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They often say that good things come in pairs. That sentiment rang true for Mountain House High senior duo Jayden Reynolds and Jariah Indalecio last Wednesday when they signed their letters of intent to continue their education and soccer careers at NCAA Division 2 programs. The star of the Mustangs’ girls soccer team, Reynolds will be at UC Merced next fall while Indalecio — the leader of the girls basketball team — will relocate to Sonoma State. The two have been teammates at West Coast Soccer for over a decade. “I have worked towards this since I was really young, so to finally know I have a place to call home for the next four years is both incredibly exciting and relieving,” Reynolds told the Tracy Press. “There will always be work that needs to be done to get better, but I feel like the play style at UC Merced is a great fit for me. That will make the transition easier. (Indalecio) and I have played together since we were little so to be able to celebrate this together was very special.” Though Indalecio does not play soccer at Mountain House, she has been a pillar for Dayak’s teams for a long time. “Our coaching staff identified (Indalecio) as a potential candidate to play in our competitive program when she was still a part of our recreational team 12 years ago,” he said to the club’s website. “It has been a pleasure seeing her develop over the years.” As she is gearing up for her senior campaign in between the white lines of a basketball court, Indalecio is relishing the chance to continue improving on the green grass for the foreseeable future. “It feels like such a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “I know I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today and I am just so grateful for this opportunity. I’m excited to develop my skills and learn and observe my new teammates who have been on the team longer. “I’m ready to adapt to a new environment and just for the whole student-athlete experience in college. I think it will take some time to get used to, but I am very excited for it. (Reynolds) is a teammate I have played with the longest in this sport, and if I was going to sign with any of the girls, it would have been her.” Both Reynolds and Indalecio joined the West Coast soccer program as seven-year-olds. Dayak looked back fondly on Reynolds’ journey to becoming the player she is now — a multi-threat, creative forward that can hurt opposing teams from anywhere on the pitch. “We are very proud of Jayden,” he said. “It has been a pleasure coaching her these past few years. All of our coaches and staff are excited to be able to continue to watch her play college ball close to home.” Reynolds has been a college prospect ever since she first set foot at Mountain House. However, her junior year really put her name out there as she led the Mustangs into the CIF SJS Division 2 playoffs with 36 goals and 13 assists in 19 appearances. She averaged just under two goals per game and was No. 6 in the section in goals scored. Reynolds did not have a shortage of offers from the next level but she said that she instantly felt right at home in Merced. “The first time I visited, the choice was easy. The recruitment process is difficult but coach Roman (DuChateau) made it easy and I felt welcome at the program and with the other girls right away. The school is moving into Division 2 and (DuChateau) is building a program I am excited to be a part of, alongside being able to further my education.” Reynolds helped the Mustangs to a 14-10-1 overall record last year — 12-1-1 in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as Mountain House clinched the league championship for the first time in program history. As a result, Reynolds’ name is already safely etched in stone in the school’s folklore. However, she is hungry for more this coming year and ready for the challenge as the Mustangs move into the tough Valley Oak League (VOL). “This season will be really important for setting the standard going into the next few years,” she said. “While I won’t be here anymore (after this season), I hope to set a good example for the girls coming in behind me.” Indalecio was also a part of a championship group last winter as her Mustangs’ hoops team went 19-10 overall and 13-1 in WAC play to claim the crown. Indalecio was the focal point as she averaged 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game to lead them into the postseason. Outside of school, she has dedicated endless hours to honing her craft as a soccer player. She was helped by many along the way, but Dayak’s influence in particular stood out. “I can say with complete confidence that I would not be here without coach Dayak. He believed in me and always pushed me harder than I ever thought I could be. I thank him so much for everything, as well as my parents, extended family, friends, and God,” Indalecio said. When it came to decision time, like Reynolds, Indalecio also said that choosing Sonoma State was pretty straightforward. “I really bonded with the coach Emiria Salzmann and when I went on my visit, it just made me feel at home,” she added. “It also isn’t too far from home but far enough where I can learn to be independent.” Contact Arion Armeniakos at aarmeniakos@tracypress.com , or call 209-830-4229.BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated Press
Guwahati: Controversy Erupts As Restaurant Allegedly Serves ‘Beef’ In Chicken BiryaniChilean minister arrives to push free trade dealSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law marks a new warning for the worldwide fragility of democracy, even in a country hailed as a model of political transformation. Yoon's overnight attempt to shut down political activity, censor media and lock out opposition lawmakers stunned South Korea's longtime ally, the United States, which said it had no advance warning and issued a statement of concern. South Korea's transition to elected rule since a mass uprising in 1987 had been seen as so thorough that the United States increasingly spoke of its ally as a global partner. Meanwhile, Seoul billed itself as a new, ideal hub for international media as China clamped down on Hong Kong. President Joe Biden had even chosen Yoon as the host in March of his final Summit for Democracy -- a signature initiative of the outgoing US leader, who sought to champion liberal values globally, in an unstated repudiation of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House next month. But observers, while stunned by Yoon, said there were warning signs. Danny Russel, a top US diplomat for Asia under former president Barack Obama and who earlier served in South Korea, pointed to the deadlock in parliament where the opposition repeatedly sought impeachments against Yoon's administration. Yoon's move "was a complete surprise to me (but) yes, there were very obvious structural forces at work," he said. "There is a radically polarized political scene in Korea. The opposition has been pursuing scorched-earth political obstruction tactics," he said. But he pointed to the quick, large-scale protests that erupted after Yoon's declaration as a sign of a vibrant civil society ready to defend democracy. "One certainly would hope that this would serve as a wake-up call to both the ruling conservative party and the progressive opposition that both sides have gone too far and that there needs to be some process of reconciliation, of dealing with legitimate differences and grievances." - Authoritarian tendencies - Yoon himself had earlier shown signs of authoritarianism. In a national address last year, Yoon raged against supposed communists who have "disguised themselves as democracy activists, human rights advocates or progressive activists." A prosecutor, Yoon narrowly won the 2022 election on a platform of economic reform and advocated close ties with the United States as well as historic rival Japan. But his popularity swiftly slid and the opposition won the National Assembly. Celeste Arrington, a Korea expert at George Washington University, noted that Yoon had never held elected office before and had become increasingly frustrated. "This is really an extreme move that may signal, I think, the president's lack of political experience," she said. She said that martial law showed "some cracks in democracy" but that the quick reversal "gives me hope in the health and strength and vibrancy of democracy in South Korea." Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, expected Yoon's career to be over after attempting martial law, which constitutionally can only be imposed for wars or other emergencies. "Yoon's action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it," he said. - Democracy stronger? - The number of democracies worldwide soared starting in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union collapsed and student-led uprisings brought reforms elsewhere. But globally, democracy has been in retreat for the last 18 straight years, according to the Washington-based group Freedom House, which promotes political liberty. Democratically elected leaders have taken increasingly authoritarian steps in countries as diverse as India, Turkey and Hungary. V-Dem, another closely watched democracy index, had most recently ranked South Korea third in Asia after Taiwan and Japan. In the United States, Trump has rejected long-held norms, refusing to accept he lost to Biden four years ago -- culminating in his supporters violently rampaging through the US Capitol. Trump's rejection of democracy ultimately worked out for him: campaigning on the rage of 2020, he won last month's election. But experts said Yoon's power play -- and its reversal -- could in fact show a victory for democratic values. "Yoon is a deeply unpopular and ineffectual leader, but there was nothing I saw of people being dissatisfied with the way government runs," Alan Yu, a senior vice president at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said after a recent trip to Seoul. Darcie Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that with the swift response to Yoon, "this crisis may ultimately strengthen Korean democracy by reaffirming civilian control and demonstrating institutional resilience." sct/nro
Matteo Berrettini is carrying the Italian flag high in the sport as he aims to come back strongly from injuries. Berrettini is popular in his country for not just his professional exploits, but also his colorful personal life. He is apparently in a relationship again after breaking up with Melissa Satta, a TV presenter and model. The 28-year-old Berrettini is currently dating Federica Lelli, who is 2 years younger than him, as per a Il Messagero report. Lelli is more famously known in Italy to be the ex-girlfriend of singer Ultimo. However, she has a strong identity of her own with 156,000 followers on Instagram alone. Lelli is an influencer and model who resides in Rome. It is believed that she first met Berrettini at a social event in France where she studied political science and international relations in a reputed university. Berrettini resides and trains in Monte Carlo but is shuttling between the French city and Rome, since he is allegedly in a live-in relationship with Lelli. The Italian paparazzi snapped Berrettini and Lelli walking on the streets of Rome hand in hand, looking extremely happy with each other. While the couple hasn’t put up any pictures and videos together on social media, their privacy can be understood. Berrettini has had a difficult last 3 years in his personal and professional lives both, more so after making the finals of the Wimbledon 2021 competition. Berrettini’s last two relationships before Lelli Before Lelli, Berrettini seemed to be going strong with Satta. In an interview with The Sun , he called the relationship an ‘intense one’ while explaining why he broke up with her in February 2024. It seems that Berrettini is prioritizing his tennis career more and Satta was a distraction for him, despite the fact that she showed her support by turning up for some of his matches. On the other hand, Satta has quite a history with dating other sportspersons. Infamously, she was said to be responsible for the late Kobe Bryant cheating on his wife Vanessa, which nearly made her file for divorce. So lack of trust in the relationship could have made Berrettini break up with her. Before Satta, Berrettini was in another highly-publicised relationship with a WTA player from Australia, Ajla Tomljanovic. They were together for 3 years and shot together for the Netflix docuseries, Break Point. But Berrettini was unhappy with the way their relationship was portrayed as he was accused of throwing out Ajla from his room once as well. Eventually, both the players were dissatisfied with each other because of having separate lives and finding it difficult to spend time with each other. While Berrettini has had it difficult in love matters, he and his fans too would hope that Lelli is the right match for him.They often say that good things come in pairs. That sentiment rang true for Mountain House High senior duo Jayden Reynolds and Jariah Indalecio last Wednesday when they signed their letters of intent to continue their education and soccer careers at NCAA Division 2 programs. The star of the Mustangs’ girls soccer team, Reynolds will be at UC Merced next fall while Indalecio — the leader of the girls basketball team — will relocate to Sonoma State. The two have been teammates at West Coast Soccer for over a decade. “I have worked towards this since I was really young, so to finally know I have a place to call home for the next four years is both incredibly exciting and relieving,” Reynolds told the Tracy Press. “There will always be work that needs to be done to get better, but I feel like the play style at UC Merced is a great fit for me. That will make the transition easier. (Indalecio) and I have played together since we were little so to be able to celebrate this together was very special.” Though Indalecio does not play soccer at Mountain House, she has been a pillar for Dayak’s teams for a long time. “Our coaching staff identified (Indalecio) as a potential candidate to play in our competitive program when she was still a part of our recreational team 12 years ago,” he said to the club’s website. “It has been a pleasure seeing her develop over the years.” As she is gearing up for her senior campaign in between the white lines of a basketball court, Indalecio is relishing the chance to continue improving on the green grass for the foreseeable future. “It feels like such a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “I know I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today and I am just so grateful for this opportunity. I’m excited to develop my skills and learn and observe my new teammates who have been on the team longer. “I’m ready to adapt to a new environment and just for the whole student-athlete experience in college. I think it will take some time to get used to, but I am very excited for it. (Reynolds) is a teammate I have played with the longest in this sport, and if I was going to sign with any of the girls, it would have been her.” Both Reynolds and Indalecio joined the West Coast soccer program as seven-year-olds. Dayak looked back fondly on Reynolds’ journey to becoming the player she is now — a multi-threat, creative forward that can hurt opposing teams from anywhere on the pitch. “We are very proud of Jayden,” he said. “It has been a pleasure coaching her these past few years. All of our coaches and staff are excited to be able to continue to watch her play college ball close to home.” Reynolds has been a college prospect ever since she first set foot at Mountain House. However, her junior year really put her name out there as she led the Mustangs into the CIF SJS Division 2 playoffs with 36 goals and 13 assists in 19 appearances. She averaged just under two goals per game and was No. 6 in the section in goals scored. Reynolds did not have a shortage of offers from the next level but she said that she instantly felt right at home in Merced. “The first time I visited, the choice was easy. The recruitment process is difficult but coach Roman (DuChateau) made it easy and I felt welcome at the program and with the other girls right away. The school is moving into Division 2 and (DuChateau) is building a program I am excited to be a part of, alongside being able to further my education.” Reynolds helped the Mustangs to a 14-10-1 overall record last year — 12-1-1 in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as Mountain House clinched the league championship for the first time in program history. As a result, Reynolds’ name is already safely etched in stone in the school’s folklore. However, she is hungry for more this coming year and ready for the challenge as the Mustangs move into the tough Valley Oak League (VOL). “This season will be really important for setting the standard going into the next few years,” she said. “While I won’t be here anymore (after this season), I hope to set a good example for the girls coming in behind me.” Indalecio was also a part of a championship group last winter as her Mustangs’ hoops team went 19-10 overall and 13-1 in WAC play to claim the crown. Indalecio was the focal point as she averaged 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game to lead them into the postseason. Outside of school, she has dedicated endless hours to honing her craft as a soccer player. She was helped by many along the way, but Dayak’s influence in particular stood out. “I can say with complete confidence that I would not be here without coach Dayak. He believed in me and always pushed me harder than I ever thought I could be. I thank him so much for everything, as well as my parents, extended family, friends, and God,” Indalecio said. When it came to decision time, like Reynolds, Indalecio also said that choosing Sonoma State was pretty straightforward. “I really bonded with the coach Emiria Salzmann and when I went on my visit, it just made me feel at home,” she added. “It also isn’t too far from home but far enough where I can learn to be independent.” Contact Arion Armeniakos at aarmeniakos@tracypress.com , or call 209-830-4229.