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EPIC tax backers say petition effort cleared 38-county hurdle • Nebraska Examiner

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EPIC tax backers say petition effort cleared 38-county hurdle • Nebraska Examiner

Supporters of the EPIC consumption tax in Nebraska have gathered signatures from 5% of registered voters in 38 counties, aiming to replace income, property, and corporate taxes with a broader sales tax. They need a total of 123,000 signatures by July 3 to place the issue on the fall ballot. Governor Jim Pillen opposes the EPIC tax, calling it unworkable and advocating for a balanced approach to property tax relief. Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom and others criticize the EPIC tax for potentially increasing sales taxes on various items and eliminating local control. Supporters argue that drastic changes are needed in the state’s tax system and believe the EPIC tax is the only solution that prioritizes taxpayers.

Cyprus committed to path of sustainable shipping

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Cyprus committed to path of sustainable shipping

President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the important contribution of shipping to the economic development of Cyprus and stated that his administration will continue to work towards the sustainable development of Cypriot shipping.

Dollar juggles as Fed officials support higher-for-longer

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Dollar juggles as Fed officials support higher-for-longer

EURUSD is trading near 1.0850 in a tight range as the US Dollar stabilizes ahead of the FOMC Minutes and preliminary S&P Global PMI data. ECB policymakers are considering extending the rate-cut cycle, while Fed officials are emphasizing the need to maintain a restrictive policy framework. US inflation declined in April, and policymakers want to see more good inflation data before making any changes to monetary policy. Fed Vice Chair Barr and Atlanta Fed President Bostic both expressed the need for more time to be certain that inflation will reach the 2% target.

BoC, ’s new ‘pronomia’ loyalty scheme rewards customer ties

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BoC, ’s new ‘pronomia’ loyalty scheme rewards customer ties

Bank of Cyprus has introduced the first-ever loyalty scheme in Cyprus called ‘pronomia’ which rewards loyal customers with privileges and benefits based on their relationship with the bank and its subsidiaries.

What happens after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in Israel-Gaza conflict?

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What happens after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in Israel-Gaza conflict?

The International Criminal Court prosecutor’s office has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence chief, as well as three Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The request will be reviewed by a pre-trial chamber composed of three magistrates, who will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants. If issued, the individuals could be arrested if they travel to an ICC signatory state, but the court itself has no means to enforce an arrest. The application for warrants may indirectly influence other court cases and legal challenges related to Gaza.

Our View: There is no nursing shortage in public hospitals

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Our View: There is no nursing shortage in public hospitals

Unions representing public hospital nurses demanded the hiring of another 170 nurses due to staff shortages. Public hospitals are always short-staffed, with significant shortages caused by retirements, transfers, and staff on leave. Private hospitals have more flexible working conditions and can service the same number of beds with a third of the nurses. The health ministry and Okypy should focus on making better use of hospital staff rather than hiring more nurses. Some nurses are seconded to other parts of the public sector and not performing nursing duties, contributing to the staffing shortage.

Stealing from Trump was , ‘self-help,’ Cohen testifies at hush money trial

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Stealing from Trump was , ‘self-help,’ Cohen testifies at hush money trial

Fact: Michael Cohen testified that he stole money from Trump’s company as a form of “self-help” during Trump’s hush money trial.

EUR shows strength amid ECB rate cut uncertainty

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EUR shows strength amid ECB rate cut uncertainty

The EURUSD pair is holding near 1.0900 in European trading due to investors’ higher risk appetite. The European Central Bank is expected to start reducing interest rates from the June meeting, but policymakers are divided over a rate-cut move in July. The focus will shift to the Eurozone and U.S. preliminary Purchasing Managers Index data for May. Fed policymakers are expected to maintain a hawkish stance on interest rates despite a decline in price pressures. New York Fed Bank President John Williams believes the monetary policy is in a good place and sees no need for changes at the moment.

Threat from Israeli operations preventing Rafah crossing aid deliveries, says Egypt

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Threat from Israeli operations preventing Rafah crossing aid deliveries, says Egypt

The cessation of aid deliveries through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is due to the threat posed by Israel’s military operations in the area. Israel’s military offensive has caused activity to stop at the crossing since May 7, leaving international aid stuck on the Egyptian side of the border and raising concerns about food supplies perishing. Egypt’s foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, has called for Israel to open other land crossings to deliver aid.

EU digital policy in focus at ministerial meeting in Brussels

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EU digital policy in focus at ministerial meeting in Brussels

Deputy Minister of Research Nicodemos Damianou is scheduled to travel to Brussels to attend an EU telecommunications ministers meeting. The summit will focus on shaping the European digital landscape, including measures to strengthen the Digital Single Market, regulations such as the Digital Services Act, Artificial Intelligence Act, and Cyber Resilience Act, as well as establishing a Framework for a European Digital Identity. Discussions will also cover cybersecurity, digital skills enhancement, and the need for coordinated efforts among national authorities for digital transformation. A policy debate on the implementation of digital legislation will take place, and conclusions on the future of the EU’s digital policy and cybersecurity strategies are expected to be approved. Damianou will also participate in a Competitiveness Council meeting to discuss the potential creation of a European space law to establish common standards for safety, resilience, and sustainability in space activities. He is expected to return to Cyprus on the evening of Thursday, May 23.