This Week in Pictures: October 31st to November 7th, 2016

We take a timely look back over the big stories that hit the headlines around the world last week.

In the United Kingdom the Conservative government of Teresa May suffered a setback in their efforts towards the much vaunted Brexit voted for in the Referendum earlier this year when a case brought before the courts agreed that Parliament must be consulted prior to Article 50, the eject button of the EU, being triggered. With a majority of MPs against leaving the European Union that would be a stormy session in Westminster. The government has appealed the decision to the UK Supreme Court.

In the United States election fever shifted into overdrive as the campaigns of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump attempted to garner support with just days to go before polling. FBI Director James Comey added to the drama yet again, this time releasing a letter saying the emails found on Anthony Wiener’s computer did not change the judgment of July and Hillary Clinton had done nothing criminal, however so close to the election it remains to be seen if the controversy has harmed her chances.

In Syria the Kurdish led efforts to leave the Islamic State fortress town of Raqqa has began to make progress despite reports of heavy resistance and the ire of the Turkish military who are alarmed at the large role played by the Syrian Democratic Forces, dominated by the YPG, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, a militia that rose out of the PKK, one that has attacked targets inside Turkey. The US has sought to calm the situation knowing it can’t effectively combat IS without both SDF and Ankara.

In sport British Tennis champ Andy Murray slipped by John Isner in the Paris Masters final to take the trophy 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 in just over two and a quarter hours. The victory moved him up above Novak Djokovic for the first time ranking him as World Number One but just how long can the dour Scot remain at the top of the heap? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out but in the meantime here’s a look back at some of the big stories from around the world we covered over the last week.

1. Josh Emmett is set to fight in the Octagon in less than a month.

(photo: zimbio.com)

2. We discuss the news that Betfair closes in Slovakia.

3. PaddyPower allows their members to bet on the end of the world.

(photo: wakingtimes.com)

4. UFC 205 is just a few days away, and you can bet on all 3 title fights with Intertops.

(photo: mmaweekly.com)

5. We take a look at the betting lines for Julian Assange escaping the UK.

(photo: democracynow.org)

6. Betting against Brazil in the Superclassico de Las Americas might be your best gamble.

(photo: youtube.com)

7. We discuss the different football specials that are available from BetVictor.

(photo: sportsworldreport.com)

Meanwhile citizens of Chicago took to the streets last week, not to protest but to celebrate as their baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, took their first World Series win since 1908. This ends the so called “Billy Goat Curse” reputedly placed upon the team by bar owner Billy Sianis in 1945 after he and his pet goat were escorted from Wrigley Field due to the smell. The team’s win over the Cleveland Indians was as dramatic as the now fairytale season the boys from the windy city have had this year.