Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier, is prepared to rejoin the army to fight Hezbollah if a full-blown war breaks out. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating cross-border strikes with Israel, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, increasing calls for military action against Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for a potential war with Hezbollah, which could result in massive destruction in both countries.

Forestry department warns against illegal tree felling

Forestry department warns against illegal tree felling

Felling trees for Easter bonfires in Cyprus is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. No permission will be given to cut down trees for bonfires, and the forestry department urges extra caution due to higher-than-usual temperatures during Easter celebrations. Lighting fires in state forests or within 2km of their edges is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years and/or a fine of up to €50,000. Smoke or fire in or near a forest should be reported to the nearest forestry station or by calling 1407 or 112.

Cyprus residents spent , €1.39 billion on travel in 2022

Cyprus residents spent , €1.39 billion on travel in 2022

Cyprus residents’ spending on travel abroad reached €1.39 billion in 2022, with a total of 158,294 residents embarking on international trips for personal reasons.

Consumers face record Easter costs as food prices surge

Consumers face record Easter costs as food prices surge

Consumers are facing the most expensive Easter in at least five years, as food prices have soared. A comparison with 2019 prices shows that consumers could pay 50% more for traditional Easter foods this year. The increase is attributed to global supply chain disruptions, inflation, the war in Ukraine, rising interest rates, and instability in the Middle East. The cost of 12 Easter staples has risen by 48.65% since 2019, with small, locally-reared lambs now costing €12.43 per kilogram, up 96% from 2019, and minced pork at €6.06 per kilogram, a 69.27% increase. The price of traditional flaounes has also gone up, with consumers now paying €13.27 per kilogram, a 56.29% increase from 2019.

Three street parties to look forward to

Three street parties to look forward to

Three fiestas are happening in Cyprus this spring, with bars in Nicosia and Limassol organizing parties to celebrate their anniversaries and the season. One Nicosia bar will celebrate Easter Monday differently by organizing a street party.

Fact: Scarabeo bar will host a street party at Ithaki Bar in Nicosia on May 6 with DJs Dr. Cordoba and Delor.

McDonald, ’s set for weak sales growth as US fast-food chains grapple with muted traffic

McDonald, ’s set for weak sales growth as US fast-food chains grapple with muted traffic

McDonald’s is expected to report a sequential drop in sales growth for the fourth straight quarter as low-income consumers remain hesitant about eating out.

Russia’s war in Ukraine boosts EU case for further expansion, chairman says

Russia’s war in Ukraine boosts EU case for further expansion, chairman says

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has spurred the European Union to aim for more countries to join by 2030. The EU’s chairman highlighted the success of the 2004 enlargement, which saw an increase in GDP per capita for new members. Current applicants include Ukraine, with 40 million people and a large farming sector. The EU sees expansion as a way to increase its international influence, despite concerns about resources and potential conflicts with nationalist governments. Ukraine would require special arrangements due to the war, and the EU would need to consider the impact of its population and food exports.

US fund loses four-year tax battle from Java House sale

US fund loses four-year tax battle from Java House sale

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a tax claim of Sh773.8 million to Emerging Capital Partners Kenya (ECP Kenya) for the 2017 sale of Java House.

Festival season begins

Festival season begins

– Dozens of annual and new festivals are filling up May’s calendar.
– The Agros Rose Festival will take place on May 11, 12, 18, and 19 in Agros village, Limassol district.
– The Classic Car Festival will be held on May 12 at Finikoudes, Larnaca.
– The Akrotiri Spring Festival will also take place on May 12 at Akrotiri Peninsula, Limassol.
– The Love the Earth Festival will be held on May 12 at Molos Park, Limassol.
– The Cyprus Comedy Festival will take place from May 16 to 19 in Nicosia and Limassol.
– The 3rd Femme Fest will be held on May 18 and 19 at Nicosia Municipal Gardens.
– Other festivals at the end of May include Vegan Fam Flavours, Limassol Street Food Festival, Reflect Festival, and the 6th Cyprus Accordion Festival.

INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

Dave Duttlinger leased 445 acres of his Indiana farm to Dunns Bridge Solar LLC for a solar development project, despite concerns about damage to his land. The solar panels were installed on some of the most productive cropland classified by the USDA, impacting future crop potential. Solar energy firms argue that the industry’s use of farmland is minimal compared to the need for renewable energy to combat climate change. Indiana farmer Norm Welker found leasing his land for a solar project more profitable than growing corn due to low prices.