Hi °C | Lo °C
Belgium's Dowager Queen has been accused of trying to dodge inheritance taxes in a row that has damaged the monarchy, a rare symbol of unity in a divided country.
Queen Fabiola (84), who has been paid an annual public stipend of more than €1m since the death of King Baudouin in 1993, has been accused of avoiding death duties of 70pc by using a foundation to channel funds to her relations. The queen insisted that the new fund would only include her private money.
California's recovery
California has completed a dramatic recovery with its governor claiming that it has balanced its budget through spending cuts and tax rises.
Governor Jerry Brown took over in 2010 as the state faced a forecast budget deficit of $26bn (€19.5bn). Mr Brown has now announced that, following his austerity programme, there will be a budget surplus of $851m in the 2013-14 financial year.
Unique wedding beer
A groom has come up with a unique way of marking his wedding by handcrafting a beer – which he has named Ball And Chain Ale.
Alex Arkell (27) is the youngest member of the Arkell's brewing dynasty, based in Swindon, Wiltshire, and has ensured guests at his wedding to Alice Braithwaite (27) will raise a glass of specially brewed beer.
Burns works found
A Robert Burns expert has uncovered seven "lost" manuscripts and letters belonging to the Scottish poet.
The documents were discovered by Chris Rollie, a researcher who specialises in Burns' work, who will present his findings at the University of Glasgow Burns Conference.
Irish Independent
