Burnham became prime minister in July, and in his first call with Carney two days later promised to “roll out the blue carpet” — a reference to Everton’s blue kit — and host the Canadian premier at a game
FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to attend PMQs at the House of Commons, in London, Britain, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
International News via Reuters:
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to host his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at a soccer match on Wednesday, giving the leaders a chance to bond over their shared affection for Everton, one of England’s most historic clubs.
Burnham became prime minister in July, and in his first call with Carney two days later promised to “roll out the blue carpet” — a reference to Everton’s blue kit — and host the Canadian premier at a game.
The leaders will hold bilateral talks in Liverpool before the match, likely to cover their shared aims to seek closer ties with Europe, a strong NATO defence alliance and growth in trade.
After that, for 90 minutes their shared aim will be for Everton to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of England’s League Cup.
Everton, a founding member of the Football League in 1888, are one of the most storied teams in English soccer. Despite going over three decades without a major trophy, they have the fifth most league wins in the country, with nine.
Burnham has spoken about his lifelong support for Everton, going to matches since he was a child in the 1970s, and he has continued to go to games when possible as prime minister.
Carney has said cousins in Liverpool fuelled his Everton fandom, and has previously attended Everton matches — especially while living in Britain during a seven year stint as Bank of England governor.
Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shaun Ramroop, has announced an update to Bermuda’s public health response to the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Africa. Effective 28 August, 2026, Bermuda has narrowed its enhanced port‑of‑entry health screening to focus exclusively on travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the previous 21 days.
Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, said, “The Ministry of Health’s priority is always the protection of Bermuda’s people. These adjustments reflect the best available evidence and ensure we remain vigilant without imposing unnecessary burdens on travellers.”
Following a comprehensive epidemiological review, and in alignment with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) advice to State Parties, the Ministry has ceased entry screening and active monitoring for travellers arriving from Uganda and South Sudan. These adjustments ensure Bermuda’s border‑health measures remain proportionate to the current international risk.
Dr. Ramroop explained, “While the risk of Ebola transmission to Bermuda remains low, targeted surveillance at ports of entry remains an essential precaution to support early detection and rapid containment. Border health officials will continue to conduct entry screening, review travel histories, and apply monitoring protocols for individuals who have travelled to the DRC within the past 21 days.”
The Ministry reminds the public that Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated surfaces. Residents planning international travel are encouraged to stay informed of global health notices, take appropriate precautions when travelling near affected regions, and remain attentive to any symptoms following travel.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the international situation closely, maintain coordination with global partners, and issue further updates as necessary.
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is preparing to host its final Kids Hour Saturday of the year on September 19th, bringing its monthly series, which has run since January, to a close.
Families are invited to take part in a range of educational programmes and activities, including short films and interactive experiences, with the event also coinciding with BUEI’s Member Appreciation Day.
Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel’s assault on Gaza, was axed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his “Free Palestine” remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash
International News via Reuters:
Pop star Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from his U.S. concert tour was made by organisers, not him, after he failed to defuse the latest show-business furore over the Gaza conflict.
Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel’s assault on Gaza, was axed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his “Free Palestine” remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash.
Venue owners said they would not allow a concert with Macklemore in the lineup.
“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge … I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final,” Sheeran said on Tuesday via X.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.”
The devastation in Gaza, following militant group Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has spawned multiple controversies in the entertainment world, including at this month’s Venice Film Festival where pro-Palestinian actor Susan Sarandon said she was still losing work.
In solidarity with Macklemore, Sheeran’s opening acts – including musician Finneas, Danish band Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe – and his band Beoga are leaving the tour.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas said, while Rowe and Beoga cited their nation Ireland’s history under colonization to explain their decision.
SHEERAN: ‘I AM NOT COMPLICIT’
Sheeran said he was appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestinians but wanted his concerts to be a place of unity, joy, escapism and love – free of politics.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way,” he said.
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”
Macklemore, a Grammy-winning artist, had been due to perform at eight of 10 shows Sheeran has left on his stadium tour, which is to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine,'” Macklemore said earlier this month.
“I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
Sheeran said those he had spoken to in search of a solution included billionaire Robert Kraft who had rallied support among some stadium owners opposed to his participation.
Pro-Israeli groups and American singer Pink, who is Jewish, have said Macklemore’s comments risk compromising the safety of Jewish and pro-Israeli people at events.
They also point to a 2014 costume that Macklemore wore, which included a black wig, beard and a fake hooked nose, which critics said tapped into antisemitic stereotypes.
Macklemore later apologised for that.
Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; additional reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen and Chandini Shah; editing by Andrew Cawthorne Stephen Coates
Von der Leyen said that the imbalance, with a goods trade deficit of €1 billion ($1.15 billion) a day last year, had reached a tipping point and that Europe was already suffering from the second China shock through deindustrialisation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers the State of the European Union address (SOTEU) to the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, September 16, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
International News via Reuters:
The European Union will use every possible means to reduce its “unsustainable” trade deficit trade with China, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
Von der Leyen said that the imbalance, with a goods trade deficit of €1 billion ($1.15 billion) a day last year, had reached a tipping point and that Europe was already suffering from the second China shock through deindustrialisation.
EU leaders called on the European Commission in June to produce results from dialogue with China and to ensure the bloc has all the instruments it needed to defend its interests. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, leading the talks, said he wanted to achieve tangible results by October.
Von der Leyen said in her ‘state of the Union’ address to the European Parliament that it was in both sides’ interests to work together to find a solution.
“Let me be clear: we will use all the tools at our disposal to rebalance our relationship. Words are good. But deeds are better,” she said.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the EU’s reliance on China for many critical minerals, notably rare earths.
“We need to urgently procure and build up our reserves,” she said, adding the EU would establish a new European Corporation on critical raw materials to help the 27-nation bloc obtain and stockpile what it needed.
EU countries backed a proposal by the European Commission to give industries an extra 121 million free CO2 permits over 2026-2030, based on their heat production and fuel use, the council of the EU said in a statement
International News via Reuters:
European Union countries on Wednesday backed proposals to give more free emissions permits to heavy industries over the next few years to help struggling companies to stay economically competitive.
• EU countries backed a proposal by the European Commission to give industries an extra 121 million free CO2 permits over 2026-2030, based on their heat production and fuel use, the council of the EU said in a statement.
• That could save companies about €8.25 billion ($9.52 billion) in carbon costs, Reuters calculations show, and would give companies more free permits than the European Commission had originally proposed.
• The beneficiaries would include chemical producers, metals processing companies and ceramics and glass makers.
• Under the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) heavy industries have to buy permits to emit CO2, providing an incentive to emit as little as possible. But there is also a pool of free CO2 permits to help companies to compete with foreign rivals that do not pay emissions costs.
• The EU plan will temporarily add extra permits to this free allocation despite the ETS being designed to reduce free permits gradually to ensure emissions decrease over time.
• EU countries will negotiate the final rules — known in EU jargon as the ETS “fall-back benchmarks” — with the European Parliament. The negotiations are being fast-tracked to reach a final deal this year.
• The EU is also negotiating broader reform of its ETS, aiming for a deal in 2027.
The Bermuda Police Service Criminal Investigation Unit, recently proudly partnered with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) for a Back-to-School Charity Drive, providing primary and middle school students, with essential school supplies, to ensure they started the academic year confident and prepared.
DCFS Coordinator, Sherrie Walker, expressed her team’s gratitude for this assistance: “The DCFS Family Services Family Preservation Team appreciates your generosity in donating Back-To School supply boxes. It was apparent that great thought went into selecting items for children of different ages. Thank you for your meaningful contribution and continued support.”
Acting Detective Sergeant, Nidra McKenzie-Simons, said initiatives like these, are of particular significance in terms of strengthening the relationship between the BPS and the communities we not only serve, but also live in: “The Bermuda Police Service sees this relationship as invaluable and constantly seeks to bolster it. Having said that, we hope this contribution helps to ease some of the financial burden on parents and promotes the development of Bermuda’s future leaders.”
EU lawmakers gave her a standing ovation after she made the proposal and then walked over to embrace Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was in the European Parliament in Strasbourg to hear her address
International News via Reuters:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU’s first “associate member,” in a significant policy shift alongside plans to forge new links in “an openly hostile world”.
EU lawmakers gave her a standing ovation after she made the proposal and then walked over to embrace Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was in the European Parliament in Strasbourg to hear her address.
“I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU,” von der Leyen said.
‘EUROPE AND CANADA BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY’
The EU and Canada “see the world with the same eyes: from AI to climate change, from the Arctic to geopolitics. And we have stood together: on Ukraine, on defence, on raw materials and on supply chains,” von der Leyen told the assembly.
“But above all … Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” she added.
New partnerships were needed “in the cold fragility of today’s world,” she said.
The 27-nation bloc faces war at its borders, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On trade and other issues, it is also facing stiff rivalry from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and from an increasingly assertive China.
It will be up to EU member states whether von der Leyen’s proposal goes ahead.
The EU has historically resisted such types of flexible alliances that have no legal status. EU members were lukewarm in reacting to Germany’s proposal in May of associate membership for Ukraine as a stepping stone to full accession.
One EU diplomat expressed surprise at von der Leyen’s proposal on Wednesday, saying “nobody really knows what it means.” The diplomat added there were concerns that the European Commission chief “is overpromising and won’t be able to deliver.”
And significant obstacles remain to ramping up trade. Mark Manger, a professor of political economy and global affairs at the University of Toronto, said EU officials have been frustrated by Canada’s refusal to open two industries it protects at great expense: telecommunications and dairy.
‘UNIQUE ALLIANCE’
Canada’s Carney was warmly applauded by EU lawmakers as he arrived in parliament.
He said earlier this week Canada was seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU but not membership. He will make his own address to the European Parliament on Thursday.
Carney’s European trip follows a historic breakdown in Canada-U.S. relations after trade talks collapsed last month, sparking a series of tit-for-tat tariff measures.
He has pledged to double Canada’s non-U.S. trade in the next decade as the country pivots away from its southern neighbour amid an increasingly acrimonious trade war.
Carney said on Tuesday more detailed discussions would begin at the Canada-EU summit in Montreal in late October.
“Our relationship with the EU has become increasingly close, especially over the past year and a half,” Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told Reuters.
In her speech on Wednesday, von der Leyen said the EU and Canada will work together across sectors.
“We will work on intelligent manufacturing. We will create a tech alliance. We will integrate defence industrial bases. We will make the Arctic a flagship joint project,” she said.
“Partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe. But they also respond to the fracture in the international rules-based system,” she added.
Von der Leyen added, “This is a partnership not against anyone else.”.
Additional reporting by Lili Bayer in Brussels, Maria Cheng in Toronto; Writing by Julia Payne and Ingrid Melander; Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Philip Blenkinsop and Andrew Heavens
Bermuda Hospitals Board is pleased to announce that residents of the long-term care units at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) are benefitting from a generous gift from its Resident Family Council and the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) – four new wheelchairs.
The Council is made up of family members of long-term care residents. They meet regularly to work with KEMH staff, helping ensure the needs of their loved ones are met. Chairperson Charles Leon O’Brien Sr is passionate about enhancing and expanding the services available to residents on the units.
“We asked nurse Maxine Simmons, the clinical director of long-term care services, what was needed and wheelchairs were high on her list,” Mr O’Brien said. “We had the hospital source them, then approached the BPSU for funding.”
BPSU General Secretary Kevin Grant said: “We were pleased to be able to assist the Resident Family Council in this effort.”
BHB Acting CEO and Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson explained the impact of the donation: “Bermuda Hospitals Board thanks the Resident Family Council and the BPSU for this much-needed gift of four wheelchairs. In addition to improving the lives of our residents, the gift represents a $5,000 savings to BHB.”
Ms Simmons added: “We are not only grateful for the gift, which includes a bariatric wheelchair for our obese patients, but also for the assistance our Resident Family Council provides us throughout the year.
“We greatly appreciate the BPSU for funding this opportunity to enhance mobility for our residents.”
The Progressive Labour Party wishes to provide further clarity on the procedural reasons for Central Committee’s decision to postpone the 61st Annual General Conference.
Under the Party Constitution, the Leader and Deputy Leader are elected at Conference by delegates chosen by the Branches. That process requires Party Headquarters to provide verified membership lists to the Branches, which then complete the necessary certification and delegate selection process.
The current court proceedings concern matters directly affecting membership and delegate eligibility. Until those issues are resolved, the Party cannot responsibly finalise the membership and delegate process upon which the remaining Conference timetable depends.
The substantive hearing is scheduled for October 1 and 2. Given that timetable, it is no longer practicable to complete the remaining constitutional and administrative requirements ahead of the Conference originally scheduled for October 28 to 30.
The Party Constitution provides for Central Committee to postpone Conference where circumstances warrant it, subject to the constitutional timeframe for holding the Conference. Postponement of an Annual Conference is also not without precedent. The Party’s 2016 Annual Conference was similarly held later in the year following issues affecting the membership and Conference process.
To be clear, this is a matter of process, not preference.
The leadership election will proceed. The August 31, 2026 membership eligibility cutoff remains unchanged, and the postponement does not reopen or extend the membership period for the purposes of this Conference.
Every member deserves a leadership election conducted on a clear constitutional basis and an outcome whose legitimacy cannot reasonably be called into question. The purpose of the postponement is to protect the integrity of that process and ensure that whoever is elected Leader has a clear mandate to lead the Party forward.
BermudAir today announced the newest addition to its fleet: a leased Embraer E190F freighter aircraft, marking the airline’s expanded air cargo service and the first deployment of an Embraer E-Freighter anywhere in the Americas. The aircraft is leased from Regional One, which has placed five firm orders for the E190F since the launch of the E-Freighter program, two of which have already entered service.
“Cargo is a natural next step for us,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir. “We’ve built a reliable, right-sized operation connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to North America, and the E190F lets us put that same network to work moving express cargo, supporting local businesses, e-commerce and time-sensitive freight across the islands we serve. It’s an exciting expanded line of business for BermudAir, and one that builds directly on the operational strengths we’ve already established.”
BermudAir’s passenger fleet currently comprises Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft serving ten destinations across the Caribbean, the United States and Canada. The E190F will operate as a dedicated freighter alongside that network, giving BermudAir a cargo capability distinct from and complementary to its passenger operations. Subject to regulatory review and approval.
“We are excited to partner with BermudAir as they expand into dedicated cargo operations. We have long believed in the E190F’s ability to fill a unique and underserved segment of the freight market, providing operators with an efficient, right-sized solution for regional cargo networks,” said George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer, Regional One. BermudAir has built a strong reputation through its thoughtful growth strategy and commitment to connecting island communities, making the E190F a natural fit for its operation. We look forward to supporting BermudAir’s continued success and exploring additional opportunities to work together in the years ahead.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added, “BermudAir’s selection of the E190F marks an important milestone for the E-Freighter program as the aircraft enters service in North America and the Caribbean for the first time. As one of the region’s fastest-growing airlines, BermudAir is expanding beyond passenger operations and unlocking new opportunities in the air cargo market. The addition of another operator underscores the strong value proposition of the E-Freighter, which was designed to address a unique gap in the cargo market with the right combination of payload, volume, range and efficiency.”
The E190F gives BermudAir a standalone cargo capability that runs alongside its passenger network rather than depending on it. Built on the proven E-Jets platform, the E-Freighter is designed for the fast-evolving demands of express air freight, which relies on quick turnarounds and decentralized operations into high-yield markets. Combining its lower and upper decks, the E190F offers more than 100 m³ of cargo volume and up to 13.5 tons of payload enabling cost-efficient transport of express cargo to and from island communities that are often underserved by dedicated freight service.
“I am pleased to know that the Department of Education has established measurable targets for student achievement in English, mathematics and science for the 2026–27 academic year,” says Shadow Education Minister, Ben Smith.
According to Education Minister Diallo Rabain, students will be assessed in September, January and June using Cambridge International Progression Tests, with the Department setting a target of raising student growth by 10 per cent by June 2027.
“This is an important step towards the greater accountability I have consistently called for,” adds Mr Smith.
“However, we now need clarity about exactly what “10 per cent growth” means. Is that a 10 per cent increase in assessment scores, an increase in the number of students reaching the expected standard, or another measure?
“The September assessments will establish the baseline, and that baseline should be published. Without knowing where we started, parents and the public cannot independently determine whether the target has ultimately been achieved.”
Mr Smith questions why there will be a gap in reporting: “I am also concerned that although students will be assessed again in January specifically to measure mid-year growth, the Minister says the first public report will not be made until after the June assessments.
“If January tells the Department whether its interventions are working, parents, teachers and Parliament should also know whether progress is on track. This is not about catching anyone out. It is about establishing a culture in which we set clear educational goals, measure progress honestly and make adjustments when the evidence tells us they are needed.”
Mr Smith concludes: “If we are serious about improving education, we must be equally serious about measuring and publicly reporting the results.”
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