Battle | Common News Update

Apr92021 by adminNo Comments

Kate Garraway’s husband returns home after a year-long battle with Covid-19

Entertainment

PA MediaKate Garraway's husband has returned home after more than a year in hospital being treated for Covid-19.Former political adviser Derek Draper, 53, was admitted in March last year with coronavirus symptoms, before having to be put into a coma.ITV presenter Garraway said on Friday that he "absolutely knew he was home" but had not yet regained his speech and will require round-the-clock care.She and her young family all "burst into tears" when he arrived home."As we pulled up, I could see two little faces, Darcey and Billy [their children] looking out the window, and I could literally see them go, 'He's here,'" she told her Good Morning Britain colleagues."And they sort of ran out and ran forward, opened the door, and he immediately burst into tears."There was a lot of hugging and we ...

Apr72021 by adminNo Comments

‘Our flight refund battle for mum who can barely walk’

Business

Clare D'AgnostinoAn elderly grandmother who can "barely walk" has finally been sent a refund - a year after her flight was cancelled.Veronica Brown, aged 85, had hoped to visit her son and grandchildren in Munich last Easter, until Covid restrictions put an end to her plans.Her daughter Clare D'Agostino said, with little prospect of rearranging, there was "no way on earth" they would have chosen a voucher over a refund.But they were sent one anyway, until the BBC followed up the case.Pointless voucherMrs Brown visited her family in Germany as much as she could. In her advancing years, her daughter Clare booked her flights for her. The Easter trip was booked via Expedia, but then the Covid crisis intervened, and all such travel halted.For a variety of reasons including an apparent disagreem...

Mar292021 by adminNo Comments

Chelsea and Liverpool ‘to rival Arsenal for Martin Odegaard’ as Premier League clubs set for battle to sign Real Madrid star in permanent summer transfer

Sports

Chelsea and Liverpool could rival Arsenal in the race to sign Martin Odegaard in a permanent deal from Real Madrid this summer. The Norwegian has been a hit at the north London club since arriving on loan from the Bernabeu in January. Getty Images - Getty Odegaard has shone for Arsenal since arrival on loan from Real Madrid in January The Gunners have been urged to turn the midfielder’s loan stay into a permanent transfer in the summer, with Arsenal legend Ian Wright a big fan of Odegaard. Reports claim there is no agreement on the table, though, and Odegaard is set to return to Real at the end of the season. It’s also claimed that Arsenal are unlikely to be able afford to sign him anyway, as the Spanish giants could raise the fee as they look to rai...

Mar232021 by adminNo Comments

Erin Brockovich: California water battle ‘woke me up’

Science

Courtesy Erin BrockovichErin Brockovich talks about her new case on "forever chemicals" in our water, and their potential wide-spread health impact. This story contains strong language.The name Erin Brockovich has become synonymous with those who investigate and hold corporations to account for polluting people's water.Actor Julia Robert's sassy film portrayal of the single mum's key role in winning the largest settlement ever awarded at the time for a direct-action lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), made her a household name. She did this without legal, medical, or scientific training. The case alleged contamination of the water with the carcinogen hexavalent chromium, in the southern California town of Hinkley. "Hinkley woke me up", says Brockovich. "Everyone sai...

Feb192021 by adminNo Comments

Uber loses Supreme Court battle on drivers’ rights in gig economy test

Technology

Uber has lost its battle in the Supreme Court over drivers' rights - a decision that could have far-reaching implications for millions of people in the gig economy.Following a lengthy legal fight, the UK's highest court ruled against the taxi app firm and concluded drivers should be classed as workers, not independent third-party contractors, which means they are entitled to basic employment protections, including minimum wage and holiday pay. The victory paves the way for drivers to claim compensation running into thousands of pounds.Yaseen Aslam, co-lead claimant and App Drivers & Couriers Union president said: "I am overjoyed and greatly relieved by this decision which will bring relief to so many workers in the gig economy who so desperately need it."Co-lead claimant James Farrar, ...