There has been a big debate, including on these pages, about the government’s fiscal rules and the likelihood of them changing at the end of this month when the chancellor presents her first budget. There is nothing new, I should say, in fiscal rules, or the measures that are their basis, being changed. Fiscal rules have been amended or abandoned so often that you sometimes wonder whether they are an endangered species. More to the point, is there any point to rules which, rather than guiding tax and spending decisions through thick and thin, are blown away when economic trouble occurs? There is a debate about when fiscal rules were first adopted in the UK.

Around one in four adults in Britain is obese, according to estimates from the country’s National Health Service, and the problem costs the public health care system billions every year. Now, the government says that weight-loss injections might be part of the solution, and might even help boost Britain’s productivity, which has been sluggish for years. Studies show that people with obesity are more likely to find that ill health affects their productivity and attendance at work. On Monday, the government announced a 279 million pound (around $365 million) investment from the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. Among other things, the investment will help explore new ways of delivering health services to people living with obesity, and include a five-year trial of the company’s drug tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, which is used to treat diabetes and for weight loss.

‘Responding to the signs of the times’ to revitalize Hispanic ministry — and the whole ChurchAlejandro Aguilera-Titus (at left), lead staff for Hispanic/Latino Ministry at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks during the 2024 Conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry, which took place from Oct. 8–11. For attendees at this year’s conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM), effective Hispanic ministry has become part of the lifeblood of the Catholic Church. Speakers from throughout the nation discussed topics related to synodality and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)’s updated 2023 National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. In doing so, he cited one of the bishops’ statements about Hispanic culture found in the pastoral plan. “More than 900 people from our Hispanic diocese went to listening sessions with the bishop, and 60% of those 900 voiced their opinions and petitions,” she explained.

Buckle up, because a cheating scandal is roiling England. The accusations revolve around a winner of the World Conker Championships, and if he used a metal conker to defeat his opponents’ conkers. A conker is a buckeye chestnut that falls from trees and can be found all over Britain and Ireland in the fall. Two opponents face off, with the goal of destroying the other person’s conker with your own by whipping one against the other. Last person standing with an intact conker wins.

Donald Trump has refused to say if he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose the 5 November election, in an interview with Bloomberg News editor-in-chief John Micklethwait. He claimed there had been a peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election, despite his supporters' violent attack on the Capitol on 6 January. Trump also refused to say if he had talked to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, since leaving office

The Biden administration has warned Israel that it faces possible punishment, including the potential stopping of US weapons transfers, if it does not take immediate action to let more humanitarian aid into Gaza. A letter written jointly by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, exhorts Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to ease humanitarian suffering in the territory by lifting restrictions on the entry of assistance within 30 days or face unspecified policy 'implications'. Its authenticity was confirmed by a state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, at a news briefing on 15 October

Key TakeawaysCarl Bernstein is still alive, and no reports of any ailments have surfaced. Carl Bernstein, the American investigative journalist and author, is still alive and healthy as of October 2024. Carl Bernstein, during his early years as a young journalist (Source: gratefulamericanfoundation.org)In 1965, Bernstein departed from the Star to take up a position as a full-time reporter with the Elizabeth Daily Journal in New Jersey. There, he received the first prize in New Jersey’s press association for investigative reporting, feature writing, and news on a deadline. Carl Bernstein with Bob Woodward during the Watergate investigation (Source: theguardian.com)Carl Bernstein is most famous for his investigative journalism work with Bob Woodward on the Watergate scandal.

OZZY Osbourne's former guitarist Jake E. Lee has been 'shot multiple times' while walking his dog, according to reports. His rep told Dailymail.com: "Lee is fully conscious and doing well in an intensive care unit at a Las Vegas hospital." Jake performed alongside iconic rocker Ozzy from 1982 to 1987. However, Ozzy later offered it to Jake. At the height of his fame, Jake performed to a crowd of 60,000 fans when Ozzy headlined Monsters Of Rock music festival at Donnington Park in Derby.

Under-21 coach Lee Carsley has been the interim England coach for the Nations League matches during the autumn. BREAKING: Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach, has signed a deal to become the new England manager.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/dg8byfi8z6 — Sky News (@SkyNews) October 15, 2024Who is Thomas Tuchel? Thomas Tuchel, 51, led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 but was sacked the following year. His latest role came with Bayern Munich, a position he vacated during the summer. RECOMMENDED READING:The PA news agency revealed earlier today, Tuchel was in advanced talks with the Football Association to become the new England manager.

Elon Musk Boosts Trump's 2024 Campaign With Big Bets Musk's financial backing and public support energize the former president's bid against Kamala HarrisElon Musk has become increasingly intertwined with Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, playing both a financial and public relations role as they gear up to challenge the Democrats. The excitement around Musk aligns perfectly with Trump's narrative of dismissing the status quo, particularly as the election draws closer. Some speculate Musk's considerable investments could legitimize the less conventional elements of Trump's campaign, giving it both the cash flow it needs and the modern flair Musk is known for. Yet, as Trump's campaign seeks to engage low-propensity voters, they are finding challenges with their operation tools. Trump’s campaign has also faced related dilemmas, such as distrust for software platforms owned by individuals or organizations perceived as oppositional to his agenda.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have made a brutal decision regarding Sir Alex FergusonSir Jim Ratcliffe has made a bold statement that "no-one is safe" at Manchester United by dismissing Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand believes. During a face-to-face meeting with the club's co-owner, Ferguson was informed that his services as a global ambassador were no longer needed. Despite the ruthless decision, the 82-year-old accepted the decision with dignity and is expected to keep supporting the team at matches, both at Old Trafford and away. Ratcliffe's decision to let Ferguson go marks the most contentious and high-profile move in his cost-cutting drive since he took the reins at United in February. He took to Twitter, writing: "If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd anyone can get it now.

The World Conker Championships is investigating cheating allegations after the men’s winner, David Jakins, was found to have a steel chestnut in his pocket. St John Burkett, a spokesperson for the championships, said he didn't believe Jakins had cheated but added that the claims were being investigated. Burkett elaborated on further qualms that had been raised, including the fact that Jakins had been stringing the conkers in advance of the competition, but he confirmed that cheating would have been very difficult, with contestants drawing conkers blind and being watched intensely by judges

In today’s market, affordability remains tough, thanks to the higher interest-rate environment and over a decade of rising property prices. It is with this in mind that Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has made a number of significant improvements to the criteria on its Income Flex mortgage. Technically known as Tronc payments, these tips are often a significant part of workers' remuneration in these industries. Hinckley & Rugby has also extended the maximum LTV available to certain categories of workers. At Hinckley & Rugby, we pride ourselves on doing things differently.

Alex Hardiman: “By helping people more easily discover, read, watch and listen to Times journalism, the new Times app is a powerful resource for them to understand the now and make the most of every day.” Photograph: Pexels from Pixabay. The New York Times (NYT) marked a new era for its app earlier this month. The NYT says it’s made it easier to discover other Times products: The Athletic, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter and Audio. “The New York Times app is a crucial part of our audiences’ daily and weekly routines, and serves as a massive entry point to The Times,” said Alex Hardiman, chief product officer. By helping people more easily discover, read, watch and listen to Times journalism, the new Times app is a powerful resource for them to understand the now and make the most of every day.”“Launching the new Times app is a testament to the expertise of many talented teams,” said Steve Duenes, deputy managing editor overseeing visuals.

Now, however, families could be hit hard if they've gifted children cash or assets in the past seven years. 📰A recent article from @thetimes discusses the urge for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap flat rate on inheritance tax. The levy is charged at 40 per cent on estates worth more than the £325,000 threshold. Gifts made within three to seven years before someone's death are taxed on a sliding scale referred to as "taper relief". Ian Dyall, the head of estate planning at Evelyn Partners, told BirminghamLive what the impact of a IHT "crackdown" could have on households.