOVERNMENT appears to have moved more than $265m out of the National Investment KWASI THOMPSON Fund (NIF) without explaining why, or what the funds were used for, with the Opposition charging that “Parliament's safeguards” are being rendered “meaningless”.

Kwasi Thompson, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) finance spokesman, hit out after the Davis administration’s own fiscal data revealed that the National Investment Fund (NIF) has been drawn down from $265.3m at year-end 2025 to leave just a $200,000 balance remaining at end-March 2026.

The Government’s nine-month, or third quarter report for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, provided no analysis, rationale or road map to show where this $265.1m went or what it was used for. The report merely said: “The balance for the National Investment Fund as of end-March 2026 stood at $0.2m.” In contrast, the six-month report covering the period to end-December 2025, asserted: “The balance for the National Investment Fund as of July [sic, December] 2025 stood at $265.3m.”

The Davis administration, in a statement responding to Tribune Business inquiries that was sent by Senator Latrae Rahming, communications chief in the Prime Minister’s Office, gave no direct explanation or rationale for why just a $200,000 balance had been left in the National Investment Fund at end-March 2026.

TRANSFER - See Page B4

PAGE 2, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Fishermen warn of surge in off-season crawfish catches

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN fisherman, following the August 1 crawfish season opening, yesterday warned there is a rise in illegal off-season

harvesting by local divers amid fears US tariffs on the country’s largest seafood export could result in higher prices.

Chuck Pinder, a veteran fisherman, said the price paid for crawfish this season remains uncertain, with many in the industry

watching to see whether recently imposed US tariffs on Bahamian seafood exports will impact prices.

“I’ve been hearing the price opened at $10.50,” he said. “Not sure what it will settle at. If we don’t fix the US tariffs it will definitely play a role in the price.”

His comments come as the Bahamian seafood sector continues to assess the fallout from US trade measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. As Tribune Business previously reported, exporters have warned that tariffs threaten the competitiveness of Bahamian crawfish with the US accounting for $50m-$60m of the country’s annual lobster exports.

While pricing remains uncertain, Mr Pinder said initial reports from fishermen already on the banks indicate catches have been mixed despite extensive illegal harvesting before the August 1 opening of the crawfish season.

“We’re understanding from the fishermen out to sea that they seem to be doing OK, but there’s still a lot of damage that has been done in the off-season from local fishermen fishing before the season opened,” he said.

“We actually have video of that taken on July 31.

Fishermen were already off diving lobster from drone footage. We also have information from people that have been further out in the southern banks in the Ragged Island chain. On the first opening morning they found crawfish heads wrung out all over the shoals.

“So there has been a lot of off-season spearing by apparently locals, and Dominican poaching as well, all the way out in the Southern Banks. But despite that, the fishermen are still getting some. Some of them are making days. Some of them are not as good as last year.

It’s all according to what area they’re in and how hard the area has been hit during the off season.”

Mr Pinder confirmed that illegal harvesting by Bahamians before the season opens has increased, adding: “It was also seen last year as well.” He identified the Southern Banks and waters off South Andros as the areas hit hardest by alleged illegal activity.

“From what we’re hearing so far, I haven’t heard anyone on the north-west bank talking as yet,” he said. “I think most of what’s been taking place out in the Southern Banks has taken place during the off-season to do with Dominican poaching, mainly.”

Mr Pinder added that one incident captured by his family was separate from the recent arrest of a foreign national by Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network in Exuma that was recently reported.

“This is something totally different,” he said, adding that his son also observed another vessel with a compressor hose in the water before the legal opening of the season. Mr Pinder argued that stronger enforcement is needed to tackle both illegal harvesting by locals before the season opens and foreign poaching.

He also criticised what he described as a lack of engagement between the Government and the fishing industry, saying he had repeatedly attempted to contact the Minister of Marine Resources without success.

“The Minister of Marine Resources [Jomo Campbell] is silent on this subject,” he said. “I have messaged him all summer long to talk to him about this subject and he never returned my calls.”

Mr Pinder further alleged that some vessels have been using compressors during the closed season to harvest conch illegally, and claimed there has been renewed commercial export activity involving the species.

He also alleged that processed conch has been exported from The Bahamas this summer after exports had previously been suspended, saying he had seen videos circulating on social media showing packaged conch prepared for shipment overseas. He argued that any such exports would likely increase pressure on conch stocks by encouraging illegal harvesting during the closed season.

Tribune Business was unable to verify those claims before press time. This newspaper contacted both the Department of Marine Resources and Mr Campbell, minister of marine resources and agriculture, seeking confirmation of whether commercial conch exports have resumed, as well as clarification on the country’s current export policy and any related approvals. No response had been received up to press time.

Mr Pinder said fishermen remain frustrated by what they see as limited consultation with the Government on issues affecting the industry. “We actually haven’t had a sit-down meeting with the minister of marine resources in nearly five years,” he said. “It’s a lot taking place in our fishing industry that needs addressing, and we can’t get any answers from anyone. No one returns our calls.”

He added that while he has recently been able to communicate with Department of Marine Resources director, Lester Gittens, many of the industry’s wider concerns remain unresolved.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 3

Chamber: Businesses cannot shoulder energy crisis burden

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday argued that businesses should not be expected to shoulder the burden of the country's energy crisis, arguing that the Government, Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) must present a clear plan to restore reliable power.

Dr Leo Rolle, the Chamber’s chief executive, said companies are already battling rising costs and slowing productivity due to recurring blackouts and should not have to "absorb the

consequences of systemic failures".

"Ultimately, the Chamber exists to advocate for businesses.

Right now, businesses are being asked to reduce consumption because the country's electricity infrastructure cannot reliably meet demand. That is not a burden they created," Dr Rolle said.

"While we understand it is a long-standing problem, the first response should be for the Government, BPL and Bahamas Grid to outline a clear plan and timeline to restore reliable electricity. Businesses are already contending with high taxes, rising costs, regulatory burdens and now lost productivity from rolling blackouts. They cannot be expected to absorb the consequences of systemic

failures while also carrying the responsibility of solving them."

Dr Rolle was responding after BPL appealed to businesses and government agencies to reduce electricity consumption as record demand pushed the country's power system closer to its limits.

His comments also followed BGC chief executive, Dareo McKenzie's, suggestion that people could spend time at the beach during the hottest parts of the day to help ease electricity demand.

Dr Rolle also took issue with recent public comments encouraging businesses and residents to reduce electricity use. "Rather than ill-placed and insulting suggestions to businesses for reduced consumption or

Andros bridge close hits commute for employees

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE CLOSURE of Central Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge is creating staffing challenges for businesses on both sides of the crossing, with one retailer revealing employees who normally rely on its access are struggling to get to work.

Mr Knowles, proprietor of Gaitor's Variety Store & Deli owner, whose business is located near the bridge, said customer traffic had not changed significantly since the crossing was closed but commuting had become more difficult for workers.

"Business hasn't really changed because of the bridge closure. It's been slow overall," said Mr

Knowles. "The biggest challenge has been getting employees to work because many of them normally cross the bridge. It's not just us. A lot of people rely on the bridge to get to work."

The Government yesterday announced plans to introduce a temporary ferry service for vehicles before installing a temporary bridge after engineers condemned the Fresh Creek Bridge because of structural damage.

Clay Sweeting, works and Family Island affairs minister, said he travelled to Fresh Creek early yesterday with ministry engineers after being advised of the structural failure, adding that restoring connectivity was the Government's immediate priority.

"We did an assessment last evening, along with the

CLAY SWEETING technical team, to come up with an immediate plan where we ferry cars or vehicles from one side to the other as immediate relief to the people here in Andros," Mr Sweeting said.

"We have already started discussions with Acrow Bridge, which has a reputation in The Bahamas, having provided bridges in Abaco as well as Eleuthera.

We are looking at a temporary relief measure where we bring in a temporary bridge here in Fresh Creek

going on the beach, here are some things we can do in collaboration for short-term relief," he said.

He added that one immediate step would be expanding the energy efficiency audit programme that the Chamber negotiated with the Government earlier this year, suggesting the Chamber could administer the initiative to help businesses identify ways to reduce electricity costs.

Dr Rolle also proposed grant funding for smaller businesses to adopt solar energy and other energy-efficient technologies after completing an audit, saying many companies may need to upgrade air conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment and other major electricity users.

His other recommendations included licensing solar energy providers so businesses can identify qualified installers, increasing awareness of the existing duty-free concessions for importing high-efficiency equipment, and encouraging greater use of solar-powered air conditioning systems, which he suggested account for a significant share of commercial electricity demand.

Dr Rolle also proposed that the Chamber host a webinar featuring energy efficiency experts and solar

providers to share practical conservation measures with businesses, noting that the organisation had undertaken a similar initiative in 2017.

"We thrive on collaboration rather than confrontation," said Dr Rolle.

"The business community should have been consulted through the Chamber, their premier voice, to relay suggestions and strategise possible assistive and adaptive remedies."

for vehicular traffic. After that, we can put in a permanent bridge."

Antonne Taylor, a senior engineer with the Ministry of Works and Family Island affairs, said an inspection found significant structural movement that made the bridge unsafe for vehicular traffic.

"Initial observations reveal that the intermediate pier at one of the pile caps has sunk. As a result, all of the weight has shifted to the two external piers," Mr Taylor said.

"The pile cap has deflected some 20 to 30 degrees. As a result, the three intermediate slabs have collectively sunk about nine inches. This is a great concern. Obviously, this is not the way the bridge was designed.

“As a result, we have officially condemned the bridge. We are not allowing vehicular traffic to traverse the bridge at this particular time, and we are in the process of developing

temporary solutions to address the matter."

Dr Robert Mouza, director of public works, said a temporary ferry service and bridge had already formed part of the longterm replacement strategy because the new bridge will be higher and wider than the existing structure.

"As in 2020, we will put a temporary ferry service on. At the same time, we're looking to put a temporary bridge to the east side of the bridge," Dr Mouza said.

"The temporary bridge was going to be put in anyway because the new bridge will be a two-lane bridge raised considerably higher. The temporary bridge will provide vehicular access while construction proceeds."

Jackson McIntosh, Central Andros district island administrator, said restoring the crossing was critical because it serves as the main link between the island's northern and southern communities.

"This bridge is the bane of the economy. The economy traverses from one side of the bridge to the other side of the bridge. If the bridge is disabled, the economy stops," Mr McIntosh said. "It's very important that we get some kind of temporary measure in place as soon as possible so there's no further suffocation of the economy in the area."

Mr McIntosh welcomed the Government's response, saying residents were encouraged by plans for a temporary crossing while a permanent bridge is developed.

"What has been said so far is that, as an immediate measure, a barge will be put in place to transport vehicles across the waterway, and then within the next two months there will be the erection of a temporary bridge while we await construction of the permanent bridge," he said.

DR LEO ROLLE

PAGE 4, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Towne Hotel ‘unique prospect’ for first-time resort investors RETIREMENT - from page B1 search, told this newspaper that The Towne Hotel’s size, price point and other attributes represent “a real unique opportunity” for first-time resort investors and especially Bahamians - to enter the industry.

Confirming that the hotel, located just north of Government House between the Pirate’s of Nassau attraction and Bostwick & Bostwick law firm, has now been on the market for several months, he voiced optimism about the

prospects of attracting the right buyer since “there’s been quite a bit of interest” from both local and international sources within the last several months and weeks.

“It’s been on the market for a little bit,” Mr Symonette, who has been using multiple social media videos and platforms to promote The Towne Hotel, confirmed. “We’re bullish about it’s ability to sell.

We’ve had quite a few show interest, particularly in the last month or so, even in the last few weeks.

“There’s been quite a bit of interest. We’ve had potential folks from abroad, and local as well.

It’s just been a combination; a variety of folks.” Mr Symonette added that the Towne Hotel’s characteristics make it more accessible to a wider pool of potential investors and entrepreneurs than the typical Nassau resort.

“The key thing about it is that most of the hotels available, especially in Nassau, are in excess of 100 rooms,” he explained. “The uniqueness of this property is that it is sub-50 rooms,

which makes it a lot more approachable for the firsttime investor.

“We’re excited about the fact that might make it approachable for local investors. It’s a real unique opportunity for the firsttime hotel investor.” The Towne Hotel has also been listed on the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to broaden its exposure to both buyers and other realtors.

It is one of the few resort properties, apart from the British Colonial, Margaritaville Beach Resort,

Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express, to still be located in the heart of downtown Nassau in close proximity to Bay Street.

The 6,460 square foot hotel, which sits on an 8,844 square foot lot, was constructed more than 70 years ago in 1954.

The Good Life Bahamas, in marketing the Towne Hotel on its website, described it as an “historic gem in downtown Nassau”.

It added: “Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Nassau, The Towne Hotel offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience.

“Its central location, just steps from government offices and hospitals, makes it an ideal spot for inter-island and business travellers alike. This 46-room, turn-key boutique hotel is already up and running with a loyal clientele and dedicated team in place. For investors seeking a prime opportunity in the Bahamas, The Towne Hotel is a chance to add a classic, well-loved property to your independent hotel portfolio.”

that was passed by Par“Parliament estab- is allowing Parliament’s bond issue in 2025. It said MP warns: ‘Very purpose Act a governance safeguards to become these were being placed into liament in 2022 under the lished framework based on inter- meaningless,” Mr Thomp- the National Investment first Davis administration. of Act is being defeated’ son added. “If laws creating Fund to help finance critical “They have removed the nationally-recognised sovereign wealth fund independent governance, infrastructure projects.

TRANSFER - from page B1 It hinted, but did not confirm, that at least a portion of the $265m has been used to finance the muchtouted Family Island airport upgrades, and called for questions over the funds’ movement and use, plus the National Investment Fund’s governance, to “wait” on a report by the Fund itself.

No timeline was given for when such a report will be forthcoming.

“The primary use of the National Investment Fund was to support the Government’s airport infrastructure programme, which has been publicly

announced,” the Government told this newspaper.

“With respect to the additional matters you raised regarding the movement of funds, as well as the constitution and governance arrangements of the National Investment Fund, it would be best to await the Fund’s report, which will provide the appropriate details.”

However, Mr Thompson, the east Grand Bahama MP, countered that this is unlikely to satisfy Bahamians who will likely question how the Government could simply move the $265.1m “without putting in the protections” mandated by the National Investment Fund

money and not disclosed where it went to,” the Opposition finance spokesman told Tribune Business.

“What is important is the governance structure of the National Investment Fund.

Parliament approved the National Investment Fund to have a particular governance structure. It was never intended to be just another government account.

“It was intended to have independent governance, to have a high degree of transparency, to have a high degree of financial expertise. The minister of finance must also provide the National Investment Fund with its mandate.

All of these things are in the Act, and none of these things have been publicly disclosed.

“The difficulty, I believe, that the public will have is how you can move $264mplus from the National Investment Fund without putting in the protections that ought to have been implemented.”

Mr Thompson, in a statement also sent to this newspaper, added: “When Parliament created the National Investment Fund, it was not simply protecting public money; it was protecting the public’s trust. Today, the question is whether those protections were ever put into effect….

principles, including the Santiago Principles, requiring independent oversight, professional investment management, transparency and accountability through a Board of Governors, an investment committee, published investment and policy mandates, statutory reporting, independent audits and a public website.

Where are they?”

The east Grand Bahama MP added: “The Government’s own reports show that $265.3m, was transferred into the National Investment Fund. By the end of March 2026, almost all of it had been removed with no announcement and no explanation, with only $200,000 left in the Fund.

Where did the money go?

“The published reports disclose the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars, but they do not disclose the governance behind those decisions.

There is no public disclosure of the Board of Governors, the investment committee, the investment mandate, the policy mandate or the official website contemplated by the Act. If these safeguards have been implemented, the Government should demonstrate it.

“The greatest danger is not the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars. The greatest danger

transparency and accountability can simply exist on paper while the public is left without answers, then we are eroding one of the fundamental principles of democratic government that those entrusted with public resources must themselves be accountable to the people.

“The National Investment Fund was created to ensure that decisions involving hundreds of millions of dollars would never depend on blind trust. Parliament required independent oversight, collective decision-making and public accountability. If those safeguards have not been visibly implemented, then the very purpose of the Act is at risk of being defeated.”

The original $265.3m injection into the National Investment Fund was also previously seized upon by the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), which argued that this circumvented the provisions of the Public Debt Management Act by directing borrowing proceeds away from first being deposited into the Government’s ‘consolidated’ fund as required by the law.

The $265.3m represented the majority of the surplus $300m generated by the Government’s $1.067bn external foreign currency

With the first $767m generated by the bond used to rollover, or refinance, existing debt, the Opposition said it had no problem with using the excess $300m as the Government plans to do via the National Investment Fund. Rather, its objections lay with the mechanism the Government using because it believed it must first, under the constitution and statute law, place all borrowing proceeds in the ‘consolidated fund’ and then obtain Parliament’s permission for how they are used.

Mr Thompson said at the time: “Any government spending ought to be approved by Parliament. The way government spending is appropriated

by Parliament is through the Budget process. The Government has to get parliamentary approval to borrow funds and to spend funds “The law obligates the Government to come to Parliament to get approval to spend government monies. If the Government wants $300m to invest in the National Investment Fund, which we have no difficulty with, it must be approved

by Parliament. And to be approved by Parliament it must be in the Budget.”

The Government also treated the treating the National Investment Fund’s $265.3m as “equity” even though it seemingly represented the proceeds of borrowing given that a bond is a debt security, or IOU, obligating the issuer to repay investors interest and principal.

This was viewed by the Opposition as a further device to keep the borrowing proceeds off the Government’s balance sheet and from adding to the ever-increasing national debt. This accounting treatment also ensured it did not impact what would be a projected first-ever Budget surplus for the 2025-2026 fiscal year of $75.5m.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 5

MP: Energy grid failed to match Nassau’s expansion

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net AN OPPOSITION MP yesterday accused Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) of blaming consumers and businesses for the country's energy crisis, arguing that years of failing to expand the grid to keep pace with New Providence's development has left the system unable to meet growing demand.

Speaking to Tribune Business, Michaela Barnett-Ellis, the Killarney MP, said businesses are already struggling with soaring electricity bills and have every incentive to conserve energy, dismissing suggestions that commercial customers should shoulder responsibility for easing pressure on the overloaded grid.

Her comments came after BPL urged businesses and government agencies to reduce electricity consumption as record demand

pushed New Providence's power system close to capacity. Dareo McKenzie, BGC’s chief executive, also encouraged Bahamians to reduce electricity use during the hottest part of the day, suggesting some could spend time at the beach to help ease pressure on the grid.

"Honestly, I think their comments were insulting to the minds of many right-thinking Bahamians. They seem to blame everything except the failure to maintain, and the failure to upgrade the network as the island developed," said Mrs Barnett-Ellis.

"One of the things I've talked about in Killarney is deliberate development.

If we're putting up condos and hotels, we ought to have the infrastructure to match. That's not only the drainage, but that's also the electrical grid."

She argued that New Providence’s electricity network should have expanded alongside residential and

commercial growth. "As the island has developed, the grid should have as well so that we don't have this issue, which seems to be about capacity and overloading," said Mrs Barnett-Ellis.

BPL this week warned that prolonged high temperatures had driven electricity demand to record levels, with New Providence exceeding last year's peak demand twice before the traditional summer peak in August and September. The state-owned utility urged large commercial customers, government agencies and residents to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours to help maintain grid stability.

However, Mrs Barnett-Ellis argued businesses were already doing everything possible to manage electricity costs because of persistently high power bills. "Businesses want lower bills. These BPL bills are absolutely insane, so everybody is already watching the energy they consume," she said.

Bimini hopes Western Air launch ‘just a start’

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net BIMINI businesses yesterday hailed Western Air’s launching of new direct service between Grand Bahama and their island but described the twiceweekly flights as only a first step.

Tourism and other operators are hoping with the carrier will eventually restore the level of airlift connectivity that was lost when Flamingo Air halted operations indefinitely last month after its air operator certificate (AOC) was suspended following the fatal Andros Independence Day crash.

Still, Western Air this week launched direct flights between Freeport and South Bimini on Mondays and Thursdays, providing a new domestic link that tourism stakeholders and business owners believe will improve travel between the two islands while supporting commerce, tourism and the movement of workers.

Stephen Kappeler, managing director of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, said the new service helps fill a gap left by Flamingo Air, whose neardaily flights had become an important transportation option for residents, businesses and visitors.

“I think it’s going to be a very strong force and make up what we’ve lost with Flamingo, which was almost daily,” Mr Kappeler said.

He added that while the two weekly flights represent a positive start, Bimini businesses would ultimately like to see the service expanded.

“Freeport itself has its own international airport where people might do some twin-island stays, stay there and visit the big

island of Grand Bahama, and then come back over to Bimini instead of jumping over to Nassau,” he said.

“Two flights, that’s a start.

We’d like to try to get it back daily again, but that’s a great start as we ramp up for this next year and our strong winter season.”

Flamingo Air announced last month that it was ceasing operations indefinitely, disrupting one of the country’s key inter-island carriers. The airline had provided direct links between several Family Islands, allowing travellers to avoid routing through New Providence. Its suspension forced many passengers and businesses to rely on longer, more expensive connections through the capital.

While Mr Kappeler said the loss has not resulted in a measurable decline in guest numbers at his property, he said accessibility has become a growing concern among visitors. “I can’t attribute a huge mass, like 10 percent, fall-out,” he said.

“But it’s more the guests complaining that it’s difficult to get here. I’m hearing more of it than I can actually see it in the numbers.”

Mr Kappeler said the loss of direct flights has also complicated travel for vendors servicing businesses on Bimini. “We’ll have a vendor in Harbour Island or in Abaco that does IT or whatever, and if they can’t make that flight then they can’t get their parts and their equipment over as conveniently as before,” he said. “It might take a couple more days because the flights are limited, or they have to go back through Nassau.”

Mr Kappeler described Western Air’s entry into the market as an encouraging development. “This is key because Western Air has a very good record,” he said.

“It’s a Bahamian carrier, and their planes are quite successful and carry passengers. Maybe in a way it’ll become a positive and we’ll see more seats coming in.

This is just the start.”

Jonisha Poitier, property manager at Bimini Cove, also described the new service as an improvement over previous options and said she hopes the airline increases flight frequency.

“It’s definitely a great

NOTICE In the Estate of HUBERT FREDERICK ALBURY aka. HUBERT F. ALBURY late of No. 30, Murphyville Road, Palmdale, in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demand against the above Estate, are requested to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same certified in writing to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of September, A.D. 2026 and if required, to prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; AND NOTICE is hereby given that after the above date the assets will be distributed; having regard only to the proved debts or claims, of which the Executor shall have had Notice. AND NOTICE is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforesaid date.

Dated the 23rd day of July, A.D. 2026 Edgar O. Moxey & Associates No. 16, West Court - Off 9th Terr., Centerville P.O.Box N-3447 Nassau N.P., Bahamas Phone:326-8146 Attorneys for the Executor (D. 23, 30 & 6th)

"The reality is that it's hot outside, so businesses have to have air conditioning, and it has to be at a certain temperature. The fact that this now consumes more energy isn't the business’s fault. This administration has talked about climate change, so they know the days are getting warmer.

To blame everybody except the failure to prepare is, like I said, insulting our intelligence."

Mrs Barnett-Ellis also rejected suggestions that electric vehicles were contributing to pressure on the grid, noting successive administrations had encouraged their adoption through duty concessions and climate policies.

"This administration and previous administrations have been pushing electric vehicles. They've reduced the duty on electric vehicles, and they've travelled the world talking about climate change. So to now suggest the burden on the system is because there are electric vehicles just seems

completely out of touch," she said.

Looking ahead, Mrs Barnett-Ellis said resolving the electricity crisis would require officials to first acknowledge the underlying cause of the problem rather than attributing it to consumers or businesses.

"I'm a firm believer that in order to solve a problem, you first have to identify the problem and admit that there's a problem," she said.

"So far, we're not seeing that acknowledgement of what the actual problem is.

We see a whole lot of blaming everybody from the FNM to electric vehicles to the heat and everything else.

"What I'd first like to see is an acknowledgement from those stakeholders as to what the actual problem is, because once you identify that, then we can talk about what the solution is.

But if you're treating it as too many electric vehicles on the road and everybody using too much electricity, we're going nowhere fast."

addition,” she said. “It’s an upgrade for sure.

“We had Flamingo and now we’re having Western Air. I do know that a lot of their planes have more seating as well. A lot of persons are more comfortable travelling on Western Air. My only hope is they add more days. They have two, Monday and Thursday. But if they can add more days, we would love that.”

Ms Poitier said the improved aircraft and service could also encourage more domestic travel. “As far as the island goes, it’s an addition,” she said. “I don’t hardly go to Grand Bahama because I didn’t really like flying Flamingo [Air].

“But Western is a lot more comfortable, so we’ll definitely frequent. As far as the native and local tourism market, it’s definitely an upgrade. I’m sure employees at Resorts World would very much enjoy that because we have a lot of Grand Bahamians that live here.”

Ms Poitier added that Bimini Cove has also experienced a recovery in marina traffic following the reversal of controversial boating fee increases introduced last year.

“I’ve seen an increase in boaters coming,” she said. “It definitely affected us immediately because we had a lot of clients saying they weren’t coming because of the change in fees. But after they changed it back, the clientele slowly started to pick up. We’re back to our regular schedule now.”

H Rudy Sawyer, proprietor of Blue Green Outdoors, said restoring direct air links between the northern islands carries economic benefits that extend beyond tourism.

“Anything that’s going to make up for lost transport in this particular area, it’s a no brainer. Love it,” he said.

Mr Sawyer said many businesses, workers and families travel regularly between Grand Bahama and Bimini, making reliable direct service critical.

“There’s business that runs between business people here and Bimini,” he said. “You have workers working over in Bimini who live in Grand Bahama and vice versa, family and everything else. There’s constant travel between the two islands, so having easy access is going to be great for everybody.”

Mr Sawyer said Flamingo Air had helped reduce travel costs by allowing passengers to avoid connecting through Nassau.

“Flamingo was very convenient,” he said. “Rather than having to go to the hub of our country and then fly back to Abaco or Bimini, it made travel less expensive.

Eliminating that service has an economic impact because people now have to make that extra leg through Nassau.”

Western Air’s new route operates twice weekly, with flights departing Grand Bahama at 1.30pm and Bimini at 2.10pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

The route also follows the introduction of direct American Airlines flights between Miami and Bimini earlier this year, adding further momentum to efforts aimed at improving air access to the island and supporting tourism growth.

MICHAELA BARNETT-ELLIS

ADVERTISE TODAY! CALL THE TRIBUNE TODAY @ 502-2394

PAGE 6, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Opposition ‘fallen short’ on forcing energy disclosures ELECTRICAL - from page B1 who had held ministerial responsibility for BPL, said the Opposition should have taken a more aggressive approach and even approached the courts for help in forcing the necessary disclosures.

“This is something where the Opposition has fallen short,” the former deputy prime minister told this newspaper. “The Government refused document disclosure, but the Opposition has gone to the House of Assembly, shouted about it but done nothing to make a meaningful impact for the Bahamian people.

“It’s going to be very important for the Bahamian people to be informed of exactly what has gone on and what is going to be done to change and fix the problems. These are challenges that a properly run and advised [BPL] Board, which has already been there fourand-a-half years, would ensure don’t happen.

“For anyone to say, and I particularly need you to mention this, but for those

who say this has gone on for as long as they recall, we had these challenges dealt with,” Mr Bannister added, referring to the frequency and length of recent power outages in New Providence and on other Family Islands.

“There were virtually no outages by 2021.

“When I came to office in 2017, every night parts of New Providence were without power. Every night.

By 2019 we had turned the corner, and by 2020 we had reliable power. It is not something that can be allowed to go on. The Government must properly address it, and the Opposition of this country must stand up and take proper action to force disclosure.

They need to go to court and get proper disclosure on who are the owners of anything related to power.”

Michael Pintard, the Opposition’s current leader, will likely counter that the FNM exposed the consequences of the first Davis administration’s failure to execute the trades to support BPL’s then-fuel hedge, which was compounded by

Latest effort to regain resort still ‘in process’ CLAIM - from page B1 “IVRC are holding over and trespsassing.”

Asked whether his clients have succeeded in ousting IVRC, he conceded that they have not. “It’s in the process,” Mr Scott told this newspaper, “because the police in Grand Bahama are running interference on behalf of IVRC and interfering with our efforts to recover possession by marching back and forth on our property with representatives of IVRC taking them on the property.

“To put it in a very Spartan way, it’s a Mexican

stand-off. That notwithstanding, my clients are fully committed to recovering possession of their premises and to evict IVRC, whose bare licence to occupy and operate certain parts of the premises has been cancelled for various reasons, including non-payment of various disbursements and expenditures payable under the terms of their licence.”

Mr Scott and his clients have taken the position that, because IVRC has no lease agreement with them, it is therefore not a tenant at Old Bahama Bay. As a result, they argue that no eviction notice or Supreme Court

the Government holding the utility’s fuel charge below cost for another year, resulting in 2022-2024 increases that peaked at 163 percent to regain $110m in under-recovered fuel costs owed to Shell. This objective was also not achieved.

Meanwhile, Mr Bannister reiterated that the Minnis administration “had the whole power issue moving in the right direction” prior to its 2021 general election loss. “There were virtually no outages,” he said. “We had brought in the six Wartsila engines. But, based on everything we have seen, we are back in 2017 and having serious maintenance issues…

“Relying on BPL to tell us what has happened will not be enough. We need an independent investigation to tell us what happened. The Bahamian people are paying for a service they are not getting.”

Dionisio D’Aguilar, one of Mr Bannister’s former Cabinet colleagues, earlier this week told Tribune Business that BPL’s latest woes have cost his Superwash laundromat chain “at possession order is required for LRA-OBB and Resort Holdings, and their managing agent, Reunion Cay, to reclaim operational and management control.

“The licence, in it’s totality, has always been revocable with a month’s notice,” Mr Scott reiterated. “It has been terminated, and they are holding over or trespassing on my clients’ property.”

John MacDonald, IVRC’s president, did not return Tribune Business calls before press time last night, but said in a messaged reply that he would respond once “done here with the attorneys”. IVRC was formed by Old Bahama Bay’s 73 condo owners to keep the hotel open, and its facilities and amenities operational, after its previous owner, Ginn,

least $100,000” in generator repairs and related expenses, as he blasted: “You bank on BPL being dreadful, but not all the time.”

He added that when he entered the laundromat industry “I didn’t think I’d also have to go into the generator business”, and revealed that, of his 12 locations, two are presently exposed without generators because one “failed completely” while another is “running hot” because BPL’s more frequent and extended outages have imposed greater “strain” due to their extra use.

Asserting that it is “impossible to operate a business in The Bahamas” without generators, the former minister of tourism and aviation in the Minnis administration’s Cabinet said his business is far from alone in having back-up power difficulties as “everyone is screaming for parts from their suppliers” due to increased wear and tear on their generators.

Describing both energy supply, and just operating a business in The Bahamas, as “a major nightmare”, Mr D’Aguilar told this newspaper that his days are increasingly “consumed by generator problems, power problems and electrical equipment failures” due to the escalating unreliability

of BPL’s supply - outages combined with “dips, spikes, swings and surges” that damage key assets and cause their failure.

And, with the Davis administration’s muchtouted energy reforms failing to deliver relief and improvements for Bahamian households and businesses in the short-term, he demanded that the Government “stop selling a story” and instead divert all available resources and state agencies to “fix the problem” so that New Providence receives reliable power supply “99 percent of the time”.

Calling on the Government to find the necessary funding by reducing travel, and seeking savings elsewhere in its Budget, Mr D’Aguilar argued that The Bahamas’ ambitions to attain - and be seen - as a “first world class country” will never be achieved unless it resolves the long-standing weaknesses caused by power being too expensive, too unreliable and too dirty.

Speaking after last Wednesday’s island-wide New Providence outage, the Superwash chief - who was temporarily off-island - said: “My people say it’s a disaster; the power going on and off. We’ve had generators fail, and my management team saying the Internet is

going down. It’s impossible to operate.

“In The Bahamas, in the business I’m in, I need 12 generators [for each laundromat location].

You cannot operate a business in The Bahamas without a generator. You have the cost of buying a generator, purchasing fuel for the generator, maintaining the generator and, because the power is off for so long and so frequently, generators are being over-used and everyone is screaming for replacement parts from their suppliers.

“Generators are failing because they are getting significant use of late. They are pieces of equipment that fail. You are having the stress, you are having the strain of dealing with BPL power loss, having to keep 12 generators operational, equipment failing, having to source parts because they are failing more frequently because they are having to be used more often for extended periods of time,” Mr D’Aguilar added.

“It’s amazing how impactful this is on business. You have brown-outs, you have surges; it’s a total nightmare operating a business in The Bahamas with equipment that has as many electrical parts as modern machines do.. It’s so annoying and such a cost.”

defaulted on its financing terms in 2011.

Lubert Adler, the investment bank that provided the seed capital and funding for Ginn’s aborted multi-billion dollar West End redevelopment, and Resort Holdings both took over the project and its real estate holdings - including Old Bahama Bay - under the conditions attached to the debt financing they provided. To ensure Old Bahama Bay remained open and functioning, they permitted IVRC to operate the property under a “bare licence” until now.

Mr McDonald previously denied to Tribune Business that IVRC had defaulted on any of its financial obligations, and the management vehicle has - up to now successfully resisted at least three attempts by Lubert Adler and Resort Holdings to regain control over Old Bahama Bay. Speaking after their last attempt, which took place several weeks ago in midJuly 2026, he asserted: “They came in, obviously not through the gates because otherwise we would have stopped them, and changed all the locks. When the staff got there this morning they were blocked from entering the entire resort. ““The police walked around the property with our people, we removed their locks and put ours back on, and the police told them: ‘If you do this again you’ll be hauled off in handcuffs’.

They’ve been told by the police multiple times. The head superintendent told them: ‘Do it one more time and you’ll be arrested. This is is the last time’. They’ve still not been able to produce papers showing they own the property and they do not have an eviction order.” Mr Scott, though, said this is not needed.

Instead, in a recent letter to Shanta Knowles, the Royal Bahamas Police Force commissioner, he wrote that IVRC only possesses a Bare Licence agreement which was first signed in May 2019,

then renewed on January 31, 2021.

This, Mr Scott added, makes IVRC just “bare occupiers” with no legal rights to Old Bahama Bay, and the licence terms permit his clients to move in and retake possession if the management firm fails to vacate upon being told to do so. He added that IVRC was given written notice to vacate almost 17 months ago, on March 26, 2025, but failed to depart by the March 28, 2025, date that was stipulated.

Meanwhile, the developer behind an ambitious $6.5bn proposal to revive the former Ginn project, and create what he projects will be 2,800 construction jobs and 6,000 permanent posts for Bahamians, yesterday told Tribune Business the latest eruption of Old Bahama Bay hostilities will not affect his wider plans.

Instead, Shane Coakley, Coakley International’s principal, told Tribune Business that the greater impact comes from the wait for the Tax Appeal Commission to rule on LRA-OBB, Resort Holdings and Reunion Cay’s challenge to the Department of Inland Revenue’s demand that they pay almost $10m in real property tax arrears.

“That whole fight has nothing to do with me; nothing at all,” Mr Coakley said of Old Bahama Bay. “That thing doesn’t disrupt me. It’s been going on way before me. It’s been going on for a long time, that dispute there.

That has nothing to do with the other side.

“Whatever happens there, I hope they work it out. We’re not involved.

That’s Mr McDonald and Mr [James] Culmer [Old Bahama Bay’s general manager] who has been fighting with them. That’s Lubert Adler and Resort Holdings.

I don’t know what they are trying to accomplish there.”

Mr Coakley argued that Old Bahama Bay and his plans to revive the former Ginn development are “completely separate

situations” and he tries to “stay away” from the former.

He added that his focus is on the wait for the Tax Appeal Commission’s verdict.

The Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) had previously accepted the $26m offer by Coakley International’s affiliate, Bristol Pointe Ltd, to purchase a 1,143-acre tract featuring a significant portion of the former Ginn development’s real estate. However, the deal has been put on hold

by LRA-OBB and Resorts Holdings’ challenge to the valuation of the property and, by extension, the amount of unpaid tax said to be owing.

They are arguing, before the Tax Appeal Commission, that the DIR has significantly over-priced the land’s value, and that this has resulted in them being overcharged “by more than 75 percent-plus” in real property tax billings since the so-called “great recession” of 2008-2009.

Daniel Baker, Reunion Cay’s authorised representative, in a December 17, 2025, affidavit lodged with the Tax Appeal Commission asserted that LRA-OBB and Resorts Holdings have been over-billed “by more than 57 percent” for 2024’s real property tax assessment based on the DIR’s inflated land valuations.

He alleged that appraisals conducted for Reunion Cay by the EY (Ernst & Young) accounting firm, plus Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty, show the true market value of the two companies’ ten collective West End land parcels is a combined $15m.

However, Mr Baker asserted that the Department of Inland Revenue is using $36m, a valuation more than double or some 140 percent higher, as the basis for calculating due real property tax which is causing the substantial over-billings.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 7

Stopover arrivals 2025 fall second since COVID’s end MIXED - from page B1

contributions,” the IDB said.

“However, the Government is reassessing the impact of cruise tourism activity in the Bahamian economy. Stopover arrivals declined 2.6 percent to 1.82m, the second annual decline since the rebound in 2021. The softening was concentrated in the third quarter of 2025, when stopover visits fell 6 percent year-over-year, the sharpest quarterly decline in the post-COVID recovery period.

“Despite the under-performance of 2025 air arrivals, the first five months of 2026 showed a meaningful recovery. Total air arrivals grew 4.8 percent year-over-year, with all five months registering positive growth. Air arrivals from March to May grew a healthy 4.9 percent yearover-year despite the Iran conflict starting in late February,” the IDB added.

“New Providence air arrivals were up 5.8 percent year-over-year in the same period. This resilience during peak season is consistent with the structural advantages of the Bahamian tourism market. The majority of stopover visitors originate from the US, especially the east coast,

where short flight times to Nassau mean that fuel represents a smaller share of total airfare costs compared to long-haul Caribbean competitors.”

Still, the IDB warned that The Bahamas must now monitor whether its stopover tourism recovery is sustainable. “The recovery of air arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 is encouraging but concentrated during the peak season,” it said.

“Performance of the sector in the latter part of 2026 will demonstrate whether the 2025 stopover decline is transitory, reflecting the shorter-flight advantage of The Bahamas for many North American tourists, or reflects a structural shift towards the cruise visitor market.

Nevertheless, a sustained decline in stopover visitors would directly compress VAT and tourism-related fiscal revenue, with implications for the upcoming and medium-term fiscal outturns.”

However, the IDB conceded that “The Bahamas has so far managed to weather the geopolitical uncertainty over the last year from a position of improved macroeconomic and institutional strength” with the $78.9m fiscal deficit

recorded for 2024-2025, equal to 0.5 percent of this nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), branded “the smallest in 2025 years”.

The Government’s primary surplus, which measures by how much total tax and non-tax revenues exceed all spending bar debt interest payments, had risen to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2024-2025 compared to 0.1 percent just two years earlier, the multilateral lender added. And the Bahamian economy’s 3.8 percent GDP growth in 2025 marked the “fourth consecutive year of abovetrend expansion”, beating the IMF’s late-year 2.8 percent prediction by a full percentage point.

“The medium-term growth prospects of The Bahamas are significantly higher than the 10-year pre-pandemic growth rate of 1 percent,” the IDB said. “Moreover, even if not accounting for higher growth in 2025, the IMF did not revise the growth projections in the medium term, which implies that the outlook for The Bahamas is against the trend of downward revisions across many regional peers.

“Fiscal performance has been a defining strength of the Bahamian macro

landscape. Total government revenue grew 0.2 percentage points to reach 21 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2024-2025. The main drivers were VAT revenue (0.12 percentage points) and taxes on international trade (0.68 percentage points, the latter reflecting higher import volumes consistent with strong domestic activity.

“On the expenditure side, total outlays reached 21.5 percent of GDP, producing an overall deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, the smallest in 25 years. The primary surplus reached 3.7 percent of GDP, positioning The Bahamas as the second-strongest primary fiscal performer among the Caribbean, behind only Barbados (4.1 percent), and well ahead of the Latin American and Caribbean average of -0.3 percent.”

Recent credit rating upgrades by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s suggest “fiscal policy credibility has improved”, the IDB argued. It added that The Bahamas’ debt is also on “a downward path”, at least in ratio and relative terms, having “declined from a peak of 91 percent of GDP in fiscal year 20202021 to 74 percent in fiscal year 2024-2025.

France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week

phones — an intrusion that has become a regular part of their daily lives.”

Parliament approved the law last year.

already have a contractual relationship.

People can report unsolicited calls through a government website.

Vilcot noted that an Ireland-based company was fined 6 million euros ($6.9 million) last year for violating France’s previous telemarketing rules by calling people on the no-call list.

France’s new law has raised concerns in Morocco, where the minister of

employment, Younes Sekkouri, said in March that between 40,000 and 50,000 jobs were at risk in the country’s call centers.

Sekkouri said the French market accounts for more than 80% of revenue in the sector.

archipelago,” the multilateral lender said, acknowledging the positives. “In 2025, visitor arrivals reached a record 12.5m, surpassing the 2024 figure of 11.2m (11.4 percent growth) and the pre-COVID 2019 peak of 7.2m (72 percent growth).

“Grand Bahama arrivals nearly doubled to 1.09m, driven by new cruise infrastructure, while Family Islands’ arrivals grew 9.9 percent, reflecting the expansion of cruise itineraries across the outer island network.” However, the IDB conceded that this was almost entirely driven by cruise tourism, while 2025’s hotel-based, stopover visitor numbers suffered their second annual year-overyear decline since the world emerged from the COVID19 pandemic.

“Most of the growth of tourism visits comes from cruise arrivals, which account for 85 percent of total arrivals. This mode of tourism tends to generate lower average per-visitor economic value than stopover visitors [via] hotel occupancy, food and beverage spending, and VAT

By SYLVIE CORBET Associated Press FRANCE next week will ban unsolicited telemarketing calls under a new law aimed at protecting consumers from intrusive sales pitches and shielding vulnerable people from fraudulent commercial practices.

The law backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government enters into force on Aug. 11.

Here’s a look at the law and its potential impact.

The government says the law is a response to years of consumer complaints.

Authorities estimate that about three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week, and many receive more.

In 2024, 11 consumer organizations issued a joint call for a ban, denouncing “relentless harassment of consumers through countless unwanted telemarketing calls to both landlines and mobile

An unwanted call faces fines of up to 375,000 euros Individuals who make illegal calls can be fined up to 75,000 euros ($87,000) per call. Companies can face fines of up to 375,000 euros ($435,000) per call.

There are exceptions.

Consumers may consent to receive marketing calls, for example by checking a consent box on a form. Companies can contact customers with new commercial offers if they

People have been complaining for years Previously in France, people who wanted to avoid marketing calls had to register their number with a government-run service, but consumer groups said some call centers ignored the list.

Now, “businesses are prohibited from contacting consumers without their prior consent,” said Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud. “That consent can be withdrawn at any time.”

A PERSON uses his phone near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.

Photo:Aurelien Morissard/AP

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Other countries have tried to limit calls Neighboring Germany has had a similar ban since 2009.

“The IMF expects it to fall to 72 percent this fiscal year (2025-2026) and reach 62 percent in 20302031, assuming that GDP growth converges toward 1.5 percent through 2027– 2030. While the trajectory is firmly downward, debt remains slightly above the Latin American and Caribbean average of 73 percent of GDP and above preCOVID levels, limiting the fiscal space to absorb a severe and prolonged external shock ,” the IDB added.

“Interest payments reached 4.1 percent of GDP in 2024-2025, but are estimated to decrease to 3.9 percent of GDP by 2027/2028 as deficit reduction, concessional financing and improved market access, signalled by sovereign credit upgrades, translate into more favourable refinancing conditions.

“Government debt of 73.2 percent of GDP as of March 2026, while on a declining path, limits the hard-won fiscal space to absorb a severe and prolonged external shock.

Maintaining the primary surplus trajectory, while maintaining and increasing access to concessional financing and mobilising private sector funds, are essential to protecting the credit trajectory.”

Many other countries rely on opt-out systems.

In the United States, people can sign up for the national Do Not Call registry, which cuts down on unwanted sales calls, Canada has its own Do Not Call list, while the U.K. has the Telephone Preference Service.

In Britain, companies that call people who have opted out can be fined up to 500,000 pounds ($670,000) per call.

PAGE 8, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 9

China announces countermeasures against Washington, including controls on drone exports to the US

By HUIZHONG WU and KANIS LEUNG Associated Press

A WORKER reacts near a line of humanoid robots displayed at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Friday, July 17, 2026.

Photo:Ng Han Guan/AP

CHINA announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on exports of drones to the U.S. and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed

by Washington.

Tensions are simmering between the world’s two biggest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September, despite signs of warming ties during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing in May. The Commerce Ministry said the sanctions are in response to recent moves from the U.S., including a ban by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on imports of Chinese drones, and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list to prevent imports of goods made with forced labor.

Six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the non-governmental group Human Rights in China, were banned from engaging in trade or other activities with entities in China.

China also banned a company called Compliance Testing LLC from engaging in business in China because it had worked with the FCC in “harming China’s sovereignty and security,” according to a separate statement from the Commerce Ministry.

The ministry also said it was investigating the possible impact on national security of imported printing software and office equipment, but it did not name affected companies.

The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that companies in the U.S. that conduct follow-up factory inspections on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification can no longer provide these certifications.

The “measures seriously violate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and severely damage China’s legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response,” the ministry said in a statement.

Crews remove the granite seal on the White House helipad, signaling potential project delays

By SEUNG MIN KIM and ALEX BRANDON Associated Press CONSTRUCTION crews working on a new helipad at the White House have taken apart the massive granite seal that would serve as the new landing spot for Marine One, signaling potential delays in the project. Photos captured

by The Associated Press on Wednesday show construction workers using a jackhammer on the helipad, which no longer carries the dark gray trim of a presidential seal that was visible last week. It was unclear why the seal was being removed. The White House said it’s continuing to make improvements as part of efforts to best match the needs of the building and its

grounds. Trump has said the helipad is needed because new helicopters in the fleet used for Marine One are so powerful they rip out the South Lawn grass.

The helipad is part of a long list of renovations that Trump has undertaken in his second term. His projects include a 90,000-squarefoot (8,360-square-meter) ballroom; a Rose Garden paved over with stone; a new marbled interior in the Palm Room, a lobby-like room that leads out to the West Colonnade and Rose Garden; and an Oval Office that continues to add gilded decorations.

Trump described the helipad at length during an Oval Office appearance last month, saying it would be made of carved granite and calling it a “beautiful thing.”

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I EUNISHA MICHA DUVERNIE of Price Street, Nassau Village, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I KELLY ERRILIO ARISTE of Winter Terrance, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I RICHARDO NAVARDO SMITH of #14 Kensington Gardens, Nassau, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

It emphasized that China was acting with restraint and urged the U.S. to scrap its measures against Beijing and cease its “erroneous practices.” It also warned of further sanctions if the U.S. rolls out new restrictive measures against China.

Beijing is requiring reviews on a caseby-case basis of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, their key components and related technologies that are on a list of export-controlled dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

CCC certifications are meant to ensure electronic products meet a basic safety standard. The new rule will oblige U.S. makers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside of the U.S. or to rely on other non-U. S. designated bodies for such certifications.

In December, the U.S. FCC banned the import of new Chinese drones, though it later revised that ban to allow for some models.

Last week, it also announced bans on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that in effect targets China.

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NOTICE is hereby given that I JESSICA ST JUSTE of Acklins Street, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that I STEPHEN DAVIS FERGUSON of Cowpen Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 6th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 10, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Iran and the US say a Strait of Hormuz deal is close, but one or both would have to back down

By ELENA BECATOROS, SAMY MAGDY and DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press IRAN said Wednesday it is in the “final stage” of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said a deal could be announced this week. That could potentially reopen the critical waterway, ease pressure on the world economy and help bring an end to the war.

But the agreement is likely to be contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran’s ports. The Trump administration has previously ruled out any deal that would cement Iran’s grip over the strait, which would amount to a major loss for the U.S. and a break with global norms.

Iran has insisted on some measure of control over the strait, saying it will not go back to being an open international waterway, as it was before the war.

The U.S., along with Israel, launched the war on Feb. 28, citing various goals including toppling Tehran’s government and ending its nuclear program. Those have not been achieved, and the conflict has devolved into a fight over the strait as Iran’s assertion of control

and attacks on shipping have ground traffic to a near-halt.

Closure of the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas once passed, has driven up the price of fuel and basic goods, roiling the global economy. Trump is also under mounting pressure to end an unpopular war ahead of U.S. congressional elections.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, said that the agreement with Oman is in the “final stage” of drafting, and that a joint statement will be issued “if certain parties do not obstruct this process,” apparently referring to the U.S. Regional officials tell AP negotiators have finalized a draft Iranian and Omani negotiators have finalized the draft deal to reopen the strait and await final approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, two regional officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Khamenei is believed to have been wounded in the war’s opening strikes and has not been seen in public since then.

Trump said a deal to reopen the strait is close

CARGO ships are seen at sea near the Strait of Hormuz, as viewed from a rocky shoreline near Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 1, 2026.

Photo:Fatima Shbair/AP The officials, who were briefed on the negotiations, portrayed the potential deal as a temporary solution to the dispute over the strait.

They said it is tied to an agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran in June that aimed at ending the fighting and reopening the waterway but ultimately collapsed.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks, said the potential deal will pave the way for the U.S. and Iran to resume

negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Earlier, they had said the potential agreement would have ships enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman. Service fees would be charged for providing security and preserving the maritime environment, the officials said.

The U.S. has said it is strongly opposed to any arrangement that would see Iran charge fees.

Trump was asked on Tuesday evening by reporters about a report on the Axios news site that an announcement on the strait could be made on Wednesday.

“It could happen. Tomorrow or the next day,” Trump said. “A lot of progress has been made.”

Oil prices initially eased but later inched up. Brent crude, the international standard, was around $80 per barrel on Wednesday — still well below the levels it hit at the height of the conflict.

In recent days, Trump has alternately threatened massive strikes and voiced support for diplomatic efforts.

Attacks on regional shipping continue The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed Wednesday they had fired ballistic missiles toward a Saudi oil tanker on the Red Sea off the Saudi port of Yanbu, without providing evidence. There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia.

A vessel sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen reported a loud explosion

intelligence in Video game giant Electronic ofgameartificial development.

Some analysts have noted Arts closes $55 billion gothat going private could potentially grant EA more freedom in developing and private sale of its business distributing future games VIDEO game giant Electronic Arts officially has new owners.

The California-based maker of popular titles like “Battlefield” and “The Sims” announced Tuesday that it closed the $55 billion sale of its business to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, investment firm Silver Lake Partners and Affinity Partners, which is run by U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The acquisition’s price tag is the largest-ever for a buyout funded by private equity. And wider shifts to the gaming world could be

on the way now that the deal is complete.

In a statement, CEO Andrew Wilson said EA and its new owners would “invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences for the hundreds of millions of players and fans who inspire us every day.”

And Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments at PIF — which already held a minority stake in EA for five years — also pledged to “invest heavily in EA’s growth,” including through the use

outside pressures of the public market. But others point to the $20 billion in debt financing the deal took on — which could result in sizable layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.

And many eyes are on Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Kushner’s Affinity Partners.

Critics are wary about what this new ownership could mean for EA games down the road.

“With this deal, Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner just bought access to 700 million players worldwide,” U.K.-based campaign #BlockTheEADeal wrote in an online petition that previously called on

ELECTRONIC Arts’ office and studio complex is seen in an aerial view, in Burnaby, British Columbia, on Sept. 29, 2025.

Photo:Darryl Dyck/AP regulators to challenge the buyout. “With the increased use of AI in the creative sector and video games, the potential for data misuse

by a Foreign Sovereignty is high and poses significant international security risks.”

In a Tuesday statement, Kushner maintained that EA had “created stories, characters, and communities that have become part of everyday life for hundreds of millions of people” and that Affinity

that happened in close proximity, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Wednesday, adding that the crew was safe. The Houthis claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at another Saudi oil tanker.

A recent escalation between the rebels and Saudi Arabia threatens to reignite Yemen’s civil war, which pitted the Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition supporting the country’s government.

In July, the Houthis announced they were closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that leads to the Red Sea for Saudi-linked shipping. That puts additional pressure on international shipping since the Red Sea became a key alternative route for Saudi oil exports during the war.

Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire increasingly shaky The shaky ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah grew more volatile Wednesday, as the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to residents of the southern Lebanese village of Mansouri — the first such warning in weeks.

was “excited to support the company as it continues to reach new audiences.”

Meanwhile, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also been highly critical of Saudi Arabia’s overall investments in sports and esports — with some accusing the nation of “sportswashing” to distract international attention from human rights abuses.

PIF has increasingly upped its gaming investments over the years.

Beyond EA, the sovereign fund is also a minority investor in fellow gaming giant Nintendo and has a large esports portfolio, including competitive gaming platforms like ESL FACEIT. EA’s “Madden NFL” and “EA Sports FC” (formerly FIFA) will now also fall under that umbrella.

Now that the transaction is complete, EA stockholders will receive $210 in cash per share. And the company’s stock is no longer trading on the public market.

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Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 11

Trump is making a rare Western trip to to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economy

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

LOBSTER fishermen work at sunrise, Sept. 8, 2022, off Kennebunkport, Maine.

Photo:Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Appeals court says fishermen’s claim in lobster defamation suit raises First Amendment questions

By PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press A FEDERAL appeals court signaled that it might not allow a lawsuit brought by fishing industry businesses and trade groups against a California aquarium to proceed because of the case’s potential impact on free speech.

The New England-based plaintiffs sued the Monterey Bay Aquarium for defamation after the aquarium’s Seafood Watch conservation program placed American and Canadian lobster on its do-not-eat “red list” in 2022.

The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is deciding whether the lawsuit can go forward.

One of the appellate judges, Judge Seth Aframe, said during oral arguments on July 27 that it doesn’t strike him as a defamation claim and that he finds the case troubling “from a First Amendment perspective.”

“The more you broaden the class of people that fall within this, the more it feels like everybody can sue,” Aframe said.

Seafood Watch placed lobster on its list of seafood to avoid because of the threat posed to rare whales, such as the North Atlantic right whale, by potential entanglement in fishing gear.

The lobster fishing industry, based mostly in Maine, has pushed back, saying the claim inaccurately portrays it as a threat to whales and constitutes defamation that has caused economic harm.

It claims that the whales face greater threats from other fishing industries, including the Canadian snow crab fishery.

Conservation groups have long made the case that lobster and crab fisheries are both dangerous to the whales, and government agencies have acknowledged that entanglement in fishing gear is a critical threat to the giant animals.

The industry is sticking to that claim despite the judges’ comments during oral arguments, Kevin Lipson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said Wednesday.

“Monterey Bay Aquarium in their Seafood Watch report didn’t disclose any of the countervailing evidence.

In fact, they hid that evidence,” Lipson said.

Seafood Watch is one of the most cited sustainability reports about seafood, and many restaurants and stores use it to inform which products to carry. Some major retailers, including Whole Foods, announced they were pulling Gulf of Maine lobster after the red listing.

A representative for Monterey Bay Aquarium declined to comment Wednesday. During oral arguments, Amy Saharia, an attorney for the aquarium, said that Seafood Watch didn’t single out any of the plaintiffs with a direct reference.

The case has lingered because of ongoing legal maneuvers. A lower level federal court ruled last year that the lawsuit could proceed after the aquarium had requested it be tossed.

Maine fishermen caught more than 78 million pounds (35 million kilograms) of lobster last year — a down year by the industry’s recent standards.

The crustaceans were worth more than $460 million at the docks and are a key piece of the economy and culture in the state.

Legal Notice Of Dissolution International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) In Voluntary Liquidation Notice is hereby given that, in 16th accordance July, 2026 with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000), RLRM Capital Limited is in dissolution. The date of commencement of the dissolution is 16th July, 2026. Alexander Marr is the Liquidator and can be contacted at Place des Eaux-Vives 6, Geneva 1207, 15thSwitzerland.

AugustAll persons having claims against the above-named company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator before the 15th day of August 2026.

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PRESIDENT Donald Trump is making a rare visit to California and Nevada this week to try to draw contrasts with Democrats on the economy, border security and crime, seeking to shore up support for Republicans in November elections that will determine whether his party keeps control of Congress.

The Republican president has struggled to connect with voters on the economy as elevated inflation and Americans’ feelings of uncertainty have overshadowed the stock market gains he often cites along with a low national unemployment rate.

Just before Trump arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday to speak at a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at a golf club his family owns in Rancho Palos Verdes, authorities revealed that a California man who was carrying ammunition and had a gun in his car had been arrested Sunday at the golf course.

The man appeared to have been monitoring security preparations.

On Wednesday, Trump will discuss the economy during an event at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

Only 32% of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s handling of the economy in an AP-NORC poll conducted in late July. In the same poll, most Americans, 69%, characterized the state of the economy as “poor,” and many said the cost of everyday essentials like groceries and gas was a “major” source of stress in their lives.

Trump’s overall approval rating is at 33%, slightly below where he stood at this point in his first term.

Trump is likely to take aim at Democratic Gov. Newsom During the trip, Trump is likely to throw barbs at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat eyed as a likely candidate for his

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, left, is escorted by Air Force Col. Christopher M. Robinson, commander of the 89th Airlift Wing, right, as he walk from Marine One to Air Force One, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.

Photo:Luis M. Alvarez/AP party’s presidential nomination in 2028. Newsom has become one of the president’s highest-profile opponents.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said the president plans to “draw a sharp contrast between his commonsense agenda and the radical policies of Democrats like Gavin Newsom,” touting his own efforts to cut taxes, reduce fraud in government programs, and crack down on immigration and crime.

California was one of Trump’s first domestic stops after returning to office in January 2025. He surveyed the aftermath of wildfires that had wiped out whole neighborhoods of Los Angeles County, left thousands of people homeless and killed more than two dozen.

Newsom greeted Trump at the airport on that trip,

and they chatted amiably and gestured toward cooperation despite a bitter history. But the comity did not last. Six months later, Newsom argued in a speech that “democracy is under assault” by Trump after the president sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines into Los Angeles without Newsom’s consent.

This came after protests following a series of immigration raids by federal authorities.

Trump routinely mocks Newsom and refers to the governor using a derogatory nickname, while Newsom taunts the president with frequent social media posts.

The Democrat’s press office put out a statement Tuesday saying that Trump was traveling to California not to help survivors of the wildfires but to raise money

“More than anything, we’d like the President to keep the promise he made on January 24, 2025: to ‘take care of Los Angeles. 18 months later, survivors are still waiting.

And while you’re here, Mr. President, welcome to the world’s fourth-largest economy — growing faster than Texas and Florida combined. Enjoy your stay.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom

and attack the state with lies.

“More than anything, we’d like the President to keep the promise he made on January 24, 2025: to ‘take care of Los Angeles,’” Newsom said. “18 months later, survivors are still waiting. And while you’re here, Mr. President, welcome to the world’s fourth-largest economy — growing faster than Texas and Florida combined. Enjoy your stay.”

“Trump treats California like his personal political punching bag — right up until he needs someone to write a check,” California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said in a statement. “He may hit up a few billionaire donors who bankroll his political operation, but the people of California have already made it clear: they want nothing to do with his chaos and corruption.”

Housing prices are a big issue at Trump’s second stop: Nevada Nevada, where Trump will be on Wednesday, is led by a Republican governor, Joe Lombardo, who faces Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in a battle for reelection in November.

The contest is considered one of the most competitive governor’s races in the country.

The Nevada State Democratic Party is putting up billboard signs about Trump’s visit that tie him to Lombardo and higher costs.

The state is grappling with a shortage of affordable housing, exploding energy demand from artificial intelligence data centers and federal cuts to key state programs.

Trump has tried for several months to sell voters on his income tax cuts and claims of a manufacturing renaissance. But interest rates are high, a gallon of gasoline costs more because of the Iran war, tariffs are still reshaping the economy and, by the White House’s own estimates, there is a national shortage of housing.

PAGE 12, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

US stocks hold near records on hopes of an agreement with Iran

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AP Business Writer STOCKS meandered to a mixed finish on Wall Street Wednesday and remained close to their records, while oil prices held steady.

The uncertain trading on Wall Street followed two days of big gains that gave the week and August a strong start. Several big technology companies slumped, though, ultimately weighing down the market.

The S&P 500 fell 12.97 points, or 0.2%, to close at 7,723.55. The index spent most of the day higher after surging to a record on Tuesday.

“The coiled spring investors have been waiting for has finally released, with the S&P 500 Index surging to record highs for the first time in two months,” said Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide, in a report.

The Dow Jones industrial Average rose 263.24 points, or 0.5%, to 54,349.12, reaching another record.

The Nasdaq fell 221.55 points, or 0.8%, to 26,363.44.

The index was weighed down by big technology

companies losing ground, including a 4% drop for Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and a 1.1% drop for Microsoft.

The market has been generally rising as companies head into the closing stretch of their latest round of earnings reports with sharp overall gains. Three-quarters of the companies within the S&P 500 have reported results so far, and Wall Street expects profit growth of 50% when they are all finished.

The Walt Disney Co. rose 3.6% after easily beating Wall Street’s profit forecasts, helped by a $1 billion box office haul from “Toy Story 5” and theme park revenue.

Booking Holdings jumped 6.6% after reporting that strong travel demand drove profit and revenue growth during its most recent quarter.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX fell 13.6% following the release late Tuesday of its first quarterly report as a public company, which showed that it sharply boosted spending on artificial intelligence. The company did help give semiconductor

SPECIALIST Dilip Patel works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in New York.

Photo:Yuki Iwamura/AP giant Nvidia a 3.4% boost after announcing it would exclusively use that company’s chips for its artificial intelligence technology.

That announcement weighed on Advanced Micro Devices, which fell 7%. Musk had previously said that SpaceX and his electric vehicle company, Tesla, would use chips from both Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia.

Treasury yields slipped in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.61% from 4.63% from late Tuesday.

European markets were mixed.

Strong corporate profits and expectations for more growth ahead have been steering stocks higher. Wall Street has also been worried about stock prices becoming unjustifiably

Scientists are certain a wayward SpaceX rocket slammed into the moon as predicted

By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer A SPACEX rocket that launched a pair of lunar landers slammed into the moon as predicted on Wednesday after drifting off course for the past year, scientists reported.

Although no one observed the actual 5,400mph (8,700-kph) collision, a telescope in Chile spotted what astronomers have identified as the debris plume resulting from the crash. Space tracking experts said it was inevitable that the leftover rocket segment plowed into the moon.

It’s the latest instance of lunar litter, a problem that many fear could worsen as the U.S. and China race to put astronauts on the

moon. In 2022, a Chinese rocket unintentionally hit the moon following a lunar mission, and many more stray rocket pieces likely struck the moon in decades past without scientists’ knowledge.

SpaceX’s Julianna Scheiman said this week that the company is working with NASA to avoid future wrecks, stressing that this projected crash was not deliberate. A combination of solar activity and gravity accidentally put it on a collision course with the moon, she said.

Boston University’s Carl Schmidt said he is “100% certain” that his team’s observations revealed signs of the lunar crash.

The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope detected a stream

A SPACEX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from pad 39A with a payload of a pair of lunar landers at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Jan. 15, 2025.

Photo:John Raoux/AP of sodium and lithium stretching for miles (tens of kilometers) into space for at least five to 10 minutes following the impact, he added.

“We don’t have images of the impact” but there’s telescope evidence, Schmidt said in an email.

Even before signs of the debris plume were spotted by the telescope in Chile, retired astrophysicist

Jonathan McDowell noted that observations of the dead 4-ton upper stage on Tuesday night showed it heading straight for the moon. The anticipated crash site was a dusty, barren patch near Einstein Crater on the moon’s sunlit western limb — near the edge of the near and far sides, which is especially difficult to observe from Earth.

“There’s no doubt in my mind” that the rocket “is

high, especially within the technology sector and for companies focused on artificial intelligence. Profit growth, especially for some of the big chipmakers, like Nvidia, could help justify some of the big investments those companies are making in AI. AI-focused companies, with their big market values, have been behind many of the big market swings and most of Wall Street’s gains.

“The market appears to be moving from rewarding companies for AI spending to assessing the revenue and earnings that these investments can generate,” said Brian Therien, analyst, investment strategy, at Edward Jones, in a report.

Uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. war with Iran continues hanging over the market. President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as Wednesday. But there have been many stops and starts during the five-month old conflict that has stifled the global supply of oil and rattled energy markets.

The price of Brent crude, the international standard,

fell 0.1% to $79.45 a barrel.

Oil prices have been swinging for months and were as high as $102 per barrel at one point during the conflict, jolting already stubbornly high inflation.

Higher oil prices pushed gasoline prices higher and increased shipping costs for a wide range of products.

Inflation concerns have been hanging over markets and the Federal Reserve.

The central bank has been holding its key benchmark rate steady as it monitors the costs and the impact on the economy. Wall Street expects the central bank to raise rates at least once before the end of 2026. Household spending remains resilient, despite the stress from higher costs on everything from gas to groceries.

The jobs market has been one of the stronger areas of the economy, though growth has been slowing.

Wall Street will get another update on Friday with the monthly employment report for July.

now in teeny, little pieces scattered over the moon near Einstein Crater,” McDowell told The Associated Press.

“As a physicist, I know that what goes up must come down,” he added.

Stargazers knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, from the ground to see the plume of dust and rock ejected from the resulting crater, let alone the flash of light from the impact.

Orbiting spacecraft had the best chance of witnessing anything — or at least observing the crater after the fact.

Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek was among those aiming his telescope at the moon at the appointed time, but he came up empty.

“We knew this would be a long shot,” Langbroek said.

Like McDowell, Langbroek said he had “no doubt” the rocket met its doom.

Visual confirmation, McDowell noted, will have to wait for NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to fly over the crash scene and send back photos of

the impact crater. The space agency doesn’t expect that to happen until next week.

The Falcon rocket’s upper stage — a fat cylinder more than 40 feet (12 meters) long — hoisted two private lunar landers from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 15, 2025.

It ended up adrift after putting Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience on course for the moon. Resilience wrecked, but Blue Ghost aced its touchdown, becoming the first private spacecraft to do so.

The moon is the new go-to destination in space, with NASA envisioning a stampede of robotic craft over the next several years to form the foundation for a sustainable lunar base. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide the lunar landers for NASA’s Artemis astronauts.

Musk’s Starship is making steady progress in test flights from Texas.

Bezos’ Blue Moon lander has yet to launch. One or both landers will take part in next year’s Artemis III, a docking rehearsal in orbit around Earth.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 13

Rising temperatures could keep more flights from taking off on time

By RIO YAMAT and M.K. WILDEMAN Associated Press

A JET takes flight as heat ripples radiate from the runway at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, on July 25, 2023.

Photo:Matt York/AP

AIRLINE passengers know to expect possible flight delays when weather forecasts call for thunderstorms, heavy snow or strong wind. The omens are less obvious on a hot summer day with clear skies.

Yet extreme heat also disrupts flights and travel plans. On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.

The snag is well known at airports in desert climates around the world, from the U.S. Southwest to the Middle East. But even less extreme heat can create similar challenges at airports with higher elevations or shorter runways.

Researchers say humancaused climate change could make such disruptions more common.

With heat waves searing parts of the United States and Europe this summer, Las Vegas illustrated how extreme heat can interfere with air travel. American Airlines offered compensation to customers who voluntarily gave up their seats on a July 24 flight from Harry Reid International Airport after temperatures reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius).

The airline described reducing a plane’s weight as a standard industry practice in hot-weather destinations when conditions require it to ensure a safe takeoff. The explanation comes down to physics.

Hot air is thinner than cool air, making it harder for a plane’s wings to generate lift and for jet engines to

airports around the world and found that airports with short runways, high elevations and hotter climates would be affected most.

A more recent study concluded that current climate prediction models indicated planes taking off from four European airports would have to shed the weight equivalent of 10 passengers per flight by 2065.

While triple-digit temperatures come with desert living, the kind of hot days that might affect flights are becoming more frequent in both Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has averaged 43 days each year since 2020 when the temperature reached at least 110 F (43 C), according to an analysis of weather station data by The Associated Press. The number of such days increased gradually over several decades before surging in the 2020s to more than triple the average during the middle of the last century.

At Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, temperatures reached that threshold an average of about 18 days a year between 2020 and 2025 — more than double the annual average during the 1940s through 1960s, the AP analysis found.

The 2020s have also been exceedingly hot at Palm Springs International Airport. The airport in Southern California has recorded an annual average this decade of 55 days with temperatures reaching 110 F — an 83% increase compared to the 2000s, when the weather station there began recording data.

generate the thrust needed for takeoff, explained Ross Aimer, a retired United Airlines captain and CEO of Aero Consulting Experts.

“There is a science behind all this,” Aimer said.

“You can’t deny the science of flight and what it takes for an airplane to operate.”

Airplanes struggle in hot, thin air Aimer likens the effect of high temperatures on airplane performance to athletes competing at high altitude. During this year’s World Cup, foreign teams competing in Mexico City — located more than 7,300 feet (2,225 meters) above sea level — had to contend with thinner air that can leave players fatigued more quickly.

“Just like human beings, jet engines require lots of cool, dense air to perform well,” Aimer said.

Before every departure, pilots and airlines determine whether an aircraft can safely take off by calculating several key factors, including the airplane’s weight, the airport’s

elevation and the outside temperature, said Alan Price, a retired Delta Air Lines captain.

Aircraft at higher elevations are already operating in thinner air, so temperatures don’t have to climb as high to affect takeoff performance. Denver, for example, sits more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above sea level.

Runway length also matters. Airliners need room to build enough speed for takeoff when temperatures soar, and shorter runways leave less distance to do that, Price said. That’s one reason airports such as New York’s LaGuardia and Washington’s Reagan National can be more likely to face takeoff restrictions or weight limits during very hot weather.

If the pilot’s preflight math shows an aircraft cannot safely depart as planned, airlines may choose to reduce cargo, carry less fuel and make a refueling stop later, wait for cooler temperatures or ask passengers to volunteer for a later flight.

But there comes a point when removing weight isn’t enough to make a safe takeoff possible.

“At some point, the numbers just don’t make sense,” Aimer said. “You could roll down a runway as long as you want, and you still can’t take off.”

Delays due to hot weather could become more common The Federal Aviation Administration does not set a single maximum temperature for takeoff. Instead, the FAA says, operating limits vary based on an aircraft’s make and model, its weight and the airport’s altitude.

A 2017 study by researchers from Columbia University, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Logistics Management Institute projected that some airports could see weight restrictions on 10% to 30% of flights departing during the hottest part of the day by midcentury if greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise. The study examined 19

Safety determines when airlines reduce weight Airlines have dealt with these issues for years.

During a stretch of scorching heat in June 2016, American canceled several round-trip regional flights between Palm Springs, California, and Phoenix.

The following year, the airline canceled dozens of regional flights in Arizona as temperatures in Phoenix climbed toward 120 F (49 C).

In July 2018, some airlines bumped passengers at Denver International Airport to later flights as temperatures reached 98 F (37 C), KDVR-TV in Denver reported.

Delta Air Lines also asked for volunteers to step off a plane in Las Vegas during an excessive heat warning in July 2023 because of weight restrictions tied to the extreme temperatures. That flight was ultimately canceled after passengers spent hours aboard the aircraft in the heat.

Airports can be especially vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon of built-up areas becoming hotter than their surroundings, said Jennifer Brady, a data scientist with Climate Central.

With little shade or green space, vast expanses of heat-absorbing pavement and constant activity from airplanes, ground vehicles and air conditioning systems that generate waste heat, “all of the elements are there for it being one of the hottest spaces in a city,” Brady said.

PAGE 14, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

S U G R E F K C I R R A V Y J O H W Z V R L A R R S E N I A R E L O C K H G C Y R K A N D H W Y N B H R R V N O N N A G S A S O H W Y Q H U A N T L U G V G E K S N I Z R L R N T G A N E S L A A Y T A S U D M K A N T B C R B A F Y I O B W U A L O A F L L N R U B S N A P R L L X I C R U M E R T A E B D H G A M R H E B N B G N E W C A S G M D K E H U R O B J U

NORTHERN IRISH TOWNS AN

Find all the terms listed below in the Solution tomorrow ANTRIM ● ARMAGH ● BALLYCLA BALLYMENA ● BANBRIDGE ● BAN BELFAST ● CARRICKFERGUS COLERAINE ● CRUMLIN ● DUNGA ENNISKILLEN ● LARNE ● LIMAV LISBURN ● NEWCASTLE ● NEW OMAGH ● PORTRUSH ● STRABA

YESTE QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 7 Under, 8 Contain, 9 Tremble, 10 Later, 12 Contestant, 15 Nethermost, 18 Eject, 19 Diploma, 21 Enlarge, 22 Chase.

Down: 1 Sustenance, 2 Adder, 3 Crib, 4 Accent, 5 Encloses, 6 Partial, 11 Retaliated, 13 Overturn, 14 Steeple, 16 Madden, 17 Total, 20 Pace.

WORDSEARCH

K B C H A R R I O T T Y K E R R I D G E N H R T Y E R F F A J L I R V K V K P L D K E P E S M I I C U G A I T B T Y A S P O I M T H V H S T A K H D T H F S T W U R C S O A T C E E Z N L S O V L R E S Y D X X E E S S L C L F U O V P Q M A A Y J A A T H N E Q Y U F W H G P W R B R E V I L O J O M H S R G B D F O O M T M K W O T M M Y Y D R E Z P G M N W H O D

TARGET

THE ALPHAPUZZ

UNPLUGGED duel duple geld glen glue glued glug gulden gulp gulped lend luge luged lugged lung lunge lunged pled plug plugged plunge plunged pule puled unplug UNPLUGGED

Across: Listless (clue), Cur Brainwash, Dig, Lilt, Coarse Oxtail, Queasy, Mishap, Gal Makeshift, Nacre, Allergic.

Down: Libel, Outline, Scarl March, Land, Winsome, Sea Jackal, Chirrup, Isle, Trade, Amazing, Lengthy, Antic.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 6, 2026, PAGE 15

Disney’s strong quarter driven by ‘Toy Story 5’ and the draw of its US theme parks

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer DISNEY’S solid third quarter was driven by a $1 billion box office haul from “Toy Story 5” and the strong draw of U.S. theme parks that helped to offset continued weakness from international tourism.

Disney also announced a global short-form content sharing deal with TikTok on Wednesday. The agreement will bring Disney-focused fan-created content from TikTok to the Disney+ app.

Shares climbed nearly 3% in early morning trading on Wednesday.

The Walt Disney Co. cautioned earlier this

year that its theme parks division would likely see modest growth due in part to declining tourism from abroad.

International tourism in the U.S. has waned for a number of reasons after President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, including tariffs, a crackdown on immigrants, and repeated jabs at alliednations.

The Experiences division, which includes Disney’s six global theme parks, its cruise line, merchandise and video game licensing, reported that operating income climbed 20% to $3.02 billion and revenue totaled $9.97 billion. Operating income rose 27% at

domestic parks, while operating income declined 13% for international parks and Experiences.

Overall attendance at U.S. parks climbed 3% from a year ago on an increase in attendance from domestic tourists and annual passholders. The company said the performance was also helped by summer promotions and new experiences being offered at the parks.

CEO Josh D’Amaro, during a conference call after the first full quarter he has overseen since taking over for Bob Iger about five months ago, said that spending was also up at domestic parks despite the current economic uncertainty.

“The consistent investments that we’ve made over time, combined with the fact that the experience Disney provides to its fans, it’s truly differentiated and highly valued,” he said.

The growth in attendance at parks is being driven by U.S. residents, but Disney is also seeing more robust traffic at domestic parks from overseas visitors.

D’Amaro became the 9th CEO of the 100 plusyear-old company after overseeing Disney theme parks, cruises and resorts for about six years.

Disney got a substantial boost from “Toy Story 5” during the third quarter, which has already pulled in $1 billion at the box office

globally. The film boosted interest in other Toy Story films on Disney+ as well, and Toy Story merchandise sales helped give the company its strongest quarter of year-over-year growth in consumer products revenue in 20 quarters. The company also noted the strong performance of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” particularly overseas.

Revenue for the entertainment streaming business - which includes Disney+ and Hulu - climbed 11% to $5.53 billion. The results were helped by adding more subscribers, price increases and higher advertising revenue.

Disney continues its transformation from cable

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

to streaming entertainment as viewers cut the cord in huge numbers.

The company on Wednesday announced that it is selling its 50% stake in A+E Global Media, the owner and operator of the History and Lifetime channels.

A+E Global has been a joint venture between Disney and Hearst, and an affiliate of Hearst is buying Disney’s stake for $1.2 billion.

Disney earned $2.64 billion, or $1.51 per share, for the three months ended June 27. It earned $5.26 billion, or $2.92 per share, a year ago.

Removing one-time charges and benefits, earnings were $2.06 per share.

That easily topped the $1.86 per share that analysts polled by FactSet predicted.

Revenue for the Burbank, California-based company rose 7% to $25.25 billion. Wall Street was looking for $25.39 billion.

SUNDAY

UV INDEX TODAY

MONDAY

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ LOW

ORLANDO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° C

TAMPA

A t-storm in the morning; breezy

Clouds and sun with a stray t-storm

A t-storm in spots in the morning

Mostly sunny

High: 89°

Low: 80°

High: 90° Low: 81°

High: 91° Low: 81°

High: 92° Low: 80°

High: 90° Low: 81°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

101° F

87° F

100°-89° F

106°-88° F

105°-87° F

105°-90° F

E

ABACO

S

N

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

8-16 knots

S

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

10-20 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

TIDES FOR NASSAU High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

1:37 a.m.

2:28 p.m.

2.6 3.1

7:54 a.m.

8:57 p.m.

0.4 0.9

ALMANAC

Friday

2:40 a.m.

3:34 p.m.

2.5 3.2

8:55 a.m. 0.3 10:07 p.m. 0.9

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 80° F/27° C Normal high ....................................... 89° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 76° F/24° C Last year’s high .................................. 92° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 82° F/28° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ................................................ 14.03” Normal year to date ................................... 20.55”

Saturday

3:48 a.m.

4:40 p.m.

2.5 3.3

10:01 a.m. 0.3 11:14 p.m. 0.8

Sunday

4:57 a.m.

5:44 p.m.

2.5 3.5

11:08 a.m. 0.2 ---------

Monday

6:02 a.m.

6:42 p.m.

2.7 3.6

12:16 a.m. 0.6 12:11 p.m. 0.1

Tuesday

7:02 a.m.

7:36 p.m.

2.9 3.7

1:12 a.m.

1:11 p.m.

Wednesday 7:57 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

3.1 3.7

2:04 a.m. 0.2 2:07 p.m. -0.1

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is the only index that includes all the weather factors that play a role in how we perceive temperature, including the effects of wind, humidity, sunshine, precipitation, pressure, and elevation. Shown are the highest and lowest values for each day.

W

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7-14 knots

KEY WEST

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

N

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

7-14 knots

S

12:12 a.m.

2:10 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Aug. 12

Aug. 19

Aug. 28

Sep. 4

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

ANDROS

N

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

H

6:40 a.m. Moonrise 7:52 p.m. Moonset

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

8-16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Sunrise Sunset

CAT ISLAND

E

W

0.3 0.0

SUN AND MOON

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2026

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

VERY HIGH EXT.

The higher the AccuWeather UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection. Shown is the highest value of the day.

Showers around early; partly cloudy

N

HIGH

TM

Breezy; a morning t-storm in spots

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MODERATE

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 82° F/28° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 91° F/33° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8-16 knots

8-16 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday:

WINDS E at 10-20 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots

Tribune First Alert Weather

NASSAU WhatsApp Channel

WAVES 3-6 Feet 4-7 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 4-8 Feet 5-9 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-8 Feet 4-7 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 83° F 83° F 87° F 87° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F

“We got you covered under the radars”

PAGE 16, Thursday, August 6, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Space for music on late-night TV has dwindled.

New media seeks to offer an alternative THIS image released by NBC shows Phoebe Bridgers performing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in New York on July 14, 2026.

Photo:Todd Owyoung/NBC/AP

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer WHEN CBS ended “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” earlier this year, it also shuttered the program’s robust music offerings — a major blow for artists whose television platform was already dwindling.

Performing on late-night has historically been a unique avenue for musicians hoping to access new audiences — think of a rising Chappell Roan on “The Late Show” or even The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” But when James Corden left CBS’ “The Late Late Show” in 2023, his program — and its coveted performance space — was never revived. NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers” has cut back on live music, while ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” reduced performances to twice a week.

As it stands, only NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” consistently books live performances.

Emerging artists still see incredible value in these performances — and are hopeful that nascent online programming will offer a new alternative.

Breaking through on late-night March 3, 2014, was the day that changed everything for rock band Future Islands.

The synth-pop group was a stalwart of America’s underground music scene due in no small part to charismatic frontman Samuel T. Herring and his idiosyncratic voice, somewhere between Tom Waits and Rammstein’s Till Lindemann. That day, they performed on “Late Show with David Letterman,” and the host was transfixed. “I’ll take all of that you got!”

Letterman cheered, and the DIY band was cast into true virality.

“At the time that we played Letterman, we were

in a transitory period for the band,” said bassist William Cashion. They’d signed to the larger indie label 4AD Records, hired management and were promised a latenight TV spot but never thought it would pan out.

“Our team, they told us, ‘It’ll be good for your fans and your friends and family, but it’s not really going to move the needle. These things don’t really do what they used to,’” he recalls.

But that wasn’t the case.

“All the festivals that initially turned us down all of a sudden wanted us to come play. Everything kind of shifted after that moment,” he said. “It was definitely a huge turning point and gave the band much greater exposure.”

New media offers an alternative place for discovery A dearth of late-night spots particularly affects independent acts — the kind that could really benefit from the exposure, just like Future Islands.

THIS image released by NBC shows Arlo Parks performing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in New York on June 16, 2026.

Photo:Todd Owyoung/NBC/AP Representatives for CBS, NBC and ABC did not return The Associated Press’ requests for comment.

Chloë Walsh, co-founder of publicity firm The Oriel, points to the music bookers behind the scenes. “Of course, they have to book all the biggest things in the world, but they also have

things that they want to champion,” she says. Fewer slots means developing artists are competing with big names for dwindling opportunities.

But there are other avenues to discovery.

“We’re kind of an anomaly in the way that our song and that performance took

off,” says Cashion. “But we’ve seen other bands have TikTok viral hits and stuff like that.”

There are many examples of artists cracking the code online: Singer-songwriter Gigi Perez’s career was launched with the TikTok smash “Sailor Song,” as was Malcolm Todd’s with a few viral hits, landing him a major label deal with Columbia Records. Indie band Beach Bunny saw their punky-pop go viral with “Prom Queen” just ahead of the pandemic, leading to performances on Kimmel and Fallon.

Even legacy artists are experiencing second winds of music discovery: Weezer’s 2010s power-pop track “Go Away,” featuring Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, recently made the rounds on TikTok and became a top song for both on Spotify.

“It seems like a lot of different aspects of the album cycle have kind of been replaced with short-form content,” Beach Bunny singer Lili Trifilio explained.

“And it is a bummer because late-night is a service to musicians in such a major way. You are helping people reach new fans.”

“And I think now a lot of the responsibility of advertising is falling on the artists to be their own latenight special on TikTok or whatever,” she continued.

“I don’t think that these 30-second, one-minute selfmade clips hold the same value.”

Internet creators reimagine traditional formats “The media landscape is always changing. Sometimes that’s good for music and sometimes it’s bad for music,” says Walsh. “There’s a whole breed of young

creators at the moment doing really interesting stuff. … Hopefully there will be more opportunities out there and we don’t have to rely on the networks.”

She points to “Track Star(asterisk),” the online music trivia series, which has begun hosting live performances, and to Julian Shapiro-Barnum of “Recess Therapy,” who has launched a late-night YouTube show, “Outside Tonight,” that features live performances.

Shapiro-Barnum says “Outside Tonight” was born out of necessity. “We know that the entertainment industry is hard to break into. And so, what’s been so cool about digital media is that it’s circumvented that,” he says.

“How can we do late night, but different?” was his approach. The show takes place outdoors, bypassing a traditional studio. The musical bookings also lean independent. Recent performers include rapper Erick the Architect, indie rock soloist Annie DiRusso and the multi-instrumentalist and experimentalist L’Rain.

“There was no version of the show that didn’t have music,” he says. “To me, it feels like a staple.”

Beach Bunny performed during the first “Outside Tonight” episode.

“It’s so cool to see people that are like movers and makers be like, ‘Hey, this is a gap I’m seeing. Late-night is being placed on the back burner. We need to revive this; I’m gonna figure it out,’” Trifilio said. “I hope that it inspires other people to step up.”

She sees it as part of a larger YouTube renaissance, shifting away from prioritizing short-form content.