Deal averts ‘fiscal cliff’ meltdown
THE White House reached a New Year’s Eve accord with Senate Republicans to block midnight-hour tax increases and spending cuts in government programmes.
Without legislation, economists in and out of government had warned of a possible new recession and spike in unemployment if the economy were allowed to fall over the so-called “fiscal cliff” of tax increases and spending cuts.
Under the deal, taxes would remain steady for the middle class and rise at incomes over 400,000 dollars (£247,000) for individuals and 450,000 (£278,000) for couples – levels higher than President Barack Obama had campaigned for in his successful drive for a second term in office.
Families ‘must do more’ for elderly
FAMILIES and neighbours must do more to look after the elderly to stop them enduring a “dismal existence”, the Care Minister has urged.
Norman Lamb said everyone had a part to play in building a “less neglectful society” and warned against relying on the state to “do everything”.
The Liberal Democrat said some older people ended up in residential care unnecessarily and called on local councils to rebuild a “neighbourly resilience” that could help pensioners remain independent.
Male cancer work ‘underfunded’
RESEARCH into the most common male cancer in the UK is chronically underfunded compared with its female equivalent, a charity has said.
New figures show that although it is the fourth most common cancer overall, prostate cancer lies 20th in the league table of annual cancer research spending per case diagnosed.
The figures, published today by Prostate Cancer UK, show that breast cancer – the most common female cancer, which has a similar death rate as prostate cancer – received more than double the annual research spend.
World welcomes 2013
REVELLERS around the world welcomed 2013 with dancing, singing and firework spectaculars.
In London, thousands flocked to the Thames to witness the display of pyrotechnics and lights.
Another huge crowd descended on Edinburgh for the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations with rock band Simple Minds headlining a concert and the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle forming the backdrop for the fireworks.
Policeman murder bid: Two arrested
DETECTIVES investigating the attempted murder of a police officer in Northern Ireland have made two arrests.
Men aged 25 and 34 were detained in Belfast last night after the constable discovered a bomb under his car at his home in the city on Sunday.
Senior officers have said the attack could have killed the policeman’s wife and two young children.
