MORRISTOWN, NJ — Dozens of mayors are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislators to inject more cash flow into New Jersey Transit by way of a corporate transit tax, including Morristown’s Tim Dougherty. Commuters, labor leaders, and community activists echoed this call at a rally outside NJ Transit headquarters on Thursday, while also … Read more
The OECD is developing ways to increase taxes on international businesses, cross-border investment and global levies on wealth and energy generation. Mathias Cormann, former finance minister of Australia, is the sixth secretary-general of the OECD, in office since June 2021, appointed by the member governments for a five-year term. On his watch, the organization continues its … Read more
Michael Welu worked at the IRS for decades as a specialist in helping agents identify and investigate possible tax crimes. In an agency known for offices working in their own silos, Welu had the rare ability to move between divisions, dissecting and learning each office’s particular customs and procedures. But that experience had its own … Read more
Egypt has detained students promoting pro-Palestinian boycotts and solidarity campaigns, along with many others protesting against Israel’s military campaign. At least 125 people have been arrested since the Gaza war began in October, with 95 still in pre-trial detention. The crackdown on dissent in Egypt has intensified since 2013, with tens of thousands arrested for speaking out against the government. Public demonstrations are outlawed, and authorities fear protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could fuel political dissent.
The investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) into Makarios Drousiotis’ book “Mafia State” intensified with a hearing focused on the chapter “A Spy in the Palm of My Hand.” Drousiotis presented evidence of being surveilled through electronic devices, raising questions about potential police involvement. The book details his experience of approaching the police with suspicions of being monitored through malware. The investigation also looks into the events surrounding Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce in Cyprus, alleging involvement of a law firm with ties to the former president, questionable legislative amendments, favorable court rulings, and suspicious financial transactions. Former President Nicos Anastasiades has denied all allegations. Gabrielle Louise McIntyre is leading the IAAC inspection team, with witness testimonies ongoing. Sophie in ‘t Veld warned in 2023 that individuals in public life are at risk of surveillance, emphasizing the importance of accountability in democracy.
Narendra Modi aims to set India on the path to abolishing poverty and becoming a fully developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence from British colonial rule.
South Korea accused North Korea of sending balloons across the border to drop trash and excrement, prompting a military response. Over 150 balloons were detected, with some landing on the ground. North Korea has threatened to send waste-paper in response to South Korean activists’ balloons carrying critical messages about Pyongyang. Previous attempts to ban balloon launches were ruled unconstitutional. Sending balloons is seen as a less risky tactic compared to military action, according to a research fellow at the Sejong Institute.
The Cyprus Animal Party strongly opposes the proposal to transform the Limassol Zoo into a ‘Limassol Animal Farm Park’, criticizing both the process and content of the plan. The proposal highlights the need for a more animal-friendly approach, focusing on conservation and education rather than exhibiting animals in cages. The Animal Party calls for transparency in the decision-making process and believes the proposal should undergo another round of public consultation. The zoo has faced criticism in recent years due to issues with animal safety, including the death of a deer and a Savannah cat.
Limassol Zoo may be transformed into an ‘animal farm park’ according to a proposal put forward by the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education (Cycere). The park would house livestock, domestic animals, and other animals native to Cyprus in a more animal-friendly manner, without exhibiting animals in cages. Visitors would be able to participate in activities with the animals, such as feeding, walking tours, and animal photography. The park would also serve as an educational center emphasizing the importance of protecting animals and the environment. The proposal comes after protests against the zoo due to issues with animal safety, including the death of a deer and a Savannah cat.
A group of small island states, including Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas, secured a win on climate change in an international court. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) stated that greenhouse gas emissions absorbed by the ocean are considered marine pollution, and countries are obligated to protect marine environments beyond the requirements of the Paris climate agreement. The opinion is not legally binding but can guide countries in their climate policy and serve as legal precedent in other cases.