The latest data from Congo’s public health institute, seen by Reuters, also reported 4,381 confirmed cases across five provinces
International News via Reuters:
Democratic Republic of Congo said on Tuesday that confirmed Ebola deaths had reached 2,011, the latest grim milestone in what health officials have described as the fastest-spreading outbreak on record.
The latest data from Congo’s public health institute, seen by Reuters, also reported 4,381 confirmed cases across five provinces.
Delayed detection, conflict and strained health services have helped the virus spread more rapidly than in previous outbreaks.
The current outbreak, Congo’s 17th, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, which has also led to cases in neighbouring Uganda, a public health emergency of international concern.
A study published last month in the journal Science found that transmission may have begun in January or earlier in Ituri province, identifying more than 500 suspected cases between mid-January and May 15.
Shortages of medical supplies and insecurity in affected areas have complicated efforts to trace contacts, isolate patients and curb transmission.
The Congolese government data shows that only West Africa’s 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak was bigger, with 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths recorded across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organization.
It took nearly five months from the declaration of that outbreak to hit 1,000 deaths, whereas Congo’s current outbreak has hit 2,000 deaths in less than three months.
In an Ebola outbreak in Congo from 2018 to 2020, it took a little over 12 months to hit 2,000 deaths. In the current outbreak, deaths have jumped from 1,000 to 2,000 in less than a month, further underscoring how quickly the virus is spreading.
Reporting by Fiston Mahamba; Writing by Ayen Deng Bior; Additional reporting by Clement Bonnerot and Ilham Sougue: Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Sharon Singleton
The pan-European STOXX 600 was little changed at 659.84, as of 0844 GMT, fluctuating between modest gains and losses near the record highs reached earlier this month
International News via Reuters:
European shares were subdued on Tuesday as oil prices rose after efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war hit an impasse, while investors awaited a slate of economic data later this week for fresh clues on growth and the interest rate outlook
The pan-European STOXX 600 was little changed at 659.84, as of 0844 GMT, fluctuating between modest gains and losses near the record highs reached earlier this month.
Rising energy prices supported oil and gas stocks, but concerns that a prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could stoke inflation and cloud the outlook for monetary easing kept broader risk appetite in check.
Energy sector jumped 1.4% as oil prices touched their highest level so far this month. [O/R]
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday responded to Iran’s conditions for a peace deal with demands of his own, including compensation for people killed in wars, attacks and protests in a rhetorical escalation that could further complicate efforts to reopen the key oil shipping route.
“The pause this week reflects some caution around the Iran conflict and renewed pressure on oil prices. That is the key near-term risk for European markets,” said Gordon Kerr, European Macro Strategist, at KBRA.
Travel and leisure sector fell 0.9%, reflecting worries over elevated fuel costs.
InterContinental Hotels Group edged down 1.8% after the Holiday Inn owner’s room revenue growth slowed in the second quarter as a sharp decline in the Middle East offset continued gains in the U.S. and China.
Technology stocks, meanwhile, rose 0.5%. The sector remains among Europe’s top performers this year, up about 24% year to date.
“European technology has benefited largely from the global AI story. Demand for chips, data centers and the wider AI build-out has supported the sector,” said Kerr.
Investors are now awaiting euro zone employment and GDP data, as well as U.S. consumer price figures later this week, for further clues on the path of interest rates.
Among early movers, Alcon gained 4% after the Swiss-American eye-care company raised its full-year earnings forecast.
Spirax Group slid 10.5% to the bottom of the STOXX 600 after the engineering firm reiterated its full-year forecast for mid-single-digit organic revenue growth and margin expansion.
The insurance sector declined 0.6%, with Legal & General down 3.1% after UBS cut its rating on the stock to “Sell” from “Neutral.”
Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi and Ragini Mathur in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair and Rashmi Aich
Sterling was last at $1.3597 and 85.42 pence per euro, flat on both on the day, though towards the top of its recent range on the dollar
International News via Reuters:
The pound drifted against both the dollar and the euro on Tuesday as uncertainty ahead of important U.S. and British data releases kept traders on edge, particularly given thin trading in the European summer.
Sterling was last at $1.3597 and 85.42 pence per euro, flat on both on the day, though towards the top of its recent range on the dollar.
The next big scheduled event for global currency markets is U.S. consumer inflation data due Wednesday, which will help guide expectations for Federal Reserve policy in the coming months, and with it the dollar.
The focus in Britain will be on Thursday’s second quarter GDP figure, which will help illustrate the state of new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s inheritance.
In the short term traders were reluctant to place large bets ahead of those events, adding to already muted currency markets.
So far the pound has been little affected by Burnham taking office last month. While that could be due to investors waiting for further details about the shape of his premiership, Deutsche Bank said in a Tuesday note that traders are not anticipating much in the way of moves ahead of Britain’s budget scheduled for late October.
They said the current level of euro/sterling three-month implied volatility, 3.6%, is lower than at the equivalent point ahead of any major UK budget or fiscal event in the past 20 years.
Implied volatility is the options market’s estimate of future currency moves.
“Despite the high likelihood of some twists and turns on the road to the first budget under new Chancellor (finance minister) John Healey and under Andy Burnham’s premiership, the currency market remains very becalmed, and appears to be expecting few fireworks over the next quarter,” analysts at the bank said.
Minister Tinee Furbert joined community leaders to unveil the Carla Watson Dance and Movement Studio
The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, through the Office of Youth Affairs, proudly celebrated the remarkable legacy of Ms. Carla Watson, recognising her 35 years of dedicated service as the founder and director of the St. George’s Original Dancerettes and her decades of commitment to youth development, culture, and community building through the Eastern Zone Community Centre.
The commemorative event brought together colleagues, former and current Dancerettes, family members, friends, community leaders, and residents, all united in celebrating a woman whose passion and leadership have positively influenced generations of Bermudians.
While the St. George’s Original Dancerettes remain her signature achievement, Ms. Watson’s impact extends far beyond the dance floor, having served for more than 40 years at the Eastern Zone Community Centre.
A highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the Carla Watson Dance & Movement Studio, a lasting tribute to a woman whose life’s work has transformed the Eastern Zone Community Centre into a place where creativity, confidence, discipline, and community flourish.
The Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, delivered heartfelt remarks recognising Ms Watson’s commitment to Bermuda’s young people and the profound legacy she has built over more than four decades of public service.
Minister Furbert stated: “The naming of the Dance and Movement Room at the Eastern Zone Community Centre in honour of Ms. Carla Watson is both appropriate and meaningful.
It recognises her decades of service at this Centre, her contribution to youth development and culture, and the many lives that have been touched through the programme she has led.
This room will continue to be a place where young people can create, learn, move, perform and build confidence. In that way, today’s recognition honours a legacy already established while creating space for that legacy to continue.
On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Office of Youth Affairs, and the Eastern Zone Community Centre team, formerly the St. George’s Community Centre, I extend sincere appreciation to Ms. Watson for her many years of dedicated service to our young people and the wider community.
I also congratulate the St. George’s Original Dancerettes on 35 remarkable years and acknowledge everyone, past and present, who has contributed to their journey.”
Founded in 1991, the St. George’s Original Dancerettes have become one of Bermuda’s most recognizable community programs and today stand as the longest-running programme across the island’s Community Centres. What began as a single evening program has grown into a multigenerational institution that has inspired hundreds of children and young adults through dance, baton twirling, performance, teamwork, and mentorship.
As the Dancerettes celebrate their 35th anniversary, the program continues to embody its enduring motto, “Dare to be different; an original is always worth more than a copy.”
The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 107 km (66 miles)
International News via Reuters:
At least 111 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, toppling buildings across several cities, damaging hospitals and infrastructure and trapping people beneath the rubble in what authorities called the country’s strongest earthquake of the century.
The quake struck just days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as president, thrusting the new administration into its first major crisis, with memories still fresh of devastating twin earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela in June.
“The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed,” he said in a national address around 1 p.m. local time, upon declaring a national state of emergency.
“The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.”
De La Espriella said preliminary reports indicated 111 dead and 87 injured, along with dozens of collapsed buildings and damaged homes.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 107 km (66 miles). Colombia’s geological service said it was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the 21st century.
Reports from Choco, near the epicenter, were slowed by communications outages, with some areas still lacking cellphone service hours after the earthquake. Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba said 12 people had been killed and 84 injured in the largely rural area.
The heaviest casualties appeared concentrated in Risaralda, part of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. Pereira, the department’s capital, suffered extensive damage, with rescue workers continuing to search collapsed buildings for survivors.
BUILDINGS CRUMBLE, AIRPORTS FORCED TO CLOSE
A four-story building crumbled in Pereira during the quake, according to Reuters-verified video, while footage from Manizales showed one of the side towers of the city’s landmark neo-Gothic cathedral collapsing and scattering debris onto nearby streets.
Reuters footage showed rescue workers, police and volunteers shoveling debris by hand and loading rubble into trucks as they searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Other footage showed damage to residential towers and emergency-service facilities, with debris crashing onto ambulances parked below.
Mauricio Andrade, a firefighter in Cali, said his team had rescued two adult women and two children from a collapsed building. As he spoke to Reuters, his team was preparing to rescue more people from the rubble.
“They are alive,” he said. “We are making space so we can free them and get them out.”
Juan Carlos Osorio told Caracol Television that the collapse of one building “sounded like a bomb,” as he helped remove debris from a collapsed structure in Cali.
“All of us neighbors are working together, forming human chains. We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped.”
Colombia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations at several airports in the country’s west, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, while engineers carried out structural inspections.
RING OF FIRE
Colombia sits along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and records thousands of mostly minor earthquakes each month.
Northwestern University seismologist Suzan van der Lee said the quake’s powerful magnitude, inland location and strike-slip motion may have amplified damage in populated valleys despite its considerable depth.
“This one was far below the crust, and in theory it shouldn’t cause as much shaking. At this magnitude, it did actually cause a lot of shaking,” she said.
The Colombian Geological Service said 21 aftershocks had been recorded by late Monday and warned that additional tremors were likely.
Colombia’s coffee region was devastated by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in 1999 that killed more than 1,000 people, particularly around Armenia and Pereira.
Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra, Luis Jaime Acosta, Julia Symmes Cobb and Fabiola Aramburo; Additional reporting by Marco Trujillo in Cali and Sarah Morland in Mexico City, Writing by Kylie Madry and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Paul Simao and Matthew Lewis
The measures will give local communities more say over what businesses can open in their town centres, as well as extra powers for the police and local authorities
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham will on Tuesday unveil plans to crack down on vape shops, betting outlets and rogue businesses as part of an effort to revive high streets after decades of decline, his office said on Monday.
The measures will give local communities more say over what businesses can open in their town centres, as well as extra powers for the police and local authorities.
• The government will revoke a rule which currently restricts the ability of councils to refuse new betting shops even where there are strong local concerns.
• New vape shops and adult gaming centres will require planning permission.
• Police and local authorities will be given more time to investigate properties linked to organised crime. The maximum length of orders closing premises will rise from six months to 12.
• Burnham’s initiative follows his moves to cut tax from domestic electricity bills, cap bus fares and lower business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
Reporting by James Davey; editing by William James
Nearly £50 million in government funding awarded to auto firms and research partners to develop and scale zero-emission vehicle technologies
International News via Reuters:
The British government announced nearly £130 million ($175 million) in funding for zero-emission vehicle technologies on Monday, with almost £65 million in public money and the rest provided by the industry.
• Nearly £50 million in government funding awarded to auto firms and research partners to develop and scale zero-emission vehicle technologies.
• A further £17 million injected into nine connected and automated mobility projects, covering technologies including sensors, brake-by-wire systems and AI simulation.
• “Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too,” Industry Minister Blair McDougall said in a statement announcing the funding.
• Britain is committed to ending sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel from 2030, with all new cars required to be zero-emission by 2035.
($1 = 0.7414 pounds)
Reporting by William James; editing by Barbara Lewis
The pan-European STOXX 600 was little changed at 660.45 points. The energy sector led gains, rising 1.3%, as oil prices climbed for a fourth straight session
International News via Reuters:
Europe’s benchmark stock index held near a record high on Monday as investors paused ahead of a week packed with economic data, while uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict kept oil prices elevated.
The pan-European STOXX 600 was little changed at 660.45 points. The energy sector led gains, rising 1.3%, as oil prices climbed for a fourth straight session.
Iran said the U.S. must meet several conditions before it reopens the Strait of Hormuz, while signalling it was close to an agreement with Oman on new shipping lanes through the waterway. The strait is a critical energy corridor for Europe.
“Markets are really just in a period of digestion and wait-and-see,” said Kiran Ganesh, managing director, global head of investment communications at UBS.
Investors are also focused on euro zone employment data and U.S. consumer price figures due later this week for clues on the outlook for interest rates.
Softer-than-expected U.S. jobs data last week and strong corporate earnings on both sides of the Atlantic helped lift the STOXX 600 1.7% to a record high on Friday.
“Looking at corporate earnings, neither the crisis (in Middle East), nor tariffs, nor overshooting chip prices have derailed companies from doing good business,” said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote.
The basic resources sector rose 0.9%, tracking firmer copper and precious metal prices, while technology shares gained 0.3%.
By contrast, the telecoms sector was the biggest decliner, falling 2.1%, as Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone slipped 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively.
Media stocks fell 1.6%, with Britain’s biggest advertising group WPP down 5% and French rival Publicis Group losing 1.4%.
With the earnings season nearing an end, LSEG estimates show second-quarter STOXX 600 earnings are expected to rise nearly 21%, up from forecasts of about 12.5% in early May.
Plus500 rose 2.1% after the trading platform reported higher half-year core profit, helped by increased trading activity as it expanded in the U.S. and rolled out more products.
Vistry dropped 12.2% after the Financial Times reported credit insurer Allianz was cutting cover for the affordable homebuilder’s suppliers by up to 70%.
Coca-Cola HBC fell 4.8% after BNP Paribas cut its rating on the bottler to “neutral” from “outperform”.
($1 = 0.8659 euros)
Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi, Ragini Mathur, and Utkarsh Hathi in Bengaluru. Editing by Harikrishnan Nair and Mark Potter
The Bermuda Police Service is advising members of the public to exercise caution when searching for Bermuda rental accommodations online, following a report of a suspected rental scam.
It was reported that an individual responded to an online advertisement for a Bermuda rental property and was instructed to provide government-issued identification, proof of income, and an upfront payment before being permitted to view the property. The requested payments included a deposit and a viewing/processing fee, to be sent via electronic payment services.
The prospective tenant became suspicious of these requests, and no financial loss was incurred.
Members of the public are reminded to:
• Be cautious of rental listings that require payment before you have viewed the property.
• Never send deposits, application fees, or processing fees to secure a viewing without first verifying that the property and landlord are legitimate.
• Verify the identity of the landlord or property manager through reputable sources.
• Be wary of requests to send money via wire transfer or electronic payment platforms, particularly where there is pressure to act quickly.
• If an offer appears too good to be true, it may be a scam.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a rental scam or has made a payment to a suspected fraudster, is encouraged to report the matter to the Bermuda Police Service at the earliest opportunity.
The Bermuda Police Service continues to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to help prevent others from becoming victims this or any other type of fraud.
Allshores today announced Shani Tucker as the recipient of its inaugural 2026 Allshores Postgraduate Scholarship. Valued at $20,000, the award recognises a postgraduate student who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership in any discipline.
Ms Tucker is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, and her goal is to specialise as a cardiologist.
Penny Smith, Head of P&C Claims and a member of the Allshores Scholarship Committee, said: “Congratulations to Shani, an exceptional student whose commitment to returning to Bermuda as a cardiologist impressed and inspired us. We wish Shani every success in her studies and look forward to the positive impact her passion and expertise will have on our community in the years to come.”
On learning that her application had been successful, Ms Tucker said: “Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It not only eases the financial burden of medical school, but also represents a meaningful vote of confidence in my goals and aspirations. This investment in my education motivates me to keep working hard and to make a positive impact in the communities I serve throughout my medical career. I sincerely appreciate Allshores’ generosity and this opportunity.”
Abigail Clifford, Group President and CEO of Allshores, added: “We are delighted to invest in Shani’s future. I know personally how powerful it can be when others believe in your potential, and the Allshores scholarship programme is our way of encouraging the next generation to pursue their ambitions. As the first scholarship awarded under the Allshores name, this is a special milestone for us. Congratulations, Shani—we are excited to see all that you will achieve.”
The Allshores Post Graduate Scholarship is offered every year. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, community impact and financial need by a committee comprising Allshores employees.
Nearly £50 million in government funding awarded to auto firms and research partners to develop and scale zero-emission vehicle technologies
International News via Reuters:
The British government announced nearly £130 million ($175 million) in funding for zero-emission vehicle technologies on Monday, with almost £65 million in public money and the rest provided by the industry.
• Nearly £50 million in government funding awarded to auto firms and research partners to develop and scale zero-emission vehicle technologies.
• A further £17 million injected into nine connected and automated mobility projects, covering technologies including sensors, brake-by-wire systems and AI simulation.
• “Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too,” Industry Minister Blair McDougall said in a statement announcing the funding.
• Britain is committed to ending sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel from 2030, with all new cars required to be zero-emission by 2035.
($1 = 0.7414 pounds)
Reporting by William James; editing by Barbara Lewis
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
