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Mexico’s next president will be a woman on September 7, 2023 at 2:31 am

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Mexico’s ruling party on Wednesday appointed former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum as its presidential candidate for 2024, all but guaranteeing that the country’s next leader will be the first woman to hold the office. 

Sheinbaum is running against Sen. Xóchitl Gálvez, whose surprise entry into the opposition primaries galvanized and united a motley group of civil society organizations and political parties that were once bitter rivals. 

Gálvez on Sunday was formally appointed as the opposition’s unity candidate in a massive rally at Mexico City’s “angel of independence,” a central monument that’s often served as an alternate focal point to the officialist symbolism of the city’s main square and National Palace. 

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The ruling party, Morena, was built around the figure of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and shook the Mexican political system with a landslide takeover of the executive and legislative branches in 2018. 

López Obrador, who is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection, is also legally constrained from influencing the electoral process, but he has made his presence felt in both the Morena and opposition primaries. 

Morena’s primary was built around a “public consult” – a poll – with results announced late Wednesday. 

The party’s two major contenders were Sheinbaum and former Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, though Sheinbaum was generally perceived as López Obrador’s favorite, with Ebrard denouncing what he called an uneven playing field throughout the process. 

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Though López Obrador was careful not to explicitly weigh in on the Morena primary, which also included a few minor candidates, two of his brothers were key players, one endorsing Sheinbaum and the other Ebrard. 

López Obrador has often relied on Morena’s public polling structure to determine high-level decisions, such as the construction of an airport or the closure of a U.S.-owned beer plant. In every case, the polls have yielded the result López Obrador is known to support. 

Ebrard’s supporters accused Sheinbaum of using social programs to illicitly bolster her campaign, as well as of under-reporting exorbitant campaign spending. 

Ebrard on Wednesday called for a re-do of Morena’s presidential polls before the result was announced, and he accused the party of using police to prevent his supporters from personally observing the ballot count. 

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On Wednesday, Gálvez reacted to the split in Morena by cheering on Ebrard from the Senate, telling him to “hold on.”

“It’s not convenient for me: I’m going to get my own. I’m going to go to the street, to wherever I need to get. I’m not thinking about who breaks [off], who is divided,” said Gálvez, according to local papers.

“I just saw that Marcelo said the process had to be re-done and that’s why I cheered him on.”

Ebrard said late Wednesday he would announce his future plans on Monday; third-party and independent bids are widely seen as long shots.

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Though Ebrard lambasted party leaders, he has been careful not to single out the president as putting his thumb on the scale. 

López Obrador was, however, instrumental in the opposition’s internal process. 

In 2022, he accused Gálvez, a senator, of giving a speech in opposition to government cash transfers to alleviate poverty. 

Gálvez, at the time seen as a leading contender to run for mayor of Mexico City, called out the president, who she said distorted her speech, in which she said she supported the cash transfers but argued they were ineffective without educational programs. 

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In June, Gálvez showed up at the doors of the National Palace, the seat of government where López Obrador lives and works, and demanded a right of reply during the president’s daily hours-long broadcast. 

The doors to the National Palace were shut in her face, Gálvez made a series of viral videos about the issue and her campaign took off. 

For weeks, López Obrador harangued Gálvez at his daily briefings, at one point even violating a court-imposed gag order. 

Gálvez capitalized on the presidential spotlight, jumping into the previously lackluster opposition presidential primary. 

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The opposition primary field quickly dwindled after Gálvez entered the race, until only she and Sen. Beatriz Paredes – a seasoned political operator – were left days ahead of a final poll.

Amid public polling showing a clear advantage for Gálvez and the potential for Morena activists to attempt to disrupt the final opposition poll, Paredes declined in favor of Gálvez.

The opposition coalition was formed as a last-ditch effort by older parties to compete with Morena’s powerful political operation, based on López Obrador’s popularity and his government’s penchant for on-the-fly electoral reforms.

Though the courts limited how far López Obrador was able to take his reforms, Gálvez and the opposition still face an uphill battle against Morena’s political machinery.

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The three parties in the opposition alliance had at one point set their goals for 2024 at keeping Morena from running the table to win a constitutional majority, but now face the challenge of mounting a competitive run toward the June 2 elections.

​ Mexico’s ruling party on Wednesday appointed former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum as its presidential candidate for 2024, all but guaranteeing that the country’s next leader will be the first woman to hold the office. Sheinbaum is running against Sen. Xóchitl Gálvez, whose surprise entry into the opposition primaries galvanized and united a motley group… 

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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

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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.

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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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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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.

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US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

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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.

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Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

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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.

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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.

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