World News
DeSantis says Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza is ‘not collective punishment’ for Palestinians on October 15, 2023 at 5:21 pm

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Israel’s counteroffensive against Palestinian militant group is “not collective punishment,” for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.
Asked on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” if collective punishment is something he supports, DeSantis said, “It’s not collective punishment. Hamas is the one that is creating this predicament. Hamas is the one who always uses civilian targets to conduct operations.”
Pointing to Hamas’s reported conversion of religious infrastructure into militant base operations, DeSantis, who is also running in the 2024 Republican presidential primary race, said such infrastructure needs to be treated as a military target.
“So under normal circumstances, of course you don’t target a religious institution, but if you have terrorist groups that are converting that into a base of operations, then you absolutely treat that as military targets,” DeSantis said. “But that’s because Hamas is making those decisions to covert that…infrastructure into the use for terrorist purposes.”
Fighting raged on for the eighth day on Sunday in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, invading multiple Israeli towns by land, sea and air which resulted in Israel sending a barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.
Israel was quick to ratchet up a major counteroffensive and has since launched hundreds of air strikes into Gaza. The strikes destroyed dozens of neighborhoods and forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians out of their homes.
Israel warned an estimated 1.1 million people in Gaza to evacuate ahead of an expected ground attack by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly telling residents not to leave and to instead stay in their home.
“So they’re using the civilians as human shields,” DeSantis said. “So, of course when you’re in a war, you want to avoid that. but if there are civilian casualties, that’s the fault of Hamas, that’s not going to be the fault of Israel.”
Adding to growing crisis is Israel’s siege over water, food and electricity on the territory’s already depleting resources. When asked what he would advise the Israeli military to avoid attacking basic infrastructure, DeSantis pointed to Hamas’s capture of hostages.
“The Hamas is holding people hostage,” DeSantis said. “Still, you have Israelis being held hostage as well as Americans being held….I don’t think they’re under an obligation to be providing water in these utilities, while those hostages are being held.”
DeSantis argued Hamas should return the hostages “before any discussions are had,” and that Israel has “every right to use all the pressure that they can,” to allow for the release of hostages.
U.S. officials have confirmed Americans are among the hostages, though the exact number is not known. The State Department said Saturday 15 American citizens remain unaccounted for, though U.S. officials have emphasized this does not mean they all are being held hostage.
The death toll from both sides climbed to over 3,600 as of Saturday, with thousands more injured since the militant group’s attacks last weekend. The State Department on Saturday upped confirmed American casualties to 27.
In Gaza, an estimated 2,329 Palestinians have died and 9,042 were injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Authorities in Israel said over 1,300 Israelis have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them civilians killed in Hamas’s deadly surprise attack last weekend, according to The Associated Press(AP.).
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Israel’s counteroffensive against Palestinian militant group is “not collective punishment,” for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Asked on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” if collective punishment is something he supports, DeSantis said, “It’s not collective punishment. Hamas is the one that is creating this predicament….
Business
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”
London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.
This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:
• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum
• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament
• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia
• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia
• Former President of Tanzania
• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum
• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria
• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom
• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom
• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum
• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast
• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature
• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo
• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)
• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto
• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:
“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”
The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying
Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.
How Taxes Work Now
Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.
Questions From Experts
Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.
What Congress Must Do
The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now
For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.
News
Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.
The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.
“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”
U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.
Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.
The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.
Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.
As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.
Advice4 weeks agoHow to Make Your Indie Film Pay Off Without Losing Half to Distributors
Advice4 weeks agoHow to Find Your Voice as a Filmmaker
Entertainment4 weeks agoOzempic Era: Beauty, Lizard Venom, Big Pharma
Film Industry3 weeks ago67% Of Film Roles Are Now White Again — And Hollywood Knows Exactly What It’s Doing
News4 weeks agoCan AI Really Steal Your Fingerprints From a Selfie?
Film Industry4 weeks agoActors Win AI Deal – But Your Face Is Still Training the Machine
Business4 weeks agoBuilding a 10 Million Army: One Leader’s Mission to Save Tomorrow
Entertainment5 days agoSTREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026


















