👀 2022 - Looking Ahead
Morning all,
With New Year's Eve there is no better time to explore some of the top news stories coming our way in the next year.
From complex trials to presidential elections, and even an historic jubilee, there is no doubt 2022 will be another interesting year in news - as for Covid, let's see what happens.
Until... next year 😎
Your Fixers
The normal NewsFix schedule of an 8am newsletter including a podcast version will resume on Monday. Thank you for all of your support this year, and have a lovely weekend!
THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE
On February 6, Queen Elizabeth will have been British monarch for a staggering 70 years.
She is already the longest reigning British monarch in history - Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years until her death in 1901. While February 6 marks the anniversary of her reign beginning, it is also the day - in 1952 - her father King George VI died.
The Platinum Jubilee will instead be celebrated over a long weekend in June. There will be a four-day celebration from June 2-5, including the annual Trooping the Colour parade, and service in St Paul's Cathedral.
GEORGE FLOYD - THE TRIAL OF THE OTHER OFFICERS
Last year, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd during an arrest, and was ultimately sentenced to 22.5 years in jail.
In March, the three other officers at the scene that day will stand trial - accused of aiding and abetting Chauvin, the more experienced officer.
Their trial was originally scheduled to go ahead in August 2021, but was delayed. The judge announcing the delay said it was in part to distance the three officers' trial to Chauvin's, given the amount of publicity it received.
THE SENTENCING OF R KELLY
Back in September, disgraced R&B singer R Kelly was convicted on all nine of the charges he faced following years of allegations of abuse against him.
On May 4, he will be sentenced. Kelly - who is in jail while he awaits sentencing - faces between ten years and life in prison.
ABORTION IN THE US
The US Supreme Court will give its ruling on a highly consequential case that could drastically alter access to abortion across America.
The court is looking at the legality of a Mississippi law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks. What will be a dramatic outcome is if the Supreme Court justice - where there is currently a 6-3 conservative leaning - will express a belief that states should have the right to implement their own laws around abortion.
A decision is expected to be given in June.
MENDY ON TRIAL
Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy will go on trial next year, facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The rape charges relate to four different women, while a fifth woman has accused him of sexual assault. He was arrested in August, suspended by his football club, and denied bail on a number of occasions.
The trial was originally scheduled for January, but has been delayed. A 40-year-old man will also stand trial alongside Mendy.
RYAN GIGGS ON TRIAL
Former England footballer Ryan Giggs is expected to face trial in January, accused of assaulting an ex-girlfriend and being coercive and controlling during their relationship.
Between December 2017 and November 2020, he is accused of using humiliation, harassment, abuse and isolation against Kate Greville. Giggs has denied the charges.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
While there might be more, here are the four in our calendar at the moment...
- In March, there will be a presidential election in South Korea. At the moment there appears to be two clear frontrunners. The current president, Moon Jae-in, will not be running for re-election due to term limits.
- In April, President Macron will be running for re-election in France. According to The Guardian, the two most likely candidates to enter a run-off in April are Macron and Marine Le Pen - the same two competitors in the 2017 election.
- In May, the Philippines will vote to elect a successor to President Duterte. He cannot run again, but his daughter is running as a vice presidential candidate.
- In October, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro will be seeking re-election.
Also...
- In November, the US will hold its midterm legislative elections - a very important time for the Biden administration.
Here is an excellent article outlining all of the key elections taking place around the world in 2022.
"A TRIAL LIKE NO OTHER"
A number of suspects accused of orchestrating and assisting in the Paris attacks of November 2015 have been on trial since September, and a verdict is expected to be reached in May.
The extraordinary trial is the largest in French history, with more than 330 lawyers representing victims and their families.
THE HARRY DUNN CASE IS TO REACH COURT
American Anne Sacoolas will appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link in January, charged with causing the death of 19-year-old Harry Dunn in August 2019.
Sacoolas left the UK weeks after Dunn’s death, citing diplomatic immunity. His family have continuously fought for justice ever since.
THE SENTENCING OF GHISLAINE MAXWELL
As you know, on Wednesday Maxwell was found guilty on five out of the six counts she faced.
Maxwell - who turned 60 on Christmas Day - will likely spend the rest of her life in jail, facing up to 65 years for the convictions. Her siblings announced their intention to appeal the verdict straight after it was announced on Wednesday.
A date for sentencing has not yet been announced.
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