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UConn, Texas, South Carolina, and UCLA Remain Atop AP Women's Poll
UConn, Texas, South Carolina, and UCLA have maintained their top positions in the Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll. UConn, who received 25 first-place ballots, remains unbeaten after routing then-No. 11 Iowa in the Women's Champions Classic. Texas, with the other seven first-place ballots, stays at No. 2. The top seven teams have remained unchanged, with South Carolina and UCLA following Texas, and LSU, Michigan, and Maryland next in line. Texas Tech has entered the poll for the first time since 2012 after beating then-No. 15 Baylor 61-60. This win marked their first over a ranked opponent this season and dropped Baylor to 22nd. Louisville has climbed up three spots to No. 13 after routing then-No. 17 Tennessee, who fell to 23rd. There are currently 12 undefeated women's basketball teams, including Alabama, Arizona State, Texas, and Texas Tech, who are all 14-0. The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference each have eight ranked teams, while the Big 12 has four, and the ACC has three. The only matchup between ranked teams this week will be on Sunday when No. 4 UCLA visits No. 21 Ohio State. The next poll will be released on January 5.
S&P 500 Technicals Suggest Bullish End to Year, But Caution for January
The S&P 500 technicals have swung bullish, indicating a strong end to the year. However, technical signals suggest that January may bring renewed weakness, similar to the 2021-2022 pattern. This pattern cautions against long-term positioning. The S&P 500 has shown weakness in recent weeks but may have finally put in a low for an end-of-year rally. A similar situation occurred in 2021-2022 when a rally failed. Analyst Andrew McElroy, Chief Analyst at Matrixtrade, uses a top-down proprietary system that incorporates fractals, Elliott Wave, and Demark exhaustion signals, as well as macro drivers and analysis of the market narrative. McElroy has a beneficial long position in the shares of VOO. The system developed by McElroy has been proven to deliver a consistent edge over 15 years. As an independent trader since 2009, McElroy manages a family portfolio of stocks and ETFs with his wife. It is essential to note that past performance is no guarantee of future results, and no recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. The views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, or US investment adviser or investment bank. Their analysts are third-party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Notre Dame Football Announces Home-and-Home Series with BYU
The University of Notre Dame football team has announced a home-and-home series with Brigham Young University. The series will begin in 2026, with the Irish traveling to Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, and will conclude in 2027, with the Cougars visiting Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The two programs have met on nine previous occasions, with Notre Dame leading the all-time series 7-2. The series is tied at one win apiece in Provo, while Notre Dame has a 5-2 advantage at home against BYU. Their most recent meeting was in the 2022 Shamrock Series contest at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the Irish took a 28-20 win over the No. 16 ranked Cougars. Notre Dame has been ranked on five occasions, while BYU has been ranked once in their all-time matchups. The teams first faced off against each other on October 24, 1992, at Notre Dame Stadium, with the No. 10 Irish prevailing 42-16. Notre Dame's first trip to Provo came on October 16, 1993, and saw the No. 3 ranked Irish win 45-20. The Irish are 29-9-1 against current Big 12 teams all-time and have faced BYU more than any other current Big 12 member in their history. Specific dates and broadcast information for the upcoming series will be announced at a later date.
Michigan Prepares for Citrus Bowl Amid Coaching Search and Player Opt-Outs
The University of Michigan football team is gearing up to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31, despite the ongoing head coaching search. Interim head coach Biff Poggi confirmed that players Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Giovanni El-Hadi are opting out of the bowl game to pursue NFL opportunities. Poggi has been working to maintain relationships with current players and committed recruits, having held multiple Zoom calls with parents and players. He has also implemented changes to the team's structure, including shorter meetings and practices, to help the players have fun playing football again. Poggi expressed hope that five-star QB Bryce Underwood will return to Michigan next season, but acknowledged that he is focused on the upcoming game against Texas. When asked about Underwood's future, Poggi suggested that the decision ultimately lies with the player and his family. The team's focus remains on preparing for the Citrus Bowl, where they will face a challenging opponent in Texas. Poggi's efforts to stabilize the team amid uncertainty have been supported by Warde Manuel and Doug, and he is proud of the coaches and players who have stayed committed to the team.
US Coast Guard Pursues Venezuelan Tanker, DOJ Releases More Epstein Files, and Immigration Court No-Shows Surge
The US Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker linked to Venezuela as part of the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. The tanker, described as a "dark fleet vessel," is attempting to evade sanctions by using deceptive practices such as flying fake national flags. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has released more files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, although lawmakers have criticized the DOJ for missing its full release deadline and threatening to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt. The released files did not contain any major revelations, with the names of co-conspirators remaining largely redacted. In other news, NPR has found that thousands of immigrants without legal status have skipped immigration court this year, driving a surge in "in absentia" deportations. This comes as immigration courts face intense pressure, with the administration firing judges and deporting people to countries they've never lived in. The number of "in absentia" removal orders has increased significantly, with nearly every US immigration court issuing more of these orders for failure to appear. The surge in no-shows coincided with the time when ICE officers began making arrests inside courthouses, causing immigrants to become hesitant to attend court hearings.
Health Experts Warn of 'Super Flu' Surge as Christmas Approaches
As Christmas approaches, health experts are warning about a surge in flu cases driven by a variant dubbed the "super flu," which has already affected millions this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health indicates the level of influenza-like illness is rated as high or very high throughout most of the state, with Type A flu being dominant. A variation of Influenza A, known as Subclade K, is being referred to as the season's "super flu" by some doctors. Professor Andrew Pekosz from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health notes that this subclade K virus is evading population immunity, making more people susceptible to infection. Although the vaccine does not offer perfect protection against the variant, health experts still recommend it for anyone aged 6 months or older. According to John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and ABC News medical contributor, getting a flu shot is still worth it as it provides strong protection against severe outcomes like hospitalization and death.
Atmospheric River-Fueled Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Rain and Flooding to Southern California During Christmas Week
A powerful storm system fueled by an atmospheric river is expected to hit Southern California during Christmas week, bringing heavy rain, flooding, wind, and snow to the region. The National Weather Service predicts the storm will move through the area from December 24 to December 27, with the heaviest rain expected on Christmas Eve. The High Desert is expected to receive between 0.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, while the mountains are expected to get 4 to 8 inches, and the coast and valleys will receive 2 to 6 inches. A flood watch has been issued for Southern California, and residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding, mud, and debris flows. Windy conditions with gusts up to 35 mph are also expected, which may cause property damage. Snow levels are expected to remain above 8,000 feet between Christmas Day and Saturday. San Bernardino County officials are encouraging residents to pick up sandbags and visit their website for helpful resources and tips on how to prepare and stay safe. The storm may impact roadways and airports, and residents are advised to plan accordingly.
Trump Administration Pauses Five Offshore Wind Projects, Including Vineyard Wind
The Trump administration has suspended the leases of five offshore wind projects, including Vineyard Wind, which is already delivering power to the grid. The decision, citing "national security concerns," affects projects off the coasts of Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Vineyard Wind, nearing completion, has been generating power for the New England grid since the beginning of the year and has reduced costs for ratepayers by displacing the need for additional natural gas. The other projects affected are Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind, and Revolution Wind. The Interior Department claims that the movement of massive turbine blades creates radar interference, but critics argue that the decision is an attempt to thwart the wind industry. The pause on the leases marks a radical departure from legal precedent and has thrown the region's most promising clean energy projects into turmoil. The decision has been met with criticism from industry experts and advocates, who call it "arbitrary, capricious, illegal, and bad energy policy." The move is seen as an escalation of the administration's efforts to gut the wind industry, which had been poised for a major boom prior to Trump taking office. The pause on the leases raises questions about the region's ability to meet its energy needs and emissions reductions commitments to tackle climate change.
Barry Manilow Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Reschedules 2026 Concerts
Barry Manilow, the 82-year-old legendary singer and songwriter, has announced that he will undergo cancer surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his left lung. The spot was discovered during a recent checkup after Manilow suffered from several weeks of bronchitis. Fortunately, he is not expected to need chemotherapy or radiation treatments, and instead will focus on recovery with "chicken soup and 'I Love Lucy' re-runs," as he joked. As a result of his surgery and recovery, Manilow will reschedule a series of January arena concerts, as well as shift some dates for his 2026 concerts. Ticketholders for the January concerts will be able to use their tickets for the rescheduled dates. Manilow apologized for the inconvenience and promised his return would be "one big party." He also urged his followers to get tested if they have any symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Manilow's 2026 concerts will include stops in nine U.S. cities, including Tampa, Columbus, Charleston, and Orlando. He expressed his excitement to return to the stage, particularly for his Valentine's weekend concerts on February 12-13-14 at the Westgate Las Vegas. Despite the setback, Manilow remains optimistic and looks forward to performing for his fans in the coming year.
Samsung Expands One UI 8.5 Beta to More Countries
Samsung has announced the expansion of its One UI 8.5 beta program to more countries, including India and Poland. The beta update is available for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra models. The update comes with firmware version ending ZYLH, has a download size of over 4GB, and includes the December 2025 security patch. This update is the same as the second beta update that will be released in countries like Germany, South Korea, UK, and the USA. It fixes various bugs, reliability issues, and performance issues found in the first One UI 8.5 beta update. One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 and brings several new features, including more lock screen clock customizations, a new UI design language for stock apps, and improved Galaxy AI-powered image editing. Users can register for the beta update by following the steps outlined in a dedicated article. The update also includes other features such as Bluetooth Auracast improvements, Storage Share, Quick Share suggestions, a new design for Samsung Internet, and Theft Protection. For more information on One UI 8.5, users can watch a video or check out the official changelog. The expansion of the One UI 8.5 beta program allows more users to test and provide feedback on the update, helping Samsung to polish the software before its official release. The beta program is an important step in ensuring the stability and quality of the final product.
Russian General Killed in Car Bombing Amid Ongoing Ukraine Peace Talks
A senior Russian general, Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, was killed in a car bombing in Moscow on Monday. Sarvarov, who headed the army's Directorate for Operational Training, died from his injuries. The incident occurred just hours after US, Ukraine, and Russia envoys met separately in Florida for peace talks. Russian law enforcement and pro-war commentators have pointed fingers at Ukraine's special services, calling the incident a sign of prolonged hostility. The attack is the third car bombing to kill a Russian general in the past year. In April, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik died in a similar explosion, and last year, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed by an explosive device attached to a scooter. Russian investigators are examining the scene for forensic evidence and considering various versions of the murder, including the possible involvement of Ukrainian special services. The death of Sarvarov comes amid ongoing US-led peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. Despite the talks being described as "productive and constructive" by US and Ukrainian officials, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said most of the proposals were "rather unconstructive" and would likely be rejected. Russian military bloggers have blamed the attack on Ukrainian special services and called for better protections for military service members. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their offensive along the front line in eastern Ukraine, with reports of Ukrainian citizens being forcibly detained and deported by Russian troops. Ukrainian officials have condemned the actions, comparing them to those of terrorist groups. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.
Conservative Rift on Display at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest
Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference highlighted a significant rift in the conservative movement following the assassination of the group's co-founder, Charlie Kirk, in September. The four-day event featured prominent conservatives, including Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Steve Bannon, among others. However, the conference was marked by criticism and infighting among speakers, with some accusing others of being "frauds and grifters" and promoting far-right conspiracy theories. Ben Shapiro, a podcaster and right-wing personality, called out Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Megyn Kelly, accusing them of entertaining conspiracy theories and referring to Bannon as "a PR flack for Jeffrey Epstein." Bannon retaliated, comparing Shapiro to "a cancer" on the conservative movement. The event also saw a divide over how to handle the rise of far-right influencer Nick Fuentes, with some conservatives defending Tucker Carlson's decision to interview him on his podcast. Vice President JD Vance attempted to smooth things over on the final day of the conference, telling attendees that the conservative movement is open to everyone who "loves America" and urging unity. Despite Vance's efforts, the tensions on display suggest that the fight over the future of the conservative movement may be just beginning. The conference, which drew over 25,000 attendees, including a surprise appearance by rapper Nicki Minaj, marked a noticeable shift in the conservative movement since Kirk's death. Attendees expressed unease over the infighting, with some hoping that the movement can find common ground and build on its momentum from 2024.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer Released, Starring Matt Damon
The first trailer for Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's Odyssey has been released online. The film stars Matt Damon as the Greek hero Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope and Tom Holland as his son Telemachus. The trailer shows a bearded Matt Damon as Odysseus, battling storms and obstacles on his journey back to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. In the trailer, Damon's gravelly voiceover sets the tone, saying "After years of war … no one could stand between my men … and home … not even me." The trailer provides brief glimpses of Hathaway and Holland in their roles, and showcases the epic scale of the film. This release comes after a six-minute sequence was shown in cinemas on December 12, and a previous cinema trailer was debuted in July. The Odyssey is due for release on July 16, 2026, in Australia, and on July 17 in the UK and the US. Nolan has revealed that he used 2 million feet of film on Imax cameras to make the movie, indicating a grand and ambitious production. The newly released trailer appears to be significantly different from previous teasers, generating excitement for the upcoming film.
OPPO Find X9 Ultra Leaked with 10x Periscope Camera and Dual 200MP Sensors
A recent leak from trusted leaker Digital Chat Station suggests that the upcoming OPPO Find X9 Ultra will feature a 50MP 10x periscope camera, capable of high-quality 20x zoom. The phone is also expected to have a 200MP main camera and a 200MP "mid-telephoto" lens, making it a potential contender for the best camera phone of 2026. The 10x periscope camera will offer 230mm native zoom and 460mm high-quality zoom, with the latter likely referring to lossless resolution achieved by cropping the center 12.5MP of the 50MP sensor. The Find X9 Ultra's camera specs are impressive, with the 200MP telephoto camera potentially having the best light-gathering capabilities in its class, and the main camera offering light intake that exceeds that of one-inch sensors. Notably, OPPO is not using Samsung's 200MP ISOCELL HP5 camera sensor, but may instead use Sony's LYT-901 200MP sensor. If released globally, the Find X9 Ultra could be a major rival to Samsung's Ultra phones, particularly since the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 10x camera has not been seen on a smartphone since 2023.
Vikings Prevail Over Giants 16-13 Despite Mounting Injuries
The Minnesota Vikings secured a 16-13 win over the New York Giants in Week 16, despite facing numerous challenges including injuries to key players and a prolonged travel schedule. The team's defense, led by Brooklyn native Brian Flores, delivered an impressive performance, not allowing an offensive touchdown by the Giants for the second time since the 2024 opener. The Vikings improved to 7-8 on the season and have a chance to reach.500 when they host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The game against the Giants saw several players leave due to injuries, including Jordan Mason, Ryan Kelly, and J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a throwing-hand injury. Fans have expressed concerns about the team's offense, particularly the receivers' ability to catch passes, with some attributing it to the difficulty of the throws or a lack of practice between the quarterback and receivers. The Vikings' defense, however, has been a highlight, with players like Blake Cashman and C.J. Ham showcasing their skills. The team's penalty issues continue to be a problem, with some fans questioning the officiating crew's tendency to call a high number of penalties. Despite these challenges, the Vikings are looking to close out the season with momentum, and their upcoming game against the Lions will be crucial in determining their fate.
Nazareth Announces New Lead Singer After Parting Ways with Carl Sentance
Nazareth, the Scottish hard rock band, has announced a new lead singer, Gianni Pontillo, after parting ways with Carl Sentance. Sentance had been the band's lead vocalist since 2015 and had completed their 2025 tour dates in Berlin, Germany, on December 17. No reason was given for his departure, but Sentance will continue to work as a solo artist and has a dozen concerts scheduled in 2026. Pontillo, who has been the lead singer of the German hard rock band Victory since 2019, will join Nazareth's current lineup, including guitarist Jimmy Murrison, drummer Lee Agnew, and bassist Pete Agnew. The band is set to embark on a busy schedule in 2026, with two U.S. concerts planned, including shows in Missouri and Minnesota, both featuring Foghat. Nazareth, co-founded by Agnew in 1968, is known for hits like "Love Hurts," "Hair of the Dog," and "This Flight Tonight." The band has continued to release new music over the years, including 2022's "Surviving the Law" with Sentance on lead vocals. Sentance has also formed a new group called Lords of NWOBHM, featuring members of Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Raven, Tank, and Persian Risk, to celebrate the music of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal era. With the new lineup, Nazareth is expected to introduce fans to Pontillo's "amazing talent" and continue their legacy as a prominent hard rock band.
Uber and Lyft to Trial Chinese Robotaxis in UK in 2026
Uber and Lyft have announced plans to trial Chinese robotaxis in the UK in 2026 through partnerships with Baidu. The companies aim to obtain approval from regulators to test the autonomous vehicles in London. Baidu's Apollo Go driverless taxi service already operates in dozens of cities, mostly in China, and has accrued millions of rides without a human behind the wheel. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the news, stating it's "another vote of confidence in our plans for self-driving vehicles." However, many remain sceptical about the safety of driverless taxis, with almost 60% of UK respondents to a YouGov poll saying they would not feel comfortable riding in a driverless taxi under any circumstances. Uber and Lyft still need to convince regulators to allow the trials. If approved, Lyft's initial fleet of dozens of Baidu Apollo Go cars would begin testing next year, with plans to scale to hundreds from there. Professor Jack Stilgoe of University College London cautioned that driverless cars "can't just scale up like other digital technologies" and highlighted concerns about safety, privacy, and congestion. He suggested that the UK should lead in setting standards for the technology to address these concerns. The announcement comes as the UK government seeks to accelerate the framework for allowing pilots of small autonomous commercial services in 2026. Both Uber and Lyft have existing partnerships with autonomous vehicle operators, with Uber partnering with Waymo and Lyft operating "autonomous rides" in Atlanta, US. The trials aim to bring another safe and reliable travel option to Londoners, but regulators and the public remain cautious about the technology's safety and potential impact on traffic.
ESA's JUICE Spacecraft Captures Image of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
The European Space Agency's (ESA) JUpiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft has captured an image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using its Navigation Camera (NavCam). The image was taken on November 2nd, 2025, two days before JUICE made its closest approach to the comet, which was about 66 million kilometers away. The comet was experiencing increased activity following its closest approach to the Sun and was visible to telescopes and robotic space missions. The image shows the comet's bright coma and two tails, consisting of a "plasma tail" and a "dust tail." The JUICE spacecraft observed 3I/ATLAS using five of its science instruments, collecting data on the comet's composition and behavior. The data is expected to provide a clearer picture of the comet's activity and will be received by the ESA between February 18th and 20th. The delay is due to JUICE using its main high-gain antenna as a heat shield, relying on its smaller medium-gain antenna to send data back to Earth at a slower rate. The upcoming data is expected to include images from the high-resolution optical camera, spectrometry, UV imaging spectrograph, and data on the comet's composition and particle environment. This information will allow scientists to learn more about the comet's origin and the conditions in other parts of the galaxy. As 3I/ATLAS could be up to 7 billion years old, the data will provide a window into the history of the galaxy long before the existence of Earth and the Solar System.
Caleb Williams Leads Chicago Bears to Thrilling Overtime Victory
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' second-year quarterback, led his team to a thrilling overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers. Williams' performance, which included a game-tying touchdown pass and a perfect 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore, was hailed as a signature moment in his young career. The 24-year-old quarterback described the moment as a great one for the team, franchise, and city of Chicago. Williams' emergence as a star quarterback comes as the NFL is experiencing a historic season with 16 Black starting quarterbacks, including Williams, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and others. The void left by Patrick Mahomes' season-ending injury creates an opportunity for these young quarterbacks to take the torch and make their mark on the league. Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been a trailblazer for Black quarterbacks, shattering myths and stereotypes and normalizing discussions about their physical and mental acuity. His absence will be felt, but the talent pool of young Black quarterbacks is deep, and each is looking for their own signature moment. For Williams, it may be leading the Bears to a Super Bowl, while for others, like Hurts and Jackson, it may be winning a championship or taking their teams to the next level. The current season has seen its share of ups and downs for these quarterbacks, with some being benched or injured. However, the future looks bright, with Williams, Love, Hurts, Jackson, and others poised to make their mark on the league. As Williams said, there will be plenty of great moments in his career, and Saturday's performance will go down in Bears history as a signature moment. The question now is, who will be the next to fill the void left by Mahomes and take the league by storm?
Epic Games Store Offers Acclaimed Indie Title Sorry We're Closed for Free
The Epic Games Store is currently offering the indie title Sorry We're Closed as its fifth mystery free game. Developed by à la mode games, this single-player survival horror game has received over 1,300 reviews on Steam, with 98% of them being positive, earning it an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating. The game combines arcade-style shooting with nostalgic fixed-camera exploration and is divided into phases, offering an RPG-like experience during the day and combat-filled gameplay at night. Sorry We're Closed will be available for free until December 22, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. The game's atmospheric presentation and narrative depth have been praised, although the combat mechanics can sometimes feel clunky due to the stationary first-person aiming mechanics. The title normally costs $24.99 and comes with proper controller support. With this freebie, the Epic Games Store's holiday game giveaway lineup now stands at over $150 in value. Sorry We're Closed is an acclaimed hit that blends different gameplay elements to create a unique experience. The game's phases offer a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, making it a great addition to the Epic Games Store's free game lineup. Overall, Sorry We're Closed is a great opportunity for players to experience a well-regarded indie title at no cost.