Author: catfish

As the world’s top cocoa producer, Ivory Coast faces many challenges – first and foremost the fight against illegal smuggling of this “brown gold”. Some cocoa farmers consider the prices set by the state for their beans far too low. They prefer to sell the fruit of their harvest to traffickers, who then resell it across the border in Guinea or Liberia at much more attractive prices. This is a major loss of revenue for the Ivorian government, which also has to deal with the challenges of traceability and deforestation. Our Ivory Coast correspondents Julia Guggenheim and Damien Koffi investigate.

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In tonight’s edition: A death sentence is issued for 37 Congolese and foreign nationals who were found guilty of terrorism after an attempt to overthrow the president of DR Congo.  Also, the WHO prequalifies the first vaccine against Mpox. And what protection do you get if you’re unemployed or a mother with a newborn on the continent? Not much, according to the latest International Labour Organization report. 

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Book Review of Beyond Mulberry GlenSponsored* | All opinions are our ownThe Children’s Book Review Beyond Mulberry Glen Written by Millie Florence Illustrated by Astrid Sheckels Ages: 8+ | 288 Pages Publisher: Waxwing Books (2025) | ISBN: 9781956393095 What to Expect: Family, adventure, change, mental health, magic, and fairies. Set in a fantasy world of magic, fairies, philosophers, and quests, Beyond Mulberry Grove is a sweeping tale about growing up, finding oneself, and fighting back against mental illness. Lydia lives an odd life, with a fairy, a philosopher, a cook, and a couple of impish twins for her family. She…

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  The Halloween Roller Disco at the Blackwood Rec Centre is back again in 2024! The roller disco has been a hugely popular event in the past with a DJ, skating games, prizes, face painting and more. A special thank you to the City of Mitcham for supporting the event! The price is $13.00 per person to skate or $6 per spectator. Online ticket sales are live from 9am 23rd September. If not sold out, tickets can also be purchased on the door on the night of the event for $20 per person ($10 for spectators). *Children under 12 must…

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When planning a backpacking trip to Italy, a variety of companies can help with transportation, accommodations, tours, and gear. Here’s our list of useful companies and services that cater to backpackers:Transportation1. TrenitaliaItaly’s national train service, perfect for backpackers looking to explore cities via rail. Offers affordable regional trains and high-speed options for quicker travel between major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. https://www.trenitalia.com2. ItaloA private high-speed train company operating between major cities. Often has competitive prices and promotions. https://www.italotreno.it3. FlixBusA budget-friendly bus service that connects major cities and regions across Italy. It’s great for long-distance travel on a budget. https://www.flixbus.com4.…

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Ugandans gathered on Saturday to pay tribute to Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after being set on fire by her partner in Kenya less than a month after her return from the Paris Games. The 33-year-old succumbed to her injuries last week, sparking outrage over gender-based violence in East Africa and worldwide.

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An interview about the Kelcie Murphy series with Erika Lewis and The Children’s Book Review. In this engaging interview, author Erika Lewis delves into the fascinating world of her Kelcie Murphy trilogy, a captivating middle-grade fantasy series rooted in Celtic mythology. Lewis discusses her inspiration for the books, her creative process in blending modern and fantasy elements, and the development of her strong protagonist, Kelcie. She also shares insights into the series’ themes, including the nature vs. nurture debate, the importance of friendship, and the power of instinct. Lewis also touches on her worldbuilding techniques, the creation of magical creatures,…

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