Levi

France has proposed that fines imposed by the European Union on Google be used to reduce the contributions member states pay into the EU budget. The suggestion, reported by Reuters, links competition enforcement revenue to the bloc's finances. The proposal is likely to spark debate over how the EU should use the large antitrust penalties it regularly levies on major US technology companies.

A television advertisement carrying President Trump's midterm messaging was paid for by the US government, according to an Associated Press report. The arrangement raises questions about the use of public funds for political messaging ahead of the midterm elections, and is drawing attention from observers concerned about the line between government communication and campaign advertising.

Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, Cuba's deputy foreign minister, told C-SPAN's Washington Journal on Sunday that it would be an "atrocious international crime" for the United States to use military force against Cuba. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Havana and Washington, and are drawing attention to concerns over potential US military action against the island.

Washington State introduced a tax on its wealthiest residents, and wealthy taxpayers are now pressing for its repeal. The debate touches on whether high taxes on millionaires drive them to move to lower-tax states, and it has drawn national attention as other states weigh similar levies on the rich. Critics call the tax punitive; supporters argue it funds essential services fairly.

The UK government is considering a levy on broadband subscriptions as a way to fund the BBC, potentially replacing or supplementing the traditional television licence fee. The proposal would mean every household with an internet connection contributes to the broadcaster's financing, reflecting a shift toward digital viewing habits. The idea is likely to spark debate over whether non-BBC viewers should be required to pay for it.

Coverage is explaining how the so-called mansion tax will operate and which homeowners will be affected. Reports outline that properties above a certain value threshold will face an additional levy, with buyers and sellers in expensive areas expected to feel the biggest impact. Homeowners, estate agents and analysts are weighing what the changes mean for house prices, transactions and tax bills in high-value housing markets.

Filmmaker and producer Shawn Levy has signed an overall deal with Disney's 20th Television, moving his production company's TV business after a long run at Netflix. Levy, whose credits include directing Deadpool & Wolverine and producing Stranger Things through 21 Laps, will now develop television projects under the Disney banner. The move marks a notable shift for one of Netflix's most prolific creative partners.

Washington State introduced a tax on high earners, and wealthy residents are now funding a campaign to have it repealed. The effort has reignited debate over whether taxing the rich drives them out of the state and whether such levies can survive political and legal challenges.

A coalition of trade groups is calling on the U.S. Trade Representative to extend the current pause on port fees targeting China-linked vessels, warning that the fees would raise shipping costs and disrupt supply chains. The levy, announced as part of a broader response to China's dominance in shipbuilding, has drawn criticism from retailers, exporters and carriers who say the timing would add strain to an already fragile global trade environment.

Filmmaker and producer Shawn Levy has signed an overall deal with Disney's 20th Television, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The agreement will see Levy's production company develop television projects for the studio. Levy is known for directing and producing major film and TV hits, and the deal strengthens Disney's roster of high-profile creative talent for its television slate.

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the sitcom 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at the age of 75. The death was reported by the New York Times in an obituary. Haskins was a familiar face to a generation of viewers, and tributes from fans remembering his role as the friendly Bays High principal are circulating.

The French government wants to increase the tax paid by motorway and airport concession holders as part of its 2027 budget, according to Le Monde. The levy on companies operating France's toll motorway network and airports would rise as ministers look for new revenue. The move is likely to reignite debate over the profits concessionaires make from tolls and could raise costs for operators.

A subsidiary of Sber has been designated as the operator of the technological fee in Russia, according to reporting carried by business and regional media. The technological fee is an industry levy mechanism, and the choice of the state-affiliated bank's daughter company as its operator is drawing attention because it extends Sber's role in state infrastructure projects. Commentators are weighing what the appointment means for other market players and fee administration.

Hedge fund manager Adam Levinson is returning to investing, two years after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank forced his fund, Graticule Asset Management Asia, to shut down. The fund was hit when SVB's March 2023 failure triggered heavy losses across markets. His comeback is drawing attention as a sign that investors are moving on from the SVB fallout.

A draft law reported by WELT shows Germany's planned sugar tax would take effect in July 2027, with revenue earmarked for budget chief Matthias Mollmann's—actually Labour Minister Hubertus Heil's successor plans tied to SPD leader Lars Klingbeil's household budget calculations. The levy on sugary drinks is expected to bring in significant sums, and debate is growing over its impact on consumers and the food industry.

Taylor Swift has spoken publicly about the meaning behind her 'Patient Zero' music video, offering fans an explanation of its concept and message. She also revealed that Cara Delevingne played a surprise role in the video, a detail that had not been widely known before and has since drawn attention from fans discussing the clip and its hidden references.

A New York judge has ruled that the city's rollout of the pied-à-terre tax, a levy on second homes, was flawed and ordered officials to scrap it and start over. The ruling is a setback for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. It follows a legal challenge mounted by casino mogul Miriam Adelson's family and a former Trump administration official, who joined forces against the tax. The city must now redo the implementation process.

Typhoon No. 26 is approaching Okinawa, while heavy rain batters parts of Kyushu. In Nagasaki Prefecture, a landslide has been reported amid the downpours. Japanese broadcasters, including TV Asahi, are tracking the storm's path and urging residents in Okinawa, Kumamoto, Fukuoka and Nagasaki to stay alert to flooding and further landslides.

TBS plans to integrate its broadcast core operations with its 28 affiliated regional stations under a 'center system', the first of its kind for terrestrial broadcasting in Japan, with operations targeted to begin in 2029. The restructuring, reported by Sankei Shimbun, would centralize functions such as master control, a significant shift in how Japanese commercial TV networks operate amid industry pressures.

Oricon News reports that the One Piece anime will not air its newest episode until next year, with production policy changing from the Elbaf arc onward. Fans of the long-running series are reacting to the schedule shake-up, which signals a shift in how the anime will be produced as the story enters its next major chapter.

Kent County's Levy Court in Delaware has approved plans for a 25-acre solar farm, a decision that went ahead despite objections from some local residents. The project adds to growing renewable energy development in the state. Supporters see it as a step toward cleaner energy, while opponents raised concerns about land use and the farm's impact on the community.

The long-running Japanese talk show Tetsuko's Room has announced a sudden change to its broadcast schedule. A memorial episode honoring screenwriter Kuromoto Sō, who recently died, will air on the 29th, replacing the previously scheduled episode featuring actor Ken Tanaka, which has been pushed back. The program is paying tribute to one of Japan's most celebrated drama writers.

SMILE-UP., the Japanese talent agency formerly known as Johnny & Associates, has announced a change to its management structure under which president Nobuyuki Higashiyama will step down. The announcement was covered by TV Asahi's ANN news network and picked up on Yahoo! News in Japan, drawing attention to the agency's ongoing leadership reshuffle.

The One Piece anime will not air its latest episode until next year, as the production team changes its approach starting with the Elbaf arc, according to Oricon. The move is being discussed as part of efforts to improve quality and pacing for the long-running series' next chapter.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the nation's first tax targeting private immigration detention corporations, according to the California Immigrant Policy Center. The measure makes California the first state to levy such a fee on companies that operate immigration detention facilities. Advocates welcomed the step, and the first-of-its-kind nature of the policy is drawing attention nationwide.

A wave of price adjustments takes effect in Japan this October, touching everyday products and services. Changes include a tax cut on beer alongside levy increases on quasi-beer and heat-not-burn tobacco products, affecting household costs for many consumers.

Actress Miyako Yoshiko is drawing attention in Japan after sharing relatable comments about quiz shows, saying buzzers are 'truly no good' and describing the common experience of a thought suddenly crossing your mind. Her remarks, reported by Sponichi Annex, have struck a chord with viewers who recognize the same quiz-show habits.

The New Yorker has published a television piece asking whether what audiences watch is true or false. The article examines questions of truthfulness and authenticity in television programming, prompting readers to consider how much of what is presented on screen can be trusted. Discussion is limited so far, with the item circulating mainly among culture watchers.

New York City has appealed a Staten Island judge's ruling that struck down the pied-à-terre tax championed by mayor-elect Zohrani Mamdani, a proposal to levy higher taxes on rarely used luxury apartments. The appeal keeps the contentious property tax measure alive as opponents and supporters await a higher court's decision.