Trump’s defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth threatens ‘educational insurgency’ in schools
In a recent controversial move, the opposition faction recently showcased a private photo album belonging to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The album exclusively featured pictures of Assad with his family, holding his children in loving embraces. This display has sparked mixed reactions, with some condemning it as an invasion of privacy and others viewing it as a bold assertion of opposition to the leader's regime.
As we delve deeper into the rankings, we see a mix of established franchises and indie gems making their mark on the chart. From beloved classics to innovative new releases, the Steam weekly sales chart offers a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant gaming ecosystem that continues to flourish on the platform.Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ’Love Connection’ and ’Scrabble,’ dies at 83
Recently, Lizzo and SZA joined Kai Cenat for Mafiathon 2, his 30-day livestream that began earlier this month. Unsurprisingly, several moments from the stream have already gone viral. At one point in the stream, for example, Lizzo referenced Kendrick Lamar 's song "tv off," which appears on his new album GNX . Kendrick screams Mustard's name in the middle of the song, which quickly became a meme following the surprise release. Lizzo leaned into this during the stream, abruptly shouting Mustard and getting laughs from both SZA and Cenat. The funny moment took place shortly after Mustard himself shared his reaction to the iconic shout-out. According to him, he had no idea the album would drop when it did and heard the final version of "tv off" with the rest of the world. “You know what’s cr*zy? It was a surprise for me , just like it was a surprise for everybody else,” he told Billboard. “I had been thinking maybe it’s going to come at the top of the year, maybe it’s going to come around the Super Bowl or whatever." Read More: Lana Del Rey Responds To Lizzo Beef Rumors “That sh*t was elite," he said of Kendrick shouting his name mid-song. " So fire. Like, is that a new tag? I can’t wait to perform that song and just hear people just saying that, ‘cause everybody’s going to say that like cr*zy.” Lizzo is far from the only one leaning into the meme, however. Recently, the official McDonald's X account shared an image of a sauce packet labeled “Honey MUSTARRRRRRRRRDDDDD" much to social media users' amusement. The post even earned a reaction from Mustard himself, who replied "Omg lol." This wasn't the only notable moment from SZA and Lizzo's appearance on Kai Cenat's stream either. During the stream, SZA also suggested that her next album could arrive “before the year is over," meaning within weeks. Read More: Lizzo Laughs Off Antonio Brown's Latest Jabs About OzempicIn a case that has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice reform, a former US soldier was recently acquitted by a jury in the choking death of an African American man. The verdict, which came after days of deliberation, has once again highlighted the deep-rooted issues of racial bias and systemic injustice within the American legal system.SL Green Realty Corp. Announces Proposed Offering of Common Stock
In conclusion, Tencent Video's decision to limit VIP members to streaming on one device at a time represents a significant shift in its membership policy. While the change may present challenges for some users, it also offers an opportunity for Tencent Video to strengthen its position in the competitive streaming market and provide a more sustainable and secure platform for content creators and users alike.
As we confront the challenges of safeguarding our ecosystems from invasive species, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to preserve the delicate balance of nature. Through collaborative efforts and strict enforcement of biosecurity measures, we can prevent the introduction of harmful alien species and safeguard the future of our environment.
China says it will remove buoy set up in Japan's EEZ near SenkakusA view of the DUN Sarawak Complex where the members of the Assembly convened in May and November this year. — Photo by Roystein Emmor 2024 Revisited Logo yearender 2024 THE State Legislative Assembly (DUN) convened two impactful sittings in 2024, passing a total of nine Bills aimed at addressing crucial aspects of governance, public health, natural resources management, and fiscal planning. These legislative measures reflect the state government’s commitment to advancing Sarawak’s development goals and addressing the needs of its people. (From right) Abang Johari, Uggah and Dr Sim share a light moment in the DUN chambers after the tabling of the 2025 State Budget. — Information Department photo People-centric, inclusive budget In November, the DUN unanimously passed an expansionary State Budget of RM15.8 billion for 2025, marking the largest budget in Sarawak’s history. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state anticipated a revenue of RM14.2 billion in 2025, projected to be the highest revenue collection to date. “The 2025 State Budget, which is expected to generate a surplus of RM486 million, indeed marks the largest budget in Sarawak’s history, reflecting the success of our revenue reengineering strategies and prudent financial management. “Through this expansionary Budget, we are making substantial investments in infrastructure while placing the well-being of the ‘rakyat’ (people) at the forefront of our priorities,” he said when tabling the budget at the DUN sitting on Nov 11. The Premier announced several initiatives under the 2025 State Budget such as one-off financial assistance in the form of pocket money worth RM1,200 to all Sarawakian university-level students next year; the Sarawak government continuing to provide National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) loan repayment discounts of 30 per cent for graduates who have repaid 30 per cent and above of their loans; and book vouchers worth RM500 and free laptop initiatives for university students from the Bottom 40 Per Cent (B40) income group to be extended into next year. Abang Johari tabling the 2025 State Budget during the DUN sitting on Nov 11. — Information Department photo Abang Johari also announced a new financial assistance called Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), meant to alleviate the financial burden of low-income groups most affected by the rising cost of living. He said the financial aid would range from RM250 to RM800 annually according to the recipient’s eligibility, and that most of the SKAS recipients would also be receiving financial contributions under the ‘Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah’ (STR). Full autonomy over environmental governance The November DUN sitting also saw the passing of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, out to enable Sarawak to exercise full autonomy over its environmental governance. Awang Tengah tabling the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 during the November DUN Sarawak sitting. — Information Department photo The passing of the Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and seconded by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, received unanimous support from all the members of the Assembly present. Awang Tengah said this autonomy would strengthen Sarawak’s ability to preserve its unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable economic and social development. “This Bill represents a significant step in Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development, offering a comprehensive framework that strengthens environmental protection laws and promotes long-term socio-economic growth. “By instituting these stringent legislations, this Bill addresses the critical need to combat climate change and environmental degradation,” he said in his third reading of the Bill. The Second Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister also said that the Bill would provide Sarawak with the tools needed to minimise environmental degradation while encouraging economic development. “By regulating emissions, waste, and pollution from industries, it ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for Sarawak’s citizens, fostering a better quality of life. “This Bill demonstrates that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, complement each other, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, resilient environment,” he said. Establishing legal framework to regulate hydrogen distribution Also passed unanimously at the sitting last month was the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024, which sought to establish a legal framework to regulate the distribution of hydrogen generated in Sarawak using feedstocks produced, obtained or imported into Sarawak; the premises to be used for the generation or storage of hydrogen; and the transportation of hydrogen for distribution and delivery to consumers in Sarawak and for export. Julaihi shows a copy of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024. — Photo by Roystein Emmor Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, who tabled the Bill, said the amendment would allow Sarawak to be empowered to regulate hydrogen activities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to growing its hydrogen economy through a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory framework to support clean energy development. He emphasised Sarawak government’s dedication to establishing a robust regulatory framework that prioritised public safety, while fostering the hydrogen industry’s growth. “Hydrogen is not a new fuel, and international safety standards are already in place to manage the risks related to its production, storage, transportation, and use. “The safety systems and protocols that Sarawak will adopt will align with those for other fuels, ensuring that hydrogen can be produced, stored, and used safely in accordance with international standards,” said Julaihi. Authority to manage all ports in Sarawak In the first meeting of the third term of the 19th DUN held in May, the Assembly passed the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, which sought for a central port authority known as the Sarawak Ports Authority to be established to manage, regulate, control and administer all ports in the state. Uggah (second right) in a group photo with (from left) Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sebastian Ting; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu at the DUN Complex lobby. — Photo by Chimon Upon The Bill was tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who told the august House that this authority would serve as a regulatory body and that the operations of ports would be managed by a separated operator. He said the new centralised port authority would replace all existing port authorities, and that this model of centralisation could help Sarawak ports become more competitive and efficient, aligning with the broader economic goals of the regions. “The regulatory control over all ports in Sarawak will be exercised through a licensing regime provided by this Ordinance, which would facilitate the corporatisation and eventual privatisation of the operations of the port and port undertakings to enable our ports to be operated as commercial entities embracing good corporate governance and financial discipline.” Uggah, also the state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, added that the functions of the authority would include planning, streamlining and coordinating the development, expansion and improvement of ports in Sarawak; promoting and facilitating the development of business of the port and its hinterland and connectivity with other ports and transportation hubs outside Sarawak; and to license all port operators and port undertakings. “Its role would also be to promote efficiency and reliability of services and facilities in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices; to act as an authority for any free zone established under and subject to section 3(2) of the Free Zones Act 1990; and to adopt low carbon solutions in the management and operation of port undertakings,” he said. Streamlining SFC’s roles Awang Tengah, in the DUN sitting held in May, had tabled the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was passed by the state Legislature. The Bill meant to streamline and refine the roles of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). Awang Tengah (left) and Uggah chatting at the lobby of the DUN Sarawak Complex. Seen between the two is Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh. — Photo by Chimon Upon Awang Tengah highlighted the need to amend the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Ordinance 1995 [Cap. 17], as in 2020, the government had mandated that the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) would assume all responsibilities previously held by the SFC. “This is provided for under Forests Ordinance 2015, which includes forest management, research and development, compliance, engineering, and revenue collection. “Conversely, the SFC was tasked with duties specified under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. “Hence, to give effect to this mandate, amendments to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Ordinance 1995 are necessary to streamline the overlapping functions between the FDS and the SFC,” he said. Awang Tengah also said that the amendment would have the interpretation referring to the words ‘director’ and ‘forest produce’ be deleted to reflect the current structure of SFC as an agent of the government to enforce the provisions under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. “The forestry functions such as sustainable forest management, reforestation, forestry research and forestry policy under the Ordinance, are to be taken out with this amendment; in other words, these functions would be under the purview of the FDS so as to make a clear demarcation on the roles and functions between SFC and FDS. “SFC is optimally positioned under natural resources, aligning with its mandates of sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. “The scope of the SFC’s responsibilities includes managing natural resources such as flora and fauna within national parks, and the protection of wildlife throughout Sarawak. “This is in tandem with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development’s focus on balancing conservation with economic uses like tourism,” he said. Dr Sim (centre) shows a page from a DUN document while joined by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang (left) and Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis. — Photo by Chimon Upon Penalty, enforcement on public health matters The Assembly, in May, also saw the passing of the Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was tabled by Dr Sim, also the state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister. He said the amendment to the Public Protection of Public Health 1999 Ordinance was necessary in order to update and strengthen the provisions in the Ordinance to meet the changes and expectations of the present situation. The Ordinance had never been amended since it was passed on Dec 6, 1999, and came into force on Nov 1, 2000. Dr Sim said the amendment was aimed at strengthening certain provisions related to penalty and enforcement on public health matters. During the second reading, he said among the features of the Bill was to amend Section 2 of the Ordinance to reflect the new Strata (Subsidiary Titles) Ordinance 2019, which repealed the Strata Title Ordinance 1995. “Under the Bill, there is a proposed new provision to enable local authorities to issue a temporary licence to food premises operators by giving them a timeframe to comply with the requirements of other relevant laws. “Some of these food premises operators cannot be issued with a licence just because they are unable to comply with the provisions under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and Building Ordinance 1994 or any other relevant laws. “The amendment is to Section 23 by adding the new Sub Paragraph (3), which is to prohibit animals or pets from entering any food premises. This is to ensure the health of the public and consumers are protected from unacceptable and unhygienic food premises,” he said. Other amendments included the licensing of funeral parlours and cemeteries with a proposed new Subsection (3) of Section 38 to add the word ‘columbarium’, and to ensure that any land used as a licensed funeral parlour, cemetery, etc., to be maintained and cleaned regularly; amendment to Section 56, which was to strengthen the power of inspection and investigation, enabling any person to be authorised by the director or the chief administrative officer of the ministry; and amendment to Section 58, which was to make it an offence for non-compliance with any closing order or notice to any person and to impose a penalty and upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both. Other Bills passed were the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2024 and Supplementary Supply (2023) Bill 2024 in May to authorise additional allocations for the state, ensuring continued funding for priority programmes and addressing unforeseen financial needs; and the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2024 in November, which was approved to address additional funding requirements for ongoing projects and new initiatives. Members of the Assembly in a group photo with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is flanked by DUN Sarawak Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and Abang Johari, taken on May 6 at the opening ceremony for the first meeting of the third term of the 19th DUN Sarawak. — Photo by Roystein EmmorMatt Gaetz withdraws attorney general nomination