Business

White House prepares for sharp rise in poverty rate on September 11, 2023 at 11:00 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

1 year ago

September 11, 2023

The White House is preparing for a sharp rise in the U.S. poverty rate following the end of pandemic-era child tax credit (CTC) expansion.

President Biden and Democrats fought unsuccessfully last year to extend an expanded version of the CTC that started during the depths of the pandemic and temporarily lifted millions of children out of poverty.

The Census Bureau is set to release Tuesday its annual report on poverty, income, and health insurance. The new poverty data will be a hit for Biden, whose reelection campaign could hinge on how Americans feel about the economy.

The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) said in a blog post Friday that it expects a “sharp rise” in the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which measures income and benefits plus government programs such as tax refunds and food stamps.

To “understand why this is likely to happen in 2022, it is crucial to remember what happened in 2021,” the CEA argued.

A Democratic-controlled Congress passed the beefed-up CTC in 2021, boosting the credit eligible parents could receive to $3,000 per child over the age of 6 and $3,600 per child under the age of 6.

The enhanced CTC alone lifted almost 3 million children out of poverty in 2021 and cut the child poverty rate by more than 40 percent in 2021, the CEA wrote.

The expansion expired in December 2021, and Democrats have not been able to strike a deal with Republicans to bring it back since.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who has championed expanding the program, said that the census data will show that Congress should have not allowed the expanded credit to expire.

“When we expanded the Child Tax Credit, we demonstrated that we don’t have to accept one of the highest childhood poverty rates in the industrialized world as a permanent feature of our democracy. Tomorrow’s data will show we never should have let it expire, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to restore it,” he told The Hill in a statement.

The CEA argued Friday that the increase in poverty is likely to persist absent congressional action to restore the enhanced child tax credit.

Zach Moller, director of the economic program at the center-left think tank Third Way, said Democrats will uphold this report as a good reason to continue the child tax credit expansion because it’s proof that government intervention is necessary.

“The government can absolutely fight childhood poverty, it just costs money to do it,” he said. “Those policies that the Biden administration and the Congress were able to implement in the American Rescue Plan act were temporary, so the improvement in child poverty is temporary.”

Cutting child poverty for the long term has been a goal for Biden since he took office.

The expanded CTC was a centerpiece of Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the 2021 economic relief bill passed after Democrats took control of the White House and Congress.

Biden and fellow Democrats are eager to tout the benefits of the president’s economic plan, dubbed “Bidenomics,” with the 2024 election roughly a year away.

Republicans have blamed Biden for the surge in inflation that began shortly after he took office, though price growth sped up across the world in the wake of the pandemic.

Biden, meanwhile, has recently stepped up attacks on former President Trump about the economy while hoping to highlight the rapid recovery and the historically strong job market of his own presidency.

Biden and Democratic lawmakers have also touted trillions of dollars allocated for improving infrastructure, bringing down drug prices, expanding manufacturing and cracking down on tax evasion by the wealthy and corporations.

But messaging about the economy hasn’t been easy for the Biden administration; Bidenomics is a major talking point for the administration on the campaign trail but has yet to really take off with Americans.

A recent RealClearPolitics polling average shows just 38 percent of those surveyed approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, compared with 58.4 percent who disapprove.

Biden has been hit with dismal polling numbers overall lately. A CNN poll released last week found that 46 percent of registered voters said any Republican presidential nominee would be better than Biden in next year’s election and found his overall approval rating at a 39 percent.

Moller argued that Biden’s focus on creating jobs, especially for low-income Americans, could bring him closer to his goal of cutting child poverty because of provisions in his top legislative achievements — the Inflation Reduction Act, the infrastructure bill, and the CHIPs and Science Act.

“All that manufacturing is going to be incredibly helpful for folks with out there that don’t have a college degree. And so that is another way of trying to tackle childhood poverty, by making sure that parents have a good-paying job,” Moller said.

In its blog post, the CEA noted that the Congressional Budget Office projected in 2021 that it would take until the end of 2025 for the jobless rate to fall under 4 percent. The unemployment rate was 3.8 percent as of August, not far from its 3.5 percent rate before the pandemic.

Inflation is steadily improving, a success that the president touts often. But the CEA expects Tuesday’s census data to show inflation-adjusted income falling in 2022.

The agency blamed “elevated pandemic inflation” and “factors such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and avian bird flu” for the 2022 data, and the Biden administration will likely argue that the data is in the rear-view because of the improvements in inflation in 2023.

Business, Administration The White House is preparing for a sharp rise in the U.S. poverty rate following the end of pandemic-era child tax credit (CTC) expansion. President Biden and Democrats fought unsuccessfully last year to extend an expanded version of the CTC that started during the depths of the pandemic and temporarily lifted millions of children out…

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Business

No Badge? No Problem: Free SXSW Events

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

SXSW, one of the world’s most vibrant festivals, is underway in Austin, Texas, from March 7 to 15, 2025. While official badges can be pricey, there are plenty of free events and activities that allow everyone to join in on the fun without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to some of the best free events at SXSW 2025:

Free Food and Drinks

Argentinian Barbecue at Tech N’ Fest
- Enjoy a fusion of Argentinian and Texas barbecue, along with complimentary wine and beer, at Buenos Cafe on March 7.

Love is Blind at Lucille
- Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Netflix’s “Love is Blind” with free coffee and cocktails at Lucille on Rainey Street.
Free Pastries and Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Handsome’s and Helium Mobile are hosting a gathering with free pastries and non-alcoholic beer, featuring DJ Jah Karma.
Mionetto Salone
- Experience Italian culture with free spritzes and Prosecco at the Mex-Ar Museum.

Interactive Experiences

Whataburger’s Museum of Art
- Explore hundreds of pieces of fan art and interactive features at Wanderlust Wine Co. on March 8-9.
Barbie Birthday Cake Mochi
- Enjoy free mochi ice cream at the SX Registrant booth from March 7 to 12.
Artisan Mercado@SXSW
- Discover local artisans and their wares at 419 Congress Ave. on March 7..

Music and Entertainment

Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase
- Catch live music performances at ACL Live from March 11 to 14.

Taiwan Beats Day Party
- Enjoy Taiwanese hip-hop performances and cuisine at Seven on East 7th Street.
Something To Feel X SXSW Rnb Party
- Dance the night away at 612 W 4th St on March 7.

Networking and Community Events

K-Content Night 2025 @ SXSW
- Enjoy free dinner and drinks at Parlor & Yard on March 8.
SXSW Creator & Publisher Happy Hour
- Network with industry leaders at Chisos Boot Company on March 8.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Business

HRM Queen Shanta Lana Hereford Delivers Powerful Speech on Global Peace

Published

3 weeks ago

February 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

New Delhi, India – February 16, 2025 – Her Royal Majesty Queen Shanta Lana Hereford, a distinguished global leader and advocate for peace and economic empowerment, was a special
guest speaker at an international event hosted by the EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce. The
hybrid event, aired live from New Delhi, India, gathered influential leaders, policymakers, and business executives from around the world to discuss global cooperation, economic diplomacy, and sustainable peace.

Queen Shanta delivered a compelling speech titled “Creating a Framework for a Global Peace Charter,” emphasizing the need for a justice-centered, faith-driven approach to global peace. She outlined a transformative vision, calling for governments, businesses, and faith leaders to unite to draft policies integrating equity, economic accountability, and environmental stewardship into global governance.

“The pursuit of peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, dignity, and
opportunity for all, ” Queen Shanta stated. “We must move beyond just talking and establish
actionable frameworks that empower nations and communities to achieve lasting prosperity and peace.”

The EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of its founder and chairman, Dr. Rohit Gupta, is dedicated to fostering economic and cultural collaboration between Africa, Asia, and Europe. The organization aims to create a strong, interconnected business network
bridging these regions, facilitating pathways for economic prosperity and diplomatic relations.
As a prolific leader within the African American diaspora and a global advocate for its
advancement, HRM Queen Shanta Lana Hereford is actively exploring opportunities for trade
and commerce between Africa, Asia, Europe, and other international communities.

Through her affiliations with organizations such as The African Diaspora Collective, The Atlanta Black Chambers, The Black Achievement Fund, The National Business League, The 10K Project, and many others, she is championing economic initiatives that build sustainable supply chains and foster strategic partnerships.

Her mission is to create economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in America, who have historically been excluded from global trade discussions. By forging these international connections, Queen Hereford is working to ensure that Black communities in the U.S. not only have a seat at the table but play a key role in shaping the future of international commerce, economic empowerment, and global policy.

The event featured several other distinguished guests, including:
● Dr. Rohit Gupta: Founder and Chairman of the EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce,
Dr. Gupta has been instrumental in promoting cross-continental business relationships
and trade.
● H.E. Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan: Founder of the BSK Prayer Tower and IRKT, Bishop
Dr. Khan serves as a Peace Ambassador for the International Human Rights
Commission (IHRC) and holds the position of Asia’s Social Media Editor. He is dedicated
to promoting peace and spiritual well-being across communities.
● Madam Sadhvi Pragya Bharti: Sadhvi Pragya Bharti is a spiritual leader, humanitarian,
and national media panelist known for her advocacy of social and educational reforms
rooted in spirituality and justice.

The event underscored the importance of strategic economic partnerships as a tool for
peacebuilding, aligning with Queen Hereford’s global mission of self-determination and
economic sovereignty for Black and Indigenous communities worldwide.

As part of her continued advocacy, Queen Hereford urged global stakeholders to collaborate on
drafting a Global Peace Charter, organizing annual Global Peace Assemblies, and
implementing economic policies that uplift marginalized communities.

This event marks a significant milestone in international diplomacy, reinforcing the role of
economic and cultural cooperation in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
H.E. Roselyn Omaka
National Press Secretary, Nation of Cherut
Email: nps@nationofcherut.org
Phone: 281.301.5535