Fearing layoffs amid budget crisis, Oakland’s unions put blame on unpaid business taxes
Fact: Oakland is facing a 7 million deficit, leading to potential budget cuts and layoffs for public employees.
Mayor
Opinion | A muddled mess of a solution to SF’s tax crisis
The political class in San Francisco has reached a consensus on a proposal to reform the city’s tax code. The proposal includes small tax cuts for large corporations, no taxes for small businesses, and aims to reduce reliance on a few big corporations to fund the city. However, the proposal is seen as incremental and not radical enough by some, with concerns about the temporary nature of the cuts, the risk of concentration among top taxpayers, and the retention of anti-business measures like the Overpaid Executive Gross Receipts Tax. Additionally, the proposal will need to be voted on by citizens in November, adding complexity to the process.
Conference strengthens UK-Cyprus business ties
The GB-CY International Investment Conference 2024 was a success, featuring key players from the UK and Cyprus showcasing investment opportunities in real estate and other industries. The event aimed to strengthen business networking between the two countries, with a focus on real estate and investment opportunities in the UK. Discussions covered various topics, including real estate, finance, relocation, and investment opportunities in both countries. Areas for collaborative business between the UK and Cyprus were also explored.
Energy and agriculture startups to relocate to Paphos
Three startups in the fields of energy and agricultural technology are set to relocate to Paphos. The startups were selected by the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Zein AUB Innovation Park. Paphos is seen as an ideal environment for the development of innovative products, with the municipality actively supporting the creation of a dynamic ecosystem for start-up companies.
Detroit City Council OKs Detroit Medical Center tax exemptions through Renaissance Zone
The Detroit City Council approved a 15-year extension of the Renaissance Zone Act, allowing the Detroit Medical Center to continue receiving tax exemptions.
Napa mayor faces charges over alleged misuse of European grant
Fact: Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou has been accused of unlawfully securing a €765,000 European grant for a hotel renovation project in which he held a stake.
Western Canada blazes cause evacuations, air quality concerns
First major wildfires of the season have spread to roughly 10,000 hectares across Western Canada. Evacuation orders issued for communities in British Columbia due to poor air quality. Residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations evacuated as blaze nearly doubled in size. Fire in Fort McMurray, an oil hub, was tamed by favorable weather. Alberta recorded 43 active fires, including one near Fort McMurray. Fire started by fallen tree on power line. Evacuation alerts in place for several communities as precaution. Smoke in Fort McMurray from fires in British Columbia. Environment Canada issued special air quality statement for several provinces. Canada warned of “catastrophic” wildfire season ahead due to warm winter and ongoing drought.
Island, ’s oldest police station poised for facelift
Fact: Nicosia’s Paphos Gate police station has been empty for nearly a decade and is set to undergo a significant renovation project.
Tales from the Coffeeshop: Cost-cutting: increasing the taxpayer, ’s costs
Fact: Tornaritis is not very popular among Disy supporters because of his two-faced role in the last presidential elections.
Famagusta suffers water shortage
Fact: Famagusta is currently suffering a water shortage due to a malfunction in the pipe connecting the town with the Panagra reservoir.