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Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Drake announces return of OVO Fest: 'See you this summer'
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Drake at Forbes Arena Atlanta in October 2022. Getty After a three-year layaway, Toronto's worst sports bettor Drake has announced the return of OVO Fest in Toronto this summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The rapper made the news official during a surprise appearance at Central Cee's concert at Toronto's History nightclub on Saturday. 'I'll see you this summer, by the way' Drake said from the venue's balcony in fan-shot video that was posted to social media. 'OVO Fest will be back this year.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The return of OVO Fest will be Drake's first local show following last summer's headline-making feud with Kendrick Lamar, which led to him suing his record label Universal Music Group. The most recent edition of his star-studded music extravaganza took place in 2022 and saw Drizzy reuniting with his Young Money labelmates Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Notable Canadian artists Kardinal Offishall and Nelly Furtado also performed that weekend. At that show, Complex said Drake credited Young Money label founder Wayne for helping him get his career start. 'You gave me $30,000 that I was able to bring home to my mother, and that changed the next. like, six months for us. Never forget. That's the most important amount of money I've made in my life to date,' Drake said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You're the most important man to each and every one of us. You are truly the most selfless man on planet earth, to find all these people from across the motherf—ing world, bring us all together, give us all a shot … I would go to the ends of the earth for this man,' he continued. 'You changed my f—ing life and you changed the city forever.' Drake kicked off the summertime event at Molson Amphitheatre (now known as Budweiser Stage) in 2010 and the concerts have featured guest performances from Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder and The Weeknd, among others, over the years. After a hiatus in 2018, the five-time Grammy winner brought out a gigantic version of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to celebrate the Toronto Raptors' NBA title at the 2019 edition of OVO Fest. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. During 2017's OVO Fest, the rhymer performed on a replica of the CN Tower. 'I called 19 companies to build me a CN Tower and they all said no, and then I called the 20th!' Drake said. Drake floats across the stage in front of his mock CN Tower at the OVO Fest held at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto on Aug. 7, 2017. Photo by Jack Boland / Postmedia Network The night ended with a fireworks show that lasted for close to 15 minutes, which he dedicated to his friend Krispy, who recently passed. Drake's homecoming in Toronto will mark his first time playing in the city since his 2023 It's All a Blur Tour. Throughout that trek he kept up his streak of generosity going by offering to pay tuition for seven people in the crowd and pledging to cover one fan's medical expenses as she battles multiple sclerosis . This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'There's a couple of things I want to do tonight,' the music superstar told the cheering crowd. 'I don't know if you've been watching these shows, but everywhere I go, I try and spread love and I try and help people the way I can. So tonight I want to do a bunch of things. First and foremost, I saw somebody that had a sign that said they paid for their ticket with OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) money. Somebody else had a sign that said, 'Pay for my tuition' … This is what I'm going to do. We're paying for your tuition tonight and we're paying for your tuition tonight. And we're going to find five more people who need their tuition paid. I'm taking care of everything.' Later, he singled out a fan with a sign that said, 'I just found out I have MS.' Drake offered to connect her with his longtime musical collaborator Noah '40' Shebib, who also struggles with the illness, and then said he would help the concertgoer get treatment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I'm going to pay whatever it takes to get you the best help in the world, I promise you that. You got my word. And, you can come back tomorrow night.' Another attendee scored a $10,000 shopping spree at Yorkdale Mall, with Billboard's Artist of the Decade also pledging to help someone who helps their local community retire. Elsewhere on that tour, the Hotline Bling hitmaker handed out a Birkin Bag ('Drake ain't cheap!' he declared, as he scoured the crowd to find one lucky recipient), a Chanel handbag and stacks of cash. When he noticed one fan at a show in Las Vegas with a sign saying they had spent their furniture money on tickets to the concert, Drake offered to help get them back on track. 'My man, your furniture money, I'm gonna give you 50 bands tonight cause' I love you,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Explaining his penchant for being generous with his fans in 2018, Drake said in a now-deleted Instagram post that sharing his wealth was something that brought him immense satisfaction. 'There's nothing like seeing people experience a joyful moment when you can tell they need it the most,' he said. mdaniell@ Read More Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances! Ontario Music Sunshine Girls Money News World
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Cyber Square hosts region's premier student tech expo at University of Dubai
Cyber Square, a global innovator in AI education, in collaboration with the University of Dubai, successfully hosted the 5th International Digital Fest, which is widely recognized as the largest student technology expo of its kind, on 10 May 2025. Held on the vibrant campus of the University of Dubai, the Fest welcomed over 800 attendees, comprising students, educators, school leaders, and parents from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India. Over 330 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 presented pioneering projects in key areas of emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, the Internet of Things, Web and Mobile Application Development, and Animation. The Fest provided a high-caliber platform for young innovators to display their vision and technical prowess before a global audience. 'At Cyber Square, we believe in igniting curiosity and enabling purpose-driven innovation among the children,' said NP Haris, CEO of Cyber Square. 'This Fest serves as a transformative space where students are inspired to push boundaries, think critically, and create solutions that matter,' he added. The event was formally inaugurated by Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, who emphasized the importance of cultivating innovation at an early age. 'This is not merely a competition,' Dr. Al Bastaki remarked, 'but a celebration of the creative intellect and potential that our future leaders possess.' The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Alavi Kunju Panthakan, Associate Professor at the University of Dubai. A distinguished roster of educators and industry professionals offered keynote insights, including Mubashir Thayyil (Senior Architect, AI & Analytics – Cognizant UK), Dr. Najeeb Mohamed (Director, Ansar English School), Suma Paul, principal of Assisi Vidyaniketan Public School, and NP Haris (CEO, Cyber Square). Among the numerous accolades awarded, Vygha Praveen Nayana of the International Indian School, Ajman, earned first place in the Tech Talk category. Sayed Muhammed of Sadhbavana World School, Kozhikode, India, secured top honors in the AI/Robotics category. Additional winners included exceptional students from Grace Valley Indian School, Indian Public School, Ras Al Khaimah, and Peace Public School, Kottakal. To honour outstanding contributions, Cyber Square presented a series of prestigious awards, including the Tech Visionary Award, the School of Tomorrow Award, and the Coding & AI National Pioneer Award, India. These awards recognize schools and educators who are driving excellence in technology integration and digital learning. The event was made possible through a strategic partnership with the University of Dubai and was supported by a network of committed schools and education leaders across the region. Cyber Square has announced that the next edition of the World Digital Fest will be hosted at MIT, Cambridge, USA, in 2026, with another international event scheduled in the UAE the same year. Both are expected to draw over 1,000 student participants. More information on the International Digital Fest 2025 can be found on .
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Finalists announced in Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans executive director search
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans have announced the selection of two finalists in the search for its next executive director. The search was launched after former Executive Director Ghassan Korban announced he would be stepping down in February. The two finalists were selected from a pool of 68 candidates, nine of which were chosen after a screening process. Transportation Security Administration intercepts 28 firearms at New Orleans airport by April 2025 The first finalist is Bethany Bezak. SWBNO officials said Bezak is currently the Transportation Department Director for the City of San Diego and has held previous leadership positions at DC Water and Tetra Tech. She received a Master of Science in biological systems engineering from Virginia Tech and a dual Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and architecture from Lawrence Technological University. The second finalist is Randy Hayman. SWBNO officials said Hayman is the Commissioner and CEO of the Philidelphia Water Department. He has also held the potions of general counsel for DC Water and Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and partner at Beveridge & Diamond, an environmental law firm. Hayman received a juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan. Delays continue for Belle Chasse Bridge tolling date According to the SWBNO, 'Both candidates are nationally recognized in their fields and bring deep experience working in complex urban systems and leading large organizations tasked with delivering critical infrastructure and services.' SWBNO officials said the board of directors will conduct interviews with both candidates before making a final Fest in Northwest Louisiana to feature rappers Plies and Webbie Target baby food recalled over lead contamination You can get into over 100 national parks for free on Saturday: What to know Migrant registry has few takers, groups say Guests invited to Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting in Shreveport Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Clay County voters experiencing issues at polling sites
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Some Clay County voters claim to have run into issues at some polling sites Tuesday morning. The Clay County Election Board said in a statement that it discovered 64 ballot styles that contained ballots in which the same races appeared on the front and the back of the ballot. The ballots should have only been one-sided. The Board had correctly programmed the tabulators not to accept such a ballot. Human remains found in 1973 identified as missing Kansas City, Kansas teen According to the Clay County Election Board, voters were still able to cast their ballots at the opening of the polls, and those will be counted. The Board also instructed poll workers to provide voters with alternative options. The election board says the incorrect ballots with races on both sides had an 'X' marked through the duplicate races to minimize confusion. Despite those efforts, some Liberty residents say they are concerned about how their vote is being counted. 'I personally called the Clay County Election Board and told them that there were problems here. So I live in Liberty, and I'm a resident here, and I care about the people,' said Liberty resident Susan Wayne. Gieselle Fest is challenging incumbent Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson in the General Municipal Election. Fest spent the day talking with voters near the Liberty Church of Christ polling location. 'I've had voters come out very unhappy and very upset. They're not sure if their ballots are going to be counted. Apparently, it's printed twice on two sides, which is unacceptable. All electronic machines are not working. That's unacceptable,' Fest said. 'We're trying to get people to vote in Liberty. We have a town of 32,000. Regrettably, in (past) April (elections), we only had 3,000 votes. So, people are concerned about election integrity. And this just makes people panic,' Fest said. Susan Wayne spent much of the day near a different voting location in Liberty and said she heard similar complaints. Lawsuit filed after Kansas City metro man, DACA recipient is deported to Mexico 'I've been here since six this morning, and this morning for at least a half hour, people were griping, complaining that the voting machines were not working. And in 2025, computers should work and be in proper working order,' Wayne said. The Clay County Election Board said it is conducting an investigation into the vendor who provided the double-sided ballots. The early votes that had double-sided ballots will be inspected and counted by bipartisan teams to ensure correct tabulation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Long-running dispute over Confederate statue drives tension in Liberty mayoral election
During City Council meetings, Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson can be seen making faces, rolling his eyes and whispering to other council members while residents speak during public comment. Several of those residents — including his opponent in next week's mayoral election Giselle Fest — have said Canuteson is rude to Liberty citizens and lacks transparency. Fest says Canuteson refuses to answer questions from residents, citing the Missouri Sunshine Act, a state law meant to promote access to public records and information about the government. But Canuteson, a full-time lawyer in Liberty and former legislator in the Missouri House of Representatives, said it's important to put his facial expressions in context. He said the people he reacts to during public meetings, including Fest and her friends, are not just random residents. They are members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a group that has organized and shown up to speak at meetings for years to make sure a statue of a Confederate soldier remains standing in a nearby cemetery. Canuteson says Fest and members of the group frequently disrupt council meetings by spreading what he considers misinformation during public comment time and asking questions that the city has answered several times before, costing the city money in labor and time. 'They make these allegations that the city has to respond to, but for the city to respond and make sure they're accurate they spend a lot of time…over and over,' he said. 'Everybody else that comes up comes in good faith, we listen to them, and then we try to refer them to whoever might be able to answer the question,' Canuteson said. 'But that's not a time for [four people] to come up and berate council members.' Now, the long-running tension between Canuteson and Fest over the Confederate statue and a smattering of other key local issues has boiled over into the city's mayoral election. Fest, a Republican, said she likes to think of herself as more of a community activist than a politician. In fact, she said she was not thinking about running for mayor until multiple people in the community asked her to run against incumbent Canuteson. For five years now, Fest and others have attended the city meetings to protect the unmarked graves of Confederate soldiers in Fairview & New Hope cemeteries in Liberty. The city has agreed to leave the graves alone, but residents disagree about whether a statue of a Confederate soldier should be removed, a matter that is now tied up in court. The issue has been one Canuteson has had to face for his entire time in office. The previous mayor had banned public comment about the statue during city meetings. 'I'm uniquely built for this…I have no problem going in every two weeks and fighting for the community against a small group of angry people who want to celebrate the first grand wizard of the KKK,' Canuteson said. Fest rejected his claim that the soldier was affiliated with the KKK. 'He wants to go to the ugliest part of history, which is not really me,' Fest said. 'It's what he does. It divides our community. It's not good for the discussion…it just frustrates me.' She said Canuteson often brings up the city's history of a man being lynched at the city's courthouse. Fest's husband has family members buried in the cemetery and is very passionate about preserving their names. She said she doesn't care about the statue necessarily and has agreed to put a plaque over the soldier's name. Recently, what Canuteson calls a 'small group' of people associated with the Sons of Confederate Veterans have opposed a 1% sales tax on Tuesday's ballot that would increase first responders' pay and renovate the city's police department. If approved by voters, the tax would provide the city $7.5 million. Canuteson has said this will be the last tax increase in Liberty for a while if voters pass it and choose to re-elect him. Meanwhile, Fest, a Republican, has embraced the slogan, 'No tax increases,' in her opposing campaign. Canuteson said public safety is his number one priority in his re-election campaign, especially to ensure that the city's crime and unemployment rates remain some of the lowest in the metro. While some residents have criticized his proposed public safety tax on the ballot, he said a sales tax seemed to be the way to avoid raising homeowners' property taxes. He said the sales tax would be spread across the city and include shoppers who buy things in Liberty but live elsewhere. Fest remembers her time as a single mother in Liberty, pinching together change to make ends meet. 'The reason why I'm running is to look at those interests for our people,' she said. 'If you look at the regressive tax, it'll tell you that it harms that people, the middle, the average and the below income people.' The idea of building a new facility for law enforcement isn't new to the Northland. The Clay County Sheriff's Department recently broke ground on their new training center without raising county taxes. Fest is questioning why Liberty cannot do the same and suggesting that the city is not managing its money wisely. She said Liberty should use money from its existing tax revenue to address public safety concerns. Canuteson said it's not as simple as that. Certain taxes must be used for specific purposes such as roads and the general fund, he said. Fest said she's not necessarily against supporting first responders, but she has seen firsthand how retired citizens like herself are barely making it by with current property and sales tax rates. 'We need to take a breath,' Fest said. 'We need a citizen, a full citizens committee, to look at a zero-based budget.' Right now, Liberty has a budget committee that meets at least once a month, sometimes more, as well as a Citizens Sales Tax Oversight Committee. Beyond the proposed tax, Fest and her supporters have criticized the city's spending under Canuteson more broadly. One of their biggest complaints is what they have deemed as the unnecessary spending of $300,000 on Christmas lights. But Canuteson said this was part of an effort to add street lights and revitalize one of the city's most forgotten areas: a historically Black neighborhood including Garrison School Historic District, the first public school for African American youth in Liberty. Canuteson sent out a task force to evaluate neighborhoods close to downtown where most Black residents lived in the past, he said. The task force came back to report that the areas were not walkable and lacked critical infrastructure and street lights. 'I find it really ironic that one thing they've identified to cut is the one project we're doing in the historically Black section of the town,' he said. Especially since the city has done similar projects in two other historically white neighborhoods downtown. 'It's ridiculous,' he added.
