LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho interacts with students in a classroom at Marlton School in Los Angeles on August 15, 2022. Carvalho submitted his resignation to the LAUSD school board on Sunday. File Photo by Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE
June 22 (UPI) — The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Alberto Carvalho, has resigned months after the FBI raided his home and offices, the school board announced Monday.
The LAUSD Board of Education said it received Carvalho’s letter of resignation Sunday.
“The Board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring stability, continuity and continued progress through strong leadership,” a statement said. “Our focus remains unchanged: providing every student with a high-quality education, supporting our dedicated workforce and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve.”
The board said former teacher and principal Andrés Chait would continue as acting superintendent until a permanent hire to replace Carvalho is made.
Carvalho’s letter, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, said he resigned to allow the district to focus on students “without distraction.”
The district put Carvalho on administrative paid leave after the FBI executed search warrants at his home and the district’s headquarters in February. Agents were spotted leaving Carvalho’s San Pedro home with boxes at the time.
The raid was connected to an FBI investigation into LAUSD contracts and a failed artificial intelligence project, KTLA-TV in Los Angeles reported.
There have been dozens of football transfers in Southern California during the offseason, but the one transfer who could make the greatest impact is running back AJ McBean, who announced he was leaving Mira Costa High for Gardena Serra.
McBean, who ran 10.55 seconds in the 100 meters this spring thanks to Mira Costa’s track program and his commitment to getting faster, joins a Serra offense that returns all five starters on the offensive line. He’s got the speed and strength to help the Cavaliers make up for not reaching the Southern Section playoffs last season out of the extremely competitive Mission League.
He’s been a longtime resident of Hermosa Beach, so what would motivate him to leave Mira Costa after recently making a commitment to Stanford? He apparently wants to prepare for college by being used in a more versatile role catching passes out of the backfield to show off his many skills. At least that’s what his family told coach Scott Altenberg. Mira Costa was changing its offense to better feature him, so it’s a tough loss for the Mustangs.
McBean will have to move to become eligible immediately.
Hope at Whittier
Former Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez, in his first season at Whittier, has already discovered a talent he can’t wait to develop. Offensive and defensive lineman Joseph Medina from the class of 2028 has made quite a first impression on Hernandez.
Medina didn’t play last season, “and in three months that we have been here, he is off the charts,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez calls him “a great technician and amazing leader.”
Agoura QB depth
Never has coach Dustin Croick of Agoura had more quality depth at quarterback than what he will have this season thanks to two newcomers.
Junior Kris Carranza has transferred from Sierra Canyon to Agoura and is a top candidate to start. The Chargers are also adding incoming freshman quarterback Emerson Andrews, whose father, David, played tight end at Ohio State and was a member of the 2002 national championship team. He is director of athletic performance for UCLA’s men’s basketball program. If anyone has a strength and conditioning question, submit it to Emerson, who knows someone.
Commitments rolling in
With college recruiters headed on vacation, lots of players decided to make commitments to make sure they have a “certain” destination. There’s also a new trend of players announcing on social media posts that they are “shutting down” their recruitment, which is supposed to mean their decision is final. Then how come others keep recruiting them? Because it’s never final in this era of NIL.
Quarterback Chris Fields, the City Section player of the year from Carson, committed to Georgetown. Offensive lineman Micah Butler from Hamilton committed to Sacramento State. Kicker Gabriel Goroyan of Westlake committed to Stanford. Defensive back Wesley Ace from Gardena Serra committed to San Jose State. Safety Jaden Walk-Green from Corona Centennial has committed to Washington and teammate Brett Smith has committed to UNLV. Running back Kamden Tillis of Los Alamitos has committed to San Diego State.
Man among boys
USC recruiters deserve praise for identifying the best in Southern California and pursuing them with great intensity. There’s no doubt that Damien safety Gavin Williams, a USC commit, will be the standard for excellence this coming season. He’s fast and strong and players who don’t adjust to his physical skills are in for a surprise.
Damien won the Chaminade seven-on-seven passing tournament on Saturday, beating Crespi in the final. On the first play, Williams caught a long touchdown pass, sprinting well past the defender who had no idea how fast he runs.
First-year coaches galore
It’s going to be fun tracking the progress of first-year football coaches this season because there are so many at well-known programs. The question of who will have the best record should be debated all summer.
Iggy Porchia became the latest new hire, replacing his mentor, the late Angelo Gasca, at Venice.
There should be a competition on which new private coach will have the best record and which new public school coach will have the best record. There are so many candidates with new coaches at JSerra, Orange Lutheran, Servite, Los Alamitos, St. Francis, St. Bernard, Bishop Montgomery, Oaks Christian, Whittier Christian, Bishop Alemany, Muir, Pasadena, Long Beach Poly, Arroyo, North Hollywood, Sun Valley Poly and on it goes.
Transfer issues coming
It appears the Southern Section will be busy again this fall after last year’s eligibility scandal when it declared 19 transfer students ineligible at Bishop Montgomery, resulting in the varsity season ending after one game and forcing the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to clean up what looked like a preventable mess.
This time, it could be public schools facing scrutiny. The same rumors that started last summer about schools loading up on transfers are circulating again this summer. Principals who don’t act after multiple transfers seemingly out of nowhere start showing up to play football only have themselves to blame.
And schools that delay submitting transfer paperwork until the last minute thinking investigators will be too busy to spot an error don’t understand the process.
City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos has a policy that she immediately schedules a meeting with the administration, athletic director, coach and parents when one school receives multiple transfers to review paperwork. The Southern Section deployed AI last fall to help it catch parents submitting false information.
So prepare for more exciting times. It’s like a cat-and-mouse game. And don’t forget about the anonymous emails identifying parents not living at the official address they put on their transfer paperwork.
You could head away in the summer holidays for less than £300ppCredit: On The Beach
So, to help you out, we’ve done the legwork and found the cheapest summer trips that are actually within the school holidays – all under £300 per person.
Líbere Córdoba Tendillas in Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain
The four-star hotel is more like a block of apartments in the centre of Cordoba – a southern Spanish city with the most Unesco World Heritage sites in the world.
In each small apartment, there is a kitchenette, Smart TV and Wi-Fi.
Found near Costa Teguise, Lanzarote Paradise and Colinas is another apartment-style complex less than a 30-minute walk from the beach.
In each studio, guests will find a living area, a bedroom, kitchenette and furnished balcony.
Onsite there are also two freshwater pools, a sun terrace and a pool bar serving homemade pizzas.
Canifor Hotel in Qawra, Malta
If you want to head somewhere that isn’t somewhere you’ve been before, try MaltaCredit: On The Beach
For somewhere different, head to the Canifor Hotel in Qawra, Malta between July 21 and 25 for £190 per person, flying from Liverpool Airport and landing back at Manchester Airport.
For an additional £2 per person you could fly to and from Bournemouth, or £37 extra per person and you could fly to and from Manchester.
The Canifor Hotel is just a short walk from the seafront and each room boasts a balcony and an ensuite bathroom.
There’s also four pools, two of which are just for children.
Inside, you’ll find another pool as well complete with a hot tub.
Katikies Studios & Apartments in Lardos, Rhodes, Greece
In Greece you could stay at Katikies Studios and Apartments for less than £250ppCredit: On The Beach
For parents wanting to keep their kids occupied, there is a kid’s club and playground as well.
Nadolia Apartments in Arillas, Corfu, Greek Islands, Greece
Or head to Corfu instead, where you could stay at the Nadolia ApartmentsCredit: Firstchoice.co.uk
Flying out on August 13 and returning on August 20, you could stay at the Nadolia Apartments in Arillas, Corfu, Greece for £251 per person, flying from Edinburgh Airport.
This apartment complex also features a pool, with a bar and restaurant too.
Sitting on the hilltop, you wouldn’t be far from the beach either, which is just 15 minutes away.
Atlantis Apart in Marmaris, Dalaman, Turkey
Fancy a Turkish break? Book into the Atlantis Apart in Marmaris between July 22 and 26 for £213 per person, flying from London Gatwick Airport.
At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools with a pool bar.
There’s also a children’s play area and an onsite restaurant.
Within a five-minute walk, there’s also the beach for families to enjoy.
Lygies Studios in Trapezaki, Kefalonia in Greece
Kefalonia also has cheap breaks at Lygies StudiosCredit: Firstchoice.co.uk
Flying out on July 28 and returning on August 4, you could spend the week at Lygies Studios in Trapezaki, Kefalonia, Greece for £237 per person, flying from Manchester Airport.
Sat in the quiet Kefalonian countryside, Lygies Studios is around a five-minute drive from the beach.
The apartments are all kitted out with a kitchenette and the complex also features an outdoor patio with a pool.
The traditional riad-like hotel has an interior courtyard and has mosaic tiles throughout.
There is a pool area and a restaurant too, where you can even try out a cooking class.
The city centre is about a 10-minute drive away, but the popular Jemaa el-Fna square with street performers and food stalls is only a five-minute wander away.
FANCY a UK staycation with the family this summer holidays?
We’ve found UK family holiday deals for July and August that won’t break the bank – and will be sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups) smiling.
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Bag a stay at a popular holiday park in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex for under £25pp this summerCredit: AlamyHaven Littlesea Holiday Park is an AA 5 Gold star-rated holiday park in WeymouthCredit: Getty
With schools across the country breaking up as early as July 17, the countdown to summer is officially on – just make sure to check the term time dates for your area.
You can book a family summer holiday at big-name parks from Haven and Parkdean Resorts from as little as £16.19pp per night.
Here’s our pick of affordable family getaways in the UK you can take during the school summer holidays.
Sunnydale Holiday Park, Saltfleet, Lincolnshire
Sunnydale Holiday Park in Saltfleet is just 15 minutes from Mablethorpe beachCredit: TripAdvisor
This beachfront holiday park has charming coastal villages and a seal sanctuary on your doorstep – and you can stay for around £16pp a night.
This gem of a park in Saltfleet, Lincolnshire, is an ideal choice if you want a peaceful park with direct access to the beach – without the crowds and noisiness of larger resorts.
Despite being a smaller park, it still has plenty to see and do such as a heated indoor pool, an on-site fishing lake, an outdoor adventure playground and evening entertainment shows.
Take a trip to nearby Mablethorpe (15 minutes’ drive) to visit adorable seals at the Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.
Here you can also meet rescued reptiles, birds, meerkats and even monkeys. Entry costs £15 for adults and £11 for children.
Plus you can chill out on the sands of Mablethorpe Beach, or take a ride on the Mablethorpe Sand Train for £2.
Parkdean Resorts offer a four night stay at Sunnydale Holiday Park from July 20 for £259 total, which works out to £16.19pp per night.
The deal is for a stay in a Bronze caravan, where double-glazed caravans come with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and everything you’d need in a budget-friendly base – plus there’s dog-friendly options, too.
Book a 4 night stay at Sunnydale Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £259
Haven Littlesea Holiday Park, Weymouth, Dorset
Haven Littlesea Holiday Park is an award-winning mega resort built for familiesCredit: TripAdvisor
This AA 5 Gold Star-rated holiday park in Weymouth gives you direct access to the vast Jurassic Coast, with famous spots like Chesil Beach on your doorstep.
The holiday park itself is a large seafront site packed with activities for all ages.
There’s a large outdoor pool to cool off from the summer heat, plus a heated indoor option for any rainy days.
Younger kids can hop in a mini 4×4 for an off-road adventure, bounce around on the bungee trampolines or play with slime and make crafts during the Creative Sessions.
Older kids and thrill-seekers of the family can take on the outdoor climbing wall, the NERF gun training camp or scramble their way through the inflatable arena.
We found a Haven Hideaway deal for four guests to stay three nights in a Saver Caravan from July 17 for £259 total, or £21.60pp per night.
Book a 3 night stay at Littlesea Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £259
Withernsea Sands Holiday Park, Yorkshire
Parkdean Withernsea Sands Holiday Park is popular among reviewers for its entertainment staffCredit: Parkdean Resorts
This holiday park in Humberside was awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award last summer, and it’s surprisingly affordable even though it’s one of the most highly-rated parks.
Reviewers have praised its ‘extremely good’ evening entertainment, kind staff and cleanliness of the site and caravans.
There’s also a heated indoor pool, a kids club, sports courts and mini golf – plus a bar, restaurant and Costa Coffee when you need to fuel up on food and drink.
As for evening entertainment, families can meet the Starland Krazy Krew of animal characters, as well as play bingo and watch performances from live singers.
Not only does the site give you direct access to a Blue Flag beach, but it also makes for a great base to explore nearby coastal towns of Hornsea and Bridlington.
We found a deal for a three night stay in a Bronze Caravan from July 17 for £257 total, or £21.50pp per night.
Book a 3 night stay at Withernsea Sands Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £257
Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Orchard Holiday Village in Clacton-on-Sea has a pool, splash park and its own golf courseCredit: Breakfree Holidays
It’d be hard to get bored at this action-packed park in Clacton-on-Sea, with a busy activity schedule and Clacton Pavilion on your doorstep.
This expansive park offers unique activities like mini segways for kids, Footgolf and, this summer, a Football Fun Factory where aspiring footballers can put their skills to the test.
There’s plenty more for families to dive into like the FunWorks amusement arcade, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a nine-hole golf course.
Plus for something more relaxing you can take in the scenic surroundings by hiring a bike or spending an afternoon set up by the fishing lake.
For food and drink, pick from familiar favourites like Burger King and Papa Johns, or settle down for pub favourites in the Mash and Barrel.
Here you’re only 17 minutes’ drive from Clacton Pavilion Fun Park, where there’s over 20 rides along the seafront, adventure golf and live entertainment shows. An unlimited rides wristband costs £12.99.
We found a Haven Hideaway deal for a three night stay in a Bronze Caravan for four people from 31 July for £295 total, or £24.58pp per night.
Book a 3 night stay at Orchards Holiday Village for a family of 4 in late July for £295
Combe Haven, Sussex
Combe Haven in St Leonards-on-Sea has an outdoor pool with a giant Space Bowl flumeCredit: Haven
This holiday park in St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex is a lively resort with lots of high-energy activities.
This park is perfect for kids who like to make a splash, with an outdoor pool, lazy river, and a giant Space Bowl flume.
There’s lots of sports on offer, too, such as archery coaching, football and Batfast (a sport like Squash with an interactive screen).
For a bite to eat, grab a meal from Cook’s Fish and Chips and sit on the seafront, and relax with a drink at The Saxon Bar and enjoy the sea views.
Here you’re also around 15 minutes’ drive from historic Hastings, where you can visit Hastings Castle or go undertake the Smuggler’s Adventure in the town’s caves and tunnels.
Haven are offering a three night stay from July 17 in a Saver Caravan for four people for £275 total, or £22.92pp per night.
Book a 3 night stay at Combe Haven for a family of 4 in July for £275
FAMILIES have just six weeks until the school summer holidays begin – and it’s not too late to book a bargain all-inclusive family holiday.
While the summer holidays usually signal a massive jump in holiday prices, we’ve found all inclusive holiday deals that will actually SAVE you money.
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Stay on Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ at these affordable family resorts in Bodrum and AntalyaCredit: GettyThese all inclusive package holidays include flights, accommodation plus a free kids spotCredit: Alamy
Plus, by packing flights, hotel, meals, drinks and snacks into a single all-inclusive deal, you won’t need to worry about extra costs once you’re abroad.
To make holiday budgets stretch even further, brands like Loveholidays and On the Beach are offering free child places across a range of hotels.
We’ve rounded up a selection of week-long, all inclusive holidays in July and August with FREE child places.
This means you can secure a week in the sunshine with unlimited ice lollies, drinks, kids’ clubs, and pool access while one of the little ones travels for nothing.
Here’s our pick of bargain all-inclusive family holidays from £368pp.
Costa Brava, Spain
Stay on Spain’s brilliant Costa Brava from £368pp at the Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by FergusCredit: Getty
With an on-site disco bar, kids splash pool and a free shuttle to the nearest sandy beach, you can’t really go wrong with a break at this Costa Brava resort.
There’s a pool with a splash zone and water features, an action-packed kids club and evening discos that children will love – plus unlimited ice lollies.
And for the grown-ups, there’s two bars where you can grab an ice-cold beer or cocktail – one of which is by the pool.
Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £368pp with one child staying for free – and is currently £198 off.
Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus for £368pp.
Antalya, Turkey
Sun Star Beach in Antalya has a private beach just steps away from the hotelCredit: Love Holidays
The all inclusive Sun Star Beach has a massive outdoor pool with a waterslide, four lively bars, and its very own private beach.
When parents need a breather from baking in the Mediterranean sun, you can slip away to the on-site spa.
Here you’ll find a sauna, a traditional Turkish bath and soothing massage treatments – plus a gym if you want to squeeze in a workout.
There’s also a kids club and activities program, as well as sports on the beach like beach volleyball. water skiing and jet skiing.
Out and about, the vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops of Mahmutlar are right on your doorstep.
Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 31 including flights for £469pp with one child staying for free. This break is currently £40 off, too.
Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach for £469pp
Agadir, Morocco
El Pueblo Tamelt in Agadir is 10 minutes from the centre where you’ll find vibrant souksCredit: Love Holidays
El Pueblo Tamlelt is a tropical-feel Moroccan resort with 11 acres of lush gardens, just steps away from the beach.
Plus it’s only 15 minutes from the airport, so you’ll be landed and on a lounger in no time.
Every modern room comes with a private balcony or terrace, and the all-inclusive deal keeps kids happy with an all-you-can-eat buffet and poolside snacks like pizza and burgers.
When you’re ready to explore, Agadir’s bustling centre is just a 10-minute taxi or bus ride away.
Wander the palm-lined promenade or head to the Agadir Oufella Ruins for spectacular mountaintop views over the city.
On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 19 including flights for £433pp with children 2 and under staying for free. This holiday is currently £166 off full price.
Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamelt for £433pp
Crete, Greece
Stay at the Club Lyda hotel in Gouves, Crete during the school summer holidays from £489ppCredit: Love Holidays
The Club Lyda Hotel in Gouves is a great value option for families looking for an affordable Greek island holiday.
This large, village-style resort sits within walking distance of local soft sand beaches and offers a budget-friendly all-inclusive package.
The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool plus a kids pool, as well as plenty of loungers out on the terrace for sunbathing.
This resort caters to families with little ones, with a kids club, children’s swimming pool and activity program that runs all day long.
Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, which cooks up a rotating mix of traditional Greek dishes and familiar favourites.
If you want to explore beyond the resort, The Dinosauria Park is just a 10-minutes away by car or taxi, plus there are three waterpark options within 20 minutes’ drive.
Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £489pp with one child staying free. This deal saves £97 off full-price, too.
Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Club Lyda Hotel for £489pp
Bodrum, Turkey
Stay at a family-friendly resort in luxurious Bodrum this August for £518ppCredit: Getty
The Tiana Beach Resort is a budget-friendly base in the glamorous resort of Bodrum, offering a luxurious-feeling family holiday for less.
Here there’s pretty garden paths that will lead you straight down to the sea, with a stretch of private beach with a range of water sports.
Back at the hotel, there’s a pool surrounded by plenty of sun loungers and parasols, plus sports like tennis and volleyball.
Plus the spa and sauna with treatments like massages is the cherry on top.
It’s about half an hour’s drive to the centre of Bodrum, where you can visit its massive castle or stroll along the glitzy marina and dip into bars and seafood restaurants.
On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 17 including flights for £518pp. This saves you £172 off full-price.
Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Tiana Beach Resort for £518pp
A spot called The Old Curiosity Shop on Harbour Street has history going back to 1588.
The building was connected to smuggling, but now is a cosy café and tea room.
When it comes to its beaches, Broadstairs has seven sandy bays in total – which generally makes it quieter as visitors are unable to descend on a single beach.
One visitor said Llandudno is a ‘step back in time’Credit: Alamy
Llandudno, also dubbed the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts‘ is a destination that definitely takes visitors back in time.
One holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor: “I’ve been coming here almost 60 years now to this unspoilt town. The promenade is a step back in time as it never changes.”
The town in the north of Wales has managed to keep its Victorian and Edwardian buildings, especially on the promenade.
The hotels along the front are painted in traditional pastel shades to keep its old-school look.
One thing that might throw off visitors is that it’s lined with palm trees.
It’s not just the style of Llandudno that makes it timeless, it’s the case for attractions too.
There’s vintage Punch and Judy shows and of course the 2,000ft long pier that first opened in 1877.
Llandudno also has a historic tramway that takes visitors up to Great Orme, a steep coastal cliff.
There are also the Llandudno Cable Car which takes passengers on a one-mile journey between Happy Valley and the Great Orme Summit.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Saltburn-by-the-Sea has an attraction that’s over 142 years oldCredit: Alamy
It’s right on the beach and offers rides with views of the sea up to the town.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea has an impressive Victorian iron pier extending out into the North Sea for 200 metres and opened in May 1869.
It has absolutely no arcades, it’s simply a place for quiet and great views.
Airbnb described Saltburn-by-the-Sea as a ‘coastal gem’ for anyone “craving a quiet and scenic escape.”
It said: “Saltburn-by-the-sea offers the perfect blend of serenity and intrigue with Saltburn Pier, a friendly surf school, and a unique working cliff tramway connecting the promenade to the beach.”
Another popular attraction in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is Valley Gardens which were set up in 1860.
The colourful Italian Gardens have colourful flower displays and walks through the woodlands.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough is considered Britain’s first and oldest seaside resortCredit: Alamy
As Scarborough is Britain’s first and oldest seaside resort – it’s a relief that it still maintained its traditional feel.
The beach promenade on the North Bay are lined with brightly-coloured and historic beach chalets, with sweeping views across South Bay.
Of the 35 chalets, two of the rows date from Edwardian times which makes them Britain’s oldest surviving beach huts.
The town is also home to Britain’s very first funicular railway which opened in 1875.
South Cliff Lift connects the Cleveland Way beside the beach to the Esplanade at the top of the cliffs.
One Sun Writer discovered that while it doesn’t quite have Old Britain prices, you can still get some bargains in Scarborough.
She said: “If you head to The Fishpan chippie that has been open since 1960, you can get takeaway kids’ portion for £2.25 and massive chip butties for £3.45 each.
Brightlingsea, Essex
Brightlingsea has been called unspoilt and like ‘the 50s’Credit: Alamy
It might not be the first place you think of when looking for seaside towns with a classic feel, but Brightlingsea in Essex has some classic charm to it.
Visitors have described it having an “old-fashioned seaside promenade with plenty to enjoy” and a “lovely old fashioned beach“.
Another said that it’s a “very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”
The high street on Brightlingsea is considered one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets’ in the East of England.
Rather than chains, it’s got lots of independent shops selling records and plants like Roots & Grooves; others like Toggs is where you can pick up women’s clothes and handbags.
There’s also the Olde Swan, which is a pub as well as a bed and breakfast, and is one of the oldest buildings in the town.
Brightlingsea also has one of the last remaining lidos in the area which dates back to the 1930s,
It has an Olympic-size outdoor pool, a heated toddler pool, sun loungers, changing rooms, and a cafe.
His 7-6 record at USC in 2024 would go down as the worst mark of Lincoln Riley’s career as a head football coach. But in his third and rockiest year at the helm of the Trojans, Riley was still compensated like one of the kings of the sport.
Riley was paid more than $11.8 million in total compensation during the fiscal year 2024, according to USC’s latest federal tax returns, which were obtained by The Times. That total includes a $100,000 bonus and $10.4 million in base pay, believed to be more than all but three college football coaches that season: Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Ohio State’s Ryan Day. All three have won a national title.
For Riley, his pay in 2024 marks just a slight increase from the 2023 season, when USC paid Riley more than $11.5 million in total compensation. The coach’s base pay increased by $145,143 between fiscal years 2023 and 2024, slightly less than it rose following his debut season in 2022 ($168,000).
At least in 2024, USC only had to pay one football coach, after paying Clay Helton a combined $9 million not to coach over the two previous years.
The school would, however, have to pay up a bit to bring in a new men’s basketball coach.
After Andy Enfield left to coach Southern Methodist after the 2023-24 season, USC shelled out more than $6.1 million total in 2024 to lure coach Eric Musselman from Arkansas, according to the university’s latest federal tax records. One million of that was paid to Arkansas to buy out Musselman’s contract.
That puts Musselman at a reported $5.1 million in total pay and benefits from the school in 2024, according to the school’s tax records. That total likely includes additional costs unique to a coaching change. But altogether, it would have ranked Musselman among the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten for the 2024-25 season.
Musselman didn’t exactly deliver on that investment during the 2024-25 season, as USC bottomed out during its first Big Ten men’s basketball slate. The Trojans finished 17-18 and 7-13 in the Big Ten.
After including her information in tax forms from the previous year, the university did not disclose compensation figures from 2024 for USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen. Federal tax returns filed last May had credited Cohen with more than $3 million in reportable compensation in her first year on the job, $1 million of which was used to buy out Cohen from her Washington contract.
SUGABABES singer Keisha Buchanan has revealed that she was KIDNAPPED from school – shortly before achieving her first hit with the band.
The 41-year-old singer first joined the group at the tender age of 13 and they signed their first record contract in 1998.
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Sugababes singer Keisha has revealed she was kidnapped at 16 years oldCredit: Livelaughlukepod/YouTubeThe star was preparing to make her Sugababes debut as well as sit her GCSEs at the time of the incidentCredit: Getty
But the singer has now revealed how she was kidnapped in 2000 – shortly before the band’s debut single Overload hit the UK top 10.
Keisha revealed that she was taken by a man from school for several hours before she was returned home.
The scary incident caused her parents to decide it was no longer safe for the star to go to school, resulting in her missing her GCSEs.
Keisha, who won The Masked Singer earlier this year, made the confession on the Live, Laugh, Luke podcast.
The star revealed that she was kept captive for a number of hoursCredit: GettyThe singer has been performing with the band for 28 yearsCredit: Getty
The Push The Button hitmaker said: “I had like this incident right before my GCSEs where I was kidnapped.
“So, because it was quite a traumatic experience, my parents were, like, ‘yeah, so we’re going to do a different type of education.’
“So I kind of finished like my education, but I just couldn’t do my GCSEs.”
Keisha had been preparing to debut with the Sugababes at the time and had already left school to focus on music but had briefly returned in order to sit her GCSEs just before they released their first single at the time of the incident.
In the interview, she revealed that she wasn’t able to share more details of the scary incident as she planned to tell the full story in her impending autobiography.
Keisha did add: “I was basically taken after school by someone.
“I think I just sort of blocked it and then had to just get back into, you know, promotion of our first single.”
Keisha revealed how she was held captive for a number of hours – an experience that left her seeking therapy from the age of 16.
Elsewhere, she confessed that only Siobhan ultimately ended up being accepted back into school for the exams after all three originally left in order to record their debut album, One Touch, over the course of two years.
Despite at first claiming her parents pulled her out of school as a result of the terrifying kidnapping incident, Keisha then appeared to suggest the school had refused to re-enroll her for examinations anyway.
She said: “We ended up leaving school. Siobhan went back to school to take her GCSEs and they accepted her back.
“When Mutya and I tried to get back, they were so rude.
“They were like, ‘Oh no, no, no, you’re not coming back. Like you guys thought you were going to be these pop stars. Let’s see what’s going to happen.’
“So they wouldn’t accept us back.”
Keisha further stated that she discussed the kidnapping ordeal in very early promotional interviews for their debut single but has since kept it out of public view and intends to tell the lengthy story in her own memoir.
Other options include pub classics in the Beachcomber and American-style burgers in The Diner, as well as wraps from the Firehouse Grill.
To make the most of the summer offer, you must already be booked onto one of the dining plans for your break such as the Food Court, Premium and Hotel Dining Packages.
Alex Meyer, Head of Product and Proposition at Butlin’s, said: “The new Lunch Add-On is an exciting extension of our hugely popular All Inclusive offerings across our family breaks.
“This add-on allows guests to know their food costs upfront before arriving on holiday, giving peace of mind that breakfast, dinner and now lunch are sorted.
“We’re all about offering incredible value for money, a family of four on a four-night break can pre-book their lunchtime meals from just £48.
“This new addition to our All Inclusive range moves us closer to offering our family guests a fully All Inclusive break.”
Other dining options include the all-inclusive food and drink package from £28 per person, which includes breakfast and dinner, as well as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Alternatively, there is the Food Court Dining Package which costs from £25.95 per adult, £15.50 per child aged six to 14 and £7.25 per child aged two to five – including unlimited breakfast and dinner at the food court.
After spending less than a year living in Southern California, quarterback Ford Green of Westlake High retains his distinct South Carolina accent, still answers questions with “yes sir” and “no sir,” and greets adults with a handshake that can be described as nothing less than crushing.
The first impression he makes is off the charts, which piques the curiosity of strangers wanting to learn more. It only gets better., with As on his report card, an arm that throws frozen ropes and a sports history that includes baseball and boxing, which means defensive linemen better think long and hard if they want to do something stupid.
As a freshman last season, Green guided Westlake to an 11-1 record with 2,195 yards passing and 31 touchdowns. It was his first time playing quarterback with the idea of “going all in.” During the spring, Ohio State was among the schools offering a scholarship despite his lack of football experience. The Buckeyes might be on to something.
The 2026 season could be the year the 6-foot-2 Green rises to a whole different level because of his expected improvement from workouts, practices and devoting total attention to where he wants to go.
Before last season, he said he played football for fun in South Carolina. He was a baseball player, with his focus on pitching. Then, in 2025, everything changed. He said he went “all in” on playing quarterback.
“I fell in love,” he said. “When I wake up, I think about football. When I’m eating, I think about football. When I’m at school, I think about football. I’m infatuated by the game. Not a second goes by where I don’t think something about football. It’s my life.”
Put it down on your calendar. July 11. Edison’s Battle at the Beach seven on seven passing tournament. Great lineup of teams as always. pic.twitter.com/wV1tZATIQV
Green is someone to pay close attention to this summer during passing tournaments and showcases. Call it the bandwagon effect that happens when one person after another comes to the same conclusion and recognition that someone is going to be very successful.
Twice a week, he goes on Zoom to receive training from a Canadian Football League quarterback. Other times, he works with a private quarterback coach. He already understands the intricacies of the position.
“There’s so many more factors in playing quarterback than just arm,” he said. “It all starts between the ears.”
Westlake has gone from 0-10 to 5-0. Freshman QB Ford Green 17 of 24 passing for 301 yards, five TDs in win over Venice. Charles Davis seven catches, 130 yards, 1 TD.
As scrutiny heightens, attention grows and expectations increase, Green said he’ll follow a big lesson already learned.
“Take it day by day,” he said. “It’s never as good as it seems, it’s never as bad as it seems. Stay neutral and get better every day. I feel if I get better every day, I’ll be able to reach my goals and dreams.”
He said he was too busy with football this year to go out for Westlake’s baseball team, but in the spring of 2027, prepare for his high school pitching debut.
I can say confidently group of incoming freshmen quarterbacks in SoCal looks promising: Grady Wayne, Corona Centennial; Ford Green, Westlake; Thaddeus Breaux, Hamilton; Ezrah Brown, Orange Lutheran; Marcus Washington, Cajon; Evan McCalister, Valencia.
Green was part of an outstanding group of class of 2029 quarterbacks last fall, all of whom should be continuing their rise to prominence.
Seven-on-seven tournaments will be happening almost every weekend in June. Then, next month, prepare for one of the best on July 11 at Huntington Beach Edison, which brings out St. John Bosco, Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo, among others. The “offseason” has been shortened, with zero week scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 21-22. Programs are required to take a mandatory two-week summer break. Some take it in June, others in July. And then there’s the inevitable movement of players through transfers to change teams.
For Green, the 2026-27 school year is shaping up as his most pivotal season to show where he’s headed and what kind of talents he has in the classroom, on the football field and on the pitching mound.
Monitor the journey closely. Something tells me he won’t disappoint.
At the state track and field championships, Jayden Rendon of Carson was in the lead of the 300 intermediate hurdles on Saturday when he struck the final hurdle and fell to the ground. So ended his opportunity to repeat as state champion.
Did he pout? Did he lose his composure? Did he blame something or someone?
Absolutely not.
“You live and learn,” he said. “It does no justice dwelling when I can do so much more.”
He’s headed to USC, and what a student athlete he will become. He was honored on Tuesday, receiving a $1,500 scholarship from the City Section for his academic and athletic commitment. He wrote an essay on how schools in the Southern Section were trying to convince him to leave Carson.
He said absolutely not.
“Growing up in the track world since I was 8 years old, I watched many of my friends and teammates make a decision to attend schools outside of their community,” he wrote. “Their reasoning was based around sports because they believed that the CIF Southern Section schools were more competitive and would give them more opportunities for success. When I was in middle school, my family moved to Long Beach from Carson, which made my home school Long Beach Poly. The majority of my youth team friends decided to attend LB Poly, and I was often questioned on why I chose to stay in Carson instead of following the crowd. My parents and I were told that I would never reach my full potential in the City Section.
“My decision to stay in Carson and compete for the City Section was not just about competition, but about connection. While preparing to compete in the multi-events at the Junior Olympics, when I was 10, I had to run the hurdles. Coach Jojo coached hurdles at Carson so my mom asked him if he would be willing to train me in the summer. I grew a bond with Coach Jojo and developed a love for the hurdles. Both my mother and grandmother went to Carson but it was Coach Jojo who showed me what it truly meant to be part of the Colt family. Besides my family, he was my biggest supporter, he believed in me and made me feel like I belonged to something bigger: a legacy. I didn’t care what anyone said, I knew that if I had Coach Jojo by my side and if I set my mind to it, I could be successful.
“I never would have believed that from the start of my freshman year, the sport that I love, would hit me with life: In January 2023, just a few months before my first high school track season began, I lost Coach Jojo to cancer. After being a pallbearer for my beloved Coach Jojo, I made a promise to him to finish what we started. The way I saw it, I had two choices, I could feel sorry for myself or I could push through the pain and stay focused on my goals of becoming a USC Trojan.”
Rendon fulfilled his promise to his coach and community.
“I wanted to stay in the City Section,” he said. “It was my roots. I wanted to be the hometown hero. I didn’t think I needed to move to be great.”
He was right again.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
Teachers in north-eastern Nigeria held protests, demanding stronger protection for learning institutions.
The outcry comes after the abduction of dozens of school children in Borno State last month. Al Jazeera’s Felix Niwara explains.
CIF SOCAL SOFTBALL REGIONALS TUESDAY’S RESULTS First Round
DIVISION I #1 Chula Vista Mater Dei, bye #5 Point Loma 10, #4 Whittier Christian 1 #6 St. Paul def. #3 Murrieta Mesa, forfeit #2 La Habra def. #7 Bonita, forfeit
DIVISION II #2 Riverside Prep 1, #8 Del Norte 0 #5 Redwood at #4 Birmingham, Wednesday at 3 p.m. #6 Garces Memorial 3, #3 Oxnard 0 #2 Great Oak 9, #7 El Capitan 4
DIVISION III #8 Mission College Prep 4, #1 Venice 2 #4 Hanford West 19, #5 Eagle Rock 1 #3 Grace 9, #6 Brawley 3 #2 Helix 14, #7 Covina 7
DIVISION IV #1 San Diego Madison 10, #9 Arleta 4 #5 Grossmont 7, #4 Arroyo 4 #3 Irvine 8, #6 Avenal 7 #2 Woodlake 8, #7 Edgewood 4
DIVISION V #1 Arroyo Valley, bye #5 La Jolla 16, #4 Franklin 3 #6 San Bernardino 9, #3 Monte Vista 6 #2 South East, bye
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (Games at 4 p.m. unless noted) Semifinals
DIVISION I #5 Point Loma at #1 Chula Vista Mater Dei #6 St. Paul at #2 La Habra
DIVISION II #5 Redwood / #4 Birmingham at #1 Riverside Prep #6 Garces Memorial at #2 Great Oak
DIVISION III #8 Mission College Prep at #4 Hanford West #3 Grace at #2 Helix
DIVISION IV #5 Grossmont at #1 San Diego Madison #3 Irvine at #2 Woodlake
DIVISION V #5 La Jolla vs. #1 Arroyo Valley, Wednesday at San Gorgonio #6 San Bernardino at #2 South East
Note: Finals in all divisions Saturday, June 6 at 4 p.m. at higher seeds.
CIF SOCAL BASEBALL REGIONALS TUESDAY’S RESULTS First Round
DIVISION I #8 San Diego Cathedral 4, #1 St. John Bosco 2 #5 La Mirada 7, #4 Bakersfield Liberty 6 #6 Chula Vista Eastlake at #3 Corona, Wednesday #7 Huntington Beach 10, #2 Patrick Henry 3
DIVISION II #8 Arroyo Grande 4, #1 Loyola 3 #4 Bakersfield Christian 3, #5 St. Francis 1 #3 Point Loma 5, #6 Millikan 2 #2 Newport Harbor 2, #7 San Diego Madison 0
DIVISION III #8 Kaiser 2, #1 Mt. Carmel 0 #4 Helix 13, #5 Laguna Beach 4 #6 Westview 7, #3 Carson 1 #7 Culver City 11, #2 Glendora 10 (suspended in bottom of 13th inning due to darkness)
DIVISION IV #8 South El Monte 3, #1 Brentwood 2 #5 Francis Parker 6, #4 Covina 1 #3 Central Valley Christian 6, #6 Garfield 5 #7 North Torrance 2, #2 Bell 0
DIVISION V #1 Verdugo Hills 11, #8 Rolling Hills Prep 2 #5 LA Roosevelt 7, #4 Rancho Alamitos 4 #3 Schurr 11, #6 Webb 1 #2 Coastal Academy 5, #7 Fremont 4
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (Games at 4 p.m. unless noted) Semifinals
DIVISION I #8 San Diego Cathedral at #5 La Mirada, Friday #7 Huntington Beach at #6 Eastlake / #3 Corona
DIVISION II #8 Arroyo Grande at #4 Bakersfield Christian, Wednesday at 3 p.m. #3 Point Loma at #2 Newport Harbor, Wednesday
DIVISION III #8 Kaiser at #4 Helix #6 Westview vs. #2 Glendora / #7 Culver City
DIVISION IV #8 South El Monte at #5 Francis Parker, Friday #7 North Torrance at #3 Central Valley Christian
DIVISION V #5 LA Roosevelt at #1 Verdugo Hills #3 Schurr vs. #2 Coastal Academy at Palomar College, Wednesday
Note: Finals in all divisions Saturday, June 6 at 4 p.m. at higher seeds.
Los Angeles Unified School District incumbents — Rocio Rivas, Kelly Gonez and Nick Melvoin — surged strongly ahead in early returns Tuesday night for three seats on the Board of Education.
The first reported results were trending toward one-sided outcomes because the major political forces of recent years declined to do battle against each other: The teachers union supported Rivas, who represents a largely Eastside district; a charter-friendly retired businessman supported Melvoin, whose district is centered on the Westside. And the largest union representing nonteaching employees all but avoided the fray.
The third incumbent, Gonez, was the only candidate on the ballot in District 6, and faced one write-in challenger, Jose Sagredo. Thus, Gonez is poised to continue to represent a district centered in the east San Fernando Valley for a third and final term.
With no challengers boosted by high special-interest funding, the three incumbents had a virtually unobstructed campaign path.
If the early returns hold as expected, the Los Angeles Board of Education will continue to lean against charter schools and would stand in general agreement on most policies — including assertive support for immigrants and a continued holding pattern on the future of Supt. Alberto Carvalho, who remains on administrative leave as a federal investigation proceeds.
District 4, Westside
Well ahead in District 4 was two-term incumbent Melvoin. His challenger was Ankur Patel.
The funding advantage in Melvoin’s campaign was sizable through just before election day: Melvoin, $378,803; Patel: $22,662.
In addition, Melvoin benefited from an independent expenditure of $367,093 on his behalf by retired businessman Bill Bloomfield, who has been a major funder in recent campaigns, typically for candidates who also are acceptable to charter-school advocates.
Charters are privately operated public schools, most of which are nonunion. About 1 in 5 L.A. public-school students is enrolled in an independent charter operating within L.A. Unified.
District 2, downtown and Eastside
Also with a huge funding advantage was Rocio Rivas, who was headed toward a second term in District 2.
LAUSD Board Vice President Rocio Rivas was headed toward a second term in District 2. Her major funding source was $889,469 in an independent-expenditure campaign on her behalf, nearly all of it from the United Teachers Los Angeles union.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Rivas’ own campaign raised $66,218. But the major funding source was $889,469 in an independent-expenditure campaign on her behalf, nearly all of it from the United Teachers Los Angeles union. The union also spent more than $4,000 in communications to its members about the election.
These figures compare with $2,525 raised by challenger Raquel Zamora, who reported spending $5,089.
In Rivas’ successful 2022 run, her main funding opponent was Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union, which backed Maria Brenes for an open seat. Historically, Local 99 has not been inclined to oppose an incumbent, which Rivas has become. And, true to history, Local 99 has endorsed Rivas, but without spending money on her behalf.
An end to charter school wars
More broadly, this election cycle marks the end to a generation of bitterly contested Los Angeles school board races that became the most expensive in the country, with the L.A. teachers union and charter school advocates slugging it out to advance their vision for public education.
Charter school supporters — who had poured tens of million of dollars into races to elect board members sympathetic to their cause — largely stepped aside, a reflection of their diminished resources and evolving strategy.
The bottom line is that, if current vote-count trends hold, the board will be unchanged for the next two years.
This situation is less than ideal for charter schools. Charters with a mixed record face a tough review when they come up for renewal — about once every five years. Charter opponents want the board majority to move more aggressively to shut down charters when possible and to force them off district campuses — where, under state law, they have a legal right to operate.
Big board decisions looming
Big decisions before the board include how to manage a projected structural deficient — with union leaders calling the dire predictions an accounting mirage.
Meanwhile, Supt. Alberto Carvalho remains in limbo after a February FBI raid of his home and office. The investigation relates at least in part to a failed district chatbot project.
Carvalho maintains his innocence and would like to return to work. The board, however, has turned the reins over temporarily to acting Supt. Andres Chait.
This election cycle marks the end to a generation of bitterly contested Los Angeles school board races that became the most expensive in the country, with the L.A. teachers union and charter school advocates slugging it out to advance their vision for public education. Above, LAUSD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.
BOSTON — Former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell used one of his first major public appearances since leaving office to defend independent institutions while accepting an award Sunday honoring his efforts to preserve the central bank’s independence.
Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library overlooking Boston Harbor, Powell called universities, courts, Congress and the central bank “the foundation and the embodiment of our democracy” and argued that the Fed’s independence was a “priceless asset” that must be protected.
It was one of his most direct defenses of Fed independence, warning that a single administration’s decision to remove bank officials over policy differences would open the way for future elected officials to follow suit, ultimately undermining the credibility that the Fed has spent decades building.
Powell, who frequently clashed with President Trump during his eight years as chair, stepped down as his term expired in May. He was succeeded by Kevin Warsh, whom Trump selected to lead the central bank.
After stepping down as chair, Powell took the unusual step of keeping his seat on the Fed’s governing board, which he has until January 2028. By doing so, he has deprived the Trump administration of an opportunity to appoint another member of the board.
The Trump administration has also sought to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook, which would open an additional seat on the rate-setting committee the president could fill. Yet Cook sued and the courts have so far let her keep her seat.
While Powell never mentioned Trump by name Sunday, he repeatedly returned to the importance of protecting institutions from political pressure and preserving public trust in their independence.
“Like many other institutions, the Fed has been undergoing a stress test,” he said. “Congress wisely chose to insulate monetary policy decisions from political pressure. All other advanced economy nations have done the same.”
Since 1989, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award has recognized public servants who make what the foundation describes as courageous decisions of conscience despite personal or professional consequences.
Previous recipients include former Presidents Barack Obama and George H. W. Bush, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former Vice President Mike Pence.
In March, the foundation said it was awarding Powell for protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve “despite years of personal attacks and threats from the highest levels of government.”
Trump harshly criticized Powell throughout his tenure as chair, frequently attacking the Fed’s interest-rate decisions and urging the central bank to cut borrowing costs more aggressively.
Beyond the Federal Reserve, Powell defended U.S. universities and research institutions, the Constitution, Congress and the court system.
“The United States has long been the leader of the world’s freedom-seeking people — the indispensable nation. Other countries know us as a nation built on integrity, and that integrity must be maintained,” he said.
In his remarks, Powell indirectly acknowledged mistakes as chair. The Fed is legally required to seek stable prices, but inflation surged amid the pandemic’s supply chain crunch. Many economists believe the central bank should have raised interest rates more quickly in response.
“At the Fed, we are, of course, human and thus imperfect,” Powell said. “When we make mistakes, we acknowledge them and change course.”
Powell was honored alongside residents of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, who received the award for what the Kennedy Foundation described as acts of courage during a federal immigration crackdown that led to thousands of arrests and the deaths of Minneapolis mother Renée Good and nurse Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed while observing or documenting enforcement activity.
“It’s wonderful just to be invited, honoring Renée,” Good’s father, Tim Granger, said as he entered the library with family members.
Kennedy’s only surviving child, Caroline Kennedy, and her son, Jack Schlossberg, said in a statement that without people like Powell and those in Minnesota “willing to put their lives on the line to hold America to its promises, our democracy can’t survive.”
Attendee U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is running for governor of Minnesota next year, reflected that the award was unusual because it recognized ordinary residents rather than elected officials.
“This didn’t go to an elected leader for a reason,” Klobuchar said. “It’s because the people stood up. They stood up by marching 50,000 strong. They stood by bringing kids they didn’t even know — strangers’ kids — to school, by bringing them groceries and they didn’t blink. And that’s what this award is about. It’s about courage.”
Willingham writes for the Associated Press. AP journalist Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report from Washington.
