Families of Cypriot earthquake dead fly to Turkey for trial
Fact: The families of the 24 Cypriot children who were killed in the Isias hotel collapse traveled to Turkey ahead of the trial of those held responsible for the collapse.
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A diverse lineup of live music events this week
The live music scene in Cyprus offers a variety of performances, including jazz tributes, classical music recitals, album presentations, and funk-soul tunes.
MPs approve Tepak budget amid transparency concerns
The House of Representatives approved the budget for the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) for 2024. The budget bill passed by unanimous vote, but MPs raised concerns about lack of transparency and financial scandals at the institution. The budget approval was delayed, leading to pressure on MPs to pass it to ensure university staff would be paid.
Property tax company Ownwell refuses to defend itself from charges by competitors
A property tax company called Ownwell in North Texas is offering to file homestead designation paperwork for homeowners for free, but then charges 25% of the savings from homestead exemptions. The company has been criticized for making false promises and misstating the pricing of its competitors. The Better Business Bureau revoked Ownwell’s A+ rating in February. It is advised to make sure you have a homestead exemption on your primary residence and not fall for deceptive practices during the property tax season.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts that the Liberals’ proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors’ retirement savings in jeopardy, but financial experts argue that incorporated professionals like doctors can shield their retirement savings from capital gains taxation by setting up a registered pension plan.
SNP set to govern Scotland as minority after Green coalition collapses
The Scottish National Party (SNP) will lead a minority government in Scotland after ending its coalition with the Green Party due to a disagreement over climate change targets. The SNP has been in power since 2011 but has seen a decline in poll ratings. SNP leader Humza Yousaf announced the decision to terminate the coalition agreement with the Greens, stating that pursuing a different arrangement is in the best interests of the people of Scotland. The SNP now operates as a minority government with 63 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).
Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.
Local elections: , Paphos prepares for fundamental changes (Updated)
Fact: Candidacies are being submitted for local elections in the Paphos district, with the elections set to take place on June 9.
Police still searching for attempted murder suspects
Fact: Nicosia police are continuing investigations to identify the perpetrators of the attempted murder of a 34-year-old man on the Paleochori – Anthoupolis road. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Local elections: a focus on Larnaca upgrade
The submission process for candidate nominations in district administrations and municipalities in Larnaca was completed on Wednesday. People in Larnaca are voting in June to elect district governors, mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, and members of school boards. Angelos Hadjicharalambous and Evangelos Evangelides submitted their candidacies for the role of district governor.