The Electoral Commission has advised ministers to postpone mayoral, council and police and crime commissioner polls all due on May 7. In a letter to the Government, the commission called for a decision before councils carry out any more preparations. Chief…
Read MoreU.S. coronavirus stimulus package stuck in Congress over paid sick leave
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As schools close, offices clear out, and sporting events are canceled across the United States, a familiar Washington problem – partisan gridlock – threatened on Thursday to derail the U.S. government’s ability to contain the economic damage…
Read MoreU.S. Senate leader expects renewal of surveillance rules
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Thursday he was confident the Senate would approve legislation renewing government surveillance tools, and appealed to lawmakers not to delay the vote until after they expire on Sunday….
Read MoreUK officially enters coronavirus ‘delay’ phase as Scotland bans mass gatherings
The UK has stepped up its fight against coronavirus after the government officially accepted the outbreak can no longer be contained. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the change following a COBRA meeting chaired by Boris Johnson – and revealed…
Read MoreUniversal Credit families get longer to repay debt – but not everyone is helped
Millions of Universal Credit claimants will be handed a lifeline after ministers bowed to pressure and gave them more time to repay their debt. People on the benefit will have two years to pay back "advances" – double the current…
Read MoreBudget 2020: Rishi Sunak defends giveaway as he vows to steer UK economy through coronavirus crisis
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended splurging the cash in his budget as he vowed to “do what it takes” to steer the UK economy through the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. With £12bn to be spent on an immediate response…
Read MoreDomestic abuse courts to be trialled as part of £15m package to help survivors
Special domestic abuse courts where criminal offences are heard alongside family law cases will be set up under a £5million trial to be unveiled in the Budget. The plans aim to offer better support to survivors of domestic abuse. Chancellor…
Read MoreDemocrats swap virtual campaign events for rallies in coronavirus crisis
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden on Wednesday canceled political rallies in Florida and Illinois due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and replaced them with what his campaign called “virtual events” in the two states. Biden and…
Read MoreSanders captures North Dakota, but Biden still carries day with big election wins
DETROIT (Reuters) – Bernie Sanders scored his first victory in Tuesday’s Democratic U.S. presidential nominating contests when North Dakota was called in his favor, but the lone win was unlikely to blunt rival Joe Biden’s momentum after a strong night…
Read MoreIn crushing blow to Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden scores big Michigan win
DETROIT (Reuters) – Joe Biden rolled to commanding victories in pivotal Michigan and two other states on Tuesday, taking a big step toward the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination and dealing a stinging blow to rival Bernie Sanders’ fading White House…
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