World News

Zelensky visit ups stakes for Ukraine aid in spending bill on September 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm

Published

3 years ago

September 30, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Washington last week with a dire warning, that Russia is counting on eroding U.S. support to win its war against his country.

“It’s not about some kind of weapon, or some money, it’s not about it, because… we will have some help,” Zelensky told a small group of news outlets in Washington last week, including The Hill. “But in two or three months, if we will lose some support, it means that we can lose the war.”

Zelensky’s appearance seemed to make a difference with GOP leaders, particularly in the Senate, which is moving forward with a stopgap spending measure that includes $6.15 billion in support for Ukraine despite the vocal opposition of Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has threatened to hold up the legislation over the issue.

Senate Republicans also think it will be easier to get funding for Ukraine passed by Congress if it is included in must-pass legislation.

But Ukraine is complicating matters in the House, where dozens of Republicans oppose continued funding for Ukraine.

On Friday night, hours after his conference rejected his previous proposal to keep the government open, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) floated the idea of a “clean” two-week stopgap measure with no aid for Ukraine.

“I think if we had a clean one without Ukraine on it, we could probably be able to move that through,” McCarthy said after a lengthy GOP conference meeting on Friday when asked about a clean continuing resolution. “I think if the Senate puts Ukraine on there and focuses Ukraine over America, I think that could cause real problems.”

McCarthy’s comments underline the importance Ukraine aid is now taking in the fight over the shutdown.

There have been signs this week of increasing opposition to funding for Ukraine in the House GOP.

In a series of votes on Wednesday, a majority of GOP House lawmakers rejected efforts to cut back on funding for Ukraine, voting down a trio of amendments to a Pentagon appropriations bill that would have curtailed Washington’s financial support for Kyiv.

But on Thursday night, more than half of Republicans in the House voted against $300 million in aide to Ukraine. The aid did pass in a 311-117 vote. McCarthy at the last minute stripped the aid from the defense bill — the provision had been included since 2016 — so it could pass on a GOP-only vote, while pushing through the Ukraine funding separately on the back of Democrats.

Zelensky during his visit last week said he believed that McCarthy supported Ukraine but understood he faces challenges, saying the process would not be “simple.”

McCarthy is under a constant threat from various conservatives to unseat him through a procedural motion known as a “motion to vacate the chair” which would lead to a vote to end his Speakership.

McCarthy’s moves this week do suggest he is trying to maintain support for Ukraine, but even before floating the Ukraine-free measure on Friday night, he’d insisted the issue should be kept out of the stopgap measure and dealt with on its own as a supplemental.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), a McCarthy ally who has repeatedly backed Kyiv in House votes, criticized the decision to include Ukraine money in the Senate stopgap, calling it a “strategic political mistake” and “so dumb” to bring Ukraine funding into the government spending fight.

McHenry specifically blamed the Biden administration in his public comments, but the decision to do so was backed by Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and his leadership team.

Opponents of Ukraine funding in the House feel like they are gaining momentum.

The House vote on providing $300 million in assistance to Ukraine on Thursday night received 117 GOP “no” votes, more than a similar vote on Wednesday night.

A similar phenomenon played out with an amendment proposed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fl.) that called for prohibiting any U.S. assistance for Ukraine. The amendment failed in a vote Wednesday night but it had 93 Republicans voting in favor, an increase from the 70 GOP members who voted for the amendment in July.

Matthew Tragesser, communications director for Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), told The Hill that the congressman’s “colleagues in the House are finally starting to realize that the United States should not be funding another never-ending war overseas.”

Some GOP critics of U.S. assistance for Ukraine say the Biden administration has failed to explain what their goals are in supporting Kyiv. President Biden has said the U.S. will be with Ukraine “as long as it takes” for it to survive Russia’s aggression.

Zelensky’s visit last week certainly didn’t change the views of lawmakers who have long opposed U.S. support for Ukraine.

“I just don’t think that continuing to spend money without any clear plan … is wise, I mean that’s been my position for a long, long time, I didn’t hear anything that changed that,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) told The Hill.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) said it’s important that Congress provide more money for Ukraine in the wake of Zelensky’s visit as a sign of the United States’ continuing commitment to supporting its war against Russia.

“I think it’s a message to the world if we interrupt that flow of support so I think it’s very important that we continue those resources,” he said. “To interrupt it would do grave damage to our relationship with the world.”

Hickenlooper said “there’s significant support in the House and the Senate” for backing Ukraine.

“I think he knew that we were coming together with a budget and he came to make his case before we did the budget,” Hickenlooper added. “I think he was coming to thank us. He was profuse in his gratitude but also to say, ‘We can win this.’”

Emily Brooks and Alexander Bolton contributed to this report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Washington last week with a dire warning, that Russia is counting on eroding U.S. support to win its war against his country. “It’s not about some kind of weapon, or some money, it’s not about it, because… we will have some help,” Zelensky told a small group of news outlets…

Business

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

Published

1 month 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

7 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.