Biden’s tax-hike plan would cost the US economy nearly 800K jobs

Biden's tax-hike plan would cost the US economy nearly 800K jobs

President Biden has proposed tax hikes targeting corporations and wealthy Americans to reduce the national debt. The Tax Foundation found that these tax increases could reduce economic output by 2.2% in the long run, slash wages by 1.6%, and kill about 788,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Biden’s proposal includes a 25% minimum tax rate on households worth more than 0 million, raising the capital gains tax rate, quadrupling the corporate stock buyback tax to 4%, raising the corporate tax rate to 28%, increasing the Medicare tax paid by wealthy Americans, implementing a global minimum tax on multinational corporations, and closing the carried interest loophole used by private equity and hedge fund managers. The tax increases would reduce the federal deficit by about trillion and help fund new programs like a monthly tax credit for homeowners, child care subsidies, and lower prescription drug costs. The corporate income tax proposal is considered the most harmful to economic growth, with higher taxes on corporations alone potentially reducing GDP by 0.9%, wages by 0.8%, and full-time equivalent jobs by 192,000. The proposals are unlikely to gain support in Congress, especially from Republicans who control the House.

Hong Kong LGBTQ activists upset at revised ID card gender rules

Hong Kong LGBTQ activists upset at revised ID card gender rules

Hong Kong will now allow transgender individuals who have not undergone full sex reassignment surgery to change their gender on their ID cards. The new policy comes after a court ruling in February that deemed the previous requirement a violation of transgender rights. The revised criteria include surgical and hormonal requirements, which some activists find too extreme and a violation of individuals’ rights.

Expansion of permitted goods at checkpoint crossings

Expansion of permitted goods at checkpoint crossings

The Ministerial Council has authorized the Ministers of Health and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment to allow the passage of processed non-animal origin products, such as coffee and frozen vegetables, through crossing points. This decision is part of a package of 14 measures aimed at improving conditions for Turkish Cypriots, including expanding the list of goods permitted under the Green Line Regulation.

Ministry looking at alternatives for smart electricity meters

Ministry looking at alternatives for smart electricity meters

The energy ministry and the electricity authority (EAC) are studying alternative solutions for the provision of smart meters to avoid repeated delays.

Health minister discusses key Gesy issues with medical association

Health minister discusses key Gesy issues with medical association

Health Minister Michael Damianos met with a delegation from the Pancyprian Medical Association to discuss key healthcare issues, including the need for comprehensive planning for the national health scheme Gesy, addressing the strengthening of the legislative framework, tackling abuses, covering non-prescription drugs for low-income pensioners, improving public hospitals, and regulating working conditions for employees of the Cyprus Oncology Centre.

Saint Habakkuk under investigation for money laundering, fraud

Saint Habakkuk under investigation for money laundering, fraud

The scandal in Saint Habakkuk monastery involves money laundering, fraud, and obtaining money by false pretences. A large sum of undeclared cash was found on the premises, leading to an investigation by the police. The Ministry of the Interior provided details on authorised collections conducted by the Abbey to compare with the undisclosed cash. Police are examining footage from the monastery’s closed-circuit system to determine when audio recording was activated and if any crimes were captured. The origin of €807,000 seized on March 5 is a key aspect of the investigation. Commercial banks are providing information on bank accounts held by senior monks. Counter-complaints have been filed by two archimandrites against Bishop Isaias. Other investigations include an assault by a monk on a woman and allegations of sexual harassment.

Salvage crews work to lift first piece of collapsed Baltimore bridge

Salvage crews work to lift first piece of collapsed Baltimore bridge

Salvage crews worked to lift the first piece of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the water to allow access to the disaster site, in an effort to reopen the city’s blocked port.