Thousands of flights cancelled as powerful storm hits Northeast
People walk on a street as snow falls during a winter storm in New York City, U.S., February 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
Flights between Bermuda and New York and Newark have been cancelled today as a major winter storm blasts the U.S. East Coast.
According to CBS News, more than 40 million people are under blizzard warnings.
Forecasters say it could be the biggest winter storm to hit parts of the Northeast in nearly a decade, with up to two feet of snow possible.
Officials across the region have warned residents of strong winds, heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions, with several governors declaring states of emergency.
New York City banned non-essential travel from 9 pm last night.
Snow covers residential buildings during a winter storm in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City, U.S., February 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
Our partners at Reuters report that children across parts of the Northeast will remain home today as the powerful system forces school closures and pushes offices and transit systems onto emergency schedules.
Reuters journalist, Rajesh Kumar Singh, adds: “The storm has already snarled travel along the East Coast from Washington to New England, with airlines cancelling thousands of flights and officials urging people to stay off the roads. Winter weather in the Northeast may also slow the processing, transport and delivery of mail and packages, the U.S. Postal Service said.
“New York City, the nation’s largest school district, ordered all public school buildings closed for a traditional snow day, with no remote instruction and all after-school programs cancelled.”
Flight cancellations to and from Bermuda L.F. Wade International today listed by Skyport
The Loren hosts Solara Unplugged, to support the Lumina Festival, which promotes financial literacy
Solara Unplugged set the tone from the very first note, with the live band delivering a smooth, soulful sound that filled the intimate space. The rich, rhythmic atmosphere created a warm and immersive experience for everyone in attendance last night at The Loren. Talented Bermudian artists took the stage, delivering powerful and heartfelt performances, including a standout appearance by Grammy-nominated singer Sheléa, whose vocals elevated the evening. Our Kendal Trott was there.
The Economy Minister says he “stands ready to champion the vision of a stronger, more prosperous Bermuda for all”
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, has officially announced his candidacy for leadership of the Progressive Labour Party.
Mr Hayward made the declaration during the party’s annual Founders Day event, held today at CedarBridge Academy.
A party spokesperson said Mr Hayward delivered a speech titled “Building Together, Ready to Lead” before hundreds of PLP members and supporters.
“As keynote speaker for the PLP’s Annual Founders Day Luncheon he spoke of the unbreakable power of unity, collectivism and building together,” the spokesperson said.
“In the spirit of progress and unity, the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, formally declared his candidacy to run for leader of the PLP. With his commitment to the parties core values, Jason Hayward articulated that he stands ready to champion the vision of a stronger, more prosperous Bermuda for all.
“In a true sign of unity, the Deputy Leader Zane Desilva, joined Minister Hayward on stage as he pledged his support to Minister Hayward’s campaign for leadership. In addition, many other MPs and party members have openly pledged their support for Minister Hayward’s path to leadership.
“After his speech, many members rose to their feet to acknowledge and affirm support for Minister Hayward. At the conclusion of the function, scores of those present joined as one, to capture in picture, the beginning of the road to October.”
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt previously announced that he intends to step down as leader of the PLP this fall.
The rally, “Olympics? No thanks”, was organised by university groups and associations that oppose hosting an event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete onto fragile land and deepens social inequality
International News via Reuters:
Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Verona a few hours before the Olympics closing ceremony to protest against housing costs and environmental concerns linked to the Winter Games.
The rally, “Olympics? No thanks”, was organised by university groups and associations that oppose hosting an event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete onto fragile land and deepens social inequality.
“We are here to defend our territory from speculation… and from the impossible cost of attending events,” said Giannina Dal Bosco, a 76‑year‑old activist.
Tickets for the ceremony were priced from 950 euros ($1,120) to a top level of 2,900 euros. It started at 8:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) inside Verona’s ancient Roman arena.
One banner read: “Fewer Games for the few, more homes for everyone.”
Francesca, 34, who travelled from Vicenza, about 60 km (40 miles) away, said the landscape had been “disfigured” by new Olympic structures.
“They built concrete monstrosities like the bobsleigh track, which will serve no purpose,” she said. “Public money has been wasted that could have been used for hydrogeological safety and housing plans.”
Several protesters wore keffiyeh scarves and waved Palestinian flags.
Protesters marched for around two hours outside the security perimeter, from the 16th‑century Porta Palio to the 19th‑century Arsenal Square.
They briefly stopped at the point closest to the red zone, unsuccessfully asking to be allowed inside. Before the march moved on, activists painted the words “FIVE CIRCLES, A THOUSAND DEBTS” in large letters on the road.
Verona’s mayor Damiano Tommasi said high‑profile events such as the Olympics always carried the risk of people seeking visibility and trying to exploit the moment, and that it was appropriate to deploy a heightened level of security.
A much larger demonstration — drawing nearly 10,000 people — took place in Milan on the first day of the Games and later turned violent.
($1 = 0.8482 euros)
Reporting by Emilio Parodi; Writing by Giselda Vagnoni; Editing by Ed Osmond and Alison Williams
Air Canada said on Sunday it has temporarily suspended operations in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta, and United Airlines said it canceled its flights there, after reports of a military operation there
International News via Reuters:
Air Canada said on Sunday it has temporarily suspended operations in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta, and United Airlines said it canceled its flights there, after reports of a military operation there against the chief of a drug gang.
“United Airlines flight operations to PVR are cancelled”, the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
Reuters reported earlier in the day that Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation.
Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Will Dunham and David Gregorio
The Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the 27 EU member states, said Washington must provide “full clarity” on the steps it intends to take following the court ruling
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission demanded on Sunday that the United States stick to the terms of an EU-U.S. trade deal reached last year, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s global tariffs and he responded with new levies across the board.
The Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the 27 EU member states, said Washington must provide “full clarity” on the steps it intends to take following the court ruling.
After the court struck down Trump’s global tariffs on Friday, the U.S. president announced temporary, across-the-board tariffs of 10%, which he then hiked to 15% a day later.
“The current situation is not conducive to delivering ‘fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial’ transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides” in the joint statement setting out the terms of last year’s trade agreement, the Commission said. “A deal is a deal.”
The comments were far more strongly worded than the Commission’s initial response on Friday, which had said only that it was studying the outcome of the Supreme Court decision and keeping in contact with the U.S. administration.
Last year’s trade deal set a 15% U.S. tariff rate for most EU goods, apart from those covered by other sectoral tariffs such as on steel. It also allowed zero tariffs on some products such as aircraft and spare parts. The EU agreed to remove import duties on many U.S. goods and withdrew a threat to retaliate with higher levies.
“In particular, EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed,” the EU executive said, adding that unpredictable tariffs were disruptive and undermined confidence across global markets.
It said that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic had discussed the issue with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday.
Reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Peter Graff
Mexico’s defense ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City
International News via Reuters:
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as ‘El Mencho,’ has been killed in a military raid, Mexican officials said on Sunday, as the country’s government has been ramping up pressure on cartels after U.S. intervention threats.
Mexico’s defense ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. The ministry noted that U.S. authorities had provided “complementary information.”
The operation set off a wave of violence, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.
An ex-police officer, Oseguera was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an outfit named for the western state that is home to one of Mexico’s biggest cities, Guadalajara.
Over a relatively short period of time, the CJNG morphed into an international criminal enterprise rivaling former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, the gang of captured kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, now in a U.S. prison.
The military operation against Oseguera follows a pressure campaign from the Trump administration on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to ramp up its crackdown on drug trafficking, including U.S. threats to intervene directly in Mexico.
“The operation for his arrest was led by the Defense ministry, and he ended up being killed,” a government source familiar with the operation told Reuters.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Oseguera’s killing was a “great development” for the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the rest of Latin America.
The kingpin’s killing notches a major victory for Mexico’s war on drug cartels that are responsible for smuggling billions of dollars in cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S. It is also expected to unleash a wave of violence across Mexico.
“A tremendous amount of violence is going to happen,” said Vanda Felbab-Brown, an expert on international organized crime.
She compared Oseguera to other key drug figures taken down in recent years, Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, both of the rival Sinaloa cartel.
“Apart from the heads of the Sinaloa cartel, El Mencho has been the biggest prize for many, many years.”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay home until the situation was brought under control, and the U.S. embassy advised its citizens to shelter in place.
Videos on social media showed cars ablaze, sending dark smoke into the sky, on roads in Jalisco. Mexican media outlets reported burning vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states across the country, particularly in the north and west.
Air Canada said on Sunday it temporarily suspended operations in Jalisco’s Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, a popular beach resort for Canadians and Americans.
United Airlines and American Airlines said they have canceled flight operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
“United Airlines flight operations to PVR are cancelled,” the carrier said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
American Airlines told Reuters in a separate statement it has canceled flights to and from PVR and GDL for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22.
Reporting by Emily Green, Lizbeth Diaz, Stephen Eisenhammer, Leila Miller and Laura Gottesdiener; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon, Editing by Christian Plumb; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal and Jasper Ward in Washington, Gnaneshwar Rajan and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and David Gregorio
New soldiers say two-week training built confidence, structure and strong friendships
Images and media release supplied.
Soldiers who passed out last week from a Royal Bermuda Regiment recruit camp shared how the two-week course benefited them through the development of skills and increased fitness levels.
As well as enhanced discipline and structure, the troops noted that strong bonds were formed during the foundational training.
Private Noldré Brown, a 23-year-old Mailboxes employee from Sandys, signed up to participate in something outside of ordinary life.
“It’s definitely improved my discipline,” he reflected. “Being able to withstand things that I wouldn’t do on a normal basis, being able to overcome any doubts and lack of belief in myself that I may have had and just push through in whatever way was necessary. Everything is organised in the Regiment, so it has also been a huge boost to my level of structure.”
Pte Brown added: “The most challenging thing was understanding that you’re not just here by yourself and implementing what the Regiment’s teaching you within a team setting. You’re accountable not only for yourself but also for the next person in the team.”
With his sights set on joining the RBR Coast Guard and rising through the ranks, Pte Brown said he would encourage anyone else considering a regimental career to sign up.
“Wherever you are in your life, it can be a huge benefit,” he said. “Everything you learn here, no matter how basic you may see it on the outside, they’re all skills that you can transfer into your everyday life.
“It will put you in a space where you can challenge yourself. You can receive nothing but good from it.”
Lessons for the recruits included foot drill, weapons handling, first aid and communications. They were tested during an overnight exercise in inclement weather as well as live firing on the range at Warwick Camp. Further challenges came in the shape of an obstacle course competition and the RBR’s two annual mandatory fitness tests.
Private Peninah Muchai, 42, a mother-of-three who is originally from Kenya and has lived in Bermuda for six years, enlisted to see how far she could push herself and to give back to the community.
She said: “It has been challenging and exciting at the same time. I didn’t know how I would do with the challenges, especially the obstacle course, the patrols at night, the running and everything – I enjoyed it, but I had to push myself.
“I had to keep in mind that I came here and I’m not giving up.
“The most enjoyable part was making new friends and I loved the food; also my corporal, he was a nice tutor, he took us through every step. It was fun sometimes, a bit tough sometimes but it was all worth it.”
Private Liam Clease, 22, from Devonshire, enlisted because he sought change, challenge and structure.
He said: “I wanted to find something that I could build a career out of. So far, I think I’m getting on the right path.”
Pte Clease added: “I enjoyed meeting all these people. I didn’t think I was going to get along as quickly as I did with all the other recruits, it only took a couple of days for us to start clicking with each other and I ended up making really good friends.”
Reflecting on his own development, he said: “I see myself coming out of my shell a lot, challenging myself to meet new people and not be afraid to try new things.”
Private Lisbeth Alvarez, 23, from Warwick and a Marks & Spencer sales associate, said that she was pushed physically and in learning to increase her self-discipline.
She added: “I enjoyed weapons and drill, those were my two favourite things.
“I’ve definitely gotten a bit stronger, physically, I’m able to do a lot more push-ups than I did when I started. In terms of discipline, drill really taught me to centre myself and my emotions.”
Lieutenant Scott Brown, who was the recruit camp platoon commander – his first time in that role – described the experience as “very rewarding”.
He said: “It was a fantastic group. We had stronger numbers with 22 Bermudians through the gate, supported by 12 recruits from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. We had a really solid platoon.
“Overall, it was a mix of very capable and intelligent people but, most of all, eager and willing to get stuck in and soldiering.”
Lt Brown noted that the troops had a variety of life experiences and that opportunities within the RBR are similarly varied.
“There are all sorts of ways that they can contribute,” he added.
The recruits passed out on Friday and will take part in continuation training for about two months before they are posted to their various RBR companies.
In a message to anyone considering signing up to the Regiment, Lt Brown added: “If you’re genuinely looking to change your life and really form a new foundation for self, then take the brave step and walk through the gates – that will be half the battle won.”
For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.
More than 1,100 participants raise over $70k to support cancer patients
More than a thousand people turned out for a worthy cause this morning, undeterred by grey skies.
The 38th Annual P.A.L.S. Walk brought the community together to reflect, remember, and support cancer care on the island.
Around $70,000 was raised, helping the charity continue its mission to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.
Executive Director Colleen English DeGrilla said she was inspired by the turnout, which surpassed 1,100 participants.
“I love it. I’ve heard so many people say they’ve had such fun. It’s a good day — a feel-good event — and I love watching families come back year after year to support P.A.L.S.”
The charity encouraged participants to reflect on who they were walking for, inviting them to write touching tributes on markers displayed on a poster wall inside its headquarters.
Former executive director Ann Smith Gordon, who dedicated more than three decades of service to the organisation, said she was moved by the show of support.
“It’s very touching to see so many people who support P.A.L.S.,” she said.
Reflecting on the charity’s impact and evolution since its inception in 1980, she added: “The best thing is that the wonderful principles we set down over 40 years ago are continuing and going from strength to strength.”
It was an afternoon of contrasting fortunes for Bermuda’s international women’s contingent, headlined by a sensational individual performance from Keunna Dill in a ten-goal thriller in the North West.
In the North West Women’s Regional Premier League, Keunna Dill proved to be the catalyst for one of the season’s most remarkable comebacks. FC United of Manchester Women appeared dead and buried after a disastrous first half left them trailing Penrith AFC Ladies 4–1 at the interval.
However, Dill spearheaded a second-half resurgence, finding the back of the net just three minutes after the restart to reduce the deficit. She completed the comeback in the 60th minute, firing home her second of the afternoon to level the scores at 4–4. United eventually secured a breathless 6–4 victory, with Dill’s brace proving pivotal in a win that keeps her side eighth in the standings.
The FA Women’s National League provided a tougher outing for other Bermudian stars. Kenni Thompson was an unused substitute for AFC Bournemouth Women as the Cherries secured a clinical 2–0 victory over Gwalia United to maintain their promotion charge.
Elsewhere, Eva Frazzoni and AFC Sudbury Women suffered heartbreak at the Elite Travel Stadium. Despite a spirited performance, Sudbury went down 4–3 to Luton Town Ladies in a high-scoring encounter. Meanwhile, Jasmine Spence and her Newport Pagnell Town Women’s teammates played out a hard-fought 2–2 draw with Leicester City Women at Saffron Lane, ensuring a share of the spoils in a tightly contested fixture.
Audit examines Government’s financial statements for year ending March 31, 2025
The Auditor General comments below on the Audited Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Bermuda for the year ended March 31, 2025.
Auditor General Heather Thomas is the Government of Bermuda’s independent auditor, and whose office is mandated to report whether the Government’s financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with public sector accounting standards accepted in Bermuda and Canada.
The Audit Act 1990 requires the Auditor General to report on whether the Government’s “financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.” The Independent Auditor’s Report and the summary financial statements were signed off December 9, 2025, and tabled in the House of Assembly – Friday, February 20, 2026.
The Auditor General’s office provides the citizens of Bermuda and users of Government’s financial statements with the independent assurance that those statements are fairly stated, or to alert the users of matters that were of most significance in her professional judgement of the audit of the Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Bermuda for the current year.
In her Independent Audit Report, Ms. Thomas highlighted a key audit matter on Government’s Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO). Reporting on key audit matters provides additional insights and transparency into how important items were addressed by her Office during the audit. Matters that are complex, have a high degree of uncertainty or are important to the public are highlighted as key audit matters.
The liability for ARO was raised as a key audit matter because these liabilities are significant estimates of future costs, and, in the fiscal year 2023, the Government of Bermuda was required to adopt Public Sector Accounting Standard PS 3280 Asset Retirement Obligations. “I qualified my opinion in the audit reports relating to fiscal years 2023 and 2024 on the basis that the Government had not provided sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the completeness, valuation of the amounts recorded and the disclosures required. In fiscal year 2025, the Government prepared a supported ARO estimate. As of March 31, 2025, the Government recorded $44.4 million in ARO. Much of the liability relates to the removal of asbestos. It includes identifying legal requirements and assumptions to estimate the future costs required to complete the necessary future remediation. I concluded that liabilities for ARO are fairly stated, in all material respects, and are disclosed appropriately in accordance with the requirements of public sector accounting standards generally accepted in Bermuda and Canada”, stated Ms. Thomas.
Similar to prior years, in her Auditor’s Opinion, the Auditor General included an Emphasis of Matter paragraph to highlight that the Consolidated Fund financial statements are not summary consolidated financial statements of the Government of Bermuda.
Ms. Thomas said: “There are approximately 50 entities, their assets and liabilities of which are outside of the Consolidated Fund, and I encourage the Government of Bermuda to account for the full nature and extent of the financial affairs and resources which the Government controls. Summary accounts of the Government of Bermuda would give the citizens of Bermuda and users of the government audited accounts the tool to understand and assess the totality of the public financial affairs and resources entrusted to the government.’ said Ms. Thomas
The Auditor General expressed her appreciation to her team, the Accountant General’s Department, and the Ministry of Finance for their cooperation throughout the audit.
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