Los Angeles County supervisors are developing an Entertainment Evergreen Fund to support low-budget independent film productions that fall below the cost threshold of California’s existing state tax credit program, according to local officials. Independent filmmakers and producers have long cited a financing gap for projects costing under $1 million, while FilmLA data shows greater Los … Read more
Ireland must accelerate heat-pump installations twentyfold and at least double the pace of general home retrofits to meet national energy efficiency targets, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. In its annual review of the built environment, the Government’s independent advisory body warned that recent emission drops stem from a warmer winter rather than true … Read more
Bucharest, Romania offers five-star luxury hotel rooms for around $150 per night, providing a budget-friendly alternative to Western European capitals like London, Paris, and Rome where similar accommodations routinely cost up to $1,000 nightly, according to travel industry reporting published by Travel Off Path. Escaping Western European Sticker Shock in Eastern Europe Planning a standard … Read more
The State of Israel has canceled a NIS 1.3 billion grant intended for Intel for 2025, according to the State Budget Execution Report from the Finance Ministry’s Accountant General Department. The cancellation follows the chipmaker’s decision to freeze its Kiryat Gat plant expansion plan and halt planned investments under a multi-billion-dollar agreement signed with the … Read more
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) currently holds Rp1.6 trillion in unpaid budget arrears to third-party vendors for the 2025 Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) project. According to BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari, the agency’s budget allocation is blocked by the state treasurer, preventing payment for services and construction projects completed during the budget year. Status of … Read more
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a $34 billion state budget into law on Tuesday, marking the first time the state has enacted a comprehensive spending plan in over 1,000 days. The legislation, which follows roughly a year of negotiations between Republican legislative leaders, includes a 3% raise for all state employees and a reduction … Read more
The Indonesian government is scaling back President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meal programme following weeks of nationwide protests demanding its complete suspension. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the decision, stating that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) initiated the reduction to ensure budget security, though he noted the programme remains a “good programme” that … Read more
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki has formally accused energy retailer Origin Energy of increasing electricity prices despite a recent Australian Energy Regulator (AER) benchmark that could lower bills by up to 7.2 per cent. Mr. Janetzki, also serving as the state’s energy minister, described the retail price hikes as “playing games” and warned that further retailers … Read more
European Council President António Costa faces internal backlash from EU leaders following his outreach to the Kremlin. While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the contact “understandable,” nine diplomats told POLITICO that behind-the-scenes discontent is high, with some officials comparing Costa’s independent actions to the controversial leadership style of his predecessor, Charles Michel. Why are … Read more
Capital Gains Tax Reform: Industry Leaders Push for Lower Rates Davy and PwC Ireland have formally requested that the Government implement significant cuts to the Republic’s 33 per cent capital gains tax (CGT) rate in the 2027 Budget. Both firms argue that reducing the tax burden is essential to stimulate entrepreneurship, boost domestic investment, and … Read more