coalition

SNP set to govern Scotland as minority after Green coalition collapses

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SNP set to govern Scotland as minority after Green coalition collapses

The Scottish National Party (SNP) will lead a minority government in Scotland after ending its coalition with the Green Party due to a disagreement over climate change targets. The SNP has been in power since 2011 but has seen a decline in poll ratings. SNP leader Humza Yousaf announced the decision to terminate the coalition agreement with the Greens, stating that pursuing a different arrangement is in the best interests of the people of Scotland. The SNP now operates as a minority government with 63 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).

Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties

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Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.

Corporate Taxes And Public Transportation: Debate Rages In New Jersey

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Corporate Taxes And Public Transportation: Debate Rages In New Jersey

New Jersey is considering raising taxes on businesses that earn more than million per year to create a dedicated funding source for NJ Transit, which is facing a financial shortfall. Business lobbyist groups are pushing against the proposal, arguing that it could lead to companies leaving the state or making investments elsewhere. Advocates for the tax increase argue that it would only apply to the top 1 percent of corporate filers and that these companies have benefited from tax cuts in the past.

Murphy wants corporate tax to help NJ Transit, but business leaders say raise sales tax

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Murphy wants corporate tax to help NJ Transit, but business leaders say raise sales tax

NJ Transit’s board approved a fare increase of 15% on July 1 and 3% every year after that.

As plastic treaty talks open, countries more divided than ever

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As plastic treaty talks open, countries more divided than ever

Countries are facing tense negotiations in Canada over a global plastics treaty that could be a significant pact to address climate emissions. Plastics production contributes to climate emissions and could increase unless limited. Delegates are divided over including production limits and banning certain chemicals in the treaty. The U.S. wants the treaty to be ambitious, while some countries argue for global measures and targets.

TurboTax Maker Puts a Pink Spin on Exploitative Financial Products

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TurboTax Maker Puts a Pink Spin on Exploitative Financial Products

Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, recently launched a campaign branding itself as a feminist company.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

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Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will oppose any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units for alleged rights violations. The United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The State Department has not confirmed these reports but has expressed concerns about human rights violations by Israeli military and police units. Netanyahu has vowed to fight against any sanctions on the IDF, while the Israeli military maintains that the battalion operates within the boundaries of international law.

Minnesota Legislature Weighs Corporations’ Role in State’s Economy

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Minnesota Legislature Weighs Corporations’ Role in State’s Economy

The Minnesota Legislature is considering several bills targeting corporations, including proposals to require large corporations to disclose their state income tax filings and to cap the number of single-family rental units a company can own. Rep. Esther Agbaje is pushing a bill that would cap the number of single-family homes one business entity can own, primarily corporations. Governor Tim Walz has stated that he is not interested in raising or cutting corporate taxes, but rather maintaining a proper balance. Minnesota has the highest corporate tax rate among the states, but the effective tax rate is lower due to deductions. Several bills are moving in the Legislature aimed at regulating corporations, including those related to single-family home ownership, tax transparency, hospital salaries, debt collection, corporate tax studies, health care acquisitions, and employee classification. Critics argue that the bills and underlying philosophy behind them are anti-business.

In any air war, Israel’s defences would trump Iran’s, but at a high cost

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In any air war, Israel’s defences would trump Iran’s, but at a high cost

Iran’s aging air defenses make the country vulnerable to an Israeli attack, despite its strong ballistic missiles and drones. Israel’s formidable defense systems have the capability to hit targets inside Iran due to its obsolete air force and aging Russian-based air defense systems. Israel’s main challenge would be successfully striking military bases in western and southern Iran, requiring the use of penetrating bombs. The cost of repelling Iran’s attack could be significantly higher than the cost of the attack itself. Israel is working to replenish its air defense systems in preparation for potential future attacks. Israel is unlikely to rely solely on defense and may respond with significant offensive options if attacked by Iran.

British MPs to vote on smoking ban for younger generations

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British MPs to vote on smoking ban for younger generations

British lawmakers will vote on moves by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ban anyone aged 15 and under from ever buying cigarettes.