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Starkville High School quarterback Jaylon Ruffin (2) capped his senior year with first team All-State honors in Class 7A. As Choctaw County and West Point had historic seasons end in Hattiesburg with state championship trophies, the two teams were well-represented in the coach’s All-State teams. Five Green Wave players earned All-State honors on Saturday as offensive lineman Elijah Lowery was named first-team on offense and defensive lineman Damarvion Haughton, linebacker Quantarrius Dawson, defensive end Jorden Rush and strong safety Marcus Mukeba were first-team defense. The state championship game’ Most Valuable Player Shamane Clark capped off his year as a second-team offensive player, but he put up 168 yards on 26 carries with three touchdowns in the 28-21 championship win over Gautier. Additionally, Brett Morgan was chosen the Class 5A Coach of the Year after leading the Green Wave to the title in just year one. Morgan had spent the previous eight year as the offensive coordinator and has been with West Point since 2009. Also earning the highest honors as Coach of the Year was Choctaw County’s Dillon Mitchell in Class 3A. Mitchell is in year two with the Chargers and has been a head coach for just three seasons. He helped the Chargers to a 14-1 record this year and the school’s first state championship. He is 23-4 in his two seasons with two Class 3A, Region 4 championships. The Chargers had a trio of players on the first-team offensive team as running back Jeramiah Miller, wide receiver Caleb Cunningham and offensive lineman Hunter Holland made the list. Miller rushed for over 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior despite sitting the second half of nine of the team’s games. The five-star wide receiver Cunningham had over 1,000 all-purpose yards this year ahead of his college career at Ole Miss. On the first-team defensive team, sophomore defensive tackle Ben’Jarvis Shumaker had a strong year with nine tackles for loss and four sacks. The second team had offensive lineman Jordyn Ashford on the offensive side of the ball. Elsewhere in the area, Starkville had three players make All-State as quarterback Jaylon Ruffin capped his senior year with first team honors in Class 7A. Wide receiver DJ Hairston and offensive lineman Townes Fulford were second team members. For more on this story, read our news edition from Tuesday, December 10 or click here to subscribe to our e-edition.Gamer Revolution: Arm Stock Unveiled

Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024Gold Coast Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News. It’s no secret that Santa has become a byword for controversy in our schools. From religious connotations now considered politically incorrect, to contentious gift exchanges between students, to excessively expensive presents for teachers, the silly season is fraught with social snares. Last week, a Melbourne school hit the headlines for banning Secret Santa gift swaps – citing the potential to offend non-Christian students, but the Gold Coast is also not immune from these campus prohibitions. A furious parent informed me just this weekend that her child, a primary student at a local private school, was told by a teacher gift swaps were not allowed because it was a sign of “privileged behaviour”. They were also told some students may be upset at being left out and not to exchange gifts on the school grounds, despite many classrooms organising officially sanctioned present swaps. Author Rebecca Sparrow. There may be some merit in that argument at least, given social media is full of stories from parents whose children were excluded from festive friendship gift swaps. Teen educator and author Rebecca Sparrow recently reposted a parent’s letter from last year, describing how her daughter had been deliberately left out of a group gift-giving. “This is the third email I’ve had this past fortnight about Secret Santa exclusion amongst friendship groups,” said Ms Sparrow. “I feel very sad for your daughter that she went through this because being excluded is just one of the most awful feelings in the world. So I’m sorry this has happened.” As a former female student, I concur with these sentiments. But there are also a host of complaints from parents about the never-ending list of end-of-year expenses, including these very Kris Kringle exchanges. Said one unhappy parental participant on Reddit: “Kids don’t have their own money to go shopping and buy a gift for their classmate. They solely rely on what their parents can do for them. “Also, there’s no choice in this setting for the kid to participate or not. It’s different with adults or friend groups, they choose to give and get a gift. There is nothing that kids learn from doing Secret Santa, other than life is extremely unfair and capitalism rules all.” Now, plenty of schools set price limits on these gift swaps but, honestly, sometimes it’s simply the time spent rather than the money that’s the issue. Which brings me to the bane of every primary school parent’s existence ... the teacher gift. Or is that teachers’ gifts? Because there is the main classroom teacher, the teacher aide, the specialist teachers like music and sports, maybe a swim coach ... the list is longer than my daughter’s actual Christmas list. And let’s talk about the actual gifts being given ... back in my primary school parent days, we would all chip in for a gift card and the dollar total was incredible, hundreds and hundreds, if not over a thousand. Indeed, local personal finance expert and journalist Sarah Megginson recently ran an Instagram poll asking how much parents spent, on average, on their teacher’s gift – with almost half of respondents indicating they would spend up to $50 to $100. Personal finance expert Sarah Megginson. Picture: Supplied. While the NSW and Victorian Departments of Education have clear policies that any gift, benefit or hospitality valued over $50 must be reported by teachers, there is no such policy in Queensland. Education Queensland has previously defended the practice of teachers receiving gifts, saying teachers were not to accept gifts or benefits that were intended to influence the performance of their duties. However, a sample of some of the gifts declared by Queensland state school teachers last year reads more like a wedding registry: a robot vacuum cleaner, holidays, jewellery, $1500 yoga classes and Air Jordan sneakers. Now, I’m not implying that teachers don’t deserve these gifts – in fact, they deserve all this and more – but parents should not feel obliged to deliver, especially in the midst of a cost of living crisis. As for Secret Santa and classroom gift exchanges, we don’t need to make room for political ideologies or excuses, nor accusations of ‘privileged’ behaviour (FYI there are plenty of kids at private schools whose parents make enormous sacrifices for their education), but I do understand concerns about exclusion and the further pressure on parents. Ugh, who knew the price of festive spirit was so steep? Maybe we should secretly ask Santa to deliver a solution to this Christmas conundrum. More Coverage ‘Nightmarish hellscape’: What council staff really think about working there Paul Weston How Gold Coast’s top schools performed in this year’s NAPLAN Tahlia Leathart Originally published as The concept of celebrating the festive season and gifting in schools is increasingly contentious Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Gold Coast Gold-medal Olympian shares huge news An Australian Olympic gold medallist has shared news which he says has been his greatest achievement of all. Read more Gold Coast Major new challenge to hated ‘View Tax’ Council is facing a fresh challenge to its controversial ‘View Tax’, with the Queensland Ombudsman investigating the fairness of the rates rise. Read more

Through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, you can take advantage of special opportunities that lead to independence, financial security, and worldwide mobility. For investors looking to get a second citizenship in 2024, some of the top citizenship by investment schemes provide enticing benefits. The citizenship initiatives are spread over several nations on several continents. They offer tax systems and visa-free travel benefits. These investment alternatives also support the economic growth of nations that implement CBI initiatives. A sunny island, a Caribbean nation, or a European nation with a wealth of lifestyle benefits could be the location. Investors can attain a wide range of advantages by obtaining citizenship in CBI countries. Read also: 10 countries that will pay you to relocate there According to Global Citizen Solutions , here are 12 countries who offer either residency or citizenship by investment sometimes referred to as golden passports: 1. United Arab Emirates (Dubai) – (Citizenship) Minimum investment requirement: $545,000 For several reasons, the UAE is a well-liked choice for real estate to residency: No inheritance, wealth, or income taxes apply. Depending on their financial situation, residents also rate their quality of life as being fairly high, and owning real estate can result in full citizenship, though not instantly. A golden visa, which gives you residency for at least five years, will be issued to you once you have fulfilled the eligibility requirements outlined on the Global Citizen Solutions website and demonstrated that you own property in the nation. The procedure for renewing a visa is quite easy and can be extended to a ten-year visa. Citizenship is available to holders of golden visas who meet certain extraordinary requirements related to merit and making contributions to the development of the country. 2. Spain – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: €500,000 Spain’s rich culture and history, high standard of living, and advanced economy make it one of the most sought-after holiday spots in the world. You can obtain a residence permit with an initial three-year validity by investing in real estate through their Golden Visa program. According to Henley & Partners, you can then renew this permission every five years as long as you continue to hold onto your real estate investment. You are eligible to petition for citizenship after ten years of residency. Spain has no minimum stay requirements, but you must travel there before you can get your first residency permit. 3. Hungary – ( Residency) Minimum investment requirement: €500,000 According to Immigrant Invest, Hungary is expanding its golden visa program to cover real estate acquisitions that fulfill a minimum expenditure criteria as of January 1, 2025. Apart from the fact that Hungary is close to other stunning nations, there are many other reasons to desire to live there, such as the country’s excellent cuisine scene, affordable cost of living, universal healthcare, and low tax rates. Obtaining approval from the Land Registry and hiring a lawyer to accompany the transaction are prerequisites for purchasing real estate. Although there are some additional costs, they are minimal when compared to other choices on this list. The duration of a residency permit is ten years, with the possibility of a ten-year extension. However, after eight years of residency, you can petition for citizenship if you fulfill the standards outlined in Get Golden Visa. Read also: Top 10 high demand Jobs in Canada 4. Turkey – (Citizenship) Minimum investment requirement: $400,000 There are many benefits to obtaining citizenship in Turkey through real estate investments, and the procedure is far simpler than in Dubai. The Investment Office of the Republic of Turkey states that before you can apply for citizenship, you must buy real estate and promise not to sell it for three years. Turkey boasts breathtaking natural scenery and several lovely historical cities. Before contacting your accountant, you might want to inquire about other social and political difficulties, although the nation has a universal healthcare system and a substantial medical tourism business. 5. Namibia – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: $365,000 Namibia is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, economic prospects, and high standard of living. It is also regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa. According to Henley & Partners, residency through real estate investments may only be attained by purchasing in one authorized location, which is the President’s Links Estate, even if the government is seeking additional international investors. Obviously, there aren’t many possibilities for real estate investments, but if you do, you’ll receive a work visa that is valid for five years and renewable. You can seek permanent residency after keeping the investment for seven years. 6. Malta – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: €300,000 At first look, this tiny European island could appear to be among the most reasonably priced real estate investment alternatives on this list because of its captivating beaches, charming villages, and seemingly endless sunlight. But it adds up with all the costs and a required donation. A few investment possibilities are available to obtain Malta’s indefinite permanent residency. A €300,000 property purchase in South Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 elsewhere, are your options, according to Henley & Partners. In South Malta or Gozo, you can also lease a home for at least five years for €10,000 a year, or €12,000 elsewhere in the Philippines. But that is when the additional expenses enter the picture. A minimum investment of €28,000 is required, along with a €2,000 payment to a non-governmental organization and a €40,000 non-refundable administrative fee. 7. Grenada – (Citizenship) Minimum investment requirement: $270,000 The procedure for applying for citizenship through Grenada’s investment program is a little more complicated than in some of the other nations on this list. According to Henley & Partners, the process is time-consuming, rigorous, and will necessitate a background investigation. On the other hand, you will have access to the Caribbean’s top healthcare system and live in a stunning location with no minimum stay requirements. To begin this process, you must buy a house from a list of projects that have been approved by the government. You will still be required to make a minimum of $50,000 non-refundable payment after you have paid the minimum investment. At least five years must pass before the property is released. Read also: Nigeria ranked 5th among top 10 countries for startups in 2024 8. Greece – (Citizenship) Minimum investment requirement: €250,000 Relocate to Greece and live out your Mamma Mia dreams. In addition to being a popular holiday spot, Greece offers several incentives for full-time residents, such as delicious food, a low cost of living, a first-rate public healthcare system, and, of course, easy access to other European nations. Buying real estate grants you a five-year residency permit that you can extend as many times as you choose. After seven years of residency, you can seek citizenship. According to Henley & Partners, there are several possibilities to consider when choosing your Greek real estate venture: You have two options: you can invest the minimum amount “towards the conversion of commercial properties into residential use or the restoration of listed buildings,” or you can invest at least €400,000 to buy one property. Expect to pay €800,000, though, if you want to reside in Athens, Thessaloniki, or any of the islands with a population of over 3,100. 9. Dominica – (Citizenship) Minimum investment requirement: $200,000 By purchasing a project that has been approved by the government, one can obtain dual citizenship on this Caribbean island. The Commonwealth of Dominica website has this list of projects. Once your purchase has been completed, you will need to pay the government an extra charge, which starts at a cool $75,000 (more if you are bringing any dependents with you). Additionally, for three years following citizenship, you are not allowed to sell your investment. Despite the additional government fees, this is still a relatively cheap investment. 10. Brazil – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: $140,000 Brazil offers a relatively simple path to permanent residency outside of the United States. There are other investment options, although the minimum amount needed varies by location if you’re buying real estate: According to Global Citizen Solutions, purchasing a home in the country’s north or northeast will cost at least BRL 700,000 ($140,000), and purchasing a home elsewhere will cost at least BRL 1,000,000 (about $200,000). You are eligible for permanent residency after making your purchase. You need to visit the country once every two years and hold the property for at least a few years in order to keep your status. You can seek to become a citizen after four years of residence. Read also: Top 10 African countries with minimal IMF debt in Q4 2024 11. Colombia – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: $117,000 There is no minimum investment amount in this stunning South American nation; instead, it is determined by multiplying the national minimum monthly pay, according to Global Citizen Solutions. An acquisition of real estate from a foreign investor must be worth 350 times the national minimum wage, or roughly $335 at the moment, in order to qualify. You can then apply for a one- to three-year temporary resident visa. But for as long as you invest, you may keep renewing this visa, and after five years, you can even seek permanent residency. 12. Cambodia – (Residency) Minimum investment requirement: $100,000 The only practical way to obtain permanent residency through a real estate investment if you want to dwell in Southeast Asia is in Cambodia. Although the ten-year renewable visa is another benefit, the comparatively low minimum fee requirement is a major one. According to La Vida Golden Visas, you can apply for a Cambodian passport after five years of residency in the country. Additionally, maintaining your permanent resident status does not need a minimum length of stay.Berkeley foregoes air rights to move forward Ashby BART developmentPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.” Miller, a three-year starter from South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.” Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that authorities were investigating whether Miller bet on games he played in at Temple, and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly. “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead," Bologna said. Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7 that was later flagged for unusual betting activity. Temple said it has been aware of those allegations since they became public in March, and has been cooperative. “We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA since the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter Thursday to the school community. However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He vowed to cooperate fully if they did. “Coaches, student-athletes and staff members receive mandatory training on NCAA rules and regulations, including prohibitions on involvement in sports wagering," Fry said in the letter. The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed a person from its basketball program after it became aware of a gambling violation. Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85-69 in the finals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballLawyer says ex-Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller met with NCAA for hours amid gambling probe

Missouri 's Republican attorney general has pledged to enforce some laws restricting abortion despite a new constitutional amendment widely expected to undo the state's near-total ban on the procedure. In an opinion requested by incoming GOP governor Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote that his office will continue enforcing a ban on abortion after fetal viability. There is an exception carved out in the amendment for cases in which a health care provider deems an abortion necessary to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.” “Under the express terms of the amendment, the government may still protect innocent life after viability,” Bailey wrote. “The statutes thus remain generally enforceable after viability.” Bailey said his office also will continue to honor a Missouri law requiring parental permission for minors to receive abortions. Bailey's opinion comes after voters approved a ballot measure this month that enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution while allowing lawmakers to restrict or ban it after fetal viability. The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there’s no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the 21st week of pregnancy. The measure’s passage was one of seven victories for abortion rights advocates this past election, while Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota defeated similar constitutional amendments, leaving bans in place. Abortion rights amendments also passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Montana. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but they’ll need to pass it again it 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy outcomes” prevailed in New York. The Missouri amendment, which is to take effect Dec. 5, does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional. Planned Parenthood affiliates that operate in Missouri sued the day after the election to invalidate the state’s abortion ban and several laws that regulate the care. That lawsuit is still pending. Allowing restrictions on abortions after viability was a sticking point for some abortion rights supporters in Missouri. Advocates had worried that failing to include such limits would sink their chances of passing abortion protections. But others cautioned against giving the Republican-controlled Legislature the power to enact regulations that could effectively end access.