Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER

By Nadeem Ahmed Moonakal The bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Saudi Arabia has a long-standing history of converging interests that have endured political challenges. This relationship over time has been flexible and adaptive, and the unique partnership remains largely underexplored. From a steadfast alliance grounded in anti-communist solidarity to a relationship overshadowed by Saudi Arabia’s shifting strategic priorities, the evolving ties between Taiwan and Saudi Arabia present an interesting case study in economic and technological diplomacy. Early recognition and post-world war engagement The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognized the Republic of China (ROC) soon after World War II and maintained…

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2, the team announced Wednesday in a press release.According to the Spurs, Popovich, who will turn 76 in January, has started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery. A timeline for his return to the team’s bench has yet to be determined.Word first broke on Nov. 4 that Popovich would be away from the Spurs indefinitely due to a health issue that occurred two days earlier. However, this is the first we’ve heard that health issue described in more specific terms. Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as…

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The Republican Party has won enough seats to maintain control over the House of Representatives, cementing a dominant performance in the 2024 United States elections. The Associated Press news agency announced that the party had hit the key threshold of 218 seats, out of a total of 435, late on Wednesday. (Al Jazeera) The victory in the House not only gives the Republicans leadership over both chambers of Congress, but it also assures that the party holds sway over all major branches of government. In the November 5 general elections, Republican leader and former President Donald Trump also won the…

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Originally appeared on E! Online Indianapolis police are investigating a concerning death that occurred at a Planet Fitness gym. Derek Sink was found dead in a tanning bed at the workout facility three days after he entered the building, the Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) confirmed to People. He was 39. “This remains an ongoing death investigation,” a MCCO spokesperson told the outlet. “The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death.” Sink had visited the Planet Fitness on Nov. 8 and his body was discovered the morning of Nov. 11, his family told NBC…

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By Gustavo Demarco, Gonzalo Reyes, Diego Wachs and Aaron Buchsbaum In today’s rapidly evolving world, robust pension systems and social insurance programs are vital for ensuring economic stability, financial inclusion, and the well-being of citizens, particularly in the face of aging populations. Understanding the multifaceted benefits of these systems, as well as the challenges in implementing sustainable pension systems, is crucial for informed policymaking. The World Bank is responding by revitalizing its in-depth training courses for government officials. In a recent course, experts shared practical guidance and facilitated case-based learning on pensions and social insurance programs for stakeholders from close to…

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In Nigeria, owning an iPhone is a significant status symbol for many young people. This dream led 21-year-old Kola Alawada, a student, to trade his old Android for a second-hand iPhone, hoping to shed the stigma associated with lower-cost phones. In a country where the latest iPhone costs over $1,800, far beyond the means of most, Alawada’s journey reflects the challenges faced by many seeking prestige. He visits Lagos’ bustling Computer Village, Nigeria’s largest tech hub, to make his dream a reality. After a tense negotiation with a used phone seller, he successfully trades his Android for a pre-owned iPhone,…

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Lucasraps Unveils Tracklist Ahead Of ‘Location Hurting 3’ Album Drop. South African rapper Lucasraps is ready to make waves again with the unveiling of the official tracklist for his upcoming album, Location Hurting 3. Lucasraps Unveils Tracklist Ahead Of ‘Location Hurting 3’ Album Drop With an impressive 19 tracks, the project has already ignited excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, thanks to its star-studded lineup of features and a promise of high-quality production that stays true to Lucasraps’ signature sound. The forthcoming album, released under Lucasraps’ own Big Qosh Music Group, boasts collaborations that highlight the rapper’s commitment to…

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It seemed hard to fathom, but Mike Edwards‘ tenure in Tennessee was even shorter than his stint in Buffalo. A week after signing with the Titans following his release from the Bills, Edwards has now been released a second time in just eight days, according to Titans senior writer/editor Jim Wyatt. In Buffalo to start the year, the former Buccaneers and Chiefs defender was stuck behind Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin and second-round rookie Cole Bishop in the rotation at safety. The Bills attempted to make him available for the trade market shortly before the deadline but failed to offload the 28-year-old, so…

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65-year-old man allegedly told police he defaced Shinto shrine as a ‘prank’.Japanese police have arrested a 65-year-old American tourist for allegedly defacing a Tokyo shrine. The man, identified as Steve Hayes, is accused of using his fingernails to scratch five letters into a torii gate at the Meiji Jingu shrine on Tuesday morning. Hayes said he was writing the name of a family member into the gate – which represents the border between the living and sacred worlds in the Shinto religion – as a prank, according to the police. Staff at the Meiji Jingu shrine, constructed in 1920 to…

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What the future of congestion pricing in New York City could look like — and how much it could cost drivers — may soon be revealed, as the governor is expected to make an announcement Thursday regarding the controversial plan. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who put the plan on “pause” back in June just weeks before it was supposed to take effect, will address a path forward on how to fund the MTA, according to a spokesperson. Hochul put the plan on hold because “a daily $15 toll was too much for hard-working New Yorkers in this economic climate,” the spokesperson said.…

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