Monday, November 9, 2026
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EU opens probe into French state aid to EDF’s nuclear expansion

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

UK’s main indexes head for biggest monthly drop since 2020 as Middle East conflict weighs

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

Government provides ferry transport for Walk to Calvary attendees

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.

Disaster victim identification course boosts island emergency preparedness

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 storms to stage two podium in Murrieta

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

  1. Brendan Luongo (Kelly Benefits/LSV)
  2. Nicholas Narraway (Team Competitive Edge Racing)
  3. 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.

Ditching single-use plastics – a long and winding road

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

Youth Advisory Board seek to reduce barriers to mental health support

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.

Thousands of US Army paratroopers arrive in Middle East as buildup intensifies

Reuters first reported on March 18 that Trump’s administration was considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East

International News via Reuters:

Thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, as President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the war against Iran.

Reuters first reported on March 18 that Trump’s administration was considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East, a move that would expand options to include the deployment of forces ​inside Iranian territory. 

The paratroopers, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, add to the thousands of additional sailors, Marines and Special Operations forces sent to the region. Over the weekend, about 2,500 Marines arrived in the Middle East. 

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, did not say specifically where the soldiers were deploying to, but the move was expected.

The additional Army soldiers include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, some logistics and other support, and one brigade combat team.

No decision has been made to send troops into Iran, but they will build up capacity for potential future operations in the region, one of the sources said.

OPTIONS FOR TRUMP

The soldiers could be used for several purposes in the Iran war, including an attempt to seize Kharg Island, the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports.

 Earlier this month, Reuters reported there had been discussions within the Trump administration about an operation to take the island. Such a move would be highly risky, since Iran can reach the island with missiles and drones.

Reuters has previously reported the administration has discussed using ground forces inside Iran to extract highly enriched uranium, though that option could mean U.S. troops deeper inside Iran for potentially longer periods of time, trying to dig out material that is deep underground. 

The internal Trump administration discussions have also included potentially putting U.S. troops inside Iran to secure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. While that mission would be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces, it could also mean deploying U.S. troops to Iran’s shoreline.

Trump said on Monday the United States was in ​talks with a “more reasonable regime” to end ‌the war in Iran, but repeated his warning to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk U.S. attacks on its oil wells ​and power plants.

Any use of U.S. ground troops – even for a limited mission – could pose significant political risks for Trump, given low ⁠American public ​support for the Iran campaign and Trump’s own pre-election promises to avoid entangling the ​U.S. in new Middle East conflicts.

Since operations started on February 28, the U.S. has carried out strikes against more than 11,000 targets. More than 300 U.S. troops have been injured and 13 service members have been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil StewartEditing by Rod Nickel

Turkey says NATO defences down missile from Iran

There was no immediate comment from Tehran which has denied specifically targeting its neighbour Turkey during the conflict and has said it was not involved in the previous three missile launches

International News via Reuters:

A ballistic missile fired from Iran entered Turkish airspace on Monday and was shot down by NATO defences, Ankara said, in the fourth such incident reported since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

There was no immediate comment from Tehran which has denied specifically targeting its neighbour Turkey during the conflict and has said it was not involved in the previous three missile launches, which were all downed by NATO defences.

NATO’s spokesperson said the alliance intercepted an Iranian missile heading towards its member country Turkey, adding that it was “prepared for such threats and will always do what is necessary to defend all Allies”.

Iran has fired missiles at countries across the Middle East since the start of the conflict, striking oil infrastructure and bases with U.S. forces in the region.

Turkey’s defence ministry did not say where it thought the missile was heading on Monday.

Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base in the southern Adana province hosts U.S., Turkish, Polish, Qatari and other personnel.

U.S. personnel are also stationed at NATO’s Kurecik radar station in Turkey’s southeastern Malatya province where the alliance recently deployed a Patriot missile defence system.

Separately, Turkey’s Chief of the General Staff, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, held a video conference with NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on Monday, to discuss regional defence and security issues, the defence ministry said.

The ministry said all necessary measures were being taken “decisively and without hesitation” against any threat directed at Turkey’s territory and airspace.

The incident comes after talks in Islamabad at the weekend between the top diplomats of Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on potential ways to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

Turkey had offered and tried to mediate between Iran and the United States before the war started at the end of last month.

Ankara has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict, criticised the U.S.-Israeli attacks as illegal, and described Iran’s attacks on regional countries as unacceptable.

Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Andrew Heavens

Opening doors for Bermudian students overseas

We spoke with students Kennan Jones-Landy and Kal-El Smith, who shared how attending school outside of Bermuda has opened new doors for them both academically and athletically. They spoke about the opportunities created through international exposure and the personal growth they’ve experienced, highlighting the benefits of adapting to new environments, building independence, and competing on a global stage. The Gothia Cup itself brings together around 1,900 teams from 80 nations, with more than 40,000 participants, offering them a truly global experience.

Volvo Cars to exclusively sell Lynk & Co electric cars in Europe

The new partnership will allow both brands to reach a wider audience, as they target different customers and segments without additional product investments

International News via Reuters:

Volvo Cars has signed a memorandum of understanding with its Chinese sister company Geely Auto to become the exclusive importer and distributor of Lynk & Co electric vehicles in Europe, the company said on Monday.

After Volvo Cars last year brought back CEO Hakan Samuelsson – a trusted confidant of Geely-owner Li Shufu who ran Volvo Cars for over a decade – the company has strengthened its collaboration with brands, suppliers and technology that are ultimately controlled by privately held Geely Holding.

Among them, Lynk & Co, founded in 2016 in Sweden, is a premium brand that sells and rents vehicles in several European markets and has expanded beyond its original 01 plug-in hybrid SUV.

“Volvo Cars intends to use Volvo Cars retailers for the sale of Lynk & Co cars and use its sales and servicing system in relevant markets,” Volvo Cars said.

The new partnership will allow both brands to reach a wider audience, as they target different customers and segments without additional product investments, it said further.

“By leveraging Volvo Cars’ central commercial operations and mature dealer network, Lynk & Co Europe will achieve faster scalability capable of supporting higher volumes,” Lynk & Co said in a separate statement.

AIMS TO RANK AMONG THE FIVE BIGGEST

Geely Holding in January said it aimed to rank among the world’s five leading automakers with global sales of over 6.5 million vehicles by 2030 and last week it announced plans to double by next year the number of vehicle projects it manages at its European technology hub.

Until 2024, Volvo Cars planned to go all-electric by the end of the decade, but it has continued to introduce hybrids as demand for fully electric vehicles has slowed.

Geely Holding has a large portfolio of automotive brands that also includes Zeekr, Lotus and Polestar. Over the last two years, it has shifted its focus from acquisitions to cost-cutting and tighter integration, consolidating brands such as Lynk & Co and Zeekr under Geely Auto.

Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, Marie Mannes and Alessandro Parodi, editing by Essi Lehto and Barbara Lewis