PARIS, France – After one of the strongest recoveries among OECD countries from the COVID-19-induced recession, Colombia’s economic activity has slowed. While effective management of fiscal and monetary policies was key for driving the recovery, a comprehensive reform agenda is needed to enhance long-term growth, according to the latest OECD Economic Survey of Colombia. The Survey highlights the need for prudent fiscal policy and to boost investment to unlock the country’s economic potential. Economic growth is expected at 1.8 percent in 2024, after 0.6 percent in 2023, reflecting the lingering impacts of high inflation, tight macroeconomic policies and modest global growth. The OECD…
Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER
Atlanta United started its Major Soccer League season with solid performances against New England and Orlando but fell apart as the spring dragged on. By the time Atlanta lined up in May against Inter Miami, its star-studded Southeast rival, it was mired in a nine-match MLS winless streak and teetering on the edge of disaster. Fighting for first in the Eastern Conference, Miami entered the match as the clear favorite, but that didn’t matter.Atlanta found a second gear and delivered an all-time performance, beating Miami, 3-1, on the strength of Saba Lobzhanidze’s brace. It remains the only time this season…
The death toll in the latest wave of fires increases to seven as Portugal seeks help from the European Union.Three Portuguese firefighters have died in one of dozens of forest blazes ravaging the country, bringing the death toll from the recently erupted wildfires to seven people since Saturday, authorities said. Portugal is fighting more than 50 active wildfires on its mainland and has mobilised about 5,300 firefighters, as well as calling for European Union help. Authorities have closed several motorways, including a stretch of the main highway linking Lisbon and Porto, and suspended train connections on two railroad lines in…
As four separate federal investigations plague Mayor Eric Adams and his administration, progressive politicians such as Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Queens), state Senator Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn) have called on him to resign.Adams has steadfastly said he will not, but there’s also the possibility that he could be forced out.If he were to leave office under any terms, he would be succeeded by the Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, and a special election would be held to elect a new mayor.How would this all shake out? Here are the basics:How could Adams leave office?Adams will either leave office…
Durga Nandini, Co-Founder, Nguvu Collective A critical piece of legislation in Nigeria, which has been lauded as a pioneering and gender-neutral Law that protects people from abuse, has been staring at an uncertain future. A Bill introduced by Senator Jibrin Isah of Kogi-East Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate seeking to Repeal the Violence Against (Prosecuted) Persons Act 2015 and replace it with another “more robust” piece of legislation has been stirring up a storm. While the Senator’s intentions might seem well-meaning – he argues for more holistic reforms on the Act for effective dispensation of justice – his approach raises serious concerns. His…
NBA expansion is coming, with the league reportedly planning for two new teams in the 2027-28 season. With the NBA going to a 32-team setup, it’ll need to change the structure of the conferences and divisions. Here are some likely options.CitiesThe two leading cities competing for the newest NBA team are Seattle and Las Vegas. Seattle lost the Supersonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, but has remained a basketball hotbed, with the Storm winning four championships in the WNBA. The city has a new NHL franchise, the Kraken, and a newly renovated arena that hosts the Kraken and Storm. Meanwhile,…
Washington, DC – The United States has said it does not want to see further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah after the Lebanese armed group blamed Israel for a series of deadly, coordinated handheld pager blasts. But the administration of US President Joe Biden, which remains Israel’s top military and diplomatic backer, on Tuesday also sought to downplay its ability to tamper tensions between the pair. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington was not involved in the apparent attack and was not given prior notification that it would occur. “I will say that…
The first half of September has been dry. Only one day has produced measurable rainfall in Central Park, totaling less than a quarter inch so far for the month. But this sunny and dry streak will come to an end, thanks to a low-pressure system headed our way. So far this week has been dry, and we’ll stay rain-free through Tuesday, with high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. Despite mostly cloudy skies, outdoor plans will be unencumbered by weather, so get outside and enjoy; the umbrella can stay at home. Even Wednesday will be mostly dry. No windshield…
Rwanda’s real GDP grew by 9.7% in the first quarter of 2024, exceeding the previous year’s growth rate of 8.2%. The latest edition of the Rwanda Economic Update (REU), launched today, highlights that despite the global economic slowdown, Rwanda has shown remarkable resilience, driven by strong consumer spending in key sectors such as services and industry. Despite ongoing challenges, Rwanda’s labor market experienced a strong recovery, with over half a million new jobs created in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking the most significant reduction in unemployment since the COVID pandemic. “The labor market expansion in Rwanda was broad-based, with women…
Lady Lucy, a Ghanaian Kumasi based Gospel preacher in songs is set to release her maiden single “Kronkron” which translates from the Akan language as “Holy” on 25th of September 2024. Lady Lucy, who has been doing backing vocals at Bassey House of Music – a recording studio in Kumasi, for almost seven years, is set to launch her own debut single. Also, being the convener of her annual gospel musical concert, “Food for the King”, she boasts a rich experience under her belt. “Kronkron” is worship and praise song that will make the believer rejoice and move their body…