The Week in Pictures: February 17 – February 23, 2015

There were lots of big stories around the world last week so lets take a few moments to look back at some of those that hit our headlines and those of publications around the world

After lengthy negotiations the Greek Prime Minister and EU came to an agreement on an extension of their bailout by some four months but the terms of the deal left Greece with some major decisions to make as Mr. Alexis Tsipras is forced to go back on his pre-election promises to roll back the austerity measures that have caused so much social and political unrest in the country or face the possibility that eurozone members will not ratify the new deal. Many see this as a climb down by the idealistic young Syriza leader.

In Ukraine the tentative ceasefire agreed by both sides in Minsk has been violated by both sides in numerous instances across the country despite a prisoner exchange between the warring factions in the east of the country. On Sunday a march in Kharkiv, second largest city in the country, to mark the first anniversary of Victor Yanukovych’s ousting saw two people killed and ten injured when a bomb exploded in what the authorities are calling a terrorist act. Four people were arrested in conjunction with the attack.

The Oscars saw the stars of the silver screen turn out in force to watch Birdman director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu win for best film and direction, with Eddie Redmayne picking up best actor for his role in The Theory Of Everything, and Julianne Moore best actress for Still Alice. Best supporting actor was won by J.K. Simmons, and best supporting actress by Patricia Arquette. Grand Budapest Hotel picked up numerous awards for its technical achievements, and Interstellar won for Best Visual Effects.

In sport McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has shrugged off a 150mph crash in pre-season testing for the Formula 1 team in Barcelona, hitting the wall on exiting turn 3 of the Catalunyian circuit. The winner of 32 grand prix was kept in hospital overnight but scans showed he was uninjured after the spectacular impact, will he be back in the cockpit next weekend? You’ll have to read our news pages to find out but in the meantime lets look at what hit our headlines last week.

1.PokerStars knows how to celebrate a good thing as it cranks up the $9 Million Prize Pool in light of the 9th anniversary of Sunday Million which is just around the corner

2.PokerStars knows how to celebrate a good thing as it cranks up the New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is considering running for office , but cannot shake the growing criticism for how he has dealt with the Atlantic City’s growing decimation.

3.We look back at the spectacular Swedish Rally that saw a dramatic turn of events in the final stage furnish Sebastien Ogier with his second win of the season

4.We take a look at why Chris Christie is willing to betray his state for the favor of Sheldon Adelson in the run up to the 2016 elections

5. The good news for all CyberBingo fans is that technology and demand have allowed for the innovative CyberBingo Mobile to appear and fulfill the needs of bingo lovers worldwide.

6. We look at why the Italians are willing to gamble on new gambling regulations and hope to raise 937 million Euros from the move

7. Precise predictions that came before the actual official disclosure concerning the multi-billion deal between Amaya and PokerStars has triggered two investigations

Meanwhile fighting broke out at an Indian wedding after the groom collapsed suffering an epileptic fit much to his bride-to-be’s dismay. Previously unaware of her intended’s condition she promptly backed out of a marriage to him instead offering to marry her sister’s brother-in-law, who was a guest at the wedding. He agreed and moments later the ceremony continued with the replacement groom. Will this match made less in heaven than in haste last? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out.