voters

From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

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From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

Tennessee’s Republican-dominated legislature passed conservative laws this year, including allowing teachers to arm themselves in class. Other bills included providing government-funded vouchers to private schools, tax breaks to corporations, civil penalties for aiding minors with abortion, and restricting library materials. The state also passed a bill allowing public school teachers and staff to carry guns.

Our View: Akel, ’s May Day message may have completely missed the mark

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Our View: Akel, ’s May Day message may have completely missed the mark

Fact: Sotiroulla Charalambous, the general secretary of the Akel union federation Peo, discussed important Marxist ideas such as the exploitation of workers and the class struggle in an interview given on May Day.

San Francisco’s plan to break the doom loop? Fix business taxes

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San Francisco’s plan to break the doom loop? Fix business taxes

A proposal to reform San Francisco’s business tax formula is being considered for approval by voters in November. The proposal would modify the gross receipts tax to focus on a company’s sales instead of its on-site headcount, potentially leading to tax cuts for small businesses and making it more attractive for large companies to keep their workers in the city. The plan is expected to be revenue neutral over time, with initial declines in business tax revenue before increases in the following years. The proposal would also raise the threshold for exemption from gross receipts taxes for small businesses. The effort to reform the tax structure has gathered momentum over the past year and has involved major San Francisco employers, labor unions, and other stakeholders in negotiations. Labor unions are not expected to actively oppose the measure’s passage.

India, ’s Modi casts vote as giant election reaches halfway mark

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India, ’s Modi casts vote as giant election reaches halfway mark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi voted early in India’s general election, seeking a third straight term. The election began on April 19 and will be held in seven phases, with nearly one billion people eligible to vote. Modi urged citizens to participate in the “festival of democracy” while taking care of their health due to rising summer temperatures.

Judge fines Trump again in criminal trial, warns of jail time

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Judge fines Trump again in criminal trial, warns of jail time

Donald Trump has been held in contempt of court for violating a gag order for the 10th time by Justice Juan Merchan. The judge warned that further violations could result in jail time, despite already imposing ,000 in fines. Trump’s statements about the jury selection and other comments were found to violate the gag order. The trial involves charges of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Trump has complained that the gag order limits his ability to make his case to voters.

‘Perhaps there will be no Turkish Cypriots left’

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‘Perhaps there will be no Turkish Cypriots left’

Fact: Turkish Cypriot opposition party CTP leader Tufan Erhurman expressed concern that there may be “no Turkish Cypriots left” in some areas of the north in five or ten years due to lack of land quotas or property planning.

Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

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Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

Jose Raul Mulino won the presidential election in Panama, replacing his former boss Ricardo Martinelli on the ballot. Mulino’s pro-investment and pro-business government plans to prioritize unity and addressing economic issues. He faces the challenge of mending social divisions and restoring faith in the government. Mulino plans to focus on infrastructure investment, higher minimum wage, and job creation. The new government will also need to address issues like corruption, public debt, and the closure of a major copper mine. Mulino will take office on July 1 for a five-year term.

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

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Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

The battle for Nicosia’s municipality

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The battle for Nicosia’s municipality

The showdown between Tornaritis and Prountzos in the capital city is significant for the party leaderships of the collaborating parties. DIPA has a strong interest in the election because the new Municipality of the capital is a key region for them. The leaderships of DIKO and DIPA were not enthusiastic about Andreas Konstantinou as a candidate, leading to the emergence of Nikos Tornaritis as a candidate. Charalambos Prountzos is an independent candidate who is seen as a lifeline to AKEL. Panagiotis Mentzis, supported by the Green Movement, is also a candidate in the race. Konstantinos Demetriades, son of the historic Mayor of Nicosia, is another candidate.