World News

US-Israelis travel to Washington to plea for family’s release from Hamas on October 26, 2023 at 8:53 pm

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

Relatives of four dual American Israeli citizens Thursday said securing the release of 220 hostages held by Hamas should be the priority agenda for the international community.

The family members, who traveled from Israel to visit members of Congress in Washington, thanked President Biden for prioritizing their plight.

“I feel it’s upon us to make sure that there is continued pressure on members of Congress and the Senate to keep this topic front and center and to try to come to a resolution of this situation as quickly as possible,” Jeffrey Yehuda Beinin said. His daughter, Liat Beinin, and her husband were kidnapped from the southern Israeli community of Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Beinin said that he believes his son-in-law, a volunteer security officer with the kibbutz, was abducted and taken into Gaza early on in Hamas’s Oct. 7 assault, given that no traces of his son-in-law’s blood have been found in his home or the surrounding area.

“So the assumption is that he’s been abducted to Gaza,” he said.

Beinin said his daughter was kidnapped from her home.

“Hamas terrorists got to my daughters house and abducted her and set the house on fire, they killed the dog,” he said.

Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union, has released just four hostages amid negotiations involving the U.S., Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the International Red Cross. Israel says it believes 220 people are being held by the group.

The U.S. has not confirmed how many hostages are Americans, although two of the four released were dual, U.S.-Israeli citizens.

Hamas kidnapped people from communities in southern Israel in attacks that left 1,400 people, predominantly civilians, dead. The Biden administration and members of Congress in both parties have compared atrocities committed by Hamas to the worst acts of the Islamic State.

The mission to recover the hostages is extremely daunting, and “unprecedented,” said Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), a co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad.

The task force was launched in 2021 to help guide congressional offices helping people wrongfully detained abroad by terrorist groups or foreign governments.

Hill said the scale of Hamas’s kidnapping, which covers people with more than two dozen nationalities, coupled with the information blackout on their captivity in the Gaza Strip makes negotiations to secure their release more likely than extradition.

Another complication is Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza. Israel says it is targeting Hamas military infrastructure, but it has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and raised concerns that hostages may have been harmed or killed.

The U.S. has reportedly called for Israel to delay launching a ground incursion to allow more time for negotiations to recover hostages.

While Hamas said it released four hostages on “humanitarian grounds,” it has said that it hopes to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. It views the holding of Israeli soldiers, in particular, as valuable bargaining chips to achieve their aims.

But Hamas’s hostages also include young children, women, elderly people and sick and disabled victims.

Two of the family members present on Capitol Hill are fathers of young men who were serving in the Israel Defense Forces when they were believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas.

Ruby Chen is the father of Itay Chen, 19; and Ronen Neutra is the father of Omar Neutra, 22, who was serving in a tank unit near the border with Gaza.

Asked if he had spoken with the administration over what could be offered to Hamas, Hill said, “We’ve had conversations with the administration about the steps they’re taking, but I’d leave it at that.”

Noam Peri, whose 79-year-old father Chaim was kidnapped from Nir Oz, was among the people who traveled to Capitol Hill. She pleaded with those listening to recognize it is individual lives at stake.

“We’ve made this long trip to be able to tell you these stories, because we know the numbers are staggering and no one can think of 220 people in captivity,” she said.

She said those kidnapped from the small community of Nir Oz included 16 children, among them toddlers and a nursing baby.

“We also know there are 25 elderly above the age of 75. No one of these people should have a moment more [in captivity]. I’ve been here for the past three days meeting members of the Congress and Senate and we feel the overwhelming support and understanding and the willingness to take leadership on this humanitarian crisis in getting all the hostages back.”

Relatives of four dual American Israeli citizens Thursday said securing the release of 220 hostages held by Hamas should be the priority agenda for the international community. The family members, who traveled from Israel to visit members of Congress in Washington, thanked President Biden for prioritizing their plight. “I feel it’s upon us to make…

Business

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

Published

3 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

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

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

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

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

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.