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The Star
14-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Reward for good SPM results in Sibu
Chieng (third from left) presenting an award to a 2024 SPM student with Teo (second from left) and other teachers. Incentives have been awarded to 92 students from SMK Sacred Heart in Sibu, Sarawak, who achieved 5As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. The incentives were from Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng amounting to RM38,500. Chieng said the educational incentives had been implemented in schools within his constituency since 2022. The Bukit Assek constituency comprises four secondary schools – SMK Methodist, Catholic High School, SMK Bukit Assek and SMK Sacred Heart. 'The aim is to encourage and motivate students. 'It also serves as a token of appreciation for their diligence, while offering them some financial support too,' he said. Chieng expressed hope that the incentive would encourage students in Bukit Assek to strive for academic excellence. 'To the high-achieving students, I extend my congratulations. 'I urge you to remain focused and disciplined as you progress to the next stage of your educational journey,' he added. SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo described the achievements as a collective effort of students, teachers and parents.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay Catholics react to Pope Leo XIV with joy, reflection
As the world reacted to Thursday's historic news that an American, Robert Prevost, would lead the Roman Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV, Catholics in Tampa Bay and across Florida joined in the moment. Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg invited Catholics to pray in support of the new pope. 'May God bless our new Holy Father,' Parkes said in a statement. 'I pray that his ministry will unite the human family in pursuit of peace and the common good of people of every race, religion, and language.' At a mass held Thursday afternoon at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, people gathered to pray and celebrate the surprising news. "I'm excited. I was not expecting this. It's exciting news," said Yahir Bonet, who works in the bishop's office. Deacon José Moronta of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Tampa expressed optimism about the direction of the Church under Pope Leo XIV. 'I feel very satisfied,' Moronta said. He described the new pope as a person who will not discard the progress made under Pope Francis. Moronta said the new pope will be also able to handle the more conservative current within the Church, which also needs to be acknowledged. 'I believe this is similar to what Pope Paul VI had to face, who, in my opinion, was the best pope of the 20th century,' Moronta said. 'He led the Church with great wisdom.' For Moronta, even the pope's chosen name holds symbolism and importance. 'Leo XIII was the first pope to speak out on the Church's social doctrine,' he said. He published an encyclical demanding respect for workers, including the right to an eight-hour workday.' Before becoming pontiff, Prevost spent two decades at a diocese in Peru, giving Florida's Peruvians an unexpected but welcome connection to the papacy. 'It's a very special and emotional moment for us. People have embraced it with great sensitivity and warmth, it feels like a blessing,' said Juan Carlos Ibarra, former Honorary Consul of Peru in Tampa. 'The Peruvian community is large and united in faith. For us, having a pope with such strong ties to Peru is deeply meaningful.' The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops called the naming of an American pope 'thrilling.' 'Thanks be to God for calling Pope Leo XIV to lead the Church of our time,' the statement read. 'We promise our prayers that the Lord will guide and support the Holy Father throughout his pontificate. God bless and sustain Pope Leo XIV and, through his service, the whole Church and the world.' On the social platform X, Tampa Catholic High School also celebrated the election of the first pope from the United States. 'Habemus Papam! We joyfully join the global Church in celebrating the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV of the United States!' read the post. 'Let us unite in prayer for wisdom, strength, and grace as he begins this incredible journey of faith and leadership.' Sen. Rick Scott also took to X to share his excitement. 'Congratulations to the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV!' Scott said. 'May God bless him as he leads the Catholic Church.' Moronta's brother Mario Moronta, Bishop Emeritus of San Cristóbal, a region located between Venezuela and Colombia, had met the new pope during a private gathering at the Vatican. He said the pontiff is a man with a strong vision for the future. Catholics must accompany him with prayers, he said, but also with a commitment to continue working in the responsibilities entrusted to each one. 'He's a good man. The fact that he was a missionary in Peru helps him greatly,' Mario Moronta said. 'He wants to build peace and be a bridge for peace, and to build fraternity and respect for the dignity of all people, including immigrants.' This is a developing story. Check for updates. Times photographer Dirk Shadd contributed to this report.


Global News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada votes: Fire at polling station in Windsor, Ont. sends voters elsewhere
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Windsor, Ont. fire crews are working to extinguish a structure fire at the WFCO Centre in the cities east end on Monday morning that was also being used as a polling station for today's federal election. Windsor police say McHugh Street is currently closed from Darfield Avenue to Florence Road while crews work to extinguish the blaze. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Due to the fire, Windsor police say voting at that polling station was relocated to St. Joseph's Catholic High School. Those who were scheduled to vote at the WFCU Centre, were being advised to go to St. Joseph's Catholic High School instead. Signage and staff will be available to assist at the new location. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PSP raises issues like cost of living and job security at rally in Bishan
PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock (centre) made a surprise appearance an hour into the rally, and was the evening's final speaker. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG GE2025: PSP raises issues like cost of living and job security at rally in Bishan Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Job security, the rising cost of living, and the need to check the dominance of the PAP were among the key issues raised by party members at the PSP's rally in Bishan. Speakers also touched on work-life balance and the well-being of seniors at the opposition party's rally held at the Catholic High School. PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock made a surprise appearance an hour into the rally, at about 8.20pm, and was the evening's final speaker. He spoke about the importance of having an opposition presence in Parliament to avoid group-think, especially when the ruling party's candidates are largely drawn from the civil service and armed forces. He said: 'This is dangerous. There will be group-think, which to me, it is inbreeding. And when there's inbreeding, there is no way you can change policies within that system. For this reason, you must vote opposition.' Earlier in the evening, Ms Hazel Poa, 54, candidate for West Coast-Jurong West GRC, said the PAP has remained dominant in Singapore politics for 66 years, and has been able to amend the Constitution without opposition, due to its majority in Parliament. She added that the PAP's dominance in Parliament is likely to continue for some time to come, but what does it mean for Singaporeans, she asked. She said: 'On the positive side, it ensures continuity in our policies and fosters stability. On a negative side, it allows the ruling party to put and keep in place rules that create an unlevel playing field, and hinder fair political competition.' The PSP's West Coast-Jurong West GRC candidate Hazel Poa said the PAP has been able to amend the Constitution without opposition, due to its majority in Parliament. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG At this year's polls, the PSP is fielding candidates in the single seats of Marymount, Kebun Baru, Pioneer and Bukit Gombak and two group representation constituencies - West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Chua Chu Kang GRC. Spectators at the rally started trickling in from about 6.30pm - some brought their own stools and one even brought his own portable table. Armed with hand clappers, shrill whistles and even a tambourine, the crowd clapped and cheered as candidates gave their speeches at the rally, which started at 7.15pm. Mr Leong Mun Wai, 65, the party's secretary-general, said Singapore's fourth-generation leadership has lost its way. He added that he sees as a lack of compassion in the government's socio-economic policies. Referring to the Government's decision to raise the goods and services tax to 9 per cent despite rising inflation and post-pandemic economic strain, he called for a return to the 7 per cent rate. Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan, 55, outlined his three key priorities - strengthening education, increasing parliamentary debate and improving constituency care. Mr Tan, who credited education with lifting him out of poverty, proposed smaller class sizes in primary and secondary schools, optional PSLE, and guaranteed pathways for all students to attain at least a diploma. He said the nation's reserves should be used to invest in the younger generation, calling them Singapore's 'most precious resource'. On parliamentary reform, Mr Tan called for more sittings and debates, citing PSP's good track record despite having only NCMPs in Parliament. He spoke about the lack of discussion around issues like the SimplyGo rollout, which affected the elderly, and the prioritisation of $5 billion in taxpayer funds for the local stock market, over addressing the cost of living. The PSP's Kebun Baru candidate Tony Tan outlined his three key priorities - strengthening education, increasing parliamentary debate and improving constituency care. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Mr Tan also said there are plans to establish a PSP office in Kebun Baru, and a range of people-focused initiatives. These include an educational mentoring scheme for students, support for the sandwich generation, and care teams for seniors, singles, and the sick. Mr Jeffrey Khoo, 56, candidate for Marymount SMC, said stronger job protections and a minimum living wage were needed to address growing concerns over job insecurity among middle-aged Singaporeans. Rising costs, stagnant wages, and underemployment are key issues Singaporeans are facing today, he said. He outlined key PSP proposals, including a minimum living wage of $2,250, a 40-hour work week, 14 days of annual leave, extended parental leave, a 'right to disconnect' after work hours, and tighter rules on hiring foreign professionals. The PSP's Marymount candidate Jeffrey Khoo said stronger job protections and a minimum living wage were needed to address growing concerns over job insecurity among middle-aged Singaporeans. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Four PSP members contesting Chua Chu Kang GRC also spoke at the rally. First-time candidate Lawrence Pek, 55, called for a minimum wage and Ms Wendy Low, 48, called for more to be done to tackle workplace discrimination. Another member of the PSP Chua Chu Kang team, Mr S. Nallakaruppan, 60, said Singaporeans, especially for those in their 40s, 50s and 60s who have been displaced by digitalisation, need more help. Many of his peers have lost their jobs despite upskilling, he added, and training alone is not enough if there are no actual jobs waiting for those who need work. Rounding up the night, Dr Tan - who said he will turn 85 in two days - said the two members of his party, Mr Leong and Ms Poa, have performed well in Parliament. The two are Non-Constituency MPs, being the top two losers at the last polls. He added that it has been a difficult experience for them, considering the number of 'parliamentary wounds' they have suffered. He said: 'I feel sorry for them, but I say carry on, because it is for the good of the country. Don't be afraid. Parliamentary wounds will heal.' Additional reporting by Hazel Tang Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National salt shortage affecting local communities
CLEARFIELD COUNTY (WTAJ) – Residents in Clearfield County have started to notice the limited amount of salt being put on roads throughout the county due to the salt shortage. 'They've been putting down just the bare minimum to keep up with things I think. And it's just the heavy slush freezing at night time and just been very difficult these past few weeks,' resident Toni Houston said. With the recent cold temperatures and slushy roads, commutes to and from work for many people have been very hard. Bishop McCort Catholic High School receives $1 million gift for Centennial Campaign 'When I left work at 6:30 yesterday, it looked like they had plowed the roads but I didn't really see a lot of salt at that time, and there definitely was ice,' resident Elizabeth Lanzoni said. The national shortage of salt has forced many municipalities and counties to modify their efforts to make supplies last until the next delivery. But many don't know when that delivery could be. In a statement earlier this month, a major salt supplier, American Rock Salt said, 'We realize some municipalities are concerned about supply and we understand the frustration associated with this very difficult winter stressing our supply chain.' They also said that so far this winter they have shipped more salt than all of last year. 'In 2024 American Rock Salt shipped 1.8 million tons of salt for the entirety of the winter season; this winter through January 2025 alone we have already shipped over 2.1 million tons of salt. In total, we have mined and shipped more salt so far this winter than all of last year. Municipalities have acknowledged that in some instances they have already used the level of salt in 2025 compared to the level they used for the entire winter season of 2024.' Community members said that we were due for a winter like this. 'I do believe the last two mild winters have softened us a bit with the driving in the ice and you know the constant snow and cold temperatures,' Lanzoni said. The harsh weather is also something that is making folks countdown the weeks until spring. 'Punxsutawney Phil said 6 more weeks and I think we are down one so 5 more weeks to go,' Houston said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.