JOHN TAKIS

Nov 28 2025SPORTS

High School Hoop Stars Ready to Dunk Their Way to Glory

Basketball fans know the thrill of a powerful dunk. It's a moment that can electrify a crowd and leave everyone talking. At a recent sports media event, high school basketball players from Section III were asked who on their teams might be the next to make a spectacular dunk. Jacob McDonald from Altmar-Parish-Williamstown believes he has the athleticism to pull off ...

reading time about 4 minutes
Nov 28 2025SPORTS

Week 13 NFL Matchups: Who's Got the Edge?

The NFL's Week 13 lineup is packed with exciting matchups, and experts have weighed in with their predictions. Let's dive into some of the key games and see who they think will come out on top. First up, the Chicago Bears are heading to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The Eagles have a strong defense, and experts like Pete Prisco think they'll force some turnove...

reading time about 3 minutes
Nov 28 2025CRIME

A Refugee's Dark Past: From Afghan Battles to D. C. Shooting

A man now accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D. C. , once fought in Afghanistan as part of a controversial paramilitary group. This group, known as a “Zero Unit, ” worked closely with the C. I. A. and was notorious for its harsh tactics. Human rights groups even labeled them “death squads. ” The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, grew up in a ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 28 2025POLITICS

A Shooting Sparks Debate on Afghan Refugee Program

A recent incident involving a National Guard shooting has brought attention to the Afghan refugee program in the U. S. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is one of about 76, 000 Afghans who came to the U. S. after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. This program, called Operation Allies Welcome, started after the U. S. left Afghanistan in 2021. Some people, like Pres...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 28 2025ENTERTAINMENT

San Diego's Vibrant Arts Scene: A Look at Upcoming Events

Jazz enthusiasts in San Diego have a lot to look forward to this holiday season. The Jacobs Music Center is hosting a special event celebrating John Coltrane's iconic 1958 album "Blue Train. " This concert features Brian Levy on tenor sax and includes Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet. The show starts at 6:30 p. m. , with the Young Jazz Conservatory opening the performa...

reading time about 2 minutes
Nov 27 2025SPORTS

Thanksgiving Football: A Modern Tradition

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. The NFL has been a part of this holiday since the 1920s, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving Day almost every year. The Lions started this tradition in 1934. They were a new team and needed to fill their stadium. George Richards, the team owner, had a clever idea. He decided to host...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 27 2025SPORTS

NFL's Thanksgiving Threads and More: A Colorful Week Ahead

The Detroit Lions are bringing back their old-school Thanksgiving look. They will wear their silver helmets, Honolulu blue jerseys, and silver pants against the Green Bay Packers. This is a big deal because they didn't wear these uniforms last year. The Dallas Cowboys will also rock their classic white helmets, navy jerseys, and white pants against the Kansas City Ch...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 27 2025CRIME

Who Were the Shadowy Afghan Forces Linked to the National Guard Shooting Suspect?

The recent shooting involving National Guard members has sparked interest in a group called the "Zero Units. " This group, which the suspect allegedly worked with, was a secretive Afghan force. They were known for their close ties with U. S. and other foreign troops during the war in Afghanistan. An ID badge, widely shared online, suggests the suspect was part of th...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 27 2025POLITICS

UK's Hidden Hand in US Politics: A Closer Look

The UK's role in global politics is often overshadowed by its allies, but recent events suggest it's playing a significant part in the US political landscape. A leaked phone call between Steve Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov has sparked a media frenzy, with many pointing fingers at the UK's intelligence agency, MI6, as the possible source. The Russian Foreign Intelligence ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 27 2025POLITICS

Hong Kong's High-Rise Fire: A Test for Beijing's Control

A devastating fire in a Hong Kong apartment building has left at least 55 people dead and nearly 300 missing. This tragedy comes at a time when Beijing's control over Hong Kong is already under scrutiny. The city has seen significant political changes since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, with elections now limited to "patriotic" candidates and many critics silenced...

reading time about 1 minute