Saks Emerges From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Revamps Company
Saks Global, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday with fewer stores, less debt, a more focused strategy to pamper the affluent — and a new name.
The company said Friday that the new entity will be called Exemplar Luxury Group, and with an improved balance sheet, including a nearly 75% debt reduction and $500 million in extra financing. Its CEO, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, said the New York-based company is ready for its next chapter after navigating several tumultuous years.
Van Raemdonck said that the new name signifies the company's focus on having an exemplary shopping experience — the best merchandise, and better personalized service with customers, with help from its sales associates and the treasure trove of data it has on its customers. The company employs more than 1,500 sales associates who have sold more than $1 million of goods each, he said.
Saks Global had filed for bankruptcy protection in January of this year, buffeted by rising competition and the massive debt it took on to buy its rival in the luxury sector, Neiman Marcus, in July 2024.
Before the bankruptcy, there were 33 Saks stores and 36 Neiman Marcus locations, according to the company, as well as its Bergdorf Goodman store on Fifth Avenue and roughly 70 Saks Off 5th discount stores.
Now, there are a total of 49 stores — 15 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 33 Neiman Marcus stores and its Bergdorf Goodman store. The company shuttered most of its Saks Off Fifth discount stores, and it now has 12 outlets, the company said.
Exemplar Luxury Group said it has been teaming up with Pentwater Capital Management and Bracebridge Capital throughout its restructuring process. Both firms will have two representatives on the seven-person board. In addition, van Raemdonck as well as former Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell and Philippe Schaus, who most recently served as Global CEO of Moët Hennessy, will serve on the board, the company said.
Recall on Zapp's and Dirty Brand Potato Chips
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated a voluntary recall of several potato chip products as a Class I recall, the agency's highest risk classification, over concerns of possible salmonella contamination.
Utz Quality Foods originally announced the recall on May 5, affecting select varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand potato chips. The company said it took action after a third-party supplier notified it that a seasoning blend containing dry milk powder may have been contaminated with Salmonella.
Although Utz said the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before they were used in production, the company decided to recall the products as a precaution.
In an enforcement report released Wednesday, the FDA confirmed that all six affected products have been classified as a Class I recall. The agency reserves this designation for situations in which there is a reasonable probability that using or consuming the affected product could result in serious health consequences or death.
Utz emphasized that the recall was initiated "out of an abundance of caution" following the supplier's notification, despite the company's own testing showing no evidence of contamination in the seasoning batches.
The company voluntarily recalled nine varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand chip flavors and bag sizes, which Utz said were sold at retail stores nationwide:
1.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
2.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
8-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
2-ounce Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
1.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60-count)
2-ounce Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
2.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
8-ounce Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
2-ounce Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
According to Utz, no other products produced by the food manufacturer are included in the recall.
South Korean Football Coach Resigns Amid World Cup Elimination
South Korean football coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday following the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the World Cup, a result that prompted fierce criticism from country President Lee Jae Myung, who described the coach as “incapable” and ordered a sweeping review of the national team program.
South Korea opened its campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic before suffering consecutive Group A defeats to South Africa and Mexico.
The team still harbored hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-place finishers, but those hopes were defeated on Saturday when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1.
The early elimination stunned a team widely expected to reach the knockout stage and plunged the national program into turmoil.
Team coach Hong Myung-bo, 57 years old, announced his resignation before the squad departed its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea played all three of its group matches. He apologized to Korean fans and accepted responsibility for the team’s failure.
It was Hong’s second spell in charge of the national team. He also coached South Korea at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the team likewise failed to progress beyond the group stage.
South Korea has qualified for the World Cup 11 consecutive times and reached the semifinals when it co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
President Lee has directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive review of the national team program and the factors behind its latest World Cup failure.
Small Plane Crashes Into Beijing's Tallest Building
On Friday, June 26, 2026, a small light-sport aircraft crashed into CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun), the tallest skyscraper in Beijing, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people on the ground and inside the building.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. local time during rush hour in the city's busy Central Business District.
The car-sized plane struck the upper floors of the 108-story, 1,732-foot tower, smashing a hole and shattering large glass panels.
The impact sent heavy chunks of wreckage and building debris, including the aircraft's tail section, plummeting onto the streets below.
The Chaoyang district government confirmed that the pilot was the sole occupant of the plane and died in the crash.
The plane was identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, a domestically produced, single-engine, two-seat light-sport aircraft. Flight data showed the aircraft belonged to Shuangyue General Aviation, a regional flight training and sightseeing company.
The flight departed from an airfield in Beijing's eastern Pinggu district (about 30 miles east of the city). It heavily deviated from its typical training route, flying west directly into the heavily restricted airspace of downtown Beijing.
Police, firefighters, and emergency crews quickly locked down the area, cordoning off surrounding roads and evacuating the tower.
The exact motive and cause of the crash—whether it was a mechanical failure, medical emergency, or deliberate act—remain under official investigation.
Saint Lucia Partners with RestoringVision to Expand Access to Eye Care
The Government of Saint Lucia has entered into a new partnership with U.S.-based nonprofit RestoringVision to improve access to vision care across the island through the public healthcare system. Under the agreement, up to 50,000 donated eyeglasses are expected to be distributed to people in need.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 18 as part of the government’s Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative, reinforcing its commitment to improving healthcare and quality of life for Saint Lucians.
The partnership will launch a 12-month pilot program that integrates presbyopia screening and the distribution of near-vision eyeglasses into primary healthcare facilities and community health worker services, making vision care more accessible in communities nationwide.
The initiative targets individuals affected by presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it increasingly difficult to focus on nearby objects. Left uncorrected, the condition can reduce productivity, limit independence and negatively impact overall quality of life.
The agreement follows Cabinet approval on June 1, which authorized the collaboration between the Government of Saint Lucia and RestoringVision. Through the partnership, Saint Lucia joins a growing network of countries working with the nonprofit to expand community-based vision screening and improve access to affordable corrective eyewear.
Prime Minister Pierre said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of citizens, noting that improved vision can create greater opportunities, boost productivity and promote independence.
Beyond donating and shipping eyeglasses, RestoringVision will provide technical assistance and training to healthcare workers, helping to strengthen presbyopia screening and support the long-term integration of vision care into Saint Lucia’s public health system.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Government of Saint Lucia will oversee implementation of the initiative, integrate services into existing public health platforms, coordinate staff training, and manage data collection and reporting.
The partnership also establishes a joint monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the program’s effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement throughout the pilot phase.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for an initial period of 12 months as both parties work to expand access to quality vision care across Saint Lucia.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST MONDAY JUNE 29TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A weak ridge of high pressure is maintaining gentle easterly breezes and generally stable conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are currently no watches or warnings in effect at this time.
The public is advised to remain hydrated, wear protective clothing and sunscreen, and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range, and the heat index possibly reaching the triple digits across all areas.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Mostly sunny today. Mostly fair with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: Easterly at 5 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:48 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 09:20 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Generally stable conditions will persist through today. The high pressure ridge will gradually weaken, with a developing surface trough possibly triggering isolated showers across the islands by Tuesday. A plume of Saharan dust is then expected to move into the region by late Wednesday, likely suppressing shower activity.
TUESDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible. Mostly fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:09 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:42 AM (1.0 FT) 03:24 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:21 AM (2.3 FT) 09:56 PM (3.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:09 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:16 AM (1.0 FT) 03:59 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:55 AM (2.3 FT) 10:32 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Disorganized showers and thunderstorms located off the southeastern U.S. coast are associated with an area of low pressure along a frontal boundary that has a low chance of tropical cyclone formation within the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: DR. H.HAMILTON
United Airlines to Start Nonstop Flights from Denver to Providenciales
The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating another major airlift milestone with the announcement that United Airlines will launch new nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales (PLS) beginning December 2026.
The new weekly service marks a significant expansion of United Airlines’ established presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the result of extensive negotiations with the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA).
This announcement comes on the heels of the Turks and Caicos Islands' successful roadshow in Denver recently led by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the announcement as a strong endorsement of the destination's growing appeal and the Ministry's continued efforts to diversify source markets and expand airlift.
The minister in a statement said that for many years, our strongest air connections have been concentrated along the East Coast and in the Midwest of the United States, but today we continue our strategic expansion westward, creating direct access to one of North America’s most dynamic and affluent regions.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, with responsibility for Aviation, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, described the announcement as another important step in strengthening the destination's connectivity and competitiveness. Stating that, expanding air access is critical to sustaining tourism growth, and we are pleased that United Airlines continues to recognise the immense opportunity that exists here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The new route will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft featuring 179 seats, including 20 in business class and 159 in economy.
Tentative flight schedule is set for December 19th. Weekly on Saturdays.
Schedule is subject to change.
Customers can book flights at united.com and on the United app.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Jolly Appears on RTC's Expressions with Hon. Robert Hall
Minister of Tourism Hon. Zhavargo Jolly recently appeared on RTC's Expressions with Hon. Robert Hall discussing a Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Report. Our Danae Dennie has more.
PDM Selects New Party Leader at National Convention
The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has ushered in a new chapter following the successful conclusion of its 2026 National Convention, where delegates unanimously elected Hon. Douglas Parnell as Party Leader and selected a full slate of national officers in accordance with the Party’s Constitution.
Held under the theme “Together We Rise,” the Convention, the Party’s highest decision-making body, brought together delegates, former leaders, officers, members, volunteers and supporters from across the Turks and Caicos Islands to reaffirm the PDM’s commitment to unity, renewal and strong national leadership.
In his acceptance address, Hon. Parnell described the Convention as “a defining moment in the history of our great party,” emphasizing that delegates were not only electing a leader but also setting a new course for the future of the People’s Democratic Movement.
Hon. Parnell paid tribute to the Party’s founder, The Right Excellent J.A.G.S. McCartney, while recognizing the invaluable contributions of former leaders, parliamentarians, branch officers, campaign teams and volunteers whose dedication has shaped the Party throughout its history. He also outlined his vision to modernize and strengthen the PDM as it prepares for the future.
The Convention also confirmed Hon. Edwin Astwood as Deputy Leader. Hon. Astwood will continue to serve as Leader of the Opposition, providing experienced parliamentary leadership while working alongside Hon. Parnell and the newly elected National Executive.
Delegates elected the following officers to serve on the Party’s National Executive:
* National Chairman: Bryant Cox
* First Vice-Chairman: Ian Astwood
* Second Vice-Chairman: Tanya Wright
* Assistant Secretary General: Daphne Farrington
* Assistant Treasurer: Kaymia Reid
* Party Whip: Rico Rolle
* Trustees: Mervin Cox, Carl Simmons and Hon. Clarence Selver
* Party Chaplain: Emma-Jean Selver
With the Convention now concluded, the National General Council will begin implementing the directives adopted by delegates, while the National Executive Committee assumes responsibility for the Party’s day-to-day administration and strategic direction.
Royal TCI Police Force Recovers Another Illegal Firearm in Providenciales
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) continue to recover illegal firearms and ammunition across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the latest recovery being June 23rd 2026.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., responding officers attended a location on Grace Bay Road, where during a search of the area, officers discovered a black sock concealed beneath a 40-foot storage
container, which contained a .45 calibre pistol.
Officers from the Forensics Support Branch responded to the scene, processed the area, and
safely secured the weapon. The firearm was found to be loaded with five (5) live .45 calibre
cartridges.
No arrests have been made in connection with the recovery, and investigations remain
ongoing.
To date, for the year 2026, the police force has recovered six illegal firearms across the TCI comprising two rifles and four pistols.
The recoveries include:
Two firearms recovered along the Leeward Highway;
One recovered in Grace Bay;
One recovered in the Lower Bight;
One recovered in Blue Hills; and
One recovered in Grand Turk.
During the corresponding period in 2025, the police force recovered eight firearms: six pistols and
two rifles.