Hiring your own kids can provide tax breaks for business owners

Hiring your own kids can provide tax breaks for business owners

Mixetto | E+ | Getty Images If you’re self-employed, hiring your kids could provide tax benefits — provided you follow labor laws and IRS rules, experts say.   Small businesses hiring their own children is a popular topic among social media influencers on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. But tax professionals say they are … Read more

Key differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls

Key differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls

A new study led by UC Davis researchers finds widespread differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls ages 2-13. The study, published recently in Molecular Psychiatry, found sex-specific changes in the thickness of the outer layer of the brain, called the cortex. The findings are notable because so few studies have addressed cortical … Read more

Quebec premier says he’s open to limiting social media use, debates age limits

Quebec premier says he’s open to limiting social media use, debates age limits

Quebec Premier François Legault says he’s open to “taking major steps” to curb children’s social media use amid pressure from his party’s youngest members. Some 700 members of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) gathered in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., on Saturday and Sunday for a general convention, and among the proposals they’re debating is a call from … Read more

Lawsuit seeks to block Washington parental rights law that critics call a ‘forced outing’ measure

Lawsuit seeks to block Washington parental rights law that critics call a ‘forced outing’ measure

SEATTLE — A school district, a nurse, and civil rights and youth services organizations sued Thursday to block a new Washington state parental rights law that critics describe as a “forced outing” measure. A conservative megadonor backed the law, which is set to take effect in June. The Democratic-led Legislature overwhelmingly approved it, with progressive … Read more

Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Sam Butcher, the artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children, has died. He was 85. The company said in a Facebook post that he died early Monday surrounded by family. It said his life’s mission was “to share God’s gift of love with the world.” No details about … Read more

Tennessee to become first state to offer free diapers for Medicaid families

Artist who created Precious Moments figurines depicting teardrop-eyed children dies at the age of 85

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee will soon become the first state in the country to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program after receiving federal approval, state officials have confirmed. According to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, families will be able to receive up to 100 diapers per month for children under two … Read more

Just one in five children eat breakfast every day, research found. | UK | News

Just one in five children eat breakfast every day, research found. | UK | News

A poll of 900 parents of primary school children found 19% whose kids start the day on empty stomach claim they don’t have ‘any suitable’ food in the home. And a further 17% struggle to afford breakfast food for their family on a daily basis. But 47% fret kids will be hungry before their first … Read more

US pediatricians group reverses decades-old ban on breastfeeding for those with HIV

US pediatricians group reverses decades-old ban on breastfeeding for those with HIV

People with HIV can breastfeed their babies, as long as they are taking medications that effectively suppress the virus that causes AIDS, a top U.S. pediatricians’ group said Monday in a sharp policy change. The new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics reverses recommendations it had in place since the start of the HIV … Read more

Parents of disabled children sue Indiana over Medicaid changes addressing $1 billion shortfall

Parents of disabled children sue Indiana over Medicaid changes addressing  billion shortfall

INDIANAPOLIS — Parents of two children with disabilities are suing an Indiana agency in federal court over changes to attendant care services they say violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal Medicaid laws. A state agency overseeing Medicaid has reimbursed parents, guardians and spouses for home care for years. Starting July 1, the state … Read more

For decades, states have taken foster children’s federal benefits. That’s starting to change

For decades, states have taken foster children’s federal benefits. That’s starting to change

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — By the time Jesse Fernandez turned 18, the federal government had paid out thousands of dollars in Social Security survivor’s benefits because of the death of his mother. But Jesse’s bank account was empty. The money had all been used by Missouri’s foster care system or relatives responsible for his care. … Read more