Dr Yusof (left) presenting Mohd Arifin with a token of appreciation for officiating the carnival today. SIPITANG (Dec 28): Sipitang is undergoing rapid development due to its strategic location as the only district bordering Sarawak and serving as a gateway to Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam and West Kalimantan via Lawas, said Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob. This rapid development is already evident with the government’s decision to establish the Sabah Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) as the center for the state’s oil and gas industry, he pointed out at the ‘Pesta Makan Tahun Kadayan’ today. Currently, there is already a fertilizer plant owned by Petronas and the Sabah State Government, the Sabah Fertilizer SB (PEFSB). Additionally, the Z-LNG project is under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2027. According to the plans, many more industries will operate in SOGIP, which will drive Sipitang’s growth. “On behalf of the people of Sipitang, we are very grateful to the Sabah State Government under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. And there are still several needs for the district. “Although some have been planned, we urge the government to expedite the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway from Sipitang to Kota Kinabalu, the acceleration and approval of funding for the construction of the road from Meligan to Long Pasia, extending to North Kalimantan. “As Sipitang serves as an entry and exit point and a tourist destination, we request the establishment of a Tourist Information Centre in the district. I have proposed that the old District Office building, a British heritage structure, be rebuilt while retaining its original features for this purpose. “Sipitang has grown rapidly, and the town itself is congested. Therefore, we request the expedited approval of land and sites for constructing a modern bew Sipitang township to be located in the Marintaman coastal area,” he said, adding that for the youth, there is a request for a university campus to be established in Sipitang. “There are many more needs for Sipitang, and I am confident that the government will assist us in making Sipitang a progressive and thriving area,” he said. The ‘Pesta Makan Tahun Kadayan’, a traditional communal celebration of the Kadayan ethnic group, is particularly significant for the Kadayan people of Borneo, including those in Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and Brunei Darussalam, said Dr Yusof who is the president of Persatuan Kadayan Sabah (PAADIAN). At its core, the celebration is similar to the Harvest Festival of the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) communities, a festive occasion held after a bountiful rice harvest. Traditionally, the Kadayan Harvest Festival is celebrated in every village, with preparations such as setting up a communal cooking and gathering space called “Teratak” done collectively. Traditional foods that must be prepared include Kelupis, Wajit, rice made from freshly harvested grains, Amping, and various other Kadayan delicacies. “However, times have changed. Farming rice is no longer the primary occupation for many, as younger generations now prefer office jobs. Despite this shift, we, the Kadayan people of Sabah and Borneo, continue to strive to organize the Kadayan Harvest Festival to preserve our cultural heritage and traditions so they remain alive and do not fade away with time,” said Dr Yusof. “Today, PAADIAN, in collaboration with Kelab Usahawan Anak Tempatan Sabah (KUAT), the District Office, the District Council, and various government agencies organised the ‘Karnival Kesenian, Kebudayaan dan Makanan Tradisi here. “The event began on December 27 and runs through December 31, 2024, culminating in the New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2025. This initiative is a contribution from PAADIAN, to enliven Sipitang town with a series of events designed to attract visitors,” said the Sindumin assemblyman. Dr Yusof said that they estimated the event would attract up to 50,000 visitors, injecting approximately RM5 million into the local economy. The carnival has already shown positive impacts, he said, with all hotels, motels and homestays in Sipitang fully booked for the event’s duration and the overflow has extended to Beaufort and Lawas, where accommodations are also fully booked, as Sipitang currently lacks sufficient lodging facilities. The carnival also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to generate income through the sale of their products, he said, adding that a key attraction remains the satay stalls at the Satay Esplanade in Sipitang, which are famous and a major draw for visitors. The carnival was launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.US stocks surge to records, shrugging off upheaval in South Korea, FranceTelugu Desam Scripts History With 52.45 Lakh New Memberships, Says CM
D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS) Sees Strong Trading Volume – Should You Buy?By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
The digital poster of the upcoming film 'Sangee', which stars Sharib Hashmi , was unveiled on Tuesday. The poster on social media revealed the star cast of the film including Sanjay Bishnoi, Shyamraj Patil, Vidya Malvade, and Gaurav More in lead roles. Talking about the film, Sharib Hashmi said, "'Sangee' is a film very close to my heart, and unveiling the poster digitally is a wonderful way to connect directly with the audience. The poster encapsulates the soul of the story, and I'm thrilled for everyone to see what we've been working on". Director Sumit Kulkarni said, "This digital launch is a reflection of how cinema continues to evolve and embrace technology. Sangee is a film that speaks to the heart, and this poster is just the beginning of an incredible journey. I am grateful for the dedication and passion of our entire team". Produced by Armoks Media Pvt Ltd, Yantrana Films, and presented by Supreme Motion Pictures and Satyam Jewellers, the film is directed by Sumit Kulkarni and written by Thopte Vijaysinh Sarjerao. Rohhan Bhosale, Arun Prabhudesai, Pintu Saw, Monica Prabhudesai, Pratik Thakur, and Sumit Kulkarni. Lalasaheb Shinde, Rajendra Shinde, and Rahul Kiranraj Chopra serve as co-producers on the film. Sharib Hashmi is best known for portraying J.K. Talpade in the Prime Video series 'The Family Man' for which he won several awards including a Filmfare OTT Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He worked behind the scenes in 'MTV Roadies' season 2. In 2008, he appeared in Slumdog Millionaire, which became an Oscar-winning movie. In 2012, he obtained a major role in 'Filmistaan', alongside Inaamulhaq and Kumud Mishra. He played a supporting role in 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', which starred Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. The film is set to release in cinemas on January 17, 2025. Khoj- Parchaiyon Ke Uss Paar: Sharib Hashmi, Anupriya Goenka and Aamir Dalvi Starrer Khoj- Parchaiyon Ke Uss Paar Official Trailer
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Health In Tech Announces Closing of Initial Public OfferingThe closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.
Wabtec stock falls Monday, underperforms marketLincoln day care being investigated after 5-month-old dies unexpectedlyOriginally from Piura, Valencia has traveled a path full of challenges since his arrival in Lima in 2013. His participation in programs such as “Yo soy” and “La Voz Perú” catapulted him to fame and made him a reference for many young artists. . His connection with the renowned singer Eva Ayllón has been fundamental in his artistic development, as she has provided him with support and guidance in his career. After his time in Hermanos Yaipén, Valencia decided to develop his career as a singer and take an important step by joining the group 5. At this stage, he explored an elegant and romantic style that distinguishes him in the music industry. His story is a testament to how passion and dedication can open doors in the competitive world of music. Currently, ‘Tony’ Valencia is one of the members of the musical group ”Hombres a la Plancha”. Photo: Instagram How were ‘Tony’s beginnings in music? After his time in Hermanos Yaipén, Valencia decided to focus on his career as a soloist. He explores an elegant and romantic style that distinguishes him in the music industry. His story is a testament to how passion and dedication can open doors in the competitive world of music. The influence of Eva Ayllón on her artistic development Anthony’s relationship with Eva Ayllón has been key in his artistic development. Ayllón, who has guided and supported him, has become a motherly figure to him. Valencia fondly remembers their first meeting, where Ayllón told him that they already had a Kalimba. Over time, their relationship strengthened, and Ayllón became involved in his career, providing him with valuable support and advice. A new direction as a member of the group After his time with the Yaipén Brothers, Anthony Valencia decided to change direction in his career and focus on his role as vocalist of Grupo 5. Although his departure generated various speculations, the singer preferred not to go into personal details and dedicated himself to his growth. artistic. His main goal now is to establish himself as a cumbia singer within the group, to which he feels very grateful for giving him a new opportunity. What collaborations have you had in the world of music and what are your future projects? Although Valencia began as a collaborator, his great opportunity came when he was officially incorporated into Group 5, being an essential part of their tours. On his social networks, he expressed his excitement and gratitude for being able to fulfill his dream of working with the legendary cumbia band. Among other projects is his participation in Hombres a la Plancha, where he is actively seen participating in musicals. A chef who wants to succeed on the music scene Currently, Anthony shines in the field of musical theater as part of the cast of “Hombres a la Plancha,” a show that combines music and acting in a vibrant format. This show, inspired by a successful Colombian concept, brings together prominent figures of Peruvian entertainment such as Marco Zunino, Yaco Eskenazi, Stéfano Meier, Gino Assereto and Juan Carlos Rey de Castro. Valencia brings his talent and charisma to this project that has generated great expectations among the public. Throughout his career, Anthony Valencia has built a path marked by perseverance and dedication. Music and gastronomy have formed a unique combination in his life. Join our entertainment channel
Lionel F. Conacher Buys 8,418 Shares of Better Choice Company Inc. (NASDAQ:BTTR) StockATLANTA – As Anthony Edwards was finishing his pregame warmup Monday with his usual set of halfcourt shots, he got word from his cameraman and content creator Dontre’ McCain to look behind him at the opposite baseline. Edwards glanced and gave a quick smile as he saw his grandfather, Ben Edwards, sitting there watching his grandson warm up. After hoisting a few more shots, Edwards came running over, smiling from ear to ear as he greeted his grandfather, who was attending an NBA game of Anthony’s for the first time, and the first game of any kind Anthony has played in since high school. They chatted for a few minutes before the game and got to hang out near the Wolves locker room afterward. “This is my first NBA game with my granddad,” Anthony said after the Wolves lost to the Hawks 117-104. “Sad I ain’t get the W for him, but I’m just happy he was here. My heart was warm when I seen him. That was great.” Ben is 82, and he still lives in the same house that housed Anthony, his grandmother Shirley, mother Yvette and his three siblings for a while when Anthony was an adolescent and teenager growing up southwest of downtown Atlanta. Monday was the first time Ben had seen his grandson in two years, he said. “Hey man, it’s about time,” Ben said. “I’m 82, I’ll be 83 in February. I have to go see him at least once.” This past summer, Ben reconnected with Dana Watkins, a longtime mentor to Edwards and his former AAU coach, and Watkins put the bug in Ben’s ear that he should get out to see Edwards while he still could. They kept Ben’s arrival a surprise from Anthony until pregame warmups. “This man right here, talked to me like somebody who had some sense,” Ben Edwards said of Watkins. “I believe in him, and he just does what he says he’ll do.” Watkins spent the last several days making arrangements with other Edwards associates, the Hawks and the Wolves to get courtside seats under one of the baskets. He had let Anthony know a few weeks ago that he was trying to get Ben to come to the game, but Edwards didn’t think it would happen. His grandfather didn’t like to leave the house much. “He just like me, man,” Anthony said. “I wanna go to the house, be in my game room, play my [video] game. He wanna go sit on his couch, his little chair and watch his TV shows.” As Edwards grew up, his mother and grandmother attended a lot of his football games and AAU games out of state before they died when he was 13. His grandfather came to games occasionally and he saw Edwards some in high school, but Anthony’s high school games at Holy Spirit, in the Buckhead section of Northern Atlanta, was a long commute with traffic. Monday marked Ben’s first time seeing in person what his grandson has become as a basketball player, the same Anthony who scribbled on the walls of his grandparents’ house that he wanted to be a McDonald’s All-American one day. Ever since they reconnected over the summer, Watkins said Ben was steadfast he was coming. “You’re 82 years old, have a grandkid who’s able to ascend where he’s ascending, if you ain’t going to see it now, when you gonna see it?” Watkins said. “It’s about the now. Life’s about the now, taking advantage of it.” After Anthony greeted him before the game, Ben said, “It feels good, man.” He said he advised Anthony to go “kick that [butt]. It’d make me real happy.” Anthony didn’t quite do that on a night he scored just 16 points on 7-for-20 shooting with five turnovers. He did have a thunderous dunk at the hoop near where Ben was sitting, and Watkins said Ben’s reaction to that was “it’s about time.” When they met before the game, several cameras caught the interaction between Ben, Anthony and Watkins. At one point, Ben turned to Anthony and said he wanted the pictures everyone was taking printed out. After the game, Anthony was still smiling in the locker room even after the loss as he talked about Ben. He joked that Ben “ain’t go no swag,” but he did see an important quality of himself that he took from Ben. “I think I got my being down to Earth. Just being cool under all circumstances,” Anthony said. “I think I got that from him. Like he never let any circumstance get him out of who he is and stuff like that. Just being cool, calm and collected through everything.” Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. ET, American Airlines Center Wolves update: The Wolves have lost three straight and travel to Dallas for the first time since the Western Conference finals last postseason. They previously lost to Dallas 120-114 in Minnesota on Oct. 29. Anthony Edwards is 20-for-56 over his last three games with eight turnovers. Julius Randle is 18-for-45 over his last three games with 16 turnovers. Mavericks update: Dallas has won 10 of its past 12 games and Luka Doncic returned from a two-game absence to score 27 points in Dallas’ win over the Mavericks on Monday. Doncic is averaging 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Dallas has the fourth-most efficient offense and 11th-rated defense. Kyrie Irving is averaging 23.5 points on 46% 3-point shooting. ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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Just six in ten voters believe Sir Keir Starmer will still be Prime Minister at the end of 2025 following a disastrous start for his government. And there is deep gloom about the state of the economy with almost six in ten expecting the UK to enter recession next year. However voters also have little confidence in Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, with only half expecting her to remain as leader of the opposition for the next 12 months according to exclusive polling by Ipsos. Some Labour MPs are already discussing the possibility of Sir Keir quitting Number 10 instead of staying to fight the next election with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner touted as potential replacements. The survey found 61 percent of voters believe it is fairly or very likely that Sir Keir will still be Prime Minister by the end of neat year. Labour’s first six months in office following July’s election victory have been dominated by rows over means-testing winter fuel payments and increases to employer National Insurance contributions. Party insiders argue that the Government has also made progress delivering on manifesto commitments such as re-nationalising rail services, improving buses, giving more rights to renters and improving employment laws, but fear the party is failing to communicate its successes. The new year will see an attempt to shift away from gloomy messaging on the economy with the introduction of new laws designed to strengthen community policing, step up border security and build more homes. However one Labour MP critical of Sir Keir said: “We came into power without a plan and I don’t think Keir ever really wanted to be Prime Minister. He thought he would be the person to rebuild the party after all the damage when Jeremy Corbyn was leader, and then someone else would actually win an election.” Insiders also fear Chancellor Rachel Reeves will take the blame for the struggling economy, despite her efforts to pin responsibility on a “black hole” in the public finances inherited from the Conservatives . Office for National Statistics figures have shown the economy contracted by 0.1 percent in October following a similar fall in September and inflation is above the 2 percent target at 2.6 percent, making cuts in interest rates unlikely until it falls. The Ipsos polling shows voters are pessimistic about the economy with 57 percent of voters expect the UK to be in recession next year. One expert said the economy is in fact likely to improve, but voters may not feel richer as a result. Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs said: “The economy is probably already in a recession in terms of output per head, but growth should resume next year. “Most people will still see their incomes rise faster than prices, and the increases in public spending will offset at least some of the weakness in the private sector. “Nonetheless, this may continue to feel like a recession for many small businesses, and to people struggling to pay higher mortgages or worried about keeping their jobs.” Conservatives hoping to capitalise on Labour’ woes are in a battle with Nigel Farage ’s Reform UK, which last week claimed it had overtaken the Tories on membership numbers with 131,680 members now signed up. Ms Badenoch insisted this was “not true”, saying the Conservative Party “has gained thousands of new members” since she became leader. Reform hope to make gains in May’s local elections but strategists believe they may reach a “tipping point” in 2026 if they can beat the Conservatives in elections for both the Welsh Assembly, where polls suggest they may come top, and Scottish Parliament, where current polling suggests Reform could finish third behind the SNP and Labour. But Reform also hopes to strike a blow to Labour in by-elections in 2025. A Reform source said: “We are the one party that can appeal to both Tory heartlands and Labour heartlands.”