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Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

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Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas demands to end the Gaza war in exchange for freeing hostages, stating that it would keep Hamas in power and pose a threat to Israel. Israel is willing to pause fighting to secure the release of over 130 hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu expressed concern that if Hamas remained in power, they would continue carrying out massacres, rapes, and kidnappings. Hamas leaders in Cairo maintained their demand for an agreement to end the war in Gaza. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel’s military offensive has led to the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians and caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Environmental journalism is increasingly dangerous profession, UN chief says

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Environmental journalism is increasingly dangerous profession, UN chief says

Journalists covering environmental issues are facing increased violence worldwide, according to a report by UNESCO. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that press freedom is under threat, with dozens of journalists being killed while reporting on topics such as illegal mining and logging. The report revealed that only five out of 44 cases of murdered environmental journalists resulted in convictions. In Latin America, the protection of environmental defenders and freedom of expression are particularly urgent issues. The deaths of journalists in Gaza during Israel’s attacks were also condemned by Guterres and Chilean President Gabriel Boric.

Trump lawyer suggests hush money payment was extortion

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Trump lawyer suggests hush money payment was extortion

Fact: A lawyer for Donald Trump sought to portray the hush money payment at the center of his criminal trial as extortion.

Letter to Legislature: More than 40 chambers come together to oppose numerous new business taxes | ROI-NJ

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Letter to Legislature: More than 40 chambers come together to oppose numerous new business taxes | ROI-NJ

The business community in New Jersey is upset with Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes a Corporate Transit Fee, a “Buck-a-Truck” proposal, and cuts to various economic development agencies. The Chamber Alliance, representing a significant percentage of state employers, sent a letter to legislators expressing serious opposition to these measures. They believe the proposed budget would damage the state’s business climate, corporate recruiting efforts, and jeopardize good-paying jobs.

US Justice Department takes step to make marijuana use a less serious crime

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US Justice Department takes step to make marijuana use a less serious crime

The U.S. Justice Department is moving to make marijuana use a less serious federal crime by recommending it be reclassified as a schedule three drug with lower penalties. This shift could bridge the gap between state and federal cannabis laws, leading to more research, medical use, lighter criminal penalties, and increased private investment in the cannabis sector. President Joe Biden initiated a review of the drug’s classification, and public support for marijuana legalization has significantly increased. Reclassifying marijuana could also benefit cannabis businesses by allowing their shares to be listed on major stock exchanges, receiving more generous tax deductions, and facing fewer restrictions from banks.

US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

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US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

The U.S. military’s cost estimate to build a pier off Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery has risen to 0 million, involving about 1,000 U.S. service members. Senator Roger Wicker expressed concerns about the high cost and potential risks for troops. Israel’s military campaign in response to Hamas’ attack has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden has ordered U.S. forces to stay off the Gaza shore, and aid will need to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land. The United Nations has appealed for .5 billion to meet urgent needs in Gaza.

Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

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Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

Fact: The Audit Office calls for a new study on siting an aquaculture project in the area of Moni-Vasilikos due to its possible detrimental effects on an endangered species of seal.

Tesla, ’s plan for affordable cars takes page from Detroit rivals

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Tesla, ’s plan for affordable cars takes page from Detroit rivals

Elon Musk’s new plan for Tesla involves using current product lines to create more affordable vehicles, similar to the strategy of traditional automakers like Ford and General Motors. This shift in strategy led to the shelving of plans for a new ,000 model and a focus on producing “more affordable” models using existing platforms. Some analysts expect Tesla to offer stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Y at lower costs. The change in strategy has sparked a stock rise and drawn praise from investors, but also raised concerns about execution risk and the impact on Tesla’s valuation as it shifts towards being seen more as an automaker than a tech company.

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.

Lies, deceit to weigh heavily on EU vote, warns parliament head

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Lies, deceit to weigh heavily on EU vote, warns parliament head

EU voters are warned about potential lies and disinformation from both inside and outside the bloc during the upcoming European Parliament election in June. The president of the assembly, Roberta Metsola, expressed concerns about the prevalence of disinformation and highlighted the arrest of an aid to an EU lawmaker on suspicion of espionage for China. Metsola emphasized the importance of countering false narratives and mentioned the need for more than just new EU laws to combat disinformation, as sources could come from Russia, China, Iran, as well as from within the EU.