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Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march across DC on November 5, 2023 at 12:29 am

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Tens of thousands of supporters of Palestine marched across Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest the Israeli war against Hamas and the bombing of Gaza, flooding the streets and demonstrating outside the White House as they called for a cease-fire and an end to U.S. support for Israel.

Protesters gathered at Freedom Plaza on Saturday afternoon and rallied around speakers who cried out against what they called a genocide in Gaza. 

Among the speakers was the rapper Macklemore, who told thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters he was “not afraid” to speak out against the war.

“We’ve been told to just be complicit to protect our careers, to protect our interests — and I’m not going to do it anymore,” Macklemore said atop a stage in Freedom Plaza to a crowd of cheering protesters. “I know enough that this is a genocide.”

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Protesters banged drums, blew trumpets, flew Palestine’s flag and stormed across D.C. to speak out against the war. 

They also held up signs that called for no more U.S. support for Israel and an end to the bombs falling over Gaza, which have killed more than 9,000 people.

Mohamad Ali, 35, traveled all the way from Boston, Mass., to attend the rally. Ali said he was upset about the “killing of children” and called for an immediate ceasefire.

“I look at Israel as an occupying entity that’s come over and took over the land of the Palestinian people,” Ali said. 

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Israel is fighting a major war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,400 Israelis while taking more than 200 hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to completely destroy Hamas in retaliation while rejecting calls for cease-fires. The U.S. wants to protect innocent Palestinians and get more aid into Gaza but also says Israel has a right to defend itself.

The Saturday rally saw thousands of Palestinian supporters calling out Biden by name, accusing him of genocide just outside the White House and waving profanity-laced signs attacking his support for Israel.

A protestor in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4. (Brad Dress)

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Anne Mustafa, of Montgomery County, Md., called for an immediate cease-fire and a greater flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

Mustafa, who is of Palestinian heritage, said the U.S. should cut further aid to Israel and that the Biden administration is doing a “terrible” job with the ongoing conflict. 

“The majority of the people who voted for President Biden are not even supportive of what’s happening right now,” she said. “They don’t want any more aid to be going to Israel but it continues to happen.”

Mustafa, however, strongly condemned Hamas and said she does not support the killing of innocent civilians no matter who is behind it.

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“I do not support any form of terrorism,” Mustafa said. “I support only humanitarian causes.” 

The U.S. is supporting Israel with air defense munitions and is in close contact with Israeli officials. And Congress is now working to pass emergency assistance to support Israel in the war. The House this week cleared a $14.3 billion package for Israel.

Many of the pro-Palestinian supporters on Saturday said they were fed up with U.S. support for Israel and are angry that a two-state solution, in which both Israel and Palestine would have a country, has not seen the light of day.

Israel was created in 1948, after World War II, which displaced the Palestinian people, though Palestine rejected the solution for two states and allied with Arab countries that fought several wars against Israel. 

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The issue has since been a lightning rod across the world, with the Arab world condemning Israel’s occupation and Israel and Jewish supporters protesting against extremist groups such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Pro-Palestinian protestors. (Brad Dress)

Faisal Alkhatib, 19, of Norfolk, Va., said he is of Palestinian heritage and does not believe in an Israeli state “at the expense of people’s lives and lands.” 

“Why should a state be built on people’s lands?” he said. “It shouldn’t have been taken away in the first place.”

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Alkhatib said the thousands of people who came out to support Palestine is an encouraging sign. But he said the war in Gaza was not one about religion and that it should be “simple” to come out and advocate for an end to the mass killing of people.

“All of humanity should come out,” he said. “Not for being Muslim, not for being Christian, not for being Jewish, not for being Palestinian but for being” a human.

The war is expected to get deadlier as Israeli forces have surrounded Gaza City and are beginning incursions into the dense urban area, the stronghold of Hamas.

Many rallygoers also spoke out Saturday against what they called U.S. support for war and conflict across the world.

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Taliba Rashid, who traveled from Philadelphia, Pa., to attend the rally, marched to take a stand not just for Palestine but for “oppressed people everywhere.”

Rashid, a retired customer service representative, said she would not vote for Biden in 2024 because of the Israel-Hamas war.

“This is not a conflict, this is a genocide,” Rashid said. What [Biden] needs to understand is whether [there is a] ceasefire or not, it’s a wrap for him and the whole Democratic Party.”

​ Tens of thousands of supporters of Palestine marched across Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest the Israeli war against Hamas and the bombing of Gaza, flooding the streets and demonstrating outside the White House as they called for a cease-fire and an end to U.S. support for Israel. Protesters gathered at Freedom Plaza on Saturday… 

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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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