Author: News Desk

The coronavirus epidemic continues to cross more borders, the global health crisis hit a milestone on Friday when the total number of cases topped 100,000. The head of the U.N.’s food agency, the World Food Program, warned of the potential for “absolute devastation” as the outbreak’s effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East. India scrambled to stave off an epidemic that could overwhelm its under-funded, under-staffed health care system, which lacks enough labs or hospitals for its 1.3 billion people. COVID-19, which has already claimed nearly 3,400 lives, has spread to more US states, at least four additional countries…

Former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been moved from hospital to an infirmary unit at Rikers Island jail in New York City.  Weinstein was found guilty last month of one count of carrying out a criminal sex act on a woman in 2006 and one count of third-degree rape for a 2013 attack on another woman.  But due to concerns about his blood pressure and heart palpitations, Weinstein was transferred from the court to a hospital instead of jail. Weinstein’s spokesman Juda Engelmayer said the 67-year-old had a “successful” heart procedure but gave no further details.  According to his…

The spreading of the coronavirus and the growing worry about it has reportedly led to UK consumers panic buying.  There is a growing number of reported empty shelves as people rush to stock up on products such as hand sanitiser, toilet papers, pasta and rice.  Supermarkets have reported a spike in demand amid concerns that the coronavirus could lead to shortages. And chemists have had to start rationing the sales of hand sanitizers after stock ran low.  The UK is stocking up  It’s not clear whether the UK is panic-buying just yet, but a survey from Retail Economics says as…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, The headlines are – Harry and Meghan have attended one of their last royal engagements.  Coronavirus, WHO chief warns countries are not taking the virus seriously enough.  Brazil has been lashed with torrential rains which have swamped the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janerio. At least 32 people have died so far and more rain is on the way! Australia is being urged to take action amid rising violence against women. Entertainment, R Kelly has pleaded not guilty to sex abuse allegations involving new accuser.  ……………………………………………………… Harry and Meghan…

I was raised in a very white, working-class environment in the North East of England and like many people from similar backgrounds, I don’t regard myself as a racist. I am married to an Arab, have a mixed-race daughter and enjoy the company of a diverse group of friends. Having said all of that, I have just read Robin DiAngelo’s book on White Fragility and there were some sections that made me feel extremely uncomfortable and squirm on my seat. She rolled out the term “white fragility” to describe the disbelieving defensiveness shown by white folk when they are confronted or…

White terror suspects that have been arrested in the UK is higher than those of Asian appearance for the second year in a row.  Figures show that 117 white people were arrested on suspicion of terror offences in 2019, compared to 111 Asian suspects and 21 black suspects.  “The proportion of white people arrested exceeded the proportion of Asian people arrested for the second consecutive year, having not done previously since 2004,” a Home Office document said.  There has been an increase in police operations against far-tight extremists recently including the group National Action.  The neo-Nazi terrorist group was banned…

A state of emergency has been declared in California following the state’s first coronavirus death, bringing the US death toll from the disease to 11.  A 71-year-old man, who died in a hospital near Sacramento, had underlying health conditions and had been on a cruise ship, according to officials.  The White House on Wednesday said to expect testing nationwide for the disease.  There are now at least 150 reported US cases of COVID-19 in 16 US states.  Authorities have announced more than 92,000 cases of the virus worldwide with more than 80,000 cases in China. And more than 3,000 people…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, The headlines are – India has restored Kashmir’s internet after a seven-month blackout. Coronavirus, South Korea has announced $9.8bn in emergency funding to fight the coronavirus. Some 300 million students worldwide are facing weeks out of school as the world steps up virus battle. In the UK, airline Flybe has collapsed putting 2,000 jobs at risk.  Entertainment, Katy Perry has announced she is pregnant with her first child with actor Orlando Bloom.  ……………………………………………………… India restores internet in Kashmir after 7 months of blackout Aljazeera News says authorities in India have temporarily…

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sister Isobel has released a new single, which she has described as “intimate.” Isobel is a classical composer who came into the public eye after writing the music for her sister’s hit show Fleabag.  She has also written the scores for other films and shows including Emma, Black Mirror and Vanity Fair.  New single Isobel has said her new single – September – is her “most personal project” and has called it a “hello” to her new record label Mercury KX.  The track won’t be on her second album, which the 35-year-old is currently recording, but will appear…

After 240 days, Australia’s New South Wales is no longer on fire The state of New South Wales is free from bushfires for the first time in more than 240 days. More than 7 months of devastating fires in Australia have claimed the lives of at least 28 people. It has destroyed around 3,000 homes and affected up to a billion animals.  On Feb 13, fire officials said all the fires in New South Wales had been contained for the first time. But now, all the bushfires have officially been extinguished.  “For the first time since early July 2019, there…