Convalescing Pope Francis greets Palm Sunday crowds in person | News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is under pressure to release nearly $400 million designated for low-income families to assist with summer energy costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This funding is stalled following staff layoffs at the Division of Energy Assistance, which has hindered the program's operations, crucial for distributing aid to vulnerable households. With many families struggling to pay energy bills, advocates are urging...

Research indicates that many Americans misunderstand the tax system, contributing to dissatisfaction with taxes, as a Cato Institute survey reveals that 55% of taxpayers feel they pay too much. Despite the progressive nature of the tax code, which sees the top 10% of earners paying 72% of federal income taxes, a significant portion of the population lacks clarity on tax brackets, with many mistakenly believing their top marginal rate applies to all their income. This...

Israeli media reported that an investigation is underway concerning a sensitive “security case” related to an incident during the Gaza war, conducted under a gag order that restricts publication of details. Key figures involved in the investigation include Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and the head of the Police Investigations Unit (PID). The military's gag order prohibits local press from disclosing any information regarding the incident's nature or location. Full Article

Wages in the UK increased by 5.9% over the three months leading to February, while unemployment remained steady at 4.4%. However, the number of employees on UK company payrolls dropped by 78,000 in March, marking the steepest decline since the peak of the Covid pandemic, following a revised decrease of 8,000 in February. These figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, coincide with concerns that budget measures proposed by Rachel Reeves could result in...

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton clashed over housing policies, with Albanese defending Labor's plan of 5% deposits and $10 billion for 100,000 new homes against expert criticism predicting price increases. Dutton promoted his tax break for mortgage interest while expressing concern for his children's housing prospects, indicating a willingness to assist them financially. Albanese refrained from discussing his son's situation, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers criticized the Coalition's plan as a "cost-of-living con job," asserting clear...

The owner of Pontins holiday parks, Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd, has been charged with corporate manslaughter following a 2019 incident where a ceiling collapsed at the Brean Sands site in Somerset, injuring 18 guests and leading to the death of Wendy Jones, 68, months later. The collapse exposed live electrics during a bingo event attended by around 100 people, prompting a joint investigation by police and Somerset council. Additionally, contractor Stephen Bennison faces charges under...