Many social media users at home and abroad have mourned a distinguished feline for his service to the island.
Palmerston, the former Chief Mouser to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and “Diplocat” extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on 12 February.
The news was shared in a Facebook post by Government House and later reported by international media outlets, including the BBC, CNN, The New York Times and The Guardian.
“The role as feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the Governor of Bermuda lured Palmerston across the Atlantic, where he gave audiences to visitors between well-deserved naps,” the post said.
“Welcomed to this beautiful island by Bermudians, “Palmy” was a much-loved member of his family. He was a wonderful companion, with a gentle nature, and will be sorely missed.”
The rescue cat from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home retired from service in Whitehall in 2020, before his post in Bermuda drew him out of retirement.
The tuxedo cat joined the diplomatic service in 2016 and was named after the British statesman and 19th-century Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister, Viscount Palmerston.
Trump said on Saturday on social media he was working with Louisiana Governor and special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, to send a hospital boat to Greenland
International News via Reuters:
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Sunday “no thanks” to U.S. President Donald Trump’s idea of sending a hospital ship to Greenland, a territory that Trump has repeatedly said he wishes to take over.
Trump said on Saturday on social media he was working with Louisiana Governor and special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, to send a hospital boat to Greenland.
“President Trump’s idea of sending an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been noted. But we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens. It is a deliberate choice,” Nielsen said in a post on Facebook.
Nielsen said Greenland remained open to dialogue and cooperation, also with the U.S.
“But talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media,” he said.
Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. late last month launched diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis between the parties, following months of tension within the NATO defence alliance over Trump’s threats against the Arctic territory.
Trump’s post on the ship came hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command said it had evacuated a crew member who required urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, seven nautical miles outside of Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. It was unclear if the post had any connection to the evacuation.
Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Louise Rasmussen
Some ECB employees, using internal message boards, have complained about the apparent double standard in the treatment of the president’s remuneration from the BIS, according to the report
International News via Reuters:
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde receives about 140,000 euros ($165,466) a year as a Bank for International Settlements (BIS) board member despite an ECB ban on third-party payments to staff, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
Some ECB employees, using internal message boards, have complained about the apparent double standard in the treatment of the president’s remuneration from the BIS, according to the report.
The BIS does not disclose payments individually but in a written statement on Friday to German member of the European Parliament Fabio De Masi and his colleague, Lagarde disclosed for the first time that she received 130,457 Swiss francs, or about 140,000 euros, from the BIS in 2025, according to the report.
ECB staff “cannot accept remuneration for activities they perform exercising their ECB task,” the European bank told FT.
The BIS did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for a comment while ECB declined to comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Lagarde’s position at the helm of ECB has been under uncertainty after the Financial Times reported last week that she plans to step down before next spring’s French presidential election. However, Reuters reported that she told colleagues she remains focused on her job and she would tell them first if she was about to step down, citing sources.
($1 = 0.8461 euros)
Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Stephen Coates
Voters in the Gorton and Denton constituency, named after two towns in east Manchester, in northwest England, are due to elect a new member of parliament in a one-off by-election on Thursday
International News via Reuters:
Support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is evaporating in one of its Manchester strongholds, where the Green Party or right-wing Reform UK could rupture decades of political tradition in an election later this month.
Voters in the Gorton and Denton constituency, named after two towns in east Manchester, in northwest England, are due to elect a new member of parliament in a one-off by-election on Thursday.
Now merged into a single seat, both have returned Labour politicians to Westminster for generations – Gorton for almost 100 years, and Denton since World War Two.
Labour won the seat easily in Starmer’s landslide election victory in July 2024, polling just over 50% of the vote, but the current MP Andrew Gwynne said last month he would step down.
The contest to replace him is shaping up to be brutal for the government.
STARMER’S RECORD IN FOCUS
Labour is losing ground in two directions: to the Greens among younger, diverse voters in Manchester’s inner suburbs to the west of the constituency, and to Reform among older, white working-class communities in Denton, to the east.
The seat includes some of the most deprived areas in Manchester, which vies with Birmingham, in central England, as Britain’s second city.
“I’ve always been a staunch Labour voter,” retired firefighter Dave Ward, 59, said in Denton. “But now I’m giving Reform a chance. Labour have let us down. They’ve made promises after promises. U-turn after U-turn.”
The area’s three-way split crystallises everything that has gone wrong for Starmer: policy U-turns, plummeting popularity, and now widespread disgust over allegations that Peter Mandelson, his handpicked U.S. ambassador, had previously leaked government information to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson denies wrongdoing.
An opinion poll published by market research firm Omnisis on Friday put the Greens narrowly ahead of Reform, with Labour close behind, matching indications from bookmakers.
Investors are watching too – British government bonds have wobbled this year during moments of uncertainty about Starmer’s political future. Many bond investors worry a change of Labour leader would shift policies to the left and raise borrowing.
GREENS TARGET LABOUR VOTERS
Some left-leaning voters who hoped Labour would deliver more radical change after 14 years of Conservative rule have instead turned to the Green Party under new leader Zack Polanski.
In Levenshulme, an area with a large Muslim population, Green Party posters festoon many houses.
“I’ll be voting Green this time around,” said Josie, a 37-year-old teacher who declined to give her last name.
“I’m a former Labour member, but… I don’t think they can win round here anymore,” she added, citing her disagreement with Starmer’s stance on the war in Gaza and Mandelson.
Labour may have sealed its fate by blocking popular Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing.
Officials said it avoided triggering an expensive mayoral election, but critics saw it as an attempt to keep a potential rival out of parliament.
Sue Ashton, a 75-year-old lifelong Labour voter in Gorton, said Starmer had thrown Labour “under the bus” by blocking Burnham from being the party’s candidate.
“I’ve got to keep Reform out. It’s the only reason I’m voting Labour this time. I would have gone Green, but… it’s too much of a risk,” Ashton said.
There was a party atmosphere as Green candidate Hannah Spencer launched her party’s Gorton headquarters to around 90 cheering canvassers.
“I think people now are just ready for change,” the local councillor and plumber told Reuters. “It is between us and Reform.”
Spencer, 34, said the Green message could resonate with working-class voters in Denton, adding “we’re not all one group that thinks and acts the same way.”
REFORM SEES ‘OVERWHELMING SUPPORT’
Nationally, the Labour government’s main challenge is coming from Reform UK, the right-wing populist party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, which holds only a handful of seats in parliament but has been leading in opinion polls.
At Reform’s campaign headquarters in a warehouse in Denton, activists pored over computer screens, overlooked by illuminated billboards of Farage and candidate Matt Goodwin.
“It will probably go to the wire but we’ve got overwhelming support in large parts of the seat,” Goodwin, a 44-year-old academic turned media commentator, told Reuters.
Goodwin, who argues that mass migration undermines Britain’s cultural identity, was asked how his message would land in the more diverse western wards. The election had “nothing to do with race, ethnicity and religion,” he said.
“If you contribute, if you play by the rules, if you’re part of the hard-working majority, then you should be voting Reform,” Goodwin said.
ELECTION COULD SPELL ‘DISASTER’ FOR STARMER
Green and Labour candidates criticised Reform’s politics as divisive, but disagreed on who was best placed to stop it.
“This is a choice between Labour and Reform,” Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia told Reuters after chatting to pensioners over cups of tea at a community centre.
“The Greens say a lot but they deliver very, very little.”
Rob Ford, professor of politics at the University of Manchester, said a Labour loss would be a “disaster” for Starmer, who recently survived a leadership crisis that may reignite after local elections in May.
“Not typical mid-term blues,” Ford said, “but signs of an existential crisis.”
Additional reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Alex Richardson
The euro was up 0.2% against the dollar, to $1.1808, while sterling rose 0.3% to $1.3519
International News via Reuters:
The dollar slipped on Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s tariffs stirred fresh policy uncertainty, further fuelled by worries about a conflict with Iran.
The euro was up 0.2% against the dollar, to $1.1808, while sterling rose 0.3% to $1.3519. The greenback also weakened 0.2% against the Japanese yen to 154.745 yen.
“These initial moves appear to be knee-jerk reactions to headlines rather than true signals of fundamental change in the global economic landscape,” said Invesco’s chief global market strategist Brian Levitt.
“The markets’ initial reaction to the ruling may ultimately be short-lived, given that multiple avenues can be pursued to keep tariffs in place.”
The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing sweeping tariffs, prompting him to lash out at the court and announce a blanket 15% levy on imports.
He also insisted that higher-tariff deals with trade partners should stay.
The uncertainty could complicate an already unsettled backdrop for forex markets, at a time when traders are dealing with shifting interest rate expectations and geopolitical jitters.
Trump’s replacement levies will run for 150 days and it is not clear if the U.S. owes importers refunds on duties already paid. The Supreme Court did not rule on that issue.
Analysts expect years of litigation and another bout of activity-crimping confusion while Trump seeks other means to replace the global tariffs more permanently.
The European Commission demanded on Sunday that the U.S. stick to a deal reached last year with the EU, which includes zero tariffs on some products such as aircraft and spare parts.
U.S. trading partners in Asia were weighing the fresh uncertainties, as were investors who have already been wrong-footed by markets’ responses to Trump’s trade levies – which have incidentally failed to close the U.S. trade deficit.
INVESTORS EYEING MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS
The risk of a military conflict between the U.S. and Iran has added another layer of ambiguity to financial markets.
While the longtime adversaries are scheduled to hold a third round of talks on Thursday on their nuclear dispute, Trump has ordered a huge buildup of forces in the Middle East.
“Escalating tensions in the Middle East have revived questions about geopolitical hedges and the FX impacts of a commodity price shock,” Goldman Sachs analysts wrote.
Iran is among the world’s top oil producers, and any strikes on it are likely to ripple across the crude markets. A potential conflict might also disrupt shipping routes as Tehran has previously threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of global oil flows.
Goldman analysts said the Swiss franc was their preferred inflation hedge. The franc was up 0.3% at 0.7736 francs per dollar.
Reporting by Niket Nishant in London and Tom Westbrook and Rae Wee in Singapore; Editing by Stephen Coates and Kate Mayberry
Brent crude futures were down 45 cents, or 0.6%, at $71.31 a barrel by 1027 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 42 cents, or also 0.6%, to $66.06
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices moved slightly lower on Monday as the U.S. and Iran prepared for a third round of nuclear talks, easing fears of potential conflict, while President Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures created uncertainty for global growth and fuel demand.
Brent crude futures were down 45 cents, or 0.6%, at $71.31 a barrel by 1027 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 42 cents, or also 0.6%, to $66.06.
Growing concern over potential military conflict between the U.S. and Iran pushed Brent and WTI prices up more than 5% last week, with Brent still close to six-month highs.
“With the next, and possibly last, round of the Iranian nuclear talks not until Thursday, focus is on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down import tariffs and the subsequent reaction from the government,” said PVM Oil Associates analyst Tamas Varga.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said it would halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday. However, Trump said on Saturday that he would raise a temporary tariff from 10% to 15% on U.S. imports from all countries, the maximum allowed under the law, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff programme.
“The tariff news over the weekend has resulted in some risk-aversion flows this morning, which can be viewed in the price of gold and U.S. equity futures, and this is weighing on the crude oil price,” said IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore.
Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, a senior Iranian official told Reuters ahead of Thursday’s third round of nuclear talks between the two nations.
“This morning’s weakness is a defensive move, and needless to say, with the uncertainty surrounding a U.S. military intervention in Iran, the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war and now the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, oil price direction is not (clear), but volatility is guaranteed,” PVM’s Varga said.
While prices on paper had moved higher, softer prompt spreads and weaker physical differentials pointed to pricing being based on geopolitical concerns rather than an actual lack of oil in the market, Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note.
The bank now expects Brent at $62.50 a barrel in the second quarter of this year, down from a previous projection of $57.50.
Reporting by Seher Dareen in London, Mohi Narayan in New Delhi and Florence Tan in SingaporeEditing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and David Goodman
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
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