It is the first such exchange since Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6.Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 115 prisoners of war from each side, both countries confirmed, with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary. “The UAE has successfully mediated a new captives exchange between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, resulting in the release of 230 captives,” the Gulf country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. It was the UAE’s seventh mediation effort this year between the two countries, the ministry said in a statement. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr…
Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER
Victoria Lee’s family speaks out, demands justice The father of Victoria Lee, who was fatally shot by Fort Lee police during a mental health crisis, is speaking out, demanding justice and accountability for what he calls a “senseless loss.” NEW YORK – The father of Victoria Lee, who was fatally shot by Fort Lee police during a mental health crisis, is speaking out, demanding justice and accountability for what he calls a “senseless loss.” On July 28, Lee’s family says she was experiencing a bipolar episode. Her brother called 9-1-1 twice, reporting that his sister was experiencing a mental health…
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Policy makers from 12 Caribbean territories are now better equipped to accelerate digital transformation and digitalisation efforts and take actionable steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive digital future for their citizens. The first Caribbean edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from August 12 – 15, bringing together a diverse group of regional policymakers, international experts and professionals from across the LATAM and Caribbean region. The initiative is co-organised by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, in partnership with the United…
Government has undertaken to improve living conditions and broaden economic opportunities in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality following appeals by residents to President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the national and provincial executive and local government leadership. Current and planned interventions to achieve social and economic upliftment range from expanded support for small businesses and security of tenure for people living and working on farms, to repairs to major roadways that serve as economic arteries and intensified efforts to spare communities from crime. Government set out its plans for the district during an engagement with residents and stakeholder groups at the…
British band Coldplay has released a new single, We Pray, featuring a star-studded lineup of artists: Little Simz, Burna Boy, Tini, and Elyanna. The uplifting track is available in five versions, including a live recording from their Glastonbury headlining set.We Pray is a preview of Coldplay’s upcoming album, Moon Music, set to be released on October 4th. The single follows the band’s previous release, Feels Like I’m Falling in Love, which dropped in June.Earlier this summer, Coldplay announced Moon Music, their tenth studio album and the follow-up to 2021’s Music of the Spheres. The band has been teasing fans with…
The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday effectively admitted that their big offseason addition has been a massive failure. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced Friday that pitcher Jordan Montgomery is being moved to the bullpen. The move will allow Ryne Nelson to keep his spot in the rotation after out-pitching Montgomery. Montgomery was brought in during the spring to reinforce the Diamondbacks rotation as they tried for another run at the World Series. The club has held up its end of the bargain — as it are well-positioned to make the playoffs — but Montgomery has not contributed at all. In 19…
I almost wish someone would ask us: how does it feel to be a pit stop? To be a refuelling station where sputtering-out political campaigns pull up to receive a laying on of hands; where a Black baritone reverend holds the president’s shoulder and between benedictions issues forth some version of the declaration that “We know Joe”? And that president passes the torch to a Black candidate who can siphon Black popular culture and sponge down a government busy giving standing ovations to the Butcher of Gaza. I almost wish someone would ask before the politicians slip off their oxfords:…
Mother charged in wrong-way crash that killed son Kerri Bedrick, the mother accused of killing her 9-year-old son in a wrong-way crash on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island, pleaded not guilty in court on Friday. LONG ISLAND – A mother on Long Island is facing several charges after a wrong-way crash on the Southern State Parkway killed her 9-year-old son in Bay Shore, authorities say. Who is Kerri Bedrick? According to police, Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, was allegedly impaired and driving with an expired license at the time of the accident on Thursday morning. Mom to be arraigned in deadly…
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from US President Joe Biden this evening. The Spokesman for the Presidency said the call came within the framework of the intensive mediation efforts exerted by the two countries to cease fire in the Gaza Strip and exchange hostages. The two presidents reviewed developments in the negotiation round currently hosted by Cairo and stressed the importance of the concerned parties’ commitment to overcoming obstacles and showing flexibility to complete the agreement. The President was keen to emphasize that reaching an immediate ceasefire agreement is of utmost importance at this critical time, whether…
Super talented singer-songwriter Alpha P has made a significant move in his career by signing with Penthauze Music, the label led by the veteran rapper Phyno. To kickstart the new partnership, Alpha P has released a new single, W, featuring a collaboration with Olamide and the talented producer London (Thisizlondon).W, which translates to “Win,” is a fitting choice for the song’s title. Alpha P’s lyrics exude confidence and romance, as he sings about winning over the woman of his dreams. The track features a stellar collaboration with one of Nigeria’s most respected rappers Olamide, who delivers a powerful verse that…