Widespread impunity in the north , – US human rights report
The 2023 US country report on human rights in Cyprus raised serious concerns over life-threatening conditions in prison in the north.
transparency
As plastic treaty talks open, countries more divided than ever
Countries are facing tense negotiations in Canada over a global plastics treaty that could be a significant pact to address climate emissions. Plastics production contributes to climate emissions and could increase unless limited. Delegates are divided over including production limits and banning certain chemicals in the treaty. The U.S. wants the treaty to be ambitious, while some countries argue for global measures and targets.
Government spent €40 million on Ukrainian refugee accommodation, audit finds
The Cypriot government spent approximately €40 million on accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, primarily covering housing costs until March 4, 2024. Other expenses included transportation and translation services. The Audit Office recommended developing an emergency contingency plan for managing future influxes of displaced people. Standard tendering procedures were advised for transparency, despite no violations found in the audit. The European Commission provided €6.7 million in support for the refugee aid program, with management of accommodation contracts transferred to the Municipality of Paralimni. Expenditure details for accommodation in various hotels were provided, totaling €39,680,831.65.
Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes
Dozens of people were taken into custody during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Yale University. More than 40 people were apprehended by police as they blocked traffic around Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, demanding the school divest from military weapons manufacturers. The protests at Yale and Columbia were in response to the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began on Oct. 7. The Columbia University president canceled in-person classes to deescalate tensions on its New York campus following the arrest of over 100 protesters who disrupted school activities. President Joe Biden has put the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community. Student organizers from the Columbia University encampment responded to claims of antisemitism in the pro-Palestinian protests, stating that some individuals did not represent their movement.
CBC governor wants to address interest rate disparity
The newly appointed governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus, Christodoulos Patsalides, has expressed dissatisfaction with the interest rate disparity between lending and deposit rates in Cyprus.
Solving the affordable housing crisis in Cyprus
Fact: The European Investment Bank (EIB) has identified land use regulation as the most important determinant of housing supply with an adverse effect on housing affordability.
Minnesota Legislature Weighs Corporations’ Role in State’s Economy
The Minnesota Legislature is considering several bills targeting corporations, including proposals to require large corporations to disclose their state income tax filings and to cap the number of single-family rental units a company can own. Rep. Esther Agbaje is pushing a bill that would cap the number of single-family homes one business entity can own, primarily corporations. Governor Tim Walz has stated that he is not interested in raising or cutting corporate taxes, but rather maintaining a proper balance. Minnesota has the highest corporate tax rate among the states, but the effective tax rate is lower due to deductions. Several bills are moving in the Legislature aimed at regulating corporations, including those related to single-family home ownership, tax transparency, hospital salaries, debt collection, corporate tax studies, health care acquisitions, and employee classification. Critics argue that the bills and underlying philosophy behind them are anti-business.
Netflix slides as move to end sharing user count sparks growth worries
Netflix’s decision to stop sharing subscriber additions and average revenue per member from 2025 has caused concern among investors about growth peaking in some markets. The streaming pioneer’s stock fell 6.5% in early trading, leading to a potential market valuation drop of over billion. This move comes as Wall Street analysts anticipate subscriber growth for Netflix in North America and Europe to saturate. Despite this, Netflix added 9.3 million new customers in the first quarter, bringing the global total to 269.6 million at the end of March. The decision to withhold key metrics has sparked debate among investors about the streamer’s ultimate potential in the current landscape.
Netflix slides as move to end sharing user count sparks growth worries
Netflix shares fell on Friday after the company announced it would stop sharing subscriber additions and average revenue per member from 2025, leading to doubts about growth peaking in some markets.
Mid-South Conference: Updates on ag tax and the Corporate Transparency Act | Stuttgart Daily Leader
Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, will discuss the Corporate Transparency Act at the 11th Annual Mid-South Ag and Environmental Law Conference.