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New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mirabel happy to wait as LPGA dream takes shape
KUALA LUMPUR: With accolades piling up and history already made, Malaysia's top golf prospect Mirabel Ting has every reason to consider turning professional. But the 19-year-old Miri-born is choosing to stay grounded. Despite winning the prestigious Annika Award, being named WGCA Player of the Year, and reaching a career-best No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Mirabel remains committed to finishing her senior year at Florida State University. Mirabel meteoric rise came on the back of a phenomenal 2024/25 season, during which she clinched five titles on the US collegiate circuit. "I just want to play golf and do what I can," said Mirabel. "If things lead to a different path, then it's a different path." It's a line that reflects her maturity and adaptability — a recognition that while she's fully invested in college golf, she's also aware of what could lie ahead. Mirabel has already accumulated 10 points under the LPGA Tour's LEAP (LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway) program, which rewards top-performing amateur golfers with a chance to bypass the notoriously competitive Q School. Points are awarded across five categories: highest WAGR ranking, performances in LPGA events, major amateur titles, year-end awards, and team selections. Reaching the 20-point threshold grants a player direct access to the LPGA Tour. Mirabel currently sits at 10 points — two each from winning the Annika Award, being named WGCA Player of the Year, and achieving a WAGR ranking of No. 2. She also picked up three points from three consecutive Palmer Cup appearances (2023–2025) and one point from a top-40 finish at last year's Maybank Championship, where she placed 12th. Another 10 points would seal her place on the LPGA Tour — a tall order, but not out of reach. She has upcoming opportunities to add to her tally, including the Amundi Evian Championship in France next month — one of the LPGA's five majors — and a return to Malaysia for the Maybank Championship in October. "I'm actually 10 points away from getting the Tour card," she said. "But again, it's nearly impossible. I would need to have another season like this year — or even better — to actually get all the points by the end of the year." That measured realism is what sets Mirabel apart. Instead of rushing into the pro ranks, she's opting to build steadily — enjoying college life, honing her skills, and flying the Malaysian flag high on both collegiate and international stages. "It means a lot," she said of her Annika Award win. "I wasn't actually sure I was the first Asian to win it. I just did what I've always done — practice hard and believe in myself. Surprisingly, I did it. I feel like I've made Malaysia proud." With her trailblazing success, Mirabel now finds herself in a position to inspire the next wave of Malaysian golfers — a role she embraces with humility. "I was once young and looked up to Michelle (Koh, Rio 2016 Olympian) and Kelly (Tan, sole Malaysian representative on the LPGA Tour in the past one decade). Being a role model is challenging, but if you have the opportunity, why not? I'm just trying to enjoy it, embrace it, and take it day by day."
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Out-of-state students could face tuition hikes at Florida universities
Out-of-state students attending Florida universities could see a 10 percent increase in tuition this fall and an additional hike the following school year, under a rule unanimously adopted by the state university system's Board of Governors on Wednesday. Tuition hikes for out-of-state students would have to be approved by university boards of trustees, and schools would have to maintain their current ratio of in-state students to out-of-state students. If increases are approved for the 2025-2026 school year, they would be the first tuition hikes in more than a decade for out-of-state students, according to documents distributed before Wednesday's Board of Governors vote. None of the state's 12 universities has raised tuition since 2012, and Florida State University hasn't had an increase since 2004, the documents said. Florida has the nation's third-lowest tuition and fees for out-of-state students, at an average of $21,690 in 2023-2024. That was about 28 percent lower than the national average of $30,140. Nearly 33,000 undergraduate students from outside the state — about 12 percent of all students — attend Florida's public universities. Roughly 25,000 of the state's 76,000 graduate students, or 33 percent, are nonresidents. Board of Governors member Alan Levine, who proposed the increase, noted that 'our total cost of a degree is one of the lowest in the country for students.' Levine said in a text message to The News Service of Florida that the proposal would allow increases of up to 10 percent this fall and up to 15 percent in fall 2026, He said his 'strong suspicion is it will end up being less than 10% this year as trustees try to minimize impact on current students' A hike over two years would give out-of-state students more leeway to plan their finances, Levine suggested during the meeting. Florida law caps annual tuition increases for in-state and out-of-state students at 15 percent. 'We want to make sure we don't create sticker shock for students that are here currently,' Levine said. Maintaining ratios of in-state and out-of-state students would ensure that Floridians don't lose slots in schools to higher-paying applicants. 'We do not want to see universities raising their nonresident enrollment rates to increase revenues, particularly at the expense of in-state students,' Levine said. Tuition increases approved by university boards of trustees would have to be shared with university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. An across-the-board 5 percent tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduate students at all of the state's universities would generate nearly $24.2 million annually, according to the document presented to the board. A 15 percent hike would bring an extra $72.5 million to the state. Tuition for out-of-state students varies throughout universities. For undergraduates, the University of South Florida offers the lowest per-credit hour rate for nonresidents, at $346.50. The University of Florida weighs in as the highest, at $707.21. The average statewide is $491.90. Board of Governors member Eric Silagy tried to link the proposed increases to part of Florida law that says tuition for out-of-state students should offset the cost of providing education to such students. Silagy said three schools in the system — New College of Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida Polytechnic University — don't meet the requirement. 'I don't think we should be allowing the board of trustees to go up to the maximum 15% because these three schools have an obligation, not a choice, an obligation, to be in compliance with state law,' Silagy said. Silagy, who has harshly criticized New College in the past, argued that schools where Florida taxpayers are 'subsidizing' out-of-state students shouldn't be allowed to increase the number of nonresident students. According to Silagy, the state is spending more than $82,000 per student for New College, which has 802 students, including 90 who aren't Florida residents. As a comparison, the state spends roughly $19,000 per student at the University of Florida. Silagy's remarks drew fire from New College President Richard Corcoran, a former state House speaker who was recruited by Gov. Ron DeSantis to remake the Sarasota liberal-arts school into a conservative higher-education institution. Corcoran called Silagy's comparisons of New College to other Florida universities 'odious.' 'When we, the new board, came onto the scene, here's the rhetoric that we were told: 'Be the Hillsdale of the South. Grow your prestige to what you were in the past,'' Corcoran said, referring to the conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan.. New College is 'just not like the rest' of Florida's public universities, Corcoran argued. 'I mean, we took over an absolute failed institution, had it been not publicly funded, would have closed a decade ago, without question,' he said. 'The question is, do you want to build, for the Legislature and the governor, a world-class liberal-arts institution? If the answer is yes … we can't be graded or evaluated in that same context.'
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mirabel retains TSM Golf Challenge crown
KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting reinforced her status as Malaysia's top amateur golfer by becoming the first player in over a decade to successfully defend the girls' title at the TSM Golf Challenge—matching a feat last accomplished by Kelly Tan in 2012. The 20-year-old Sarawakian, currently world No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), carded rounds of 70, 68 and 71 for a winning total of 209 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) as the 14th edition of the prestigious junior event concluded on Thursday. It was another dominant display by Mirabel, who finished a whopping 12 strokes ahead of nearest challenger Wang Xin Yao (221). A three-way tie for third followed, with Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani, Foong Zi Yu, and Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil all ending at 222. Former LPGA star and two-time Olympian Kelly had won three consecutive titles from 2010 to 2012. With Mirabel still eligible to compete next year, she could take aim at replicating that feat. However, the best achievement in the girls' category remains with Ainil Johani Bakar, who captured four straight titles from 2006 to 2009. Despite coming off a phenomenal collegiate season in the United States—where she bagged five titles, won the prestigious Annika Award, and finished joint runner-up at the NCAA Division I Championship—Mirabel played down expectations and approached the event with a relaxed mindset. "To be able to come back here and play an event actually means a lot," said Mirabel, who last featured on home soil at the Maybank Championship last October, where she impressed with a tied-12th finish in the LPGA Tour event. "I wasn't playing my best golf this week. Like I said, I've been away for six months at school—I attend Florida State University—and I basically just came back wanting to take a bit of a rest and ease into it. "Overall, I think I did okay, but there's still a lot to work on. I made quite a few mistakes out there, but it's still alright. I was just trying to go out there, have fun, do what I can on the course, and just be myself—not trying to put pressure on myself like, 'Oh, I'm supposed to be good.'" In the boys' division, fellow Sarawakian Anson Yeo also lived up to expectations by sealing a wire-to-wire victory with rounds of 69, 65, and 69 for a total of 203. The 19-year-old held off a strong challenge from Rizq Adam Rohizam (72-69-68) and Hariz Hezri (71-67-71), who shared second place on 209. Nathan Wong (210) and A. Nateeshvar (211) completed the top five. Anson's win further cements his rising status in the domestic amateur scene, having recently clinched the PGM Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy—where he outplayed a strong field including established professionals. "This is my first time playing in the tournament, and I'm really happy to have won it," said Anson. "It was very competitive this week—everyone played really well. I felt good about my game overall, especially with my ball-striking and putting. "The SEA Games is one of my major goals this year, so this win gives me a good boost. I'll be playing in the PGM Penang Closed Championship next week to keep the momentum going." Leading final round scores: Boys 203: Anson Yeo 69-65-69; 209: Rizq Adam Rohizam 72-69-68, Hariz Hezri 71-67-71; 210: Nathan Wong 71-73-66; 211: A. Nateeshvar 73-67-71. Girls 209: Mirabel Ting 70-68-71; 221: Wang Xin Yao 76-73-72; 222: Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani 77-72-73, Foong Zi Yu 71-72-78, Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil 72-72-78.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Out-of-state university students could face tuition hikes in Florida
Out-of-state students attending Florida universities could see a 10 percent increase in tuition this fall and an additional hike the following school year, under a rule unanimously adopted by the state university system's Board of Governors on Wednesday. Tuition hikes for out-of-state students would have to be approved by university boards of trustees and schools would have to maintain their current ratio of in-state students to out-of-state students. If increases are approved for the 2025-2026 school year, they would be the first tuition hikes in more than a decade for out-of-state students, according to documents distributed before Wednesday's Board of Governors vote. None of the state's 12 universities has raised tuition since 2012, and Florida State University hasn't had an increase since 2004, the documents said. Florida has the nation's third-lowest tuition and fees for out-of-state students, at an average of $21,690 in 2023-2024. That was about 28 percent lower than the national average of $30,140. Nearly 33,000 undergraduate students from outside the state — about 12 percent of all students — attend Florida's public universities. Roughly 25,000 of the state's 76,000 graduate students, or 33 percent, are nonresidents. Balancing financial impacts and educational access Board of Governors member Alan Levine, who proposed the increase, noted that "our total cost of a degree is one of the lowest in the country for students." Levine said in a text message to The News Service of Florida that the proposal would allow increases of up to 10 percent this fall and up to 15 percent in fall 2026. He said his "strong suspicion is it will end up being less than 10% this year as trustees try to minimize impact on current students." A hike over two years would give out-of-state students more leeway to plan their finances, Levine suggested during the meeting. Florida law caps annual tuition increases for in-state and out-of-state students at 15 percent. "We want to make sure we don't create sticker shock for students that are here currently," Levine said. Maintaining ratios of in-state and out-of-state students would ensure that Floridians don't lose slots in schools to higher-paying applicants. "We do not want to see universities raising their nonresident enrollment rates to increase revenues, particularly at the expense of in-state students," Levine said. Tuition increases approved by university boards of trustees would have to be shared with university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. An across-the-board 5 percent tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduate students at all of the state's universities would generate nearly $24.2 million annually, according to the document presented to the board. A 15 percent hike would bring an extra $72.5 million to the state. Tuition for out-of-state students varies throughout universities. For undergraduates, the University of South Florida offers the lowest per-credit hour rate for nonresidents, at $346.50. The University of Florida weighs in as the highest, at $707.21. The average statewide is $491.90. Debating compliance and institutional priorities Board of Governors member Eric Silagy tried to link the proposed increases to part of Florida law that says tuition for out-of-state students should offset the cost of providing education to such students. Silagy said three schools in the system — New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, and Florida Polytechnic University — don't meet the requirement. "I don't think we should be allowing the board of trustees to go up to the maximum 15% because these three schools have an obligation, not a choice, an obligation, to be in compliance with state law," Silagy said. Silagy, who has harshly criticized New College in the past, argued that schools where Florida taxpayers are "subsidizing" out-of-state students shouldn't be allowed to increase the number of nonresident students. According to Silagy, the state is spending more than $82,000 per student for New College, which has 802 students, including 90 who aren't Florida residents. As a comparison, the state spends roughly $19,000 per student at the University of Florida. Silagy's remarks drew fire from New College President Richard Corcoran, a former state House speaker who was recruited by Gov. Ron DeSantis to remake the Sarasota liberal-arts school into a conservative higher-education institution. Corcoran called Silagy's comparisons of New College to other Florida universities "odious." "When we, the new board, came onto the scene, here's the rhetoric that we were told: 'Be the Hillsdale of the South. Grow your prestige to what you were in the past,'" Corcoran said, referring to the conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan. New College is "just not like the rest" of Florida's public universities, Corcoran argued. "I mean, we took over an absolute failed institution, had it been not publicly funded, would have closed a decade ago, without question," he said. "The question is, do you want to build, for the Legislature and the governor, a world-class liberal-arts institution? If the answer is yes … we can't be graded or evaluated in that same context."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Do you have to open the door for police? What to know in wake of Minnesota attacks.
It's the middle of the night and someone's banging on your front door. You see a flashing police light and hear a voice saying: "This is the police. Open up!" Do you open the door? Many Americans are asking themselves what their options are in such a situation − both legally and realistically − after what prosecutors called the "political assassination" of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in a series of attacks that also left another lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife wounded. The suspect in the case, Vance Boelter, 57, was dressed like a police officer, complete with a black tactical vest, and carried a flashlight as an officer would do, according to an affidavit filed in federal court and written by special agent Terry Getsch of the FBI. Boelter also was driving an SUV equipped with a fake "POLICE" license plate and "law enforcement-style emergency lights," the affidavit said. "This is the police. Open the door," Boelter shouted outside at around 2 a.m. June 14, according to Hoffman's family members, Getsch wrote in the affidavit. They opened it. "You're kind of disarmed in the middle of the night, in the fog of sleep," said George Kirkham, a criminologist, professor emeritus at Florida State University and a former police officer. Kirkham said that even with his expert background, he probably would have opened the door, too. "These were very, very smart people, this legislator and her husband, and I'm sure they had been the recipient of threats, and they were probably far more cautious than the average person," he said. "It is a clarion call for all of us to be more careful." So, what should you do? Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more. If an officer is knocking on your door, the American Civil Liberties Union recommends talking through the door and asking for identification. "You do not have to let them in unless they can show you a warrant signed by a judicial officer that lists your address as a place to be searched or that has your name on it as the subject of an arrest warrant," the ACLU says. If the officer says they have a warrant, you should ask to see it through a window or, if it's a paper copy, have them slip it under the door for proof. Many warrants these days are electronic, and police can even text it, Kirkham said. Marc Lopez, a former prosecutor and now a defense attorney specializing in domestic violence and drunken driving cases in Indianapolis, said there are very few circumstances in which an officer will knock on your door out of nowhere and need to get inside. Those circumstances include: pursuing a felon, hearing screaming or another sign of an emergency inside, or if they have a warrant. "Absent those emergencies, they can't come into your house," he said. "I would advise anybody: Do not open your door. You have no duty to respond." If you feel you must respond, he said, you should avoid opening the door at all costs unless police have a warrant. If they do, he recommends asking to see it, though he pointed out that in some states, such as Indiana, officers do not have to prove they have a warrant. "That can get kind of tricky," he police have advised a nervous public that if someone shows up at their house claiming to be police, they can call 911 to verify it's legitimate. "It is okay to remain in your vehicle or home and not open the window or door until you receive confirmation from dispatch," the Richfield Police Department posted on Facebook June 14. Kirkham agreed that it's a good option, and as a former officer himself, that he wouldn't mind waiting for such a call. Lopez pointed out that some police might not be as patient. And there have been plenty of misunderstandings between police knocking on doors at night and nervous people inside who don't know who it is. On April 5, 2023, the New Mexico Department of Justice went to the wrong house while responding to a domestic violence call in Farmington just before midnight. The homeowner, Robert Dotson, answered the door holding a gun and officers opened fire, killing him, according to police and body camera footage. And then there's the case of Breonna Taylor, an unarmed woman killed by police who were serving a no-knock search warrant in Louisville, Kentucky, around midnight on March 13, 2020. The plainclothes officers used a battering ram to open the apartment as part of a drug trafficking investigation, and Taylor's boyfriend − thinking they were being robbed − fired one shot, prompting police to spray dozens of bullets into the apartment. No drugs were found. If you're nervous about someone at the door, Kirkham said it's not necessarily a bad idea to have a gun handy. He recalled one night a couple of years ago when his doorbell rang at 3 a.m. He grabbed his pistol from the nightstand and a flashlight and stood aside from the front door. He heard a woman's voice identify herself as police. Kirkham turned the porch light on, looked out his peephole and saw a uniformed officer. He immediately put his gun on the floor, slid it away, and opened the door. In light of the events in Minnesota, he said, he might think twice about doing that again so readily. 'The safest thing to do is just to dial 911." Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota attacks raise question: Do you have to open door to police?
