How the IRS went soft on billionaires and corporate tax cheats – ICIJ

How the IRS went soft on billionaires and corporate tax cheats - ICIJ

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

Aristotle in the age of AI: When data breeds inequality

Aristotle in the age of AI: When data breeds inequality

Fact: Aristotle observed “There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal things.”

AI is set to take all the jobs – who will pay our taxes?

AI is set to take all the jobs – who will pay our taxes?

– Schindlers Attorneys is a prestigious South African law firm that has embraced AI technology to assist with legal preparation.
– The AI engine drafted submissions for a real court case in under 30 seconds, which were successful in court.
– The use of AI in highly skilled professions like law may lead to widespread employee replacement across various industries.
– The speed of AI development may lead to rapid displacement of human workers without enough time for retraining or reassignment.
– Employers are driven by profit and competition, leading them to replace humans with AI for increased efficiency.
– The potential mass unemployment due to AI advancements raises concerns about tax revenue and government funding.
– The formalization of national income tax may face challenges if there are fewer jobs for humans to generate tax revenue.

Parents upset over difficulty of high school final exams

Parents upset over difficulty of high school final exams

The difficulty level of the essay section in last Monday’s senior high school Greek language and literature exam has sparked criticism from parents’ associations. The controversy is centered around the complexity of the essay topic and the time allotted for completing the entire exam. Loizos Konstantinou, President of the Pancyprian Confederation of Secondary Education Parents, argued for differentiated papers catering to various student abilities and expressed concern about the impact the difficulty could have on students’ final grades. The essay required students to explore the concept of a democratic school using art, and Konstantinou criticized the exam setters on social media. The marking guide for the exam is expected to be released today.

Colorado paramedic to be sentenced in Elijah McClain’s death, bringing case to a close

Colorado paramedic to be sentenced in Elijah McClain’s death, bringing case to a close

A paramedic in Colorado is set to be sentenced for his involvement in the death of Elijah McClain, a young Black man who died after being put in a chokehold by police and injected with ketamine. The sentencing closes out the legal proceedings related to McClain’s death, which led to significant police reforms in Colorado, including banning chokeholds and prohibiting police from pressuring paramedics to use ketamine on suspects. The case has also highlighted the importance of district attorney races in holding law enforcement accountable.

Changes to capital-gains tax may prompt doctors to quit, CMA warns

Changes to capital-gains tax may prompt doctors to quit, CMA warns

Doctors in Canada are concerned about the federal government’s proposed increases to capital-gains taxes, which could have a significant financial impact on them. The changes will affect physicians who operate their practices through medical professional corporations, as they will be taxed at a higher rate on capital gains. The Canadian Medical Association conducted a survey in 2021 that found a deterioration of doctors’ mental health during the pandemic, with 47% describing themselves as “flourishing” that year, down from 63% in 2017.

The Island Private School: a holistic learning environment

The Island Private School: a holistic learning environment

The Island Private School in Cyprus offers a holistic learning environment for students of diverse cultural backgrounds. The school integrates best practices from the International Baccalaureate, Waldorf, and Montessori educational systems, focusing on academic excellence and developing 21st-century skills. The school’s mission is to inspire a passion for learning and prepare students as confident, responsible global citizens who value diversity. The school offers three educational tracks grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aiming for a sustainable and equitable future. The school has integrated ESG considerations into its curriculum through lessons on environmental sustainability, climate change, and conservation, as well as through various environmental initiatives and partnerships. The school engages with the local community, fosters inclusivity and diversity, and promotes social responsibility through various activities and events. The school plans to evolve its ESG initiatives by introducing composting bins, celebrating various faiths and cultures, and focusing on sustainability in its future campus. The school measures and reports on its progress towards ESG-related goals through key performance indicators, data collection, and stakeholder surveys. The school faces challenges in implementing eco-friendly practices due to financial constraints but is seeking funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. The school encourages student-led initiatives related to ESG and plans to use technology to further ESG education and initiatives. The school’s approach to ESG differentiates it from other educational institutions by integrating ESG into its organizational culture, decision-making processes, curriculum, and daily operations. The school envisions its role in the broader ESG landscape within the education sector in the next five to ten years by becoming an international education hub, supporting diverse educational tracks, expanding as a multicultural community, promoting ethical governance, strengthening environmental partnerships, contributing to rural development, developing a green campus, and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Rich and retired: the boom beneficiaries who finance Germany’s far right

Rich and retired: the boom beneficiaries who finance Germany’s far right

Germany has seen a decline since the 1970s, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining support. The party relies on private donations, with wealthy, elderly backers like Hartmut Issmer, who gave 250,000 euros last year. These donors, mainly businessmen, have views they are unafraid to share and are disproportionately influential. AfD’s treasurer mentioned a positive trajectory for donations, but if the party fails to replace its ageing donor base, that could change. The party is under scrutiny for extremism and racism, making it toxic for potential sympathizers. Mainstream parties receive more significant donations from large companies and associations compared to the AfD.

Imamoglu, the Turkish mayor most likely to challenge Erdogan, ’s rule

Imamoglu, the Turkish mayor most likely to challenge Erdogan, ’s rule

Fact: Newly re-elected Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is seen as the main challenger to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s reign.