Ahead of Sri Lanka’s presidential election, no issue is more central than the economy. With the South Asian country still struggling from its worst financial crisis in decades, Saturday’s ballot amounts to a referendum on austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year. In a crowded field of 38 candidates, all eyes are on three men: incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his two closest rivals, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa, both of whom want a new deal with the Washington, DC-based lender. A six-time prime minister, Wickremesinghe represents the old guard. His United National Party (UNP)…
Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER
Vice President Kamala Harris looked for a boost with persuadable and less-motivated voters as she participated in a livestream Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey to focus on her plans to cut costs for the middle class, restore a national right to abortion and address gun violence. The event, billed as “Unite for America,” and hosted by Winfrey from suburban Michigan, one of this election’s key battlegrounds, sought to tap into the same energy as long-running Winfrey’s talk show, which drove bestseller lists and allowed celebrities to share their softer side and everyday people to share stories…
WASHINGTON, USA – In this episode of Taiwan Salon, GTI program manager Adrienne Wu interviews David Chang, the founder and secretary-general of Crossroads, to talk about the organization’s ongoing dual nationality petition and discuss what dual nationality means for Taiwan – as a country, society, and economy. Taiwan Salon is a podcast produced by the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI), a 501(c)3 policy think tank in Washington, DC. Hosted by members of GTI’s staff, Taiwan Salon examines Taiwan’s cultural policy and approach to soft power from perspectives both inside and outside the government. Through interviews, the series illuminates how Taiwan’s unique history and culture…
Nigerian singer, Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, recently showered praise on her husband, Adekunle Kosoko, aka Adekunle Gold, in a heartwarming video. However, Adekunle Gold’s response left Simi playfully seeking more romance.In the clip, Simi affectionately described Adekunle as “the husband of her youth.” Adekunle reacted with a peaceful gesture, raising two fingers. Simi jokingly expressed disappointment, asking if that was how his father responded to his mother’s affection.Also, Simi hinted that Adekunle should have reciprocated with a more lavish display of love, specifically spraying her with money. However, Adekunle, unfazed, maintained his calm demeanor, still flashing the peace…
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been a staple of Valley sports in Phoenix since entering MLB in 1998. Making the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 2001 last year re-endeared the team to fans in the region after missing the playoffs the previous five seasons.While the team is tethered to its home of Chase Field until 2027, it could be on the move if it can’t come to terms with Maricopa County (which owns the stadium) on a lease extension.A team spokesperson told 12News Wednesday the county’s latest offer was “extremely offensive” because “the County offers no dollars at all” for…
For some time now, South African billionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, has been waging a war against a justice of Brazil’s Supreme Court, Alexandre de Moraes, supposedly to defend Brazilian people’s right to “free speech” on the popular social media platform. So far, however, Musk’s ongoing feud with the judge has achieved nothing in the way of furthering the Brazilian people’s freedom of expression. Instead, it has highlighted the hypocrisy of Musk’s absolutist discourse on free speech and exposed the immediate threat that tech leaders like him who see themselves above the law and the will of nations pose…
NYPD welcomes nearly two dozen K-9 officers The NYPD has recruited some “pawfect” new members of the force! Nearly two dozen dogs are now officially K-9 officers. RANDALL’S ISLAND – The NYPD has recruited some “pawfect” new members of the force! Nearly two dozen dogs are now officially K-9 officers. The NYPD held a graduation ceremony on Randall’s Island on Thursday morning for the new canine cops. The specially trained Labradors and German Shorthaired pointers will now work with the department’s counter-terrorism operations after 8 to 10 weeks of training. At least 10 of the new four-legged officers were named…
GENEVA, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners will call on world leaders to address critical global health challenges, and invest in global public health, at meetings throughout the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), to be held in New York from 20 to 30 September 2024. The second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on 26 September 2024 will be the principal official, health-focused event during the UNGA high-level week. Without decisive action, such as that outlined in the final text of the draft political declaration for the meeting, AMR will cause even more global…
As part of his official visit to Cuba, President Wavel Ramkalawan toured several key health institutions and engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ healthcare sector. President Ramkalawan visited the La Pradera International Health Centre and the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, where he explored advancements in medical treatment and biotechnology that could benefit Seychelles. Following these visits, the President met with Cuba’s Minister of Public Health, José Angel Portal Miranda, to discuss the longstanding healthcare cooperation between the two nations and explore new avenues for collaboration. President Ramkalawan expressed Seychelles’ gratitude for the Cuban medical brigade, which has…
Austin Jay Jay Okocha has weighed in on the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Super Eagles of Nigeria legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has shared his thoughts on the long-lasting debate involving two of the greatest players in the history of football Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in a recent interview.The Ronaldo vs Messi debate has continued to be a long-standing debate in the history of football, with both stars playing on the biggest of stages and at the highest of levels, football critics, analysts and also players have often times shared their thoughts…