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Yesavage fans record 12, Blue Jays rout Dodgers 6-1 in World Series Game 5
Trey Yesavage delivered a historic performance in World Series Game 5, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and putting Toronto one win from the title. Pitching in a hostile environment at Dodger Stadium, the 22-year-old rookie thrives under boos and heckling, telling pitching coach Pete Walker before the game, “I love this!” He dominated the Dodgers for seven innings, setting World Series records with 12 strikeouts without a walk and 23 swings and misses in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), according to MLB’s tracking. Yesavage did it with his unorthodox delivery—short stride, high release, windmilling motion—while leaning heavily on a devastating split-finger that he threw 30 times and the Dodgers whiffed on seven. The Blue Jays’ game plan with catcher Alejandro Kirk was executed to perfection. Toronto is now 7-1 when Yesavage starts, with the one loss coming in ALCS Game 1 when his split was absent. The Dodgers tried to simulate Yesavage with a Trajekt robotic pitching machine matching his release point and shape, but it didn’t help. Game 6 is Friday night in Toronto.
Mortgage Rates Fall for Fourth Consecutive Week Amid Interest Rate Cut
Mortgage rates have decreased for the fourth week in a row, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage falling to 6.17% from 6.19% the previous week. This decrease comes after the Federal Reserve announced its second interest rate cut of the year, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75% to 4%. The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also declined, dropping to 5.41% from 5.44%. According to Freddie Mac's chief economist, Sam Khater, the lower rates have brought more homebuyers into the market. The decline in mortgage rates has provided relief for potential buyers and homeowners considering refinancing, with rates falling 87 basis points from their mid-January peak. However, the housing market remains challenging due to a softening labor market, economic uncertainty, and rising house prices. Despite this, the lower mortgage rates have boosted refinancing of existing home loans. The Federal Reserve's next policy meeting is scheduled for December 9-10, and Chairman Jerome Powell has stated that the Fed will proceed cautiously until it has a clearer view of the economy. The recent interest rate cut and decline in mortgage rates may open up opportunities for buyers looking to make a move before the end of the year, with stable home prices and growing inventory potentially making it easier for buyers to enter the market. Overall, the decrease in mortgage rates is a positive development for the housing market, but its impact will depend on various economic factors.
Trump’s Nuclear Testing Announcement Raises Questions and Global Concerns
President Donald Trump sparked uncertainty Wednesday by announcing on his social‑media platform that he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” posting the statement minutes before a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House declined to clarify whether Trump meant explosive testing of nuclear weapons – a practice only North Korea has undertaken in the 21st century – or routine testing of delivery platforms. Vice President JD Vance said the post “speaks for itself,” while Vice Adm. Richard Correll, nominee to lead U.S. Strategic Command, emphasized that neither China nor Russia has conducted a nuclear‑explosive test and warned against inferring a change to the long‑standing moratorium. The United States last performed a nuclear detonation in 1992, before President George H.W. Bush banned such tests. Although both the U.S. and Russia signed the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test Ban Treaty, it never entered force because of insufficient ratifications, yet a global norm against nuclear‑explosive testing has persisted for three decades. Experts warn that breaking the moratorium could destabilize the nonproliferation regime. Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association said the current consensus “is at an inflection point” and that any U.S. test would give China and Russia “more opportunities to test and refine warhead designs.” The Kremlin responded that Russia would act accordingly if the U.S. resumed testing, describing recent Russian exercises as routine. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, took the president’s remarks to mean nuclear‑explosive testing and noted that the U.S. conducted over a thousand Cold‑War tests, far more than Russia and dwarfing China’s 47. He argued that the existing testing freeze locked in a technical advantage for the United States and that reopening it could allow other powers to catch up.
Suzanne Rogers, 'Days of Our Lives' Star, Reveals Stage II Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Completion of Treatment
Suzanne Rogers, who has played Maggie Horton on 'Days of Our Lives' for 52 years, has revealed that she was diagnosed with Stage II colorectal cancer this past summer. Rogers noticed something was not quite right and made an appointment with her doctor, which led to a series of tests, including a colonoscopy, MRI, PET scan, and biopsy. The diagnosis was confirmed, and she began treatment three days after wrapping up her work on the show on June 13. The treatment consisted of radiation and chemotherapy every day for six weeks, which she found tough but manageable thanks to the support of her friends, castmates, and producers. The show's summer hiatus helped Rogers keep her diagnosis private, and she was able to complete her treatment without it affecting her work schedule. She received support from her on-screen daughter Linsey Godfrey, who is a cancer survivor herself, as well as other cast members, including Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols. The producers of the show also offered their support, reassuring her that her role would be waiting for her when she was better. Rogers completed her treatment on July 31 and is now feeling good, with her energy levels improving. She will return to work next week and is looking forward to getting back to playing Maggie Horton. Although she did not lose her hair during treatment, there will be a stretch of time in 2026 where Maggie is not on the canvas due to the show's 10-month production lead time. Rogers is grateful for the support she received and is focused on staying positive and appreciative of life after her diagnosis and treatment.
Over 130 Killed in Rio Police Raid Targeting Red Command
On Tuesday a massive police operation in northern Rio de Janeiro left more than 130 people dead, making it the city’s deadliest raid. Photographer Bruno Itan, who documented the aftermath, said bodies “kept coming: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45…” as residents retrieved the dead from the hillside between Penha and the Alemão neighbourhood. He reported seeing decapitated and disfigured corpses, many with stab wounds, and described the anguish of families who laid the bodies out in Penha’s square. The operation involved roughly 2,500 security personnel and was launched against the criminal gang Comando Vermelho (Red Command). Initially authorities claimed “60 suspects and four police officers” were killed; a revised “preliminary” count raised the number of suspected gang members to 117, while Rio’s public defender’s office reported a total of 132 deaths. Red Command, which operates like a franchise, is responsible for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities, and is considered one of Brazil’s two largest gangs. Governor Cláudio Castro defended the police, saying the intention was to arrest suspects alive but they were forced to retaliate after being attacked by explosive‑laden drones. He accused locals of “manipulating” the bodies, alleging that camouflage clothing was stripped off corpses to blame the police. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed horror at the death toll, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes summoned the governor to a hearing on Monday to explain the operation in detail.
James Comey Lawyers Seek Clarification on Alleged False Statements as They Move to Dismiss Case
Attorneys for former FBI Director James Comey filed a motion Thursday seeking dismissal of the federal case against their client, arguing the indictment is overly vague and requesting prosecutors specify exactly what false statements Comey allegedly made to Congress. The legal team contends that questions posed by GOP Sen. Ted Cruz during a September 2020 Senate hearing were "fundamentally ambiguous," making it impossible for Comey to have knowingly made false statements. Comey stands charged with making false statements and obstructing Congress, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. During the 2020 hearing, Cruz questioned Comey about whether he had ever been an anonymous source in news reports or authorized FBI leaks. Comey responded by standing by his 2017 testimony where he stated he had never been an anonymous source. However, prosecutors allege that Comey actually leaked information about the Hillary Clinton email investigation through one of his former attorneys. Comey's attorneys also want the judge to release grand jury records, arguing prosecutors may have misstated key facts. Additionally, the defense is fighting a prosecutor's motion to review privileged communications between Comey and his attorneys, which were obtained during a separate investigation. The presiding judge scheduled a Wednesday hearing to address the communication review request.
Gayle King Expected to Leave CBS Mornings Anchor Role as CBS News Overhauls Under New Leadership
Under new Paramount‑Skydance leadership, longtime CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King is expected to step down from the morning‑show desk when her contract expires in May 2026, according to four people familiar with the situation. CBS executives are already signaling a desire for King to remain within the news division, possibly producing her own programs or taking on a senior correspondent role. The anticipated departure comes as CBS News begins a sweeping overhaul led by newly appointed editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss, who has publicly stated the network will aim for a broader audience and a less partisan editorial stance. Recent cutbacks have eliminated dozens of CBS News staff members and resulted in the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” the exit of CBS Evening News co‑anchor John Dickerson, and a revamp of Saturday‑morning programming. King, who joined CBS News in November 2011 and has anchored the morning program for 14 years, helped transition the show through the departures of Charlie Rose and others, eventually rebranding it as “CBS Mornings.” Despite her longevity, the program consistently ranks third behind NBC’s “Today” and ABC’s “Good Morning America,” drawing roughly 1.8 million viewers in the week ending Oct 20, compared with 2.71 million for ABC and 2.69 million for NBC. The network’s recent moves aim to lower costs and attract a wider demographic as the economics of traditional TV news shift toward streaming and digital platforms.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMO Amid Significant Reduction in MMO Development
Amazon has reportedly canceled its Lord of the Rings massively multiplayer online (MMO) game. The decision comes as part of the company's effort to halt a "significant" amount of work on MMOs, which was announced this week as part of its big layoffs. A former senior gameplay engineer for Amazon Games confirmed the cancellation on LinkedIn, stating that they were part of the layoffs and that the Lord of the Rings game was affected. The planned Lord of the Rings game was Amazon's second attempt at an MMO in the LOTR universe, with the first one being canceled two years after its announcement in 2019. Amazon will continue to support two MMOs that it publishes, Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark. The developers of New World: Aeternum, an MMO developed in-house by Amazon, also announced that they would no longer be providing new content updates for the game. The Lord of the Rings game was still listed on the Amazon Games website at the time of the report. Amazon and Embracer, the company's partner on the project, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The cancellation of the Lord of the Rings MMO is a significant development in the gaming industry, and it remains to be seen how it will impact Amazon's gaming efforts moving forward. Amazon's decision to reduce its MMO development efforts is likely to have a significant impact on the gaming industry. The company's layoffs and cancellation of the Lord of the Rings MMO are a clear indication that it is shifting its focus away from MMOs. The exact reasons behind Amazon's decision to cancel the Lord of the Rings MMO are not clear, but it is likely that the company's changing priorities and the current market conditions played a role. The gaming industry is highly competitive, and companies must be able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions in order to remain successful.
Android 17 ‘Min Mode’ could run full-screen apps on the always-on display
Google is developing a new Always-On Display (AOD) mode in Android 17 codenamed “Min Mode” that lets apps display their own minimal, persistent interfaces while the device is idle. Unlike the standard AOD, which shows the time and notifications, Min Mode can present a full-screen application tailored for glanceable, low-power viewing. It runs in the same ultra-low-power state as the regular AOD, keeping brightness, refresh rate, and color limited, but preserves battery life by avoiding the higher-power interactions required for full app use. Developers will designate a special “MinModeActivity” in their manifest, which registers with a SystemUI “MinModeProvider” to request activation. The system also mitigates burn-in by shifting every pixel by one position every 60 seconds. Google appears poised to open this as a developer API in Android 17 rather than shipping it as a system-only feature. Evidence suggests Google Maps will be among the first to use Min Mode, with a minimalist, monochrome power-saving mode that displays turn-by-turn navigation on the AOD and is restricted to portrait orientation. The feature is currently disabled and not expected to arrive before Android 17.
Mathematical Proof Debunks Universe Simulation Hypothesis
Researchers from the University of British Columbia Okanagan have published a mathematical proof in the Journal of Holography Applications in Physics that conclusively demonstrates the universe cannot be a computer simulation. Led by Dr. Mir Faizal, alongside Drs. Lawrence M. Krauss, Arshid Shabir, and Francesco Marino, the study argues that the fundamental nature of reality requires a form of "non-algorithmic understanding" beyond the reach of any computational system. The research builds on modern physics, particularly quantum gravity theory, which posits that space and time emerge from a deeper layer of pure information existing in a "Platonic realm" – a mathematical foundation considered more fundamental than the physical universe. Crucially, the team proved, using mathematical theorems like Gödel's incompleteness theorem, that this information-based foundation itself cannot be fully described or simulated by computation alone. Gödel's theorem shows that within any consistent formal system, there exist statements that are true but unprovable by the system's own rules. The researchers applied this concept to physics, demonstrating that reality contains "Gödelian truths" – aspects that require non-algorithmic understanding to grasp, which cannot be derived from any computational process or algorithmic step-by-step logic. "Any simulation is inherently algorithmic—it must follow programmed rules," Dr. Faizal stated. "But since the fundamental level of reality is based on non-algorithmic understanding, the universe cannot be, and could never be, a simulation." The paper asserts that a complete and consistent description of reality necessitates this non-algorithmic understanding, which is more fundamental than spacetime and the computational laws of quantum gravity. This work shifts the simulation hypothesis from philosophy and science fiction into the realm of testable mathematics and physics, offering a definitive scientific rebuttal based on the inherent limitations of computation.
Democrats Unsatisfied with Classified Briefing on US Military Strikes
Democrats have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction after a classified briefing on recent US military strikes against suspected drug boats in the western hemisphere. The briefing, which was attended by Democratic lawmakers, failed to provide critical details about the strikes, with Pentagon lawyers being pulled at the last minute. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts stated that he was not satisfied with the briefing, citing a lack of strategy and end game, while Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said that the information provided was only a tactical brief. The Trump administration has accelerated its attacks on boats alleged to be involved in drug trafficking in recent weeks, but lawmakers have criticized the administration for failing to provide enough information related to the strikes. Democrats have repeatedly asked for more transparency, but the administration has defended its information sharing, claiming to have given seven separate classified briefings on the strikes to various committees. The lack of transparency has led to concerns about the administration's legal justification for the strikes, with Democrats saying that the information provided fell short of what they needed to provide proper congressional checks on the president's war powers. Some Republicans, including Sen. Mike Rounds and Sen. Kevin Cramer, have agreed that Democrats should have been included in the briefing and that the information should be shared on a bipartisan basis. The incident has highlighted the tensions between the administration and Democrats, with Sen. Mark Warner calling the administration's actions "corrosive" and "downright dangerous" for national security. The administration has yet to comment on the matter, but the Pentagon has been reached out to for comment.
Flu, shingles and other viral infections linked to heightened heart attack and stroke risk, meta-analysis finds
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reviewed 155 studies and found that common viral infections can raise cardiovascular risk both in the short term and over time. People with influenza were up to six times more likely to have a heart attack in the month after infection, and those with Covid-19 had nearly double the risk of heart disease or stroke compared with those not infected. Acute infections like flu and Covid-19 were associated with immediate spikes in events such as heart attacks, while chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C and shingles were linked to longer-term increases in coronary heart disease and stroke. Other viruses—including cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, hepatitis A, HPV, RSV, dengue and chikungunya—have also been associated with higher cardiovascular risk, though the study notes more research is needed. Viruses can affect the heart indirectly by triggering inflammation and clotting or, in some cases such as enteroviruses, by directly infecting heart tissue; severity of illness correlates with cardiovascular risk. Vaccination and timely antiviral treatment are key preventive measures. Dr. Kosuke Kawai and Dr. Scott Roberts emphasized that vaccines for many of these viruses can lessen the chance of severe infection and, by extension, lower the subsequent risk of cardiovascular events.
Nvidia Becomes World's First $5 Trillion Company as AI Boom Continues
Nvidia reached an unprecedented milestone on Wednesday, becoming the world's first company valued at $5 trillion, driven by surging demand for its AI chips. The achievement came just three months after the company crossed the $4 trillion mark, having taken about 13 months to advance from $3 trillion to $4 trillion. The chipmaker's shares rose 3% in early trading Wednesday, bringing its 2025 gains to approximately 50%. Nvidia has consistently ranked among the S&P 500's top-performing stocks for years as artificial intelligence investment fuels its meteoric rise. The stock received additional momentum from hopes that trade discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could open China's market to Nvidia's high-end AI chips. CEO Jensen Huang delivered his first-ever keynote address at the company's GTC AI conference in Washington on Tuesday, presenting a vision where Nvidia chips would power everything from cell phone towers to robotic factories to self-driving cars. The milestone coincided with Apple also breaching the $4 trillion benchmark, signaling continued investor confidence in major tech companies despite concerns about AI market volatility. Recent announcements include a major partnership with OpenAI involving billions in chip purchases and a $100 billion Nvidia investment, plus a $5 billion investment in Intel. Nvidia executives estimate benefiting from up to $4 trillion in AI infrastructure spending by decade's end, though some analysts warn the AI market may be a bubble.
Israel Confirms Identities of Two Deceased Hostages Returned by Hamas
Israel has confirmed the identities of two deceased hostages whose bodies were returned by Hamas via the Red Cross in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister's office identified them as Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch on Thursday, stating "The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Cooper and Sahar families and all the families of the fallen hostages." This confirmation comes after Israel accused Hamas of violating the Gaza ceasefire deal on Tuesday when the group handed over a coffin containing remains that forensic tests showed belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, a hostage whose body had already been recovered by Israeli forces in late 2023. Israeli military drone footage revealed Hamas members removing a body bag from a building in Gaza City, reburying it, and then staging its discovery in front of Red Cross staff. The Red Cross described the staged recovery as "unacceptable," noting staff were unaware the body bag had been moved beforehand. Hamas rejected what it called "baseless allegations" and accused Israel of seeking to fabricate false pretexts for further military action. The situation escalated when Israel accused Hamas of killing an Israeli soldier in an attack in southern Gaza, leading to Israeli air strikes that killed 104 Palestinians, including 46 children and 20 women, marking the deadliest day since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October. Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump maintained the ceasefire agreement would not be jeopardized but stated Israel should "hit back" when its soldiers are targeted. The ongoing hostage exchange deal, brokered by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, involves Hamas returning 20 living and 28 dead hostages within 72 hours, with Israel exchanging Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return.
Trump Administration Sets Refugee Limit at 7,500, Prioritizing White South Africans
The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the annual refugee admission limit, capping it at 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year. This number represents a drastic decrease from the previous year's ceiling of 125,000 set under President Joe Biden. Notably, the majority of these refugees will be White South Africans. The decision, published in the Federal Register, cites "humanitarian concerns or national interest" as justification but does not provide further details. This move marks another blow to the long-standing refugee program, which has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. President Donald Trump initially suspended the program on his first day in office, resulting in only a small number of refugees being admitted since then, mostly White South Africans. The administration introduced a program for Afrikaners in February, stating that White South African farmers face discrimination and violence, a characterization strongly denied by the South African government. The reduced cap has significant implications for organizations that help resettle refugees, many of which have had to lay off staff due to the plummeting number of arrivals. The decision reflects a continued shift in the U.S. approach to refugee admissions under the Trump administration, prioritizing a specific group over the broader global need. The dramatic decrease in refugee admissions is expected to have far-reaching consequences for those seeking refuge in the United States.
Massachusetts Study Finds Higher Autism Risk in Children of Mothers Infected With COVID‑19 During Pregnancy
Researchers analyzing more than 18,100 births in Massachusetts reported Thursday that children born to women who contracted COVID‑19 while pregnant were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental delays by age three. The study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology and covering births from March 1 2020 to May 31 2021, is among the largest to date on early‑pandemic maternal infection outcomes before vaccines were widely available. Among 861 women who tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2, 140 gave birth to a child who later received a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. The authors stressed that the observational data show an association, not causation, and that the absolute risk remains low—Andrea G. Edlow, a co‑author, noted that “overall the absolute risk is not extremely high.” The findings were presented alongside a discussion of maternal immune responses and inflammation that may affect fetal brain development. Public‑health experts said the results reinforce the importance of COVID‑19 vaccination during pregnancy, even as the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have moved to end CDC recommendations for the vaccine in healthy pregnant women and promoted unverified claims linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to recommend vaccination, and federal officials now advise all Americans to consult a provider about the vaccine. Limitations noted by the researchers include the lack of adjustment for maternal conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and gestational diabetes, and the fact that very few participants were vaccinated. Future studies with larger, vaccinated cohorts will be needed to clarify risks in that population.
Amazon Smashes Q3 Forecasts as Ad Revenue Surges 24% to $17.7 Billion
Amazon reported blockbuster third-quarter results with $180.2 billion in net sales and $21.2 billion in net income, exceeding Wall Street expectations and achieving a 9.7% operating margin. Ad revenue was a standout, climbing 24% year-over-year to $17.7 billion. The company attributes this growth to robust sales across its seller/vendor platform, Prime Video ads, display advertising, and its demand-side platform (DSP). Amazon's DSP now enables advertisers to buy inventory on virtually every major streaming service, including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, Tubi, and Fox One. The earnings release coincided with Amazon's announcement of cutting approximately 14,000 jobs, with HR leadership framing the reductions as necessary to adapt to the "most transformative technology since the Internet." However, a company source clarified that "AI is not behind the vast majority of reductions," stating the layoffs stem from an ongoing effort to streamline operations by reducing layers and increasing ownership. CEO Andy Jassy attributed the strong performance across divisions, including AWS reaccelerating to 20.2% YoY growth, to AI-driven improvements, highlighting new custom chips (Project Rainier), AI compute clusters, foundation models, and agent tools. The company also touted successful launches like NBA on Prime and strong ratings for Thursday Night Football as part of its broader media expansion.
Satellite images reveal catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Satellite imagery has begun to show the full extent of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, a Category‑5 storm that struck Jamaica with winds of up to 185 mph. BBC Verify compared images taken before and after the hurricane and found severe destruction across several key locations. In the southwestern coastal port of Black River, the changes are stark. A satellite photo from 9 February shows a distinctive white‑roofed market building; by 29 October the roof has been replaced by a gaping hole. A nearby café has been completely wiped out, and the red roof of a warehouse at the northern edge of the image has vanished. The fire station next to the market still outlines its shape, but its top appears torn away. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Black River as “ground zero” after sharing footage of the destruction. The fishing village of White House on the west coast also suffered heavily. Nearly every structure has been damaged or destroyed, with buildings directly on the beach razed to the ground, including the restaurants Marva’s and Pelican Lookout. A large circular structure has lost its top, and a cluster of shops along the main road was hit hard. Fishing boats that were visible in the bay on 7 October have disappeared. Further north, parts of Montego Bay—one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations—now resemble a brown swamp. Floodwater has stained the beach, inundating the port, container terminal, oil storage facility, water‑treatment plant and a nearby sports complex. Mayor Richard Vernon called the area “devastated,” noting that residents are helping each other as communications remain limited and power is down across the island.
Best College Basketball Team in Each State for 2025‑26 Season
Matt Norlander’s 2025‑26 “United States of College Basketball” map ranks the top Division I men’s program in each of the 49 states, using his Top 100‑And‑1 player rankings, forecasts and advanced metrics. In the Southeast, Alabama’s Crimson Tide claim the state after Bruce Pearl’s retirement, while Georgia’s Bulldogs edge Georgia Tech despite NIL constraints; South Carolina’s Clemson Tigers, even with expected regression, remain the state’s best. In the Southwest, Houston stands as Norlander’s No. 1 team nationally, with Texas Tech a strong second, and Arizona’s Wildcats stay a consistent top‑10 force while Arizona State lags far behind. The West features BYU, powered by freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, as Utah’s leader, and Gonzaga again dominates Washington. In the Midwest, Purdue remains atop Indiana, Ohio State leads Ohio, and Marquette holds the edge in Wisconsin. On the East Coast, Duke tops North Carolina, St. John’s claims New York, and UConn rules Connecticut. The preview highlights notable coaching changes—Buzz Williams at Maryland, Niko Medved at Minnesota—and rising programs such as Boise State (Idaho) and New Mexico under Eric Olen. The map reflects a blend of perennial powers, program turnarounds and emerging contenders poised to compete for March Madness.
Justice Dept. Scrubs Trump, Jan. 6 References From Sentencing Memo, Sparks Alarm Among Prosecutors
The Department of Justice placed two career prosecutors on leave and edited a sentencing memo to erase all mention of Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol attack in the case of Taylor Taranto. Taranto, who was convicted in May of bringing illegal firearms near Barack Obama’s Washington home and making a false bomb threat, had originally been sentenced in a memo that noted he reposted Trump’s social‑media post containing Obama’s address and that he entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Within 24 hours of the filing, the original memo disappeared from the public docket, and the two attorneys—Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White—were suspended. Former and current career prosecutors described the changes as an “Orwellian” whitewash of the record. Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney, said the prosecutors “upheld their duty of candor” by citing established facts. Judge Carl Nichols, a 2019 Trump appointee, praised the two attorneys at sentencing, saying they “upheld the highest standard.” The Justice Department declined to comment on personnel matters but reiterated its commitment to prosecuting threats of violence. At the Thursday hearing, Judge Nichols sentenced Taranto to 21 months—essentially time already served—while emphasizing his limited criminal history. The episode has intensified concerns within the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington and among federal law‑enforcement employees about political interference in DOJ filings.