4 d. ago As wildfire season approaches, budget woes and federal uncertainty have put states' plans at risk

Budget woes, cuts to the federal wildfire-fighting workforce and President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada have made it more difficult for state officials to plan for the upcoming wildfire season

Events

6 d. ago Rising fears of Trump tariffs pummel US consumer confidence to four

Tariffs panned by economists for sowing uncertainty that they said made it challenging for businesses to plan aheadUS consumer confidence plunged to the lowest level in more than four years in March, with households fearing a recession in the future and higher inflation because of tariffs.The Conference Board said on Tuesday that write-in responses to the survey showed “worries about the impact of trade policies and tariffs in particular are on the rise”, adding: “There were also more references than usual to economic and policy uncertainty.” Continue reading...

Politics

8 d. ago The Labour Government must scrap its damaging plans for social security cuts

Writing for the Record, SNP Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says UK Government welfare plans have created "real uncertainty and widespread worry".

Politics

1 week ago Uncertainty over Dumfries and Galloway landmark reopening thwarts plans for major clan gathering

Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities had been planning an event for Clan MacLellan but Historic Environment Scotland won’t confirm when access to the town’s MacLellan Castle will be restored.

Events

2 w. ago If even Germany is embracing higher spending, why on earth can’t Labour? | William Keegan

Russia has pushed Europe into a quasi-Keynesian approach to the defence budget. Only Britain insists on cutting help to the sick to pay for securityAs the president of the US provokes trade and economic chaos at home and abroad, an American tells a British friend of mine: “At least your political system removed Truss; we are landed with Trump for four years.”Unfortunately, when it comes to the worldwide damage being wreaked by Trump and his cronies, the “we” applies to all of us. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Fresh uncertainty over £300m Rhydycar West ski slope plan as council told it can't approve it

The call-in on Rhydycar West means the council itself can't grant planning permission as it would now require the approval of Welsh ministers

Economics

3 w. ago House Republicans unveil spending bill boosting defense and trimming all else

Strategy is not likely to earn Democrats’ votes, so Trump is leaning on Republicans to force it throughUS House Republicans unveiled a spending bill Saturday that would keep federal agencies funded through 30 September, pushing ahead with a go-it-alone strategy that seems certain to spark a major confrontation with Democrats over the contours of government spending.The 99-page bill would provide a slight boost to defense programs while trimming non-defense programs below 2024 budget year levels. That approach is likely to be a non-starter for most Democrats who have long insisted that defense and non-defense spending move in the same direction. Continue reading...

Politics