Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER

We’re almost there. The final phase of the dreaded G train summer shutdown gets underway Monday, the last leg in a months-long journey that’s giving commuters headaches until Labor Day. The closures for repairs is being split into three sections: From June 28 to July 5, there will be no service between Court Square and Nassau Avenue in either direction From July 5 to Aug. 12, there will be no service between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand avenues From Aug. 12 to Sept. 3, there will be no service between Bedford-Nostrand and Church avenues The MTA is running shuttle buses along…

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54 Collective  establishes a new era of venture capital in Africa, offering up to $500,000 in equity and non-dilutive capital and value-add support for its founders. Today, leading African venture capital firm, Founders Factory Africa (FFA), has announced its rebrand and name change to 54 Collective, evolving its business model to better support transformative technology ventures across the continent through catalytic capital and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.  54 Collective, builds on its exceptional track record of investing in and scaling early-stage ventures in Africa. The new name, 54 Collective, reflects the firm’s ambitious pan-African vision, aspiring to…

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Kwesta Marks His 36th Birthday. South African rap icon Kwesta recently celebrated his 36th birthday, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. Kwesta Marks His 36th Birthday The rapper, celebrated for hits like “Ngud’” and “Spirit,” has long been admired for his consistency in the rap game and his significant contributions to the genre. Kwesta recently took to Instagram to share a message of self-appreciation, referring to himself as the elder or “grootman,” and wishing himself well. “Happy Birthday Grootman,” wrote Kwesta as he shared elegant pictures of himself. Kwesta’s legacy is built on authenticity with over 16 years in…

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The Anaheim Ducks are stuck in the middle of the pond. Their playoff drought has now extended to six seasons, on the back of continuously disappointing play from the team’s veterans. The Ducks now seem fully focused on building a new identity — one built around hard-hitting defensemen, shoot-first forwards, and new head coach Greg Cronin. Their moves this summer reflected that personality-building — though a quiet summer elsewhere will keep their expectations low for the 2024-25 season.Draft1-3: F Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa (OHL)1-23: D Stian Solberg, Vålerenga (Norway)2-35: F Lucas Pettersson MoDo Hockey (Sweden)3-66: F Maxim Massé, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)3-68: F Ethan Procyszyn,…

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People have been told to flee as flames start to consume towns around Athens.Towns and villages around Athens are being evacuated as wildfires threaten to consume communities around the Greek capital. The authorities on Monday ordered the evacuation of hospitals, a monastery and more than a dozen areas as a large fire approached. The blaze, which hundreds of firefighters are battling, is just the latest in a summer that has Greece baking in record temperatures. The fire was burning on two separate fronts with some parts in particularly difficult to reach areas on a mountain northeast of Athens, Climate Crisis…

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The Pentagon has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, as well as a carrier strike group equipped with F-35C fighter jets. A Pentagon statement noted “the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.” It comes against the backdrop of Iran’s leadership vowing retaliation against Israel after the killing of Hamas’ former political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The U.S. is sending more troops and military hardware to the Middle East as it seeks to increase the resources available to “defend Israel,” the Pentagon…

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As digital technology and innovation continue to push the frontiers of the financial landscape, Africa is witnessing a surge in digital payments, becoming a formidable force in the sector. Fintechs, banks, and other financial institutions are leading the adoption of digital transaction solutions, providing various payment methods to their customers while driving financial inclusion and enhancing customer experiences for business owners and consumers. According to the 2024 Prime Time for Real-Time report published by ACI Worldwide in partnership with GlobalData, Africa had the highest real-time share of electronic payments in 2023, accounting for 40% with 8.2 billion real-time payment transactions.…

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Boity Claps Back At A Troll Over Menopause Comments. Rapper and businesswoman, Boity Thulo is no stranger to online criticism, but recent comments aimed at her have prompted a fiery response. The star clapped back at a troll who made insensitive remarks about menopause. Boity Claps Back At A Troll Over Menopause Comments Taking to X, the famed rapper shared a candid and heartfelt message, opening up about the intense pain she was experiencing during her menstrual period. “Day 2 periods are diabolical! Like what do you want from me????” Wrote Boity. Day 2 periods are diabolical! Like what do…

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A forecaster said: “A fine start will lead into a very hot day, with lengthy sunny periods and a humid feel given the light winds.“While remaining hot, more clouds may develop later, with a small chance of isolated severe thunderstorms. Maximum temperature 34C.”The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health warning for much of the UK through to 9am on Wednesday.Among the safety warnings being given to Londoners is a caution against swimming in unpredictable waters.Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: “It’s going to be hot. The weather is coming with a lot of humidity, so it…

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A silver-medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics may have been the ideal harbinger for Victor Wembanyama’s second NBA season. After his country, France, lost to Team USA in the gold-medal game on Saturday night, Wemby issued a warning to all his future opponents.”I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years,” Wemby told reporters, via Mike Finger of San Antonio Express-News. When asked if he was referring to his opponents in FIBA competitions or the NBA, Wemby responded, “Everywhere.” The 20-year-old phenom scored a game-high 26 points and added seven rebounds and two assists in the…

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