Author: News Desk

9/11 anniversary plans cut back amid Covid-19 concerns This year’s 9/11 anniversary commemoration has had to be cut back due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The 19th anniversary of the terror attacks will be marked by duelling ceremonies at the September 11 memorial plaza and a corner near the World Trade Centre, reflecting a divide over the memorial’s decision to suspend the tradition of relatives reading victims’ names in person.  Vice President Mike Pence is expected to be at both remembrances in New York and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at the observance on the memorial plaza.  President Donald Trump…

China and India agree to ‘quickly disengage’ at disputed border China and India agreed in a joint statement from their Foreign Ministers on Friday that their troops must “quickly disengage” from a months-long standoff at the disputed Himalayan border.  The ministers met in Moscow to try and end the dispute, the most serious in decades at the border.  “The two Foreign Ministers agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. They agreed therefore that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease…

UK economy grew 6.6% in July, continues to recover for a third straight month The UK economy grew by 6.6% in July, according to official figures, but the output is still far below pre-pandemic levels.  It is the third month in a row that the economy has grown.  But the ONS said the UK “has still only recovered just half of the lost output caused by the coronavirus.”  When businesses such as hairdressers, pubs and restaurants reopened in July they contribute to the growth.  But the UK economy is still 11.7% smaller than it was in February and growth in…

Friday, 11 September coronavirus updates BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING Friday 11 September 2020 News Briefing – Today’s headlines are dominated by the global Coronavirus Pandemic. As of 6:30 am (GMT), these are the global active numbers. Global COVID-19 UPDATE Coronavirus Cases: 28,329,602 Deaths: 913,927 Recovered: 20,244,383 Mexico reports nearly 5,000 new Covid-19 cases Tokyo to ease voluntary measures on travel and dining as cases slow India orders states to expand coronavirus testing MPs want furlough extended to minimise job losses North Korea issues shoot-to-kill orders to prevent virus Oxford Covid-19 vaccine is still…

Massive fire erupts at Beirut explosion site A massive fire has erupted at Beirut’s port – the site of the massive explosion that killed nearly 200 people last month.  The Lebanese army said on Thursday the blaze erupted at a warehouse storing oils and tyres in the port’s Duty-Free area.  Several workers told local media that there had been clearance efforts happening inside the warehouse to remove debris from last month’s explosion, at which point the fire caught.  As was the case with last months disaster, firefighters arrived on the scene without knowing what was on fire – though “we…

Trump nominated for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize by far-right Norwegian lawmaker Christian Tybring-Gjedde- a far-right Norwegian lawmaker – has nominated US President Donald Trump for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in the Middle East. He said Trump should be considered because of his work “for a peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel which opens up for possible peace in the Middle East.” Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed last month to a historic deal normalising relations and are scheduled to sign it at a White House ceremony next week. “No matter how Trump…

8,000 jumbo jets will be needed to deliver vaccine globally – in ‘biggest transport challenge ever’ –  says IATA Shipping a Covid-19 vaccine around the world will be the “largest transport challenge ever” according to the airline industry.  The equivalent of 8,000 Boeing 747’2 will be needed according to the International Air Transport  Association (IATA).  Whilst there is no Covid-19 vaccine just yet, the IATA is working with airlines, airports, global health bodies and drug firms on a global airlift plan.  The plan assumes only one dose per person is needed.  “Safely delivering Covid-19 vaccines will be the mission of…

3 more confirmed dead in California’s record-breaking wildfires, amid 20-year mega-drought Three people have died in a California wildfire that has forced thousands from their homes, authorities say.  Two people were found dead at one location and a third was found elsewhere, according to the sheriff of Butte County – northeast of San Francisco.  Police told local media that one of the three victims was a motorist who was apparently trying to escape the Bear Fire.  States across the US Pacific Northwest are currently fighting record-breaking wildfires.  California is experiencing more than two dozen wildfires amid being in the middle…

Thursday, 10 September coronavirus updates BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING Thursday 10 September 2020 News Briefing – Today’s headlines are dominated by the global Coronavirus Pandemic. As of 6:30 am (GMT), these are the global active numbers. Global COVID-19 UPDATE Coronavirus Cases: 28,026,967 Deaths: 908,002 Recovered: 20,104,939 The reason behind this year’s massive floods of the Niger Coronavirus ‘emergency’ puts Jakarta back in lockdown Williams reachs US Open semis Morocco extends health emergency as virus cases spike Lily and David get married Boris pinning hopes on £100bn ‘moonshot’ to avoid a second wave Previous…

Police chief quits after protests over death of Daniel Prude Rochester, New York’s, police chief La’Ron Singletary handed in his resignation on Tuesday along with his command staff saying there had been a “mischaracterisation and politicisation” of his actions following the death of Daniel Prude in police custody.  Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren told a City Council meeting that she had not asked the chief to resign, though she said there was “information that was brought to light today that I have not previously seen before.” But, she failed to elaborate.  Rochester erupted with protests last week after body camera footage…