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AP Top 25 Rankings: Texas Tech Earns Highest Ranking Since 2008
Ohio State and Indiana remain the only unbeaten teams in the AP Top 25 poll, holding the top two spots. Texas A&M has fallen out of the top five for the first time in two months, making way for No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Oregon to move up a spot. No. 5 Texas Tech grabbed its highest ranking in 17 years, thanks to a two-spot promotion from last week. Mississippi remained No. 6 and was followed by Texas A&M at No. 7. The Aggies had their perfect season and SEC title game hopes spoiled by No. 14 Texas. The Big Ten championship game will feature Ohio State and Indiana, both undefeated, while the SEC championship will be between Alabama and Georgia. The winner of the Big Ten game is set to secure the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff bracket. Other notable matchups include the Big 12 championship between Texas Tech and BYU, and the ACC championship between Virginia and Duke. Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss coach, is reportedly choosing between taking the job at LSU and staying at Ole Miss, amidst a whirlwind coaching carousel that also includes Florida moving forward on landing Tulane coach Jon Sumrall and Auburn hiring Alex Golesh from South Florida. The AP Top 25 voters comprise around 60 writers and broadcasters who cover college football for AP members and other select outlets, with the goal of having every state with a Football Bowl Subdivision school represented by at least one voter.
Ohio State Buckeyes Defeat Michigan Wolverines 27-9, Ending Losing Streak
The Ohio State Buckeyes have finally ended their losing streak to the Michigan Wolverines, winning 27-9 in Ann Arbor. The game, played in the snow, saw the Buckeyes control every aspect, making for a perfect victory. After the game, Michigan players expressed concern over Ohio State planting their flag at midfield, but the Buckeyes instead chose to celebrate with fans in the stands. The victory was not without incident, as Michigan players reportedly waited in the tunnel to confront Ohio State players after the game. However, police intervened to prevent any altercations. This is not the first time Michigan has been involved in a tunnel altercation, with a previous incident occurring between Michigan and Michigan State players. Ohio State coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of winning with humility, and the team's focus now shifts to their upcoming game against the Hoosiers for the Big Ten Championship. A win in this game would achieve the team's second goal of the season. The Buckeyes' victory over Michigan marks a significant milestone for the program, and they are looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. The Buckeyes' performance in the game was impressive, with wide receiver Carnell Tate scoring a touchdown over Michigan defensive back Jaden Mangham. The team's ability to control the game and secure a decisive victory is a testament to their skill and determination. As the Buckeyes move forward, they will be focused on achieving their goals and making the most of their opportunities. With their victory over Michigan, they have taken a significant step towards achieving their objectives, and they will be looking to build on this success in the coming weeks.
Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen Hires Alex Golesh as New Football Coach
Auburn athletics director John Cohen has successfully hired Alex Golesh as the new head football coach, following a month-long search. Golesh, previously the coach at South Florida, has a proven track record, including leading the Bulls to a 9-3 season this year with wins over Boise State and at Florida. Notably, he also has experience tormenting Alabama, having been the offensive coordinator for Tennessee when they defeated the Crimson Tide 52-49 in 2022, and later giving Alabama a tough game as the head coach of South Florida. Golesh's hiring is seen as a significant achievement for Cohen, who faced pressure to make a critical coaching hire. The search was conducted quietly, with the news of Golesh's appointment being announced on Sunday morning. Cohen's approach has been praised, with the athletics director having "nailed" the hire in a "messy marketplace." Golesh is considered a young and accomplished coach, with the right mentality and edge to succeed at Auburn. His ability to understand the sport's shifting landscape and his lack of distraction from the sport, evident from his absence from golf courses, are also seen as positives. The hiring of Golesh is a significant development for Auburn, which has struggled in recent years, including a sixth-straight Iron Bowl loss. The appointment is expected to bring a new era of success to the program, with Golesh's experience and skills making him an ideal candidate for the role. Overall, Cohen's decision to hire Golesh has been well-received, with the athletics director being praised for his handling of the search process and his ability to secure a top candidate.
Rep. Mike Turner Discusses Vetting Process, Ukraine Peace Proposal, and Venezuela Military Buildup
Rep. Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, appeared on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to discuss various topics, including the vetting process for individuals entering the United States, the Ukraine peace proposal, and the military buildup in Venezuela. Turner stated that the vetting process was flawed, allowing individuals on the terrorist watch list to enter the country. He attributed this to the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he believes was a mistake. Turner also expressed concerns about the Ukraine peace proposal, stating that the US cannot be "America first" and "pro-Russia" at the same time, as Russia is a self-declared adversary of the US. Regarding the military buildup in Venezuela, Turner said that the President has not explained the buildup or given Congress notice of any potential military operation. He also addressed reports of a potential war crime committed during a strike on a suspected drug boat, stating that if the reports are true, it would be a serious and illegal act. Turner emphasized the need for Congress to investigate these matters further. The conversation also touched on the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation's capital, with Turner stating that the presence has made a difference in reducing crime. However, he believes that the underlying issue of crime and safety needs to be addressed. Overall, Turner's discussion highlighted the complexity of various global issues and the need for careful consideration and investigation. Turner's comments reflect the ongoing debates and concerns in Congress regarding national security, foreign policy, and the role of the US in global affairs. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Turner's perspectives are particularly relevant to these discussions. The interview concluded with Turner reiterating the importance of prioritizing Ukraine's sovereignty and security in any peace negotiations, and the need for caution and concern in dealing with Russia.
Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Exhibits Pulsating Variability Possibly Linked to Jet Activity
The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has been observed to exhibit pulsating variability with a period of 16.16 hours. Initially, this variability was attributed to the object's ellipsoidal shape, but further analysis suggests that it may be caused by periodic mass loss in jets. Images of 3I/ATLAS have shown multiple jets, including a sunward jet, or anti-tail, which could be responsible for the periodic variability. The coma surrounding the object is thought to be transparent, allowing the nucleus to be seen through it, but the fraction of light originating from the nucleus is unknown. If the nucleus is spinning over 16.16 hours, the periodic variability could be due to the pulsing of the jets, which would cause the coma to display periodic variability in its scattering of sunlight. This phenomenon is likened to a heartbeat, with the pulsing jet acting as a stream of "blood" through the coma. To determine whether the jets are natural or technological, a movie showing the periodic brightening of the jets over several days could be useful. The direction of the pulsing jet could be arbitrary and not necessarily pointing towards the Sun, which could help distinguish between a natural and technological origin. The observation of 3I/ATLAS has sparked interest in astronomy, particularly among young people. The author, Avi Loeb, has received messages from aspiring scientists, including a 19-year-old from Uruguay who was inspired by Loeb's work on the universe and the possibility of other civilizations. Loeb hopes that many from this generation will choose to become scientists and solve some of the mysteries that his generation has failed to solve.
Ryan Silverfield Named New Head Coach of Arkansas Razorbacks
The University of Arkansas has announced Ryan Silverfield as its new head coach, confirming reports by On3's Brett McMurphy. Silverfield, 45, has been the head coach at the University of Memphis since 2020, leading the Tigers to a 50-25 overall record and 27-21 in American Conference play. During his tenure, Memphis had four bowl wins, the most in program history, including a 4-0 record in bowl games against Power 4 opponents. Silverfield's teams have consistently performed well, with a 29-9 record over the past three seasons, tying him for a top 10 win percentage during that time. His offenses have also produced notable results, including a 51-game streak of scoring 20 points or more. The Tigers' defense allowed only 23 points per game over the past two seasons. Before becoming the head coach at Memphis, Silverfield served as the team's offensive line coach under Mike Norvell and spent seven seasons coaching in the NFL. He is expected to bring a data-driven approach to recruiting and player development to Arkansas. The Razorbacks are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2-10 season in 2025, which included a loss to Silverfield's Memphis team. Former head coach Sam Pittman was fired after five games, and interim coach Bobby Petrino was unable to secure a win in SEC play.
Paul Heyman Involved in Physical Altercation with Young Fan After WWE Survivor Series
A video has surfaced on social media showing Paul Heyman shoving a young fan after WWE Survivor Series: WarGames. The incident occurred as Heyman was attempting to exit the venue amidst a large crowd of spectators. According to reports, security had instructed the crowd to back away and provide space for the talent, but the fan moved past security and approached Heyman directly. In response, Heyman pushed the fan away to create distance. This reaction is consistent with standard safety protocols for maintaining personal boundaries between performers and fans in unsecured settings. As a veteran with decades of experience in the industry, Heyman has dealt with numerous fan interactions throughout his career. The incident has gone viral on social media, with many weighing in on the situation. Heyman portrays a heel character on WWE television, which may have contributed to the fan's decision to approach him. The video of the incident has been shared widely, sparking a debate about fan etiquette and performer safety. The WWE has not commented on the incident, but it highlights the importance of respecting personal boundaries and following security instructions. Heyman's actions were likely a defensive response to the sudden approach, and the situation was quickly diffused without further incident.
15-Inch M2 MacBook Air Discounted to 40% Off for Cyber Monday
The 2023 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is currently on sale for $769.99, a significant drop from its original price. This model features an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and Apple's M2 chip, making it capable of handling day-to-day tasks with ease. The laptop boasts a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a six-speaker system that supports Spatial Audio. The device is a Grade A refurbished unit, which may have minor scuffs but does not affect performance, and comes with a 30-day parts and labor warranty. This deal offers a balanced mix of power and affordability, especially considering it's less than half the price of a new 15-inch MacBook Pro. The sale is available on StackSocial, with other configurations, such as 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB, also discounted. Cyber Monday deals are expected to last through December 1, with sales winding down by December 3. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are offering significant discounts on various products, including tech and home improvement supplies.
Trump's Embrace of "Remigration" Sparks Concerns Over Rhetoric and Policy
President Donald Trump's administration has been criticized for its hard-line views on immigration, with a recent campaign of mass detention and deportations sparking concerns. The president's rhetoric has been particularly divisive, with Trump casting certain populations of migrants as belonging to cultures incompatible with the United States. The latest indication of Trump's views came in the wake of a shooting near the White House, where he seized on the incident as proof of the "social dysfunction" caused by immigrants and called for a "permanent pause" on migration from poorer nations. Trump has also deployed the term "remigration," which has been invoked by far-right parties in Germany and Austria to campaign for the deportation of asylum seekers and the emigration of non-European or Christian communities. The concept has its roots in French "identitarian" ideology and is adjacent to the "great replacement" theory, a conspiratorial fantasy that suggests White populations in Western societies are being "replaced" by non-White migration. The use of "remigration" has been criticized by advocates, who argue that it scapegoats entire populations and is not borne out by demographic data or empirical evidence. The term has been popularized by far-right influencer Martin Sellner, who has been banned from entering certain European countries for his anti-migrant writings and ethnonationalist agenda. Trump's borrowing of the term has been seen as a "vindication" of Sellner's political project, sparking concerns over the president's rhetoric and policy on immigration.
ChatGPT's Third Anniversary Marks a New Era of AI Integration and Uncertainty
Three years ago, OpenAI released ChatGPT, a "low-key research preview" that quickly gained over 1 million users in its first five days. Today, it has 800 million weekly users, making it the fastest-growing consumer app in history. ChatGPT's success has rewired parts of society and the economy, introducing millions to a tool that simulates conversation and automates tasks. However, its impact has also raised concerns about the spread of misinformation, academic cheating, and job displacement. The technology has improved significantly, with companies embedding chatbots in customer-service platforms and social-media grifters using them to create bot armies. Nevertheless, unintended consequences have grown, including the creation of spammy, synthetically generated content and the devaluation of creative work. Some people have become reliant on ChatGPT, using it for tasks such as writing emails and researching, while others have expressed concerns about its potential to replace human interaction. The AI industry has seen significant investment, with companies like Google and Microsoft releasing their own chatbot technologies. The term "Slop" has been coined to describe the low-quality synthetic content generated by these tools. Despite the controversy surrounding AI, its impact on society is undeniable, with many people waiting with anticipation or anxiety for the next development. As the technology continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether its benefits will outweigh its drawbacks. The world that ChatGPT has built is one of precarity, with young generations facing uncertainty about their career paths and older generations worrying about the relevance of their skills. Investors are pouring money into AI companies, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation. Whether this will lead to a transformative revolution or a catastrophic crash remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: ChatGPT has changed the way we interact with technology and each other, and its impact will only continue to grow.
Pentagon Experts Doubt Investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly Will Lead to Punishment
The Pentagon's investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly over a video urging American troops to defy "illegal orders" has raised questions and criticism from legal experts. The investigation was announced after President Donald Trump accused Kelly of sedition "punishable by DEATH" in a social media post. However, experts say the Pentagon may be misreading military law and that Kelly, as a retired Navy fighter pilot and current member of Congress, cannot be prosecuted. According to Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor, there has been an increase in courts-martial of retired service members in the past decade, but it is rare to prosecute retirees for something that happened after they retired. Colby Vokey, a prominent civilian military lawyer, said the Pentagon lacks subject matter jurisdiction because Kelly made his statements as a senator. Other experts, including Patrick McLain, a retired Marine Corps judge, and Charles Dunlap, a Duke University law professor, agree that the investigation is unfounded and that Kelly did not violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Former JAGs Working Group, a group of former military lawyers, also stated that Kelly did not violate military law. Kelly's status as a senator could also block the investigation due to constitutional protections for the separation of powers in the U.S. government. Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor, said that having a U.S. senator subject to discipline at the behest of the secretary of defense and the president violates a core principle of legislative independence. The investigation has been criticized as an attempt to silence Kelly and other lawmakers who have questioned the legality of the Trump administration's actions. Michael O'Hanlon, director of research at the Brookings Institution, said that any case brought against Kelly would likely be thrown out or end in an acquittal, as saying that one should not break the law cannot be a crime.
Hondurans Vote in Election Amid US Aid Threats and Corruption Concerns
Hondurans are casting their ballots in a general election dominated by threats from US President Donald Trump to cut financial aid if his preferred candidate, Nasry "Tito" Asfura, does not win. The election is essentially a three-way race between Asfura of the right-wing National Party, former defense minister Rixi Moncada of the leftist Libre party, and TV host Salvador Nasralla from the centrist Liberals. The most recent opinion poll puts Nasralla in the lead, but with 34% of voters still undecided. Trump has endorsed Asfura, pledging US support if he wins, and warned that the US would not provide aid if he loses. This move has been criticized by Moncada, who accused Trump of meddling in the election. The election will also see voters choose all 128 members of congress and almost 300 local representatives. The US has sent significant aid to Honduras, with over $193m provided last fiscal year, but has already cut $167m in economic and governance aid earmarked for 2024 and 2025. Corruption and scandal have plagued Asfura's party, including the sentencing of former party leader and ex-president Juan Orlando Hernández to 45 years in prison on drug-smuggling and weapons charges. Asfura has tried to distance himself from Hernández, claiming he has "no ties" with the ex-president. The current front runner, Nasralla, is running for president for the fourth time and claims his win in 2017 was stolen due to electoral fraud. He has pledged to generate employment and sever ties with China and Venezuela if he wins. The election has raised concerns about the potential for unrest and the independence of the armed forces.
Venezuela Condemns Trump's Call to Close Airspace as 'Colonialist Threat'
The Venezuelan government has strongly condemned President Donald Trump's statement calling for the closure of the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela. In a recent post, Trump declared the airspace "closed in its entirety," which Venezuela claims violates international law and constitutes a "colonialist threat" to its sovereignty. The Venezuelan government emphasized that no external authority has the power to interfere with or block the use of international airspace. Despite Trump's statement, flights continue to operate in Venezuelan airspace as of Sunday afternoon. This development comes amidst heightened tensions and controversy over the Trump administration's "Operation Southern Spear," a campaign aimed at tackling drug-trafficking, which has involved military strikes on alleged drug boats, resulting in the deaths of at least 82 people. Democrats have criticized the administration's strategy, questioning the evidence used to justify these strikes and suggesting they could potentially be considered "war crimes." The situation has sparked bipartisan concern in Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing frustration over Trump's stance on Venezuela and the lack of legislative approval for the military actions. The conflict is escalating, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warning that Trump's actions are pushing the United States closer to another costly foreign war.
Social Security Payment Schedule for December and Upcoming Cost-of-Living Increase
Social Security payments will follow their regular schedule in December, with the last checks being sent out before the cost-of-living increase takes effect in January 2026. The Social Security Administration's calendar outlines the payment schedule, which is based on the recipient's birthdate. For December, payments will be made on the following Wednesdays: December 10 for those born between the 1st and 10th, December 17 for those born between the 11th and 20th, and December 24 for those born between the 21st and 31st. Recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will receive their payments on December 3. The upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will result in a 2.8% increase in payments, with the average recipient seeing an increase of about $56 per month. The new payment amounts will take effect in January 2026. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks will be issued on the first business day of the month, with December's payment being made on December 1 and January's payment being made on December 31, 2025, due to New Year's Day being a holiday. SSI checks will continue to be sent out on the first business day of each month, unless the first day falls on a holiday.
Swiss Voters Reject Inheritance Tax and National Service Proposals
Voters in Switzerland have rejected a proposal for a national inheritance tax on multimillionaires, with over 78% of voters opposing the measure. The "initiative for a future" proposed a 50% inheritance tax on assets worth 50 million Swiss francs ($62 million, €53.6 million) or more, with the revenue intended to finance measures to combat the climate crisis. The Young Socialists, who put forward the proposal, had suggested using the funds to support socially just measures to address the climate crisis and restructure the economy. In a separate ballot, voters also rejected the proposed introduction of civic service for all young people, with 84.2% opposing the plan. The Civic Duty proposal would have required every Swiss citizen to do national service in the army or in a civilian capacity. The Swiss government and parliament had opposed both proposals, citing concerns about the potential costs and impact on the economy. The votes were held as part of Switzerland's system of national referendums, which take place four times a year and give citizens a direct say in policymaking. The outcomes reflect the views of the Swiss people on these key issues, with a clear majority rejecting the proposed inheritance tax and national service.
Verstappen Wins Qatar GP as McLaren's Strategy Call Backfires
Max Verstappen took advantage of a botched strategy call by McLaren to win the Qatar GP, closing the gap on championship leader Lando Norris to 12 points. Verstappen's seventh win of the season came after McLaren's decision to keep Norris and Oscar Piastri out on the track following an early safety car backfired, allowing Verstappen to gain a significant advantage. Piastri, who started from pole position, finished second, while Norris came in fourth. The result sets up a thrilling finale to the Formula 1 season, with Norris leading on 408 points, Verstappen on 396, and Piastri on 392. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, admitted that the decision to stay out was incorrect, and the team will need to regroup before the final race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen, who is aiming for his fifth consecutive F1 crown, is confident of his chances, having won four of the last five races in Abu Dhabi. Norris, on the other hand, will become the first British driver to win the championship since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 if he finishes at least third in Abu Dhabi. The Qatar GP was marked by a high risk of tire degradation, with drivers restricted to a maximum of 25 laps on the Pirelli tires. The safety car was deployed on Lap 7 after Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber was sent spinning off the track. Verstappen's win was his 70th overall, and he was elated, jumping into the arms of his mechanics and engineers after the race. The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the season in Abu Dhabi, with all three title contenders still in contention.
Disney's Zootopia 2 Breaks Multiple Box Office Records
Disney's Zootopia 2 has achieved significant success at the box office, breaking numerous records. The film has earned the highest global animated opening of all time, with $556M, surpassing China's Ne Zha 2 ($431.22M). It also holds the 4th highest global opening of all-time, with Disney owning three of the top four spots. Zootopia 2 has the highest global debut of 2025, the highest global opening for an animated sequel, and the highest global opening for Walt Disney Animation Studios. In the domestic market, Zootopia 2 has achieved the 2nd highest Thanksgiving Day opening, the 2nd highest Thanksgiving opening, and the 2nd highest Black Friday of all time. The film has also broken records in China, with the 6th highest opening of all-time, the 2nd best non-local film opening, and the highest animated opening of all-time for a non-local title. The film's success can be attributed to its strong marketing campaign, which included partnerships with brands like VW and McDonald's. Zootopia 2 has already surpassed the total cume of the original Zootopia in China and has become the highest non-local film cume in China since Avengers: Endgame (2019). The film's directors, Byron Howard and Jared Bush, have achieved their highest opening, and the stars, including Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, have also bested their previous opening records.
NFL Week 13: Panthers Lead Rams, Colts Tie Texans, and More
The NFL's week 13 is underway with several exciting matchups. The Carolina Panthers are currently leading the Los Angeles Rams 24-21 in the third quarter, with the Panthers' Jalen Coker scoring a 33-yard touchdown on a 4th down play. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts have tied the Houston Texans 13-13, thanks to a 12-yard touchdown from Daniel Jones to Tyler Warren. The San Francisco 49ers are also ahead of the Cleveland Browns 17-8, with Brock Purdy scoring a 2-yard touchdown. Other notable games include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leading the Arizona Cardinals 17-3, and the Miami Dolphins ahead of the New Orleans Saints 16-8. The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons are tied 14-14, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are dominating the Tennessee Titans 18-3. These games are part of a slate of seven matches being played at 6pm GMT on Sunday.
Cyber Monday Deal: Official Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express Card Discounted to $40
The official Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express Card from Samsung is on sale for Cyber Monday. The 256GB card, which is themed around Super Mario, can be purchased for $39 at Amazon and Walmart, while Best Buy, Target, and GameStop are offering it for $40. This represents a $20 discount from the original price of $60. The card is designed to work with the Nintendo Switch 2 and will double the console's storage capacity. It is the only officially licensed microSD Express card available for the Switch 2. Other storage options are also available, including the Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card for $75 and the Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express Card for $186. Additionally, several Nintendo Switch exclusives are on sale for 50% off, including Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo Switch 2 accessories are also discounted, including the RDS Industries' Game Traveler Deluxe System Case for $25 and the PowerA Slim Case for $15. A Super Mario-themed edition of the PowerA Slim Case is available for $16.89.
Black Friday 2025: Live Updates on Deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and More
Mashable is providing live updates on the best Black Friday deals from top retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. The sale event has already seen record-low prices on popular items such as Apple AirPods, MacBooks, TVs, and more. Some of the top deals include the Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $159.99, Apple AirPods 4 for $50, and the Samsung 55-inch The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV for $797.99. Additionally, there are discounts on Amazon devices, streaming services, and other products. The sale event is expected to continue through Cyber Monday on December 1, with new deals and discounts being added daily.