Author: News Desk

Verdict due in landmark corruption trial of former French President The verdict of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s trial for alleged corruption and influence-peddling is expected on Monday.  The landmark trial has put Sarkozy at the risk of a prison sentence if he’s convicted.  He is accused of offering to boost a high magistrate’s chance of obtaining a promotion in Monaco back in 2014 in return for leaked information about a judicial enquiry against him.  The former president (from 2007 – 2012) has denied all the allegations against him during the 10-day trial that took place last year.  His lawyer…

Sterling rises as speedy vaccine rollout creates optimism Sterling is higher against both the euro and the dollar on Monday as the fast vaccine rollout has fuelled hopes of economic recovery.  The rise soared as high as $1.3999 in Asian trading, after retreating from a three-year high on Friday amid inflation concerns.  In early London trading, it was 0.1 per cent higher at $1.3938 as investors took a chance on vaccination programmes lifting Britain’s economy.  Sterling rose 0.4 per cent to 86.34 pence against the euro, after falling to 87.30 on Friday.  Vaccine rollout and falling Covid-19 cases Sunday’s numbers…

FREE visa extension for Dubai tourists until March 31 Tourists visiting Dubai have had their visa extended until the end of March for free, according to various local reports.  Tourists reported their visas have been automatically extended after they checked their e-visa status online.  Travel agents confirmed that the validity of Dubai visas they applied for on behalf of their clients have been automatically extended to March 31.  A source from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs told the local paper that visas had been extended to those with expired one-month and three-month visit and tourist visas.  UAE…

Daily News Briefing: COVID-19 variant – Golden Globes WINNERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjyj1IRDEy8 Covid-19: Officials hunt Brazil virus variant case in England Prince Harry on Oprah Winfrey: my worry of Diana history repeating Germany tightens Covid controls at French border over variants Netanyahu says Iran ‘clearly’ behind blast on Israeli-owned ship World condemns Myanmar crackdown as 18 peaceful protesters killed Donald Trump calls for GOP unity, hints at run for president in 2024 Iran Balks at Resuming Nuclear Talks with US Biden urges workers to ‘make your voice heard’ as Amazon employees vote on union Liverpool still in ‘exciting places’ – Klopp after…

Daily News Briefing Brief. Me – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjyj1IRDEy8 The top stories Covid-19: Officials hunt Brazil virus variant case in EnglandBBC News says health officials in England are trying to trace one of six UK patients infected with a contagious coronavirus variant first found in Brazil.Three cases of the P1 variant were picked up in Scotland and three in England.But one case in England remains unidentified, prompting an appeal for anyone without a result from a test on 12 or 13 February to come forward.The P1 variant was first detected in travellers to Japan from Manaus in northern Brazil in January.Read on………………..Prince…

Rugby Monday’s round-up of the sports events from the weekend has to start with the Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and England. Despite two controversial tries from Wales, England managed to bring the game back to 24-24. However, an ill-disciplined England team threw the game away after committing silly unneeded penalties that could have been prevented had England kept their cool – regardless of if England thought the referee had been unfair. This ill-discipline, according to BBC Sport’s Matt Dawson, is down to a lack of leadership on the pitch. “I do not see the leadership on the pitch…

Another weekend of Premier League football, another Monday round-up! This weekend saw, mostly, closely contested fixtures that could end up being the difference for certain sides, especially those in the relegation battle. Manchester City win – again Saturday’s Premier League kicked off with a great game between the runaway Manchester City and surprise top-4 hopefuls, West Ham United. Although this win meant City have now won 20 games in a row in all competitions, it wasn’t their easiest win, with Pep Guardiola even admitting “we were lucky to get all three points”. Whilst this is a huge compliment to David…

Crystal Palace (Palace) 0 – Fulham (Cottagers) 0 The first Premier League fixture of the day was in London, as Crystal Palace held on to a goalless draw against The Cottagers, with the latter perplexed as to how they couldn’t score after dominating with 60% possession and 16 shots. Following a dull first half of Premier League football, The Cottagers’ best chances of the game all came in the second half. Josh Maja had a huge opportunity to score with a header from six-yards out in the 67th minute, but fine keeping by Palace’s Vicente Guaita denied him. Palace defender…

Brief. Me – BrIEf.Me In today’s briefing update, many of Sunday’s papers focus on the upcoming March Budget, there’s positive vaccine news, William and Kate urge people to get vaccinated and a picture of Captain Sir Tom’s funeral.  In our special feature, we’re paying tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.  Also featured: The latest Covid-19 figures, Sports, business and entertainment news.  …………………………….. There is concern in some of Sunday’s papers about what Chancellor Rishi Sunak may be preparing to include in his Budget. The Sunday Times fears what it calls “stealth tax” rises – freezing income tax allowances. The Sunday…

Whilst it wasn’t the explosive UFC heavyweight bout that many, including myself, had expected, Ciryl Gane was able to dominate his opponent, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, for the entire 5 rounds, scoring 50-45 on all 3 of the judge’s scorecards. Tactical masterclass by Gane After tonight’s performance at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, it’s hard to believe that Ciryl Gane made his pro MMA debut just 3 years ago in August 2018. Ciryl ‘Bon Gamin’ Gane was able to keep Jairzinho ‘Bigi Boy’ Rozenstruik at a distance, throwing stiff jabs and heavy leg kicks that made an already tentative Rozenstruik even…