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Shyam Benegal Death: Shyam Benegal, the veteran filmmaker who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Monday, his daughter Pia said. The 90-year-old filmmaker breathed his last at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Pia Benegal told PTI. "He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," she said. Soon after the news of his death was public, tributes poured in for the veteran filmmaker, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying a glorious chapter of Indian cinema has ended with his passing, but his work will continue to be admired by generations to come. From political leaders and parties, the people from the film industry and other walks of life hailed him as a master storyteller who redefined cinema, inspired all with his films, and created stars out of great actors. ALSO READ: Delhi LG Approves Hike In EWS Income Cap For Private School Admissions To Rs 5 Lakh President Murmu said Benegal started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. "A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the form of numerous awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers," she posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Benegal. He also added that his work will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. "His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," he posted on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Benegal was a visionary filmmaker who brought India's stories to life with depth and sensitivity. "His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the 90-year-old Benegal as a pillar of Indian cinema. "Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends, and followers," she posted on X. ALSO READ: Renowned Filmmaker Shyam Benegal Passes Away At 90, Tributes Pour In For Pioneer Of Parallel Cinema According to news agency IANS, Benegal’s funeral will be held in Mumbai at 10:00 am on Tuesday. He is widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers after the 1970s and received several honours like 18 National Film Awards, a Nandi Award, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in the field of cinema, a Padma Shri, and a Padma Bhushan. (With input from agencies)

NoneToo early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focusedSenior Congress leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences following the death of former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna. The 92-year-old political stalwart passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Tuesday. Party Chief Mallikarjun Kharge praised Krishna as a true champion of development, highlighting his substantial contributions to Karnataka and the nation. S M Krishna was born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, and began his electoral career by winning the Maddur assembly seat in 1962. His nearly 50-year association with Congress ended when he joined the BJP in 2017. His tenure as Chief Minister and contributions to sectors like IT and biotechnology gained him widespread respect. Rahul Gandhi also mourned the loss of a leader whose decades-long work transformed Bengaluru into a global technological hub. Condolences poured in from Congress members, acknowledging Krishna's impactful governance and his prowess in navigating the public life with grace. He retired from active politics last year due to age. (With inputs from agencies.)

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The goals are flying in again for Arsenal — and it just happens to coincide with the return from injury of Martin Odegaard. Make that eight goals in two games since the international break for Arsenal after its 5-1 hammering of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday, tying the English team’s heaviest ever away win in the competition. Odegaard is back in Arsenal’s team after missing two months with an ankle injury . In that time, Mikel Arteta’s attack stuttered, with a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth and a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle dropping the Gunners well off the pace in the Premier League. There was also a 0-0 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League as well as a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan last month, when Odegaard made his comeback from injury as an 89th-minute substitute. Since then, Arsenal hasn’t lost and the goals have returned. After a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday came the cruise in Lisbon — and Odegaard was at the heart of everything as Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end. “He’s an unbelievable player,” Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka said of Odegaard. “The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.” Odegaard was involved in the build-up to Arsenal’s first two goals against Sporting — scored by Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz — and was fouled to win the penalty converted by Saka in the 65th to restore Arsenal’s three-goal lead at 4-1. Odegaard was seen flexing his leg after that but continued untroubled and was substituted in the 78th minute. The last thing Arteta would want now is another injury to Odegaard as Arsenal attempts to reel in first-place Liverpool in the Premier League. Liverpool is already nine points ahead of fourth-place Arsenal after 12 games. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerWhen Flowing Wells student Isabelle “Isa” Lopez joined the freshman girls basketball team in her first year of high school, she dreamed about the day she could join the varsity team. She was determined to make that dream a reality. Through perseverance, faith and lots of hard work, she did. Lopez made it to the JV team during her sophomore year and by the time she was a junior, she finally got the call-up she had been waiting for. “I knew the game was a lot faster and you got to be quick, but it was really nice to have a coach who had the faith in me to be able to pull me up and I was very thankful,” Lopez said, adding: “It's nice to have a team that loves the same thing you do, that comes together every single day, and it’s just nice being around people who love what you do.” Now, Lopez, a senior at the school, is a co-captain of the varsity team alongside senior Nevaeh Urenda, who’s averaging 17 points, six rebounds and six assists through the first several games of her final season at Flowing Wells. Nevaeh Urenda, a senior varsity basketball players at Flowing Wells High, runs through warm-up drills before a game on Dec. 17, 2024. Urenda recently eclipsed 900 career points, an achievement she hit during the Lady Caballeros' 55-33 win against Casa Grande High School on Dec. 13 — the same night Flowing Wells celebrated 50 years of Lady Cabs basketball . “It feels good because I see a bunch of other people hit milestones around me, so it feels good to be able to hit those milestones, (too),” Urenda said. “And hopefully in the next couple of games, I'll be at 1,000 (career points), so we'll see.” The girls’ journeys are the “perfect example of two journeys coming together but from different spaces,” said Michael Perkins, the Flowing Wells girls basketball coach for the last 20 years. Urenda, a fierce competitor, was a varsity starter from the very beginning of her high school career, while Lopez, a dedicated player, had to work up to varsity status. Lopez says there were times she faced mental challenges while working her way up to varsity, often doubting her own worth. But her parents, Perkins and her faith got her through those challenging times. But no matter how the girls made it to the varsity level, they had the drive and passion to be at their best from the very beginning of their high school journeys. They credit their lifelong passion for basketball to their siblings who inspired them to play. “They're both just terrific people,” Perkins said. “They both come from great families. They are both what we call ‘Flowing Wells kids,’ that grow up in the district. They're just great people, and then to have them commit to Lady Cabs basketball is just really cool.” While they’ve only been playing together for the last two years, the two have developed a tight bond. “Isa is like my partner in crime, and we have a great time all the time,” Urenda said. “Sometimes we may not play at the same time, but I feel like me and her are always on the same page, no matter what it is.” Nevaeh Urenda, left, and Isa Lopez, senior varsity basketball players at Flowing Wells High School, pose for a photo on Dec. 17, 2024. The two had different journeys at Flowing Wells but have become close friends and co-captains. Even their coaches have picked up on their silly and outgoing personalities, often referring to them as the “knucklehead captains,” according to Lopez. But those “knucklehead captains” are part of the reason Flowing Wells is currently 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the 5A Southern Conference. With the basketball season starting only a month ago, the two plan on soaking up every second of their final season with the Lady Cabs. “I try not to be sad about it because it’s a new beginning,” Urenda said. “But it's not really the end for me because I'm gonna continue playing and I don't think I'll be too far away, because my sister's gonna be playing, too, so, I'll still have some type of connection here. But it's just a little nostalgic for me because I've been here for four years and now those four years are about to be up.” Lopez feels similarly, saying that she’s thankful for her time with the team and the memories she’ll leave with. Despite their competitiveness on the court and dedication to school off the court — both girls have GPAs above 3.8 — the girls are still your typical high school students who enjoy doing things like hanging out with friends and catching up on sleep. Both have deep passions for activities outside of basketball, too. Lopez is actively involved in her church, which includes volunteering with children and attending services every Sunday. As a singer for the last several years, it was a no-brainer for Lopez to join the choir when she started at Flowing Wells. Urenda loves building LEGO sets or doing hair and makeup during her free time, a hobby she picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both are set to graduate next year and already have big plans for post-graduation life. Lopez plans on going to college to become an elementary school teacher, while Urenda aims to study marketing in college. She hopes to go to the University of Notre Dame. Isa Lopez, a senior varsity basketball player at Flowing Wells High School, takes practice shots before a game on Dec. 17, 2024. As they finish up their senior year, the girls are focused on making the best of their time at Flowing Wells — hopefully with a few more achievements and milestones under their belts before they go. “They're the kids that I want my young kids to model themselves after when I look for role models,” Perkins said. “We've talked about celebrating 50 years of Lady Cabs basketball and many of the women that reached out to me ... mentioned their role models that they looked up to, the seniors that they looked up to when they were freshmen. “So, those are those girls now, being those seniors, being those role models for our young freshmen, for our junior-high kids that come up and watch the games, things like that. Those are the kids we want to continue to foster, continue to grow and continue to be great role models in our community.” Fast five with Nevaeh and Isa Nevaeh Who is your basketball inspiration? My brother. If you could participate in a basketball shootout with any basketball player, who would it be? For fun, Caitlin Clark. To win, Angel Reese. What is your favorite makeup lip product right now? The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil. What is your dream LEGO set? A makeup vanity. What is your current favorite class? Piano. This is the first year that I'm taking it and I've been having a blast. Isa Who is your favorite basketball team? Indiana Fever Who is your basketball inspiration? Caitlin Clark. What is your favorite basketball shoe? LaMelo Ball’s Puma line. I saw they’re coming out with some (Teenage Mutant) Ninja Turtle ones and I really want those. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing? “White Christmas.” What is your current favorite class? Math. Contact Elvia Verdugo, the Star's community sports editor, at everdugo@tucson.com . A journalism and history graduate from the University of Arizona, she hopes to share stories that show what makes Tucson and its community special. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Community Sports EditorBuy or sell: Vaishali Parekh recommends three stocks to buy today — December 27

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