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Tehran hospital evacuated after explosions nearby, WHO says

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Tehran hospital evacuated after explosions nearby, WHO says

The WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan

International News via Reuters:

The World Health Organization said on Monday that a hospital in Iran’s capital has been evacuated after explosions nearby and that it is working to verify reports that three other medical centres in the country had been hit since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran on February 28. 

“We understand patients were moved due to nearby explosions that caused collateral damage to the hospital,” said a WHO spokesperson, referring to the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran.

Witnesses told Reuters on March 1 that the hospital had been hit by Israeli strikes. 

The WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan. 

The WHO has a country office in Iran and works with the government on health emergencies and disease control. It seeks to verify attacks on health systems across the world, without attributing blame.

Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said in a speech to the Human Rights Council on Monday that hospitals had been subjected to “indiscriminate attacks”, without giving details. 

Reporting by Emma Farge and Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine

Britain asks parents: Should social media be banned for under-16s?

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Britain asks parents: Should social media be banned for under-16s?

Governments worldwide are trying to limit the impact of social media and gaming on children’s mental health and sleep, with parents feeling outpaced by platforms built to maximise the time young users spend online

International News via Reuters:

Britain is seeking the views of parents and children on whether to ban access to social media for under-16s, as well as possible restrictions on gaming platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots.

Governments worldwide are trying to limit the impact of social media and gaming on children’s mental health and sleep, with parents feeling outpaced by platforms built to maximise the time young users spend online.

Australia introduced a ban on social media for under-16s in December, and other governments, including Britain’s, are weighing similar moves.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he wants to introduce new powers to protect children, beyond those in an Online Safety Act which is only two-and-a-half years old.

The three-month consultation, starting on Monday, will look at measures ranging from a possible minimum age for social media to bans on addictive design features and overnight curfews for under-16s.

REAL-WORLD PILOTS AND NEW POWERS

“We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having,” technology minister Liz Kendall said in a statement.

“This is why  we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change.”

The government said it would run pilots with families and teenagers to examine how potential social media restrictions could work in practice.

It will also study whether children should be able to interact with AI chatbots without limits and how age-verification rules should be strengthened.

Britain is separately preparing stricter rules to require tech companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face fines of up to 10% of global revenue.

Reporting by Sam TabahritiEditing by Paul Sandle and Peter Graff

Trump ‘very disappointed’ with UK’s Starmer for blocking use of air bases, Telegraph says

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Trump ‘very disappointed’ with UK’s Starmer for blocking use of air bases, Telegraph says

Britain had reportedly initially denied the U.S. permission to conduct air strikes from its bases

International News via Reuters:

Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not allowing the U.S. to use the Diego Garcia air base to carry out strikes on Iran, the Daily Telegraph quoted the U.S. president as saying in an interview.

Britain had reportedly initially denied the U.S. permission to conduct air strikes from its bases, but on Sunday evening Starmer said he was accepting a request for their use in any “defensive” strikes the U.S. wanted to make against Iranian targets.

In an interview published on Monday Trump told the British newspaper that it took “too long” for Starmer to change his mind.

“That’s probably never happened between our countries before,” he told the Telegraph, adding: “It sounds like he was worried about the legality.”

Trump said Starmer should have approved from the get-go the American use of Diego Garcia – a strategically important U.S.-UK air base in the Indian Ocean – saying Iran was responsible for killing “a lot of people from your country”.

Britain was not involved in the joint U.S.-Israel air strikes on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

Since attacks on Iran started on Saturday, Iran has been targeting Gulf countries with missiles, and on Sunday an Iranian-made drone hit Britain’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, causing limited damage and no casualties.

Trump said it was “useful” that the U.S. would now be able to launch operations from Diego Garcia, as he also criticised a deal Starmer has made over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, where Diego Garcia is based.

Reporting by Sarah YoungEditing by William Schomberg and William James

UK watchdog probing Hilton, IHG, Marriott, CoStar for data sharing

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UK watchdog probing Hilton, IHG, Marriott, CoStar for data sharing

The Competition and Markets Authority said the three companies were under investigation along with commercial real estate data and analytics company CoStar which owns a tool providing hospitality data insights

International News via Reuters:

The UK’s competition regulator launched a probe on Monday into whether hotel chains Hilton, InterContinental Hotels and Marriott were sharing competitively sensitive information using a hotel data analytics tool, which could potentially make their prices less competitive for the consumer.

The Competition and Markets Authority said the three companies were under investigation along with commercial real estate data and analytics company CoStar which owns a tool providing hospitality data insights.

“…when rival businesses share competitively sensitive information – including through a third-party data analytics provider – this reduces the uncertainty competing businesses normally have about how each other will act. This can affect how strongly companies compete because it makes it easier for

them to predict what each other will do and coordinate their behaviour,” CMA said in a statement.

CoStar’s hospitality data business STR, provides data on the industry’s standard metrics such as occupancy, average daily rates for rooms and revenue per available room, making it easier for hotels to decide room charges, lower costs and match supply with demand.

“We are surprised at the CMA’s interest in a long-standing hotel data analytics and benchmarking platform, that for decades has been used by companies and government entities alike to better assess market dynamics,” a CoStar spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The company said it was co-operating with the investigation.

CoStar along with Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and other hotels in September last year defeated a consumer lawsuit in the U.S. claiming they improperly shared revenue and other data to keep room prices artificially high.

IHG said it will co-operate with CMA’s inquiries, while Marriott and Hilton did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside U.S. business hours.

Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Susan Fenton

Land valuation deadline extended to end of March

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Land valuation deadline extended to end of March

Extension supports transition to new online system as Government urges property owners to complete digital revaluation forms

Government media release:

The Department of Land Valuation advises that the deadline for submitting revaluation return forms has been extended to 31 March 2026. The extension recognises that the transition from hardcopy forms to a fully online submission system is new for the public and for this island-wide revaluation process. Property owners can complete their form at http://www.gov.bm/2026-revaluation. To date, the Department has received more than half of all submissions and continues to encourage remaining property owners to respond so the 2026 Valuation List can be completed accurately.

Premier and Minister of Finance, The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, said: “This digital transition represents a meaningful modernisation of the revaluation system itself. Moving from paper-based returns to a secure online platform allows for faster processing, more accurate data collection, and a more efficient experience for the public. We encourage all property owners to complete their online submission as soon as possible so the Department can produce a reliable and comprehensive valuation list.”

The online form can be completed on any device, though a PC or tablet is recommended. Individuals who require assistance may call the Department at 297 7964, option 0, where staff can complete the form over the phone on their behalf. This support has been especially helpful for seniors and for individuals who prefer guided assistance. Property owners may also have a trusted person complete the submission on their behalf.

The Department reminds the public that all information submitted is confidential and used solely for the revaluation process. The secure online system also records digital signatures to support the accuracy and integrity of each submission. The Government encourages property owners to take advantage of the extended deadline and complete their online form promptly.

UK stocks plunge as Iran conflict sparks global selloff

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UK stocks plunge as Iran conflict sparks global selloff

Oil prices surged almost 8% after retaliatory Iranian attacks disrupted shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz following the weekend’s bombing by Israel and the United States

Signage is seen outside the LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) headquarters in Paternoster Square, London, Britain, April 25, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

International News via Reuters:

UK stock indexes fell on Monday, swept up in a global selloff, as an escalating military conflict in the Middle East sparked a jump in oil prices and pushed investors towards safe-haven assets. 

Oil prices surged almost 8% after retaliatory Iranian attacks disrupted shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz following the weekend’s bombing by Israel and the United States that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [O/R]

While British oil majors such as Shell rose 2% and defence companies like BAE Systems climbed 4.9%, other equity sectors, particularly banks and travel companies, came under heavy selling pressure as investors braced for travel and economic disruptions.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 fell 1% by 1131 GMT, having touched a record high in the prior session, while the domestically oriented FTSE 250 index tumbled 1.3%.

“If the issues persist, then the market will start to worry about new inflationary pressures and that could lower expectations for near-term interest rate cuts,” said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.

Heavyweight banks, including HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group fell between 2.7% and 4.7%, as surging oil prices fuelled concerns about a resurgence of inflation. 

British government bond yields rose as investors trimmed their expectations for Bank of England interest rate cuts. Traders were pricing in a 74% chance that the BoE will cut rates later this month, down from about 78% last week.

British Airways operator IAG fell 5.8% after the airline said on Saturday it had cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3. The broader FTSE 350 travel & leisure index fell 4.6%, with hotels and cruise operators among the major decliners.

 Senior, which supplies components to aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus, fell 3.7% despite reporting upbeat results. 

Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair

Sterling hits 2-1/2-month low against dollar, edges down versus euro

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Sterling hits 2-1/2-month low against dollar, edges down versus euro

The dollar rose as the Iran conflict fuelled safe‑haven demand, and higher oil prices

International News via Reuters:

Sterling hit a 2‑1/2‑month low against the dollar and edged down versus the euro on Monday, as the Iran conflict sent investors into safe‑haven assets while concerns over the Bank of England’s policy path weighed on the British currency.

The dollar rose as the Iran conflict fuelled safe‑haven demand, and higher oil prices.

Sterling fell 0.68% to $1.3393, after reaching $1.3315, its lowest level since December 17.

As well as events in the Middle East, sterling is being affected by domestic politics after a local election in northern England brought a resounding defeat for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party, raising speculation that the government could move further to the left and increase government spending.

Barclays strategists argued that the growing influence of Labour’s soft‑left faction could justify expectations for more fiscal spending and a higher premium in the pound.

At about 0.88 in the euro/pound cross that premium has grown to around 2%, Barclays estimated. It could widen further in the near-term depending on political developments.

The euro was up 0.05% at 87.68 pence.

“For now, sterling and gilts are signalling caution rather than stress, but with political uncertainty rising and the policy trajectory appearing less predictable, the pound’s capacity to rebound looks limited until Labour provides clearer direction,” said George Vessey, lead forex and macro strategist at Convera.

Strategists argued that short‑dated gilt yields close to multi‑year lows are consistent with the broader data trajectory and a dovish shift at the Bank of England, reinforcing expectations of sterling underperformance. 

The yield on British 2-year government bonds <GB2YT=RR > was on Monday up 4 bps at 3.55%, after reaching last week 3.516% its lowest since August 2024.

German 2-year yields rose as inflation concerns mounted. 

reporting by Stefano Rebaudo and Ozan Ergenay; editing by Susan Fenton

Nolan Fires Bradford to Victory as FC United Falter in Cup

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Nolan Fires Bradford to Victory as FC United Falter in Cup

Former Bermudian international Aaliyah Nolan was back on the scoresheet as Bradford City Women continued their relentless march at the top of the table with a comprehensive 6–0 win over Ponteland. In a one-sided affair at the Horsfall Stadium, the Bantams’ attacking prowess was on full display as they dismantled the visitors to strengthen their promotion credentials.

Nolan, who has been a consistent threat for the West Yorkshire side since joining from Leeds United, provided one of the evening’s clinical finishes to help seal the rout. The victory ensures Bradford City maintain their healthy lead at the summit of the North East Regional Women’s Football League, with their goal difference continuing to swell as the season nears its conclusion.

It was a more frustrating afternoon for fellow Bermudian Trinae Edwards, who watched from the bench as her FC United of Manchester teammates were edged out 1–0 by Bury FC Women. In a tightly contested Manchester FA County Cup tie, the two local rivals were separated by a single goal that ultimately ended FC United’s hopes in the competition.

Edwards, who has been pushing for a starting spot in the First Division lineup, remained an unused substitute as the management opted for experience in a cagey knockout environment. While the defeat is a setback for the Broadhurst Park outfit, their focus will now shift back to league action as they look to climb the table in the final months of the campaign.

Jasmine Spence and her Newport Pagnell Town Women teammates have reignited their campaign with a clinical 4–0 victory over Netherton United Ladies. Competing at The Grange, Netherton Ground, the Swans produced a commanding away performance to shrug off recent frustrations and return to winning ways in emphatic style.

The match began with Newport Pagnell asserting their authority in the midfield, with Spence central to the visitors’ creative output. Her ability to find pockets of space between the lines allowed the Swans to dictate the tempo from the opening whistle, frequently stretching the Netherton defensive unit.

Despite a resilient start from the hosts, the deadlock was broken as Newport Pagnell’s relentless pressure eventually told. The visitors’ clinical edge in the final third proved to be the difference, as they navigated the heavy conditions at The Grange to secure a four-goal cushion and a vital clean sheet.

OBA: Insurance rates should be regulated

Gary Foster Skelton
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OBA: Insurance rates should be regulated

In the face of insurer consolidations, the Shadow Finance Minister suggests local insurance premiums should be regulated in a similar way to BELCO’s tariffs

Should insurance premiums be regulated, in manner akin to BELCO tariffs?

Shadow Finance Minister, Dr Douglas De Couto, suggests we are getting to that point.

The OBA MP cites the impact of insurer consolidation, such as a recent move by merged entity Allshores to restrict certain prescriptions to one pharmacy chain.

He suggests such market dominance is evidence that insurance premiums – health, home and auto – should be regulated. This is also a proposal within the OBA’s 2026 Reply to the Budget.

WATCH the interview above…

Energy Scholarship deadline on Friday

Gary Foster Skelton
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Energy Scholarship deadline on Friday

Gov’t is reminding eligible Bermudian students to apply for the Department of Energy’s Bursary Programme

Government of Bermuda Press Release:

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reminding eligible Bermudian students to apply for the Department of Energy’s Bursary Programme before the deadline of Friday, March 6, 2026.

Applications must be submitted online via www.BermudaScholarships.com, and interested applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance.

As outlined in the 2026/2027 Budget Statement, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Bermudian talent in the critical technical and regulatory fields that will shape the Island’s energy future. The Department of Energy Bursary Programme evidences that commitment.

The programme offers two scholarships valued at $25,000 each, in addition to a paid 8 – 12 week summer internship within the Department of Energy. This combined financial and professional opportunity is designed to equip Bermudians with the skills, exposure, and practical experience necessary to lead in Bermuda’s evolving energy landscape.

The Department of Energy plays a central role in shaping Bermuda’s energy policy and regulatory framework, while also overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, and space and satellite operations sectors that are vital to economic resilience, digital connectivity, and national development. Building Bermudian expertise in these areas is essential to advancing a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future.

The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, underscored the strategic importance of the programme, saying, “Developing Bermudian talent is fundamental to strengthening our country’s energy independence and long-term resilience. As we continue to right size Bermuda’s energy transition, we are equally intentional about investing in our people so that we can reduce our reliance on external expertise in such a critical sector.”

The scholarship also offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy development, regulatory oversight, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. 

Eligible applicants must be Bermudian students pursuing studies aligned with the Department’s priority skill needs, including:

  • Engineering and technical disciplines
  • Environmental and climate sciences
  • Physical and applied sciences
  • Energy economics and public policy
  • Law, regulation, and governance
  • Business, finance, and project management

Full application details are available at www.BermudaScholarships.com. Applicants should search for “Energy Scholarship” to access eligibility requirements and the online application portal.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026.

Events planned to salute women

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Events planned to salute women

As Bermuda prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), the Public Service International Women’s Day Committee, led by Permanent Secretary Shivon Washington-Jones will once again recognise the occasion by hosting a series of events next week to shine a spotlight on women in the Public Service. 

IWD is observed annually on March 8, and the 2026 theme is #Give to Gain.

This year the Public Service IWD 2026 programme is designed to encourage women public officers to invest time and energy in their personal wellbeing, professional growth, and meaningful connection. The theme reflects the belief that when women give to themselves and support one another, they gain strength, balance, and the capacity to thrive, benefiting the entire community.

To help draw attention to IWD 2026, the Public Service is hosting two signature events which form the cornerstone of this year’s celebrations:

The Power of Her Impact: Women Lifting Women Wellness Fair:

  • March 4 – This dynamic event starting at 11.00 am, will focus on holistic wellbeing and empowerment. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions covering key topics such as mental health, menopause, nutrition, pensions, and social insurance. The programme will also feature an inspiring fireside chat, a powerful testimonial panel, and access to health screenings, wellness services, and resource booths.

To support accessibility and participation, a mini-bus shuttle service will operate every 15 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., departing from the collection point outside Global House.

Bigger! Better! Louder! Wellness Walk

  • March 6 – Once again, the Public Service Wellness Walk encourages women who work in the Service to come together to move, connect, and celebrate the power of women uplifting women. This year, we extend a special invitation to all women across Bermuda to come out and join us.

Participants are encouraged to wear purple and for those who participated last year to their Wellness Walk t-shirt, as the design remains the same for 2026. A limited number of additional t-shirts will be available for collection on Monday, 2 March, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis.

Today, Cherie Whitter, Head of the Public Service said, “International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions women make across the Public Service and to reaffirm our commitment to their wellbeing and development. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ reminds us that when we invest in ourselves and support one another, we build a stronger, more resilient Public Service and a stronger Bermuda.

“Whether participating in the Wellness Fair, the Wellness Walk, or both, women are encouraged to prioritise their health, expand their knowledge, and connect with colleagues who help make Bermuda’s Public Service stronger every day.”

 The Public Service International Women’s Day Committee looks forward to welcoming participants to these International Women’s Day events and encourages all women public officers to commit to the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain”, by investing in themselves and each other.

As a note, the March 6th lunchtime IWD Wellness Walk will cause some minor traffic delays. Commuters and motorists are advised to make alternative route arrangements.

Please see the IWD Wellness Walk and Health Fair e-flyers for more details.

Bermudians in Middle East advised to shelter in place

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermudians in Middle East advised to shelter in place

Government is advising Bermudians in the Middle East region to register with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Government of Bermuda press release:

The Government of Bermuda advised this evening that it is following the developments in the Middle East, noting the heightened risk of regional tension.

A Government spokesperson said, “Bermudians in the Middle East Region must follow travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Due to missile attacks, shelter in place. Affected individuals are encouraged to remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Additionally, please register your presence with the FCDO:

Bahrain: register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/bahrain-202602…
Israel: register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/israel-2026022..
Palestine: register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/palestine-2026…
Qatar: register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/qatar-20260228…
UAE: register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/united-arab-em…

And, register with Government of Bermuda London Office at www.bdalondonoffice.co.uk or email: londonoffice@gov.bm.

If you are having trouble accessing the travel advisory link, please visit here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates

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