Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president

Abiodun commends Remoland for advancement in agric, education, others

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Macaulay Culkin has told his children that he is working for Santa Claus. The 44-year-old actor is currently engaged to former Disney Channel star Brenda Song, 36, and has Dakota, three, as well two-year-old son - whose name has not been disclosed publicly - with her and insisted that they want to "go all out" for the festive season, even when he is away from home. He told E! News: "We want to go all out at Christmas in our house. Because right now they're at the magic age where they believe and we want to nurture that belief. I told them that I'm at Santa's workshop fixing toys, because that's what I do for them at home." I'm so good that Santa Claus called me up to the North Pole. They're totally fine with that!" The 'My Girl' star also noted that both his sons clearly take after him because of what is on their Chtismtas list and described himself as a "maestro" of certain decorations that go up on display throughout the holiday season. He said: "Dakota wants a Spider-Man truck, he wants a truck from New York City and he wants more presents. "And my youngest heard exactly what he said. He goes, 'I want a garbage truck. I want garbage bins and I want more presents.' It's like they're wishing for more wishes. I'm like, 'You guys are certainly my sons. "I guess the best word would be maestro, maybe master, of stockings. I nail the stockings every year. I'm just about to get on top of my stocking game as we speak!" Meanwhile, Macaulay became the highest-paid child actor of all time at the height of his career in the early 1990s when he starred in festive classics 'Home Alone' and 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' and has only just learned to "embrace" the festive season for what it is following such a tumultuous time. He said: "It was a bit burdensome. I'm embracing it and at the same time, I guess the best way to put it is taking the piss out of it, too, having fun with it. It's very rare when you have something that encompasses an important day and I'm a part of that. It's more fun to embrace it than to fight it."Fatal crash in Middlesex CountyFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there's a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here's a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: FILE - Director of Photography Jac Cheairs and his son, actor Wyatt Cheairs, 11, take part in a rally by striking writers and actors outside Netflix studio in Los Angeles on Friday, July 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. People are also reading... Albany school support staff call for schools to close Jan. 6 Samaritan Health Services CEO resigns As I See It: Why I really resigned from the Corvallis Planning Commission Unsafe left turn on Highway 20 in Linn County leads to fatal crash Two Albany residents killed in Linn County crash Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Albany shelter faces federal lawsuit as whistleblower faces homelessness Family of hit-and-run victim seeks closure, clues that will lead to driver As I See It: The people of Benton County deserve leadership that promotes dialogue Christmas Eve hit-and-run causes domino effect in Albany Has a hard nonconference schedule prepared the Oregon State women's basketball team for the WCC? What data on student-caused injuries at GAPS reveals Corvallis high schoolers: We don't trust district to handle bias reports Oregon State rallies for an overtime win at Gonzaga Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. FILE - In advance of Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri's Congressional testimony, to illustrate the harms children face on social media, parent activists brought an "Instagrinch" to the Capitol building in Washington, Dec. 7, 2021. (Eric Kayne/AP Images for ParentsTogether, File) New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. FILE - Parents, students, and staff of Chino Valley Unified School District hold up signs in favor of protecting LGBTQ+ policies at Don Antonio Lugo High School, in Chino, Calif., June 15, 2023. (Anjali Sharif-Paul/The Orange County Register via AP, File) In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. FILE - Christian F. Nunes, president of National Organization for Women speaks as abortion rights activists and Women's March leaders protest as part of a national day of strike actions outside the Supreme Court, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. FILE - Gov. Tim Walz speaks before a crowd gathered for a rally on the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday evening, Aug. 7, 2019. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, center left, and his wife Gwen Walz, center right, stand by him. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP, File) A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with "binary triggers" that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. FILE - A man talks on his cell phone while driving in Los Angeles, Monday June 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn't banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. FILE - Surrounded by members of the legislature and signs touting saving families money, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announces her 'Axe the Food Tax' campaign at Dillons grocery store in Topeka, Kan., Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 by holding an axe. (Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal via AP, File) Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona's nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. FILE - Election board inspector Pat Cook readies "I Voted" stickers for voters during early voting in Oklahoma City, Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. "I think it's very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens," Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed. PHOTOS: The top images from the 2024 elections Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiThe critically acclaimed Stan Original Series Black Snow is back for a gripping second season, and leading the charge is none other than rising star Jana McKinnon. Stream Season 1 of Black Snow only on Stan. Known for her standout performances in the Stan Original Series Bad Behaviour and a slew of European film roles, McKinnon takes on the challenging lead role of Zoe Jacobs in Black Snow opposite Vikings alum Travis Fimmel. In Season 2, the Black Snow story shifts focus to Zoe Jacobs, who mysteriously went missing in 2003. Detective Cormack (Fimmel) returns to investigate Zoe's case, unearthing secrets within the tight-knit Sunshine Coast community. McKinnon spoke about how special it was to bring Zoe's full story to life. "In Black Snow Season 2, we follow Cormack as he investigates a new case: the disappearance of Zoe Jacobs in 2003," McKinnon explained. "The series moves between timelines, where we get to know Zoe, her friends, her community, and her world. Her story unfolds through her work at the community radio station, her relationships with her parents, and the challenges within her life." READ MORE: 'Should've kept me': Nikita Iman on her Drag Race Down Under exit and what really happened at the Comedy Roast While crime dramas often relegate missing characters to a single flashback, Black Snow digs deeper into Zoe's world. McKinnon described this as a rare and rewarding opportunity as an actor. "It's such a great opportunity to not just be the victim but to flesh out this character's whole life. I got to explore Zoe's world – the music of 2003, the cars, the technology. It's strange to think of it as a 'period' show, but technically, it is." "It's like this uncanny reflection of a time not too long ago." Reflecting on the early 2000s, McKinnon admitted she was too young to fully remember the era but appreciated its nostalgic vibe. "I probably remember the songs from the radio, even if I couldn't name them! But getting to revisit the culture, the music, and the tech from that time was so fun." The role wasn't without its challenges, though. Known for her emotionally intense roles, McKinnon shared how portraying Zoe required her to tackle raw and visceral themes of grief. "I often get cast in darker roles, but this one was particularly challenging because of how grief is portrayed. Zoe's way of processing her emotions is so specific and different from my own. It was a real challenge to dig into that." READ MORE: Why the 'From' Season 3 finale is a masterpiece with the 'best twist in TV history' - as finally, we get some answers McKinnon also had high praise for the Black Snow team, including Travis Fimmel, who stepped into the director's chair for the first time in Season 2. "I was one of the few cast members who only worked with Travis as a director. He brought so many ideas to the table and really helped shape the show alongside showrunner Lucas Taylor. I'm excited to see the episode [Fimmel] directed!" The production process itself was a highlight for McKinnon, who described the experience as both professional and heartwarming. "The cast and crew were amazing – so skilled and so enthusiastic. Many of the crew returned from Season 1, so it felt like being welcomed into a big family. It was a really beautiful and special experience, and I've made friendships that I know will last a lifetime." With her career spanning both Europe and Australia, McKinnon opened up about what sets Aussie productions apart – and yes, coffee was mentioned. "The biggest difference is that Aussies have much better coffee on set! But truly, the professionalism of Australian crews is unmatched. The teams are bigger, the work flows seamlessly, and it's so well-equipped to handle major Hollywood productions. I absolutely love working in Australia and hope to do more." Looking to the future, McKinnon revealed a surprising desire to explore lighter genres. "I'd love to do comedy! I tried it for the first time this year in a kids' movie in Germany, and I had so much fun. But I'm open to anything. I love deep, dark roles too. Right now, I'm just excited for what life throws at me next." READ MORE: Jana McKinnon on why so many will relate to the dark Stan Original series Bad Behaviour As Black Snow gears up for its highly anticipated release, McKinnon hopes the show will resonate on multiple levels. "I think audiences will really enjoy the mystery, but also the layers of the story – the friendships, the music, the community. The show touches on important themes, like housing insecurity, particularly for older women. It's political, but it never feels forced. It's such a rich, complex story." For McKinnon, the music and culture of 2003 are just as much a character as Zoe herself. "The soundtrack and the vibe of that year really make the show so immersive. There's this scene where Zoe mentions Kings of Leon as a 'niche indie band,' which is hilarious now. I loved digging into the music of that time – it makes everything feel so authentic." Black Snow Season 2 premieres New Year's Day, only on Stan. Don't miss the season two premiere of Black Snow, streaming from New Year's Day, only on Stan. Stream Season 1 of Black Snow only on Stan. Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan . FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE : Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

Parkland produces first batch of low carbon jet fuel made in Canada

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. ©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Ireland players Denise O’Sullivan and Caitlin Hayes have criticised the FAI’s decision to relieve national team assistant Colin Healy of his duties earlier this month. The 44-year-old Corkman departed the set-up over a fortnight ago along with former boss Eileen Gleeson following the side’s Euro 2025 play-off defeat to Wales. Healy, who was capped 13 times during his playing days, served as Gleeson’s assistant during her 15-month reign and was a popular figure amongst the staff and players. Integrity Sport, Healy’s representatives, also issued a statement this month expressing their disappointment at the decision. Ireland players, from right, Kyra Carusa, Caitlin Hayes and Denise O'Sullivan As the search for Gleeson’s replacement continues with Ireland’s next window in February, O’Sullivan and Hayes have both taken to social media this weekend to vent their frustrations at the FAI’s decision to let Healy go and made it clear that they feel he should have been kept on. “When a coach of Colin Healy's calibre wants to stay involved I think it’s common sense to do whatever you can to keep him on,” said O’Sullivan on X, in a reply to an Irish Examiner article on Healy’s departure. “Major loss for the team. I’m disappointed to say the least,” added the Cork native, with her post viewed almost 150 thousand times this weekend. Celtic defender Hayes also expressed her frustrations, adding: “I couldn’t agree more,” in a reply to O’Sullivan’s post. “Colin went above and beyond his role as an assistant coach and for me personally, he couldn’t have done much more to help me settle into a team, that was very daunting at the beginning. I would be doing all that I could for him to stay if it was up to me.” The FAI confirmed on December 11 that Gleeson’s contract would not be renewed, and the following day Healy’s representatives issued a statement sharing their disappointment. “Incredibly disappointing to learn Integrity Sports client Colin Healy has been relieved of his duties along with other staff members,” they said on Instagram, also revealing that the ex-Cork City and Celtic midfielder had turned down two job offers in recent weeks to remain in the national team set-up. “Colin is an exceptional coach and one of the most honourable people I’ve met in the game. After the heartbreaking loss of his beautiful wife Kelly this year, Colin has shown an unbelievable resolve and commitment to continue his work with the Women’s National Team under such difficult family circumstances. “Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work with the FAI, Eileen, her staff and players. “For all the talk of the need for growth in Irish football, the importance of funding and for training hours for young players to increase, one vividly bright spot within the game here is unquestionable, that we have never been in a better place in relation to the volume of excellent coaches we have available with huge potential. “We are producing plenty of men and women who can absolutely operate at an elite level if given the opportunity and time to prove themselves. “Regardless of money, plan etc, Irish football cannot grow long term, unless a greater faith and belief is shown in Irish coaches to attain and retain opportunities at the top of the coaching pyramid.” Following this month’s heartbreaking Euro 2025 play-off defeat at home to Wales, as Ireland missed out on a historic first qualification, the team are back in action in February when they take on Turkey at home on February 21. The Girls in Green then travel to face Slovenia four days later in the opening window of the campaign before an April double-header against Greece.

Alphawave IP Group plc (OTCMKTS:AWEVF) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest