On Monday, Israel’s parliament making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies
International News via Reuters:
Israel’s decision to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks is ‘very concerning’ for the European Union, said a Commission spokesperson on Tuesday.
“This is a clear step backwards,” added the spokesperson at a news briefing. “We call Israel to abide by its previous principled position, its obligation under international law and its commitment to democratic principles,” he said.
He added he had no speculation to make regarding any steps that could be taken by the EU Commission over Israel’s move.
On Monday, Israel’s parliament making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
Reporting by Inti Landauro;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta
The crash at the New York airport at about 11:37 p.m. ET on March 22, which killed both pilots, has revived concerns over U.S. air traffic control staffing shortages and the workload of controllers across the country
International News via Reuters:
Air traffic controller staffing at LaGuardia airport on the night an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck may have violated the facility’s procedures by combining roles before midnight, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The crash at the New York airport at about 11:37 p.m. ET on March 22, which killed both pilots, has revived concerns over U.S. air traffic control staffing shortages and the workload of controllers across the country.
Staffing shortages, including at the supervisor level, are placing controllers into combined roles handling local air and ground traffic more often, according to several air traffic controllers across the country.
The National Transportation Safety Board said last week that as part of its crash investigation, it was seeking information on the duties being performed by each controller.
If the controller involved in the crash was performing both air and ground duties, that would be inconsistent with the LaGuardia tower’s standard operating procedures.
An NTSB final report on a 1997 collision at LaGuardia between a private jet and a vehicle referenced new procedures being put in place afterward to ensure “local and ground positions shall not be combined prior to” midnight at the New York airport.
As of 2023, the rule remained in place, according to a LaGuardia Tower Standard Operating Procedures document seen by Reuters.
“Positions at LaGuardia Tower are not to be consolidated to one position prior to midnight local time or 90 minutes after the start of the shift, whichever is later,” said the 2023 document, which people familiar with the matter said remained current in 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration, which runs U.S. air traffic control, did not respond to a request for comment.
CONTROLLER DUTIES NOT CLEAR
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters last week that two controllers were working in a glass-enclosed section of the airport’s control tower at the time of the accident.
There was a local controller managing the active runways and the immediate airspace and a controller-in-charge who was also providing pilots with departure clearance, she said.
“It is not clear who was conducting the duties of the ground controller. We have conflicting information,” she said, referring to the position that manages all aircraft and vehicle movements on the taxiways, generally excluding active runways.
Multiple current and retired controllers said they believed the local controller who was managing the active runways was also handling traffic on the ground, based on audio posted by LiveATC.net.
The NTSB did not return a request for comment.
Air crash investigations typically find accidents result from multiple contributing factors, rather than a single cause.
COMBINING POSITIONS
The controller-in-charge, who is responsible for safety of operations, signed in at 10:30 p.m. while the local controller signed on at 10:45 p.m., the NTSB’s Homendy said.
According to the LaGuardia standard operating procedures document, the local and ground positions should not have been combined until midnight at the earliest.
The document also states positions will only be consolidated as traffic warrants. If positions are consolidated, as traffic volume increases, the positions will be de-combined, the document stated.
On the night of the Air Canada crash, weather-related delays resulted in 70 commercial flights taking off or landing at the airport between 10 p.m. and 11:37 p.m., compared with an average of 53 in the same time frame since 2022, according to Cirium data.
Several controllers interviewed by Reuters described the workload that night as busy and said other controllers would typically be brought in or stay on past their normal shift end time to manage the heavier-than-scheduled number of flights.
The local and ground positions should have stayed uncombined until at least midnight, said a current New York-area controller on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak with media.
“And that is not even talking about the traffic, volume and complexity that night,” he said.
Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Jamie Freed
Iran attacked a fully-loaded oil tanker off Dubai early on Tuesday after President Donald Trump warned the United States would obliterate Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz
International News via Reuters:
European shares eked out small gains in morning trading on Tuesday but were still on track for their worst month since 2022, while oil prices were set for a record monthly rise, as traders came to the end of a tumultuous March dominated by the Iran war.
Iran attacked a fully-loaded oil tanker off Dubai early on Tuesday after President Donald Trump warned the United States would obliterate Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz. Still, markets got a lift from a Wall Street Journal report that Trump had told aides he is willing to end the military campaign even if the strait remains largely closed.
The war, which began with U.S. and Israel launching coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, has sent shockwaves across global markets, with oil prices surging while bonds, gold, and safe haven currencies have fallen.
At 0958 GMT, Europe’s STOXX 600 was up 0.7% on the day, as was the FTSE 100. However, the STOXX 600 remained on track for its steepest monthly loss since 2022, a break from its previous eight months in a row of gains.
Equity markets are “taking the U.S. administration at their word, that they’re going to end the war,” said Colin Graham, head of multi-asset strategies at Dutch asset manager Robeco.
“They haven’t moved to day-two where the Strait of Hormuz could still be closed.”
As prices were moved by contradictory reports about the U.S. plans, interpreting Tuesday’s moves was complicated by it being the last day of the month and quarter, when large asset managers typically rebalance their portfolios back to their target allocations.
INFLATION AND GROWTH FEARS
Brent crude futures were up 1.5% on the day at $114.44 a barrel, on track for their biggest monthly gain on record, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were up 0.5% at $103.36.
Oil prices have surged as a result of the war, due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The oil shock meant euro zone inflation soared past the European Central Bank’s 2% target in March, data showed.
Euro zone government bond yields were steady, with the German 10-year yield at 3.0324%.
Government bond yields had retreated from multi-year highs on Monday after rising sharply this month because of the conflict, with investors appearing to refocus on the risk of weaker growth stemming from the energy shock.
The European Union’s energy chief has told governments to prepare for “prolonged disruption” to energy markets as a result of the war, ahead of an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
“If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for the next week or two, then I think we’ll be raising our probabilities of recession in our scenario analysis,” Robeco’s Graham said, adding that this was not yet the case.
Developed market currencies were broadly steady, but the dollar was still on track for its biggest monthly gain since July, having held up as a safe-haven currency. The euro was at $1.1468, on track for its worst month since July.
Japan’s finance minister said that the government was ready to respond “on all fronts” against foreign exchange volatility, underscoring Tokyo’s alarm over the yen’s recent slide.
Gold was up 1.1%, at $4,561.05, on track for its biggest monthly drop since 2008. Goldman Sachs said it continued to expect gold prices will reach $5,400 per troy ounce by end‑2026.
Reporting by Elizabeth HowcroftEditing by Keith Weir
Britain’s domestic energy price cap is forecast to rise by about 18% in July, analysts at Cornwall Insight said on Tuesday, lowering their forecast slightly as wholesale energy markets steadied
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s domestic energy price cap is forecast to rise by about 18% in July, analysts at Cornwall Insight said on Tuesday, lowering their forecast slightly as wholesale energy markets steadied.* Finance minister Rachel Reeves has said she would consideraction to shield households from surging energy costs but isconstrained by the country’s high borrowing costs. * Disruptions to shipping in the Middle East and a halt toliquefied natural gas exports from Qatar, one of the world’slargest gas exporters, have led to a surge in international gasprices. * Cornwall Insight forecasts Ofgem’s price cap will rise inJuly to 1,929 pounds ($2,549.17) a year for typical use, up 288pounds from 1,641 pounds in April. * Wholesale energy prices are the largest single factorcontributing to British energy regulator Ofgem’s domestic pricecap, which is set on a quarterly basis using a formula that alsoreflects suppliers’ network costs and environmental and sociallevies. * The analysts had previously forecast a 20% rise in July. * Ofgem is expected to publish the next price cap level byMay 27.
($1 = 0.7567 pounds)
Reporting By Susanna Twidale; Editing by Arun Koyyur
The scheme, worth tens of billions of euros, is central to France’s plan to renew its ageing nuclear fleet, and would add about 10 gigawatts of capacity, with the first reactor due to be operating in 2038
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission said on Tuesday it has opened an in-depth investigation into planned French state-aid to state-owned utility EDF to build and operate six new nuclear reactors.
The scheme, worth tens of billions of euros, is central to France’s plan to renew its ageing nuclear fleet, and would add about 10 gigawatts of capacity, with the first reactor due to be operating in 2038. A lengthy EU investigation would risk delaying that timeline.
The Commission, which confirmed a Reuters report last week, said it will look into the impact the government subsidized project may have on the energy market’s competition and whether there are enough safeguards to ensure it will not lead to market distortions.
It added it has doubts “on whether the proposed package achieves an appropriate balance between reducing risks to enable the investment and maintaining incentives for efficient behaviour, while avoiding excessive risk transfer to the state”.
Following the Reuters report, French officials have said they expect the investigation to progress swiftly and would not delay the project.
Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Kate Abnett/Sudip Kar-Gupta
Global equities bounced after the Wall Street Journal reported U.S. President Donald Trump told aides he would be willing to halt the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed
International News via Reuters:
British stocks rose on Tuesday after a report said the U.S. was looking to bring the Middle East conflict to an end, but the main indexes were set for their worst monthly showing since 2020 as investors worried about the fallout from the war.
Global equities bounced after the Wall Street Journal reported U.S. President Donald Trump told aides he would be willing to halt the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed.
The blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.6% by 1057 GMT but was set to snap an eight‑month winning streak, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 climbed 1.1%, looking to end a three‑month run of gains.* Most sub-indexes were in the green, except energy, whichfell 0.3% after oil prices turned volatile as investors weighedthe possibility that the five-week-long war could end. [O/R] * Precious metals miners rose 2.2% and provided the biggestboost to the index as gold prices climbed, with investorsflocking to the safe haven amid inflation fears and expectationsof a hawkish monetary policy response. [GOL/] * British shop price inflation ticked up to 1.2% in March,with the BRC warning that Middle East conflict-related costpressures were starting to feed into supply chains and couldpush prices higher. * The Bank of England is closely monitoring food prices, aspublic inflation expectations rose to their highest level since2023 in March, reinforcing caution over the policy outlook. * Data from mortgage lender Nationwide showed that Britishhouse prices rose by more than expected in March, but thehousing market is likely to slow as an increase in borrowingcosts, triggered by the Iran war, impacts affordability. * Raspberry Pi soared 26.8% after the single-board computermaker posted better-than-expected rise in annual adjusted coreearnings. * Unilever rose 0.2% after the consumer goods firm said itwas in advanced talks to combine its food business with spicemaker McCormick in a potential deal that would deliver $15.7billion in cash and give shareholders majority control of themerged entity.
Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid
Service on Friday, April 3 leaves Hamilton at 8:30 a.m.; Marine and Ports crew supporting the trip, return departs St. George’s at 1:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport is pleased to announce the provision of a special ferry service in support of the Walk to Calvary experience and presentation in St. George’s on Friday, 3 April.
The ferry will depart Hamilton at 8:30 a.m., making a brief stop at Dockyard, departing at 8:55 a.m. before continuing to St. George’s, with an expected arrival time of 9:45 a.m. The return service will depart St. George’s at 1:30 p.m.
The Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said, “I was approached by my parliamentary colleagues to support transportation to the Walk to Calvary, and the Ministry was pleased to do so. We are honoured to assist the event organisers, Walk to Calvary Bermuda, in facilitating this experience. The dramatisation of Christ’s walk to Calvary has grown in popularity over the years and remains a valued part of our island’s Good Friday and Easter observances. I am grateful that we are able to support such a solemn and honourable event marking Good Friday.”
Minister Darrell also expressed his appreciation to the staff and crew of the Department of Marine and Ports Services for their support of this important observance.
The ferry fare is $10 round trip or $5 each way for adults, and seniors (upon presentation of their IDs) and children 5 years and under travel free of charge.
Participants from police, fire, coast guard and health services complete five-day course
The Ministry of National Security is highlighting the successful completion of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) course held last week as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the Island’s preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
The training was delivered by visiting specialist members of the United Kingdom’s DVI team and brought together 18 participants from across Bermuda’s emergency services and partner agencies for practical and classroom-based instruction.
The course took place from 23 March to 27 March 2026 and concluded with a strategic-level presentation for senior leadership.
The multi-agency training included representatives from the Bermuda Police Service, Emergency Medical Technicians, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Bermuda Coast Guard, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s Mass Casualty Unit, and the Coroner’s Office.
Disaster Victim Identification is a critical component of emergency preparedness, particularly in response to mass casualty incidents.
The course was designed to bolster local capability, improve coordination between agencies, and build on existing DVI training already held within the Bermuda Police Service.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said, “This training represented an important investment in Bermuda’s emergency preparedness and response capability.
“In situations involving mass casualties, it is essential that we have trained personnel and clear systems in place to respond professionally, compassionately, and in a coordinated manner.”
Minister Weeks added, “I want to thank the visiting UK DVI trainers for coming to Bermuda to share their expertise and support this important initiative. Their contribution has helped to solidify the skills and readiness of our local agencies.”
The Minister also thanked those who took part in the training. “I am grateful to all of the officers, first responders, and partner agency representatives who committed their time to this course.
“Their willingness to train and work together reflects the serious and professional approach Bermuda continues to take towards public safety and emergency response.”
Narraway secures second place, wins KOM classification and multiple primes
Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway delivered a standout performance in Stage 2 of the Tour de Murrieta, securing second place overall in the Open Pro 1–2 Circuit Race after an aggressive and tactically sharp ride.
Narraway was a constant presence at the front of the race, animating the field early and consistently. His efforts paid off as he accumulated points in the intermediate sprint competitions (primes) and ultimately claimed first place in the King of the Mountains (KOM) classification.
The defining moment came in the closing stages of the race, where Narraway formed part of a decisive two-man breakaway. With one lap to go, the pair held a gap of 1 minute 40 seconds over the chasing peloton, committing fully to the move.
The breakaway held to the finish, where Narraway sprinted to second place, finishing just behind Brendan Luongo (Kelly Benefits/LSV), with Anthony Ferrusi (SoCalCycling.com Team) rounding out the podium.
Top 3 Results – Open Pro 1–2
Brendan Luongo (Kelly Benefits/LSV)
Nicholas Narraway (Team Competitive Edge Racing)
Anthony Ferrusi (SoCalCycling.com Team)
In addition to his podium finish, Narraway’s performance across the race’s key segments underlined his strength and race intelligence, securing:
1st – King of the Mountains (KOM) Classification
Multiple prime (sprint) points
Narraway acknowledges the support behind his continued progression at the elite level, noting his appreciation for the Bermuda Bicycle Association, Bermuda Olympic Association, the Bermuda Department of Sport and Recreation, Appleby, and his wider network of sponsors, whose backing enables him to compete and perform at this level internationally.
Balancing the demands of elite competition with his commitments as a full-time university student, Narraway continues to demonstrate discipline and focus both on and off the bike.
Looking ahead, Narraway will next join his team at the Redlands Bicycle Classic 2026, taking place from April 8–12, where he will continue his North American racing campaign.
This result marks another strong showing for Narraway in a highly competitive field, reinforcing his continued progression on the international stage.
A legal framework for restricting single-use plastics is now before legislators – nearly eight years after it was first touted
How long does it take to enact measures intended to protect the environment?
When it comes to restricting single-use plastics… the better part of a decade, it seems.
Plastic shopping bags, plastic straws, knives, forks… these could all be potential targets of legislation tabled on Friday by Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment.
The law comes after years of successive PLP Governments touting its importance – but it’s still a bow with no arrows…
WATCH the report above.
Ministerial Statement by Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment
The Youth Advisory Board recently met with Government leaders including Premier Burt to present their recommendations to shape new mental health policies for young people
Youngsters are taking the lead in seeking to steer mental health policy.
The Youth Advisory Board recently presented MPs with new recommendations to reduce barriers to care for young people and educate the community on mental health.
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.
