Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a six-month suspension on raw shea exports to boost local processing, job creation, and protect the shea value chain, predominantly benefiting women. This move aims to increase Nigeria's share in the $6.5 billion global shea market, currently capturing less than 1% despite producing nearly 40% of the world's supply. The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on creating value domestically and competing globally. Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead efforts to expand processing capacity and ensure the reform brings lasting prosperity to farmers, women, and the nation.
New York Democrat Representative Tom Suozzi voted against President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" despite agreeing with roughly 75% of its provisions.
Suozzi justified his decision by citing concerns over preserving lower tax rates for the wealthy, Medicaid cuts and the bill's impact on the deficit. He stated that these aspects were "devastating" and outweighed the benefits of the bill.
Suozzi's vote reflects the challenges of partisan politics, where lawmakers often face pressure to toe the party line. The bill passed with a narrow margin, with most Democrats opposing it and nearly all Republicans voting in favor.