ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Ministry of Defence recently issued a statement on the issue of medical pension for military personnel declared unfit for duty due to physical or mental disability. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth addressed questions in the Lok Sabha on the updated measures taken by the government to ensure fairness and transparency in assessment of disability and grant of pension benefits. Updates in Pension Regulations In order to bring the Defence Disability Pension Rules in line with civilian standards, the government brought out Eligibility Rules for Accidental Pensionary Awards 2023 and Guide Medical Officers 2023. These regulations will seek to standardise the process of the Medical Board and ensure objective assessment. Also Read: India's GDP Growth Seen At 6.5% In FY25, FY26: EY Report Types of Pensions Offered The Ministry of Defence offers the following pensions to disabled military personnel: 1. War Injury Pension-For injuries sustained during operations. 2. Disability Pension-For disability sustained during service. 3. Invalid Pension/Gratuity - For disability other than service resulting in discharge. 4. Terminal Gratuity – for officers who cannot be granted pensionable service. Transparency Measures The Medical Board has three members, who adjudicate cases in the light of the RMSAF-2010 guidelines of the Armed Forces. Psychiatric assessments are more closely scrutinised by high-ranking officers to prevent false or biased reports. P ending Pension Cases Responding to concerns about personnel awaiting pension benefits, the Minister informed that pension is disbursed under the updated Eligibility Rules (ER) 2023, Pension Regulations for Army (PRA) 2008 and other relevant frameworks. These updates reflect the Ministry’s continued commitment to support disabled military personnel through streamlined processes and fair assessment. Also Read: Sanathan Textiles IPO Allotment Status: Know Steps To Check Shares Allotment Status On Kfin Technologies WebsiteThe US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern.
NoneNew Delhi, Dec 25: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that the governance reforms must begin at the grassroot level to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change. In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, he launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative on Good Governance Day, celebrated very year to mark birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning, said Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel. He emphasised “that governance reforms must begin at the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change as well as to fill up the capacity gaps”. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance service delivery, Singh said. He said that this program aligns with the government’s broader mission to decentralise governance and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative is expected to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance, enabling PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development across rural India, according to a Personnel Ministry statement. The minister also launched a series of transformative initiatives on the occasion of the Good Governance Day. The first initiative unveiled by Singh was the launch of a new dashboard on the iGOT (integrated government online training) Karmayogi platform, along with the milestone introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. The enhanced dashboard is designed to empower ministries, departments, and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and overall progress in capacity-building efforts. With customisable views and robust data filtration capabilities, the dashboard provides detailed insights to improve decision-making and optimize training initiatives, the statement said. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th course on the platform underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and comprehensive learning ecosystem, it said. The minister also launched CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) Annual Report 2024. As the world’s largest citizen interface platform, CPGRAMS has redefined grievance redressal by integrating advanced technologies, multilingual support, and comprehensive tracking mechanisms. The CPGRAMS allows citizens to raise grievances against government departments online. The report showcases key achievements, including the resolution of over 25 lakh grievances annually and the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI), the statement said. Another significant initiative launched during the event was the compendium of pension related instructions, 2024, a comprehensive document consolidating all updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. Singh said that Good Governance Day, institutionalised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to initiatives that directly impact citizens’ lives. Reflecting on India’s journey towards its centenary as an independent nation in 2047, he outlined the need to prepare for a future where citizens can independently manage governance processes with minimal reliance on bureaucratic systems. Singh shared his experience of introducing AI-driven mobile health clinics in rural areas, highlighting how technology not only facilitates governance but also captivates and engages communities. Singh said that each year, the government strives to introduce new initiatives that add value to governance and reflect its dynamic and evolving nature.
ARIZONA, Texas — One person is dead after a crash on SR-85 near Baseline Road in the West Valley, according to Arizona DPS officials. The crash happened just after 3 p.m. and involved two vehicles, officials said. The southbound lanes of SR-85 are closed for an investigation. The driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Details on how the crash happened were not immediately available. 12News is working to get more information. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV . 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.Quick quotes: How Canada is reacting to Trump's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona got back to winning in the Spanish league in style, routing Mallorca 5-1 on Tuesday with a pair of goals by Raphinha. Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Víctor also scored for Barcelona, which hadn't won in three consecutive league games to allow Real Madrid to inch closer at the top of the standings. Madrid is now four points back although it has two games in hand. Torres, who got to start in place of league-leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Mallorca defenders failed to clear an easy ball from inside the area. One defender tried to kick it away but it ended ricocheting off a teammate to give Ferran an easy shot on goal. The hosts equalized with Vedat Muriqi in a breakaway just before halftime in what was Mallorca's only shot on target, but Raphinha put Barcelona back in front by converting a 56th-minute penalty kick. He added to the lead in the 74th after a nice assist by Lamine Yamal. Raphinha now has 11 goals in 16 league games this season. “This is probably my best moment, but I want to do more,” Raphinha said. “We knew it was important to win again after three matches in which something was lacking. It wasn't our best match, but it was important to win.” Yamal also helped set up De Jong's goal five minutes later, not long after the midfielder had come off the bench. It was De Jong who then assisted Víctor's goal in the 84th. Barcelona has scored five or more goals in a match for the sixth time this season across all competitions. It has outscored opponents 48-17 in the league alone. Barcelona had lost twice in its last three league matches — 2-1 to Las Palmas at home on Saturday and 1-0 at Real Sociedad three rounds ago. Its other setback was a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo when it was winning 2-0 until late in the match. The game against Mallorca was moved forward in the schedule because both clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup in January. Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, the other two clubs in the Super Cup, will meet on Wednesday in Bilbao. Barcelona, which beat Brest in the Champions League last week, will visit Real Betis in its next league match on Saturday. Mallorca, sitting in sixth place in the Spanish league, faces Celta on Friday. Mallorca was coming off two straight league victories — against Valencia and at Las Palmas. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerPersonal loans: How fintech has reformed instant lending ecosystem — 8 key changes
Punjab Haryana leaders condole demise of Manmohan SinghHyperview establishes headquarters in Quzhou cityThere are numerous phishing scams online that tend to fool people with enticing offers and discounts. Ahead of the UAE National Day, multiple fake promotion offers are popping up on social media platforms like Facebook, which advertise cool and too-good-to-be-true offers, which often intend to fool people. Here’s what happened with a Dubai expat who lost AED1836 on Thursday, November 28. Dubai Expat Loses Money After Falling For Fake Fix Chocolate Offer An Indian expat living in Dubai ended up losing AED1836 after she was fooled by a 90% discount on a fake Fix Chocolate advertisement posted on Facebook. This was a part of the UAE National Day offer, which the scammers used to entice the expat with their fake offer. What caught the residents off-guard was the fact that the scammers managed to fool them without asking for an OTP. However, this is not the only scam that has taken place in recent days. Quite recently, another expat in Dubai was fooled after she lost AED9872 in August when trying to purchase discounted chicken fries. A similar pattern has been observed among other scammed residents who often tend to place orders for fast food items online through advertisements that pop-up on social media. Also Read: 8th Dubai Fitness Challenge Marking 14% Increase To Emirates World Opening In Morocco; 5 UAE Updates For You Cyber Security Experts Warn Against Such Scams As a result, cyber security experts have warned against such scams. As they become increasingly sophisticated, there are even scammers who make a whole new fraudulent website that poses to be a legitimate platform. So, they tend to exploit the user’s trust and fool them with enticing offers. And authorities have asked residents to always verify the authenticity of the website before they make any online transaction. Especially when they stumble upon such websites through social media advertisements. So, if you also happen to be someone who tends to make a lot of online transactions, you might want to be careful about the website that you visit and pay. Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images (Images are for representative purposes only)
S&P/TSX composite index rises Tuesday, U.S. markets mixedORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted.
Mr Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker”. Mr Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Mr Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was co-operating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Mr Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Mr Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison – the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the US attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Mr Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Mr Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offences “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was US attorney”. Mr Trump and the elder Mr Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.By Makoto Mitsui 8:00 JST, November 23, 2024 It was a mission so difficult that many regarded its success as a dream come true. It was the U.S. Apollo program, which sent humans to the moon more than half a century ago. It was so momentous that there is even a conspiracy theory in the United States among those who refuse to believe it was possible, claiming that the Apollo mission was a hoax. Now the United States is taking up the challenge again. Its new effort, called the Artemis program, aims to land astronauts on the moon in 2026. In April of this year, Japan and the United States agreed that Japanese astronauts too would be offered the opportunity to land on the moon, with Japan cooperating in the development of a lunar rover and other projects. Japan aims to land its first astronaut in 2028, which would make it the second country ever to land an astronaut on the moon, after the United States. In October, two new astronauts were officially certified by JAXA. They could be the first Japanese to land on the moon. One of them, Makoto Suwa, said at a press conference, “I think that aiming for the moon has scientific significance, and that in itself is exciting.” Hearing such news reminded me of the 1977 book “The Moon and the Ghetto” by American economist Richard R. Nelson. The book asks why a country with enough science and technology to send humans to the moon cannot solve problems such as discrimination and poverty. One of the reasons, he points out, is that making policies to eliminate social disparities and people’s prejudices may be much more difficult than building a spaceship to go to the moon. Does this mean that policies that deal with people’s hearts and minds are more difficult than space development, which is based on the laws of physics? Akira Goto, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo who translated the book into Japanese, said, “With the striking words ‘moon and ghetto,’ the book reveals the distortions in society. It does not present a clear-cut solution, but it has triggered a debate.” Nelson also points out a difficulty of social problems, which is the lack of sufficient know-how to solve them. Compare, for example, medicine and education. In medicine, effectiveness can be verified experimentally, sometimes using animals, and experiments can be repeated and improved. In education, however, the effects vary depending on who is teaching and what kind of students they have. It is not realistic to repeat “experiments” on children and create a universal manual for education. According to a 2008 article coauthored by Nelson in the journal Nature, different approaches to improved teaching remain strongly context-dependent, and no one approach confers an obvious advantage over others in all circumstances. In the natural sciences, where know-how has been accumulated, once a goal is set, progress can be made, even if through trial and error. New discoveries made possible by science and technology attract attention and generate further impetus. However, we should not forget that even with the development of science and technology, there are still social problems that go unaddressed. “The Moon and the Ghetto” poses a grand challenge to modern society that is still relevant nearly half a century later. Political Pulse appears every Saturday. Makoto Mitsui Makoto Mitsui is a Senior Research Fellow at Yomiuri Research Institute.Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year
An Abingdon artist is using his artwork to give the gift of music to those who have experienced loss due to Hurricane Helene. Kyle Buckland, a lifelong artist and guitarist, is donating 25% of his painting sales to purchase and restore second-hand guitars for musicians who lost their instruments in the flood. A professional artist since 2008, Buckland’s impressionistic work is represented in hundreds of private, public and corporate collections locally and around the world. “It’s an unconventional idea because it’s more important that the victims get food, water, and shelter,” he said. “But as a musician, I know in tough times it’s always soothing to sit down and play your guitar.” Buckland is partnering with Music Mountain in downtown Erwin, Tennessee, WBCM Radio Bristol, ReString Appalachia and WoodSongs to distribute the refurbished instruments based on the greatest needs in the region. So far, he has restored eight guitars for the effort. The public will get a chance to see his artwork when the artist hosts “Deck the Halls: Buckland Fine Art Open Studio and Donation Event” from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 at in the Art Lab at William King Museum of Art, 414 Academy Dr. NW, Abingdon. More than 200 original oil paintings by Buckland will be for sale at special holiday sale prices for a limited time with 25% of the sales going toward the guitar donation project. In addition, the artist will conduct a free live painting demonstration from 1 to 2 p.m. with the chance to win a free, original oil painting. “It will have a family-friendly atmosphere where the whole family can experience the joy of art,” he said. Online holiday sales also are offered at https://kylebuckland.com/collections/198989 . Buckland’s revelation to restore old guitars surfaced a few years ago when he came across an aging acoustic guitar in a local antique store. The guitar was affordably priced but required some work. “I took it home to repair it. Little did I know I would fall in love with the process of restoring guitars and bringing them back to life,” the artist said. “The whole process of working on them was like an art to me. It reminded me of my painting because it’s a refining process,” he said. Buckland, who was more accustomed to playing electric guitars, discovered he has a knack for repairing and playing the acoustic guitars. “I wanted to keep learning how to work on them but I didn’t have a reason to continue to buy a bunch of broken acoustic guitars,” he said with a laugh. That all changed after Hurricane Helene swept through the region in September, washing away houses and belongings. Buckland reached out to his friend Joel Janis at Music Mountain and learned about the number of their clients impacted by the hurricane. “The wheels started turning in my head to begin donating to the people who had lost their guitars in the flood waters. “It’s a win-win situation. I get to work on the guitars and it’s gratifying for me to serve the needs of the community. It all just fell into place,” Buckland said. His project is similar to last year’s holiday donations where for every painting Buckland sold, he donated a painting to a school in the region. He ended up supplying original oil paintings to 16 different area schools. Most of the guitars he finds have been damaged whether from wear and tear, accidents, or neglect, and require some “tender loving care” to restore them to proper playing condition. Buckland finds a lot of the guitars from Goodwill thrift stores and antique shops. “I look for good quality guitars made from solid wood and not plywood,” he said. According to him, restoring guitars involves a range of procedures including simple setups like changing strings, adjusting string action and truss rod, oiling the fret board, and tweaking the saddle height. More complex tasks involve repairing top cracks in the soundboard. While some of the guitars he donates are brand new, he still makes sure they are properly set up before donating them. “This ensures they are ready to play and provide a positive experience for the new owner from the very first strum,” Buckland said. Every now and then, some used guitars he finds are almost a lost cause. His biggest repair was on a Guild vintage guitar he located in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The guitar was in sad shape. The head stock was cracked and the bridge was coming off. I completely restored the guitar. By that point, I realized I could repair just about any guitar,” he said. Bringing old damaged guitars back to life has become a passion. “It’s such a gratifying thing to do. It’s another passion of mine,” said Buckland. “I’m giving these guitars new life and donating them to people who need them. It’s a feel-good situation.” While he works his magic on the stringed instruments, Buckland steals some time away from repairs to compose songs on the acoustic guitars. “The acoustic guitar goes hand in hand with the singer songwriter scene,” said Buckland. “I’ve always dabbled in songwriting, but now that my art career has taken off, I have time to step back and write more.” Visit the website for Kyle Buckland Fine Art at www.kylebuckland.com . The holiday sale page can be found at https://kylebuckland.com/collections/198989 . Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at citydesk@bristolnews.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
Trump aims to appoint son-in-law’s father as US ambassador to FranceBelying expectations: Five tech letdowns of 2024Eagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West race
should be cause for complete and total celebration. The 23-year-old Japanese phenom will immediately become one of the game’s must-see players. Whichever team signs him will have itself . And Sasaki, as talented a young hurler as we’ve ever seen, will get to test his abilities at the highest level. Unfortunately, there’s also a much darker side to the story. And it has very little to do with Sasaki himself. Sasaki, as a non-American, non-Canadian player under the age of 25, will enter stateside baseball as part of international amateur free agency. The international market is an intricate, often unsavory world in which the overwhelming majority of players involved are Latin American teenagers. It is also an incredibly fragile ecosystem, one built upon handshake agreements and verbal promises. That means Sasaki’s entrance into the market has the potential to upend much of the 2025 international signing class, leaving a tornado of mayhem in its wake. There remains a small chance that Sasaki will sign within the 2024 international window, which ends Dec. 15 — that would greatly simplify this process — but commissioner Rob Manfred that he expects Sasaki to sign in the new year. That’s because his Japanese team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, will receive more money by making him available in 2025. But to understand how Sasaki’s MLB arrival could throw the international amateur market into disarray, it’s vital to first understand how the system works. Each year, all 30 MLB teams have a fixed amount of money that they can spend on signing bonuses for international amateur players, known colloquially as the “bonus pool.” The overwhelming majority of those players are Latin American teenagers, but once in a blue moon, a player such as Sasaki or Shohei Ohtani — an established professional from a foreign league who happens to be under the age of 25 — makes the leap and upsets the system. The size of each team’s annual budget depends on (1) a club’s market size and (2) whether the club signed a high-priced free agent who received a qualifying offer in the preceding year. For the upcoming 2025 window, the Dodgers and Giants have the smallest bonus pool size, at $5,146,200, while an octet of teams share the largest sum, at $7,555,500. But while teams cannot officially sign players in the 2025 class until Jan. 15, most amateurs have had verbal agreements in place for years, even though such “early deals” are technically against the rules. In other words, many MLB teams have already allocated their bonus budgets for the upcoming window. Which makes Roki Sasaki — a worthwhile, unexpected cost for the team that signs him — an agent of chaos. Sasaki’s decision to come to MLB now and not two years from now, when he would be a traditional free agent available to the highest bidder, suggests that maxing out his earnings is far from his top priority. The 23-year-old right hander is set to forgo at least $100 million. However, Sasaki isn’t going to sign for free, and there’s certainly a chance that the difference between $2.5 million and $5 million matters in the end. As a result, and because all deals for the 2025 amateur window are, for now, only verbal, a team interested in Sasaki is incentivized to renege or rework any big-ticket agreements currently in place to free up bonus money for the Japanese flamethrower. Here’s a theoretical example. One of the consensus top players in the class is a Dominican shortstop named Elian Peña, who has a verbal agreement with the New York Mets for a bonus north of $4 million. If the Mets think they have a strong chance at Sasaki and believe a few extra million in bonus money could make the difference, they could go to Peña’s representation and try to push down his agreed-upon bonus number. Peña’s reps, who under the current system have little leverage, could do one of two things: accept a reworked deal from the Mets or reopen negotiations with other teams. But while option No. 2 could recoup more money, that money might not be available anywhere. Remember, most teams have already allocated most of their budget. This is where things, according to sources familiar with the international market, could get even more complicated and chaotic. Teams not seriously involved in the Sasaki sweepstakes, knowing that talented amateurs could reenter the market at the last minute, might attempt to renegotiate verbal deals of their own in order to swoop in on those discarded players. That could create a disastrous domino effect in which clubs and players are attempting to rework deals at the 11th hour in a tumultuous, frantic game of musical chairs — all because Sasaki, a pitcher with nearly 400 career innings thrown in the world’s second-best league, somehow falls into the same category as a yet-to-be-paid 16-year-old. Others were skeptical that Sasaki’s arrival would create such a massive ripple effect, citing the importance of maintaining relationships with the trainers and agents who work with most of Latin America’s top amateurs. A team backing out of a deal at the last minute could create lasting discord with one or more of the region’s top power brokers. There’s also a chance that Sasaki, having already left so much money on the table, won’t be overly concerned with his final bonus amount, instead prioritizing the team with which he feels most comfortable. Sources indicated that the order of operations around Sasaki and any cutting of bonuses remains up in the air. It’s unclear whether teams will preemptively renegotiate deals before Jan. 15, the first day signings can be finalized, or wait until the fallout from Sasaki’s signing. But no matter the sequence, it's a near certainty that at least one unfortunate amateur is going to end up with a smaller bonus because of Sasaki’s odd fit within the system. The problem with the entire dynamic is that Sasaki and amateurs seven years his junior are lumped into the same structure. Sasaki will spend the entirety of 2025 in the major leagues; his fellow 2025 signees likely won’t debut until 2030 at the earliest. Sasaki could receive Cy Young votes next year. Most international amateurs will spend 2025 in the Dominican Summer League, the lowest level of professional affiliated baseball. The only other precedent here involves soon-to-be three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, who made the leap across the Pacific after the 2017 season. But Ohtani’s entrance into the market did not create a whirlwind of chaos in Latin America because (1) his arrival was less of a surprise than Sasaki’s and (2) the signing deadline at the time was in July, not January, meaning Ohtani showed up in the middle of the fiscal year. Even so, Ohtani’s involvement in the international amateur system, a system meant for players of an altogether different type, didn’t make much sense at the time. And since then, that problem has not been fixed. In fact, it has gotten worse. One source called the system “a mess.” Another called it “broken.” Most teams are negotiating with players as young as 12, even though a player must be at least 16 years old on signing day. Some of the amateurs set to sign in the upcoming window verbally agreed to deals as early as spring 2021, around the time that Sasaki debuted in NPB. Yet because of the current international bonus rules, Sasaki’s contract will take money out of someone else’s pocket — which is not at all his fault. It’s like comparing apples and motorcycles. Every team would rather have Sasaki, particularly at such a low price, than any other player available in the 2025 class, and it’s not remotely close. Sasaski is the only proven commodity on offer. As one evaluator put it: “I would much rather sign Sasaki than wait six years to figure out if [a player from the 2025 international class] is good.”President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker.” Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. ___ Tucker reported from Newtown, Pennsylvania
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Published 18:50 IST, December 25th 2024 The Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning over 740 km, is one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders. Kashmir, India - The Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, stretching over 740 kilometres, represents one of the most volatile and militarized borders globally. This rugged terrain demands exceptional adaptability from the Indian Army, whose operations encompass defensive measures, offensive strategies, and specialized actions in diverse environments such as dense forests, urban areas, and glaciated regions. The unique challenges posed by geography, weather, and enemy tactics are countered through meticulous planning, modern technology, and unmatched resilience. Defensive Tactics The Indian Army's defensive operations along the LoC are anchored in a multi-layered strategy. Posts are positioned on dominating heights to monitor enemy activities and deter infiltration attempts. These outposts, integrated with advanced observation systems, include fortified living quarters, communication centres, and fighting bunkers designed to withstand prolonged enemy fire. Infiltration deterrence is prioritized, with robust wire obstacles, night surveillance equipment, and human intelligence networks working in tandem. Patrolling remains a cornerstone of the defence. Regular movement through nullahs, ridgelines, and vulnerable gaps ensures territorial integrity and discourages adversary exploitation of weak points. The Advanced Integrated Observation System (AIOS) further enhances situational awareness by combining electronic surveillance with thermal imaging, reducing dependence on physical patrols during adverse weather. Countering Infiltration Countering Challenges Offensive Strategies Offensive operations along the LoC are characterized by precision and rapid execution. Initiatives such as targeted strikes and coordinated assaults leverage artillery and infantry units. Before launching an attack, the Indian Army establishes firm bases, ensuring operational stability and effective resupply mechanisms. Artillery bombardments weaken enemy defences, paving the way for infantry to advance. Offensive operations involve firm base establishment, followed by infiltration of enemy areas through multi-directional assaults. Artillery and mortars are employed to suppress enemy defences before launching infantry attacks. The deployment of specialized units, such as the Indian Army’s Para Commandos, ensures swift and targeted actions in enemy territory. Such operations disrupt adversary supply chains, degrade command networks, and neutralize high-value targets. These offensive measures, combined with intelligence-driven decision-making, sustain dominance along the LoC. High Mobility and the Use of Special Forces Special attention is given to maintaining momentum, ensuring quick movement despite challenging terrains. Surprise and deception are vital, with operations often coordinated during adverse weather to limit enemy responses. Specialized units conduct precision strikes, often deep inside the enemy-held territory, targeting critical nodes such as logistics depots or command centres. Glaciated Terrain Operations The glaciated regions near the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), including the Siachen Glacier, present unparalleled challenges. Soldiers operate at altitudes exceeding 19,000 feet, braving temperatures that plummet below -40°C. The terrain itself, with steep gradients, deep crevasses, and frequent avalanches, imposes severe mobility restrictions. To counter these conditions, soldiers undergo rigorous acclimatization and specialized training in ice craft, crevasse crossing, and high-altitude survival. Defensive positions in this terrain are heavily fortified to resist both natural elements and enemy assaults. Frequent rotation of troops mitigates the physical and psychological toll of high-altitude warfare. Forest and Urbanized Operations In regions such as Poonch, Uri, and Kupwara, thick forests and valley-based settlements complicate military operations. These areas provide cover to infiltrators and necessitate vigilance through ambushes, small-unit tactics, and persistent reconnaissance. Urbanized zones, including cities like Srinagar, demand even more precision to minimize civilian casualties and property damage. The Indian Army employs small, agile teams for urban operations, supported by drones and close-range surveillance. Infiltration routes are constantly mapped and monitored, while Over Ground Workers (OGWs) facilitating enemy activity are identified and neutralized. Training and Adaptation Training forms the backbone of the Indian Army’s operational readiness. Soldiers assigned to the LoC undergo extensive preparation in ambidextrous firing, tactical movement, and explosives handling. In glaciated regions, additional training in avalanche precautions, equipment maintenance, and emergency medical response is mandatory. Adaptation to emerging threats is evident in the integration of modern technologies. Unmanned Ground Sensors (UGS), UAVs, and automated weaponry enhance the army’s ability to preempt and respond to adversary actions effectively. The Indian Army’s operations along the LoC are a testament to its professionalism and adaptability. Operating in one of the world's most challenging environments, it continually evolves to counter dynamic threats while maintaining a robust defence of Indian sovereignty. By blending traditional combat expertise with cutting-edge technology and specialized training, the army ensures the security of the nation while setting new benchmarks in military excellence. Updated 18:50 IST, December 25th 2024
STEM program featured at Hudson schools eventShaq Barrett retired in July after signing with Dolphins in March. Now, he wants to play again.The local boys’ basketball scene is looking really promising as the start of league play looms large after the turn of the calendar. Tracy High, West High, and Kimball High are all rattling off win after win of late while Mountain House High is being tested by some high-caliber opposition in mostly tournament matchups. Tracy 50, Manteca 47 The Bulldogs wrapped up their pre-season with a clutch win over the Buffaloes last Friday. Tracy was in control for large parts but let Manteca back in late on before holding on to their lead behind another strong showing from junior leader Maximillian Russell down the stretch. The Bulldogs are now 12-1 on the year — one of the best starts to a season in program history. They will open up their Tri-City Athletic League (TCAL) run when they face Lincoln on the road on Jan. 3. Wolf Pack rampant West has also been ruthless to its opposition so far this winter with the Pack now on a six-game win streak dating back to their holiday tournament triumph on their home floor. The Wolf Pack is 9-1 overall after blowing out Tokay 59-38 last Thursday. They’ll be at the Clovis Elks Tournament this week, kicking off against Independence (Bakersfield) on Thursday. The Falcons are 8-1 and should pose an interesting challenge for West. The Pack will start their TCAL campaign at St. Mary’s in Stockton on Jan. 3. Mustangs at .500 The Mustangs are preparing for another tournament after falling to De La Salle last week in a non-league clash to extend their recent losing streak to three games. Mountain House will compete at the Modesto Christian Holiday Hoops tournament this week starting with a game against El Capitan (7-3) on Thursday. The Mustangs are 5-5 and will kick off their Valley Oak League (VOL) campaign by hosting Manteca on Jan. 2. Jags win three straight The Jaguars have not looked back since winning back-to-back games to cap off their consolation bracket championship run at the West Holiday tourney last week. Kimball beat Grace Davis 53-39 last time out Saturday to improve to 5-6 overall. That’s now three straight wins for first-year head coach Ben Juarez’s squad. They are set to play at the Fairfield Tournament this week and will battle Vacaville in the opener on Thursday. Kimball will tip off its TCAL campaign when they host Modesto Christian on Jan. 3. Contact Arion Armeniakos at aarmeniakos@tracypress.com , or call 209-830-4229.
