News from November 9, 2025

Demands for Mike Norvell’s job grow after brutal Florida State loss to Clemson

The patience meter is blinking red in Tallahassee. After a 24–10 loss to the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, social media lit up with calls for Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell to go, the latest spike in frustration during a season that has tilted from shaky to bleak. Fans spent the night posting variations of “enough is enough,” with some pushing replacement chatter before the team even left Death Valley. The performance didn’t help the discourse. Clemson jumped out 18–0 and never trailed. Cade Klubnik went 20-of-27 for 221 yards with a touchdown and added a rushing score, while kicker Nolan Hauser drilled three field goals to keep the Tigers comfortably ahead. Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos finished 23-of-43 for 250 yards with one touchdown and one interception; Duce Robinson was the bright spot with nine catches for 124 yards via the ESPN Box Score. Florida State managed just 10 points and coughed up a first-half turnover that set the tone. Mike Norvell if FSU didn’t beat Alabama pic.twitter.com/lcjd8zsarx — Sean Murphy Enthusiast (@murphyplshomer) November 9, 2025 If had to predict a Sunday Firing My pick would be Mike Norvell 😬 pic.twitter.com/ViNJG8NPjC — SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) November 9, 2025 I didn’t think there was a worse in-game coach than Pat Narduzzi but there is… Mike Norvell #patnarduzzi#mikenorvell #FSU #FloridaState #H2P #PITT #FIRED pic.twitter.com/wtYfhXFQKT — Unfathomable19 (@UnfathomableDFS) November 9, 2025 “Alright I’m done watching this sh*t team. Mike Norvell has ruined this f**king program. @SeminoleAlford has allowed this to happen by not firing him. Hope you’re happy Alford, by not firing him, you’re further ruining the program you run.” One fan passionately said. Mike Norvell finding out #FSU can’t afford to fire him! pic.twitter.com/57wgt9sPpR — Sam (@Moorelife1) October 26, 2025 FSU should absolutely fire Mike Norvell. No matter the cost pic.twitter.com/uPVtFYxXqY — Zak☘️ (@ZakKnowsBall68) October 11, 2025 Ladies and gentlemen… the worst coach in college football… let me introduce to you Mike Norvell. #MikeNorvell #fsu #floridastate #FloridaStateUniversity #collegefootball #usa #america pic.twitter.com/SQHGXogVsG — Unfathomable19 (@UnfathomableDFS) November 9, 2025 Damnit Mike Norvell.#FSU pic.twitter.com/QCVBKBgeor — CO2 (@FSUJ0hn) November 9, 2025 The context around Norvell is where the conversation gets expensive. His buyout remains among the priciest in college football, reported north of $50 million, per Zachary McKinnell of Sports Illustrated, a figure that complicates any midseason or immediate postseason decision. Florida State has publicly pumped the brakes on hot-seat hysteria before, citing that contractual reality. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. National chatter already links Florida State with high-profile coordinators should the school pivot in 2026, a timeline that would soften the financial hit and allow the administration to map the next era. FSU trying to raise $56m to fire Mike Norvell Tomorrow… 🎥: @SebastiansPub pic.twitter.com/yxL8GRIKZb — 🄳🄸🅁🅃🅈 🄱🄸🅁🄳 (@dirtyyybird) October 19, 2025 Mike Norvell after the FSU athletic department calls him in for a meeting tomorrow pic.twitter.com/laLpwaDrVk — Barstool Clemson (@BarstoolClemson) November 9, 2025 Another fan stated, “Mike Norvell built this roster. Mike Norvell had to hit the portal, again, because he can’t develop kids out of high school. Mike Norvell continues to trot out the same players making the same mistakes week in and week out. Mike Norvell can kick rocks.” Florida State is underwater in ACC play and staring at a narrow path to bowl eligibility. The message from fans is louder than the margin. They want changes, and they want them soon.

Allan Binoy 2 hours ago

Sports

Texas A&M completes feat vs. Missouri never before done in program history

The No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies dismantled the No. 22 Missouri Tigers 38–17 on the road at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field on Saturday. With the win, the Aggies are 9–0 for the first time since 1992, 6–0 in conference play for the first time since ’98, and 6–0 in SEC play for the first time. Behind a balanced offense and a suffocating defense, the Aggies overpowered the Tigers in every phase. Quarterback Marcel Reed once again looked in complete control, completing 20 of 29 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Rueben Owens II led the ground game with 102 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Wide receiver KC Concepcion led all wideouts with 84 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter, which turned the game into a formality. A&M’s offense totaled 464 yards of total offense and converted seven of 14 third-down attempts, controlling possession for nearly 12 minutes longer than Missouri. The defense, meanwhile, limited the Tigers to just 284 total yards, only 77 through the air, and finished with two forced turnovers. The turning point came late in the second quarter. With A&M leading 7–0, Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers, a true freshman making his first collegiate start, was hit mid-throw by linebacker Daymion Sanford, forcing a fumble that ricocheted into the hands of safety Dalton Brooks. Brooks sprinted the ball to the Missouri 2-yard line, setting up E.J. Smith’s 1-yard touchdown with 20 seconds left in the half. Just minutes later, the Aggies struck again. After Missouri opened the third quarter with a three-and-out, Reed hit Concepcion on a quick slant that turned into a 48-yard score and a 21–0 lead. From that point forward, A&M’s dominance was unquestioned. Brooks, who also recovered the earlier fumble, added a 48-yard run on a perfectly executed fake punt midway through the third quarter, setting up Randy Bond’s 32-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24–7. Brooks finished with six tackles on defense and was responsible for two of the contest’s biggest turning points. Missouri had a short-lived burst of offense with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Jamal Roberts and a 45-yard score from Ahmad Hardy, but A&M’s relentless offense put the game out of reach. Owens’ 57-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter pushed the margin to 31–10, and he finished the night with a 1-yard score to make it 38–17. Defensively, Sanford led with five tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss, while Tyler Onyedim and Cashius Howell each tallied five tackles. Howell’s strip sack raised his season total to 10.5 sacks. The win kept A&M flawless on the season while sustaining their chance at the SEC title game. The Aggies entered Week 11 tied with Alabama at the top of the conference standings, with Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss all sitting one game back. Up next, Texas A&M will host South Carolina in their final SEC home game on Saturday.

Abdullah Imran 2 hours ago

Sports

Virginia leaves fans in awe after shocking loss to Wake Forest

First Virginia football lost star quarterback Chandler Morris in scary fashion. Now they’ll likely lose its top ranking in the Atlantic Coast Conference, after falling to Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons, once settling for 4-8 campaigns the last two seasons, shocked No. 12 UVA 16-9 in Charlottesville. Saturday’s win became the first signature victory for Jake Dickert as Wake Forest head coach — who came over from Washington State. Virginia, however, left its fans in shambles in taking the letdown loss. NBC Sports college football analyst Nicole Auerbach reacted by posting this side-by-side fan reaction. history repeats itself! pic.twitter.com/jukYaV3Iih — Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) November 9, 2025 Wake Forest, meanwhile, trolled its ACC rival with a “what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light” post celebrating the win. What’s done in the dark will be brought to the light 🌑 pic.twitter.com/rHIa9FWff1 — Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 9, 2025 Now WF is heading to a bowl game in season one under Dickert. He’s the first head coach since Jim Grobe in 2001 to win six games during his first season. But the UVA loss sparked lots of reactions. Notable reactions after Wake Forest stuns Virginia Amber Searls-Imagn Images A Michigan fan got left with believing the UVA loss works well for the Wolverines. “Louisville and Virginia losing definitely helps Michigan’s chances in the CFP,” that fan posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter. Another fan account believes that the College Football Playoff pursuit for Virginia is now up in smoke. Virginia earned a chance to distance itself in the ACC race but now helps Miami, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, even SMU in the race to the conference title game. Although Brett McMurphy of On3/Rivals dropped more clarity on the ACC race following UVA’s defeat. Cal upsets Louisville 29-26 in OT. Now "only" 5 teams atop ACC standings w/1 league loss Georgia Tech 5-1Pitt 5-1SMU 5-1Virginia 5-1Duke 4-1 — Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 9, 2025 Daniel Kaelin succeeded Morris after his scary head injury — completing 18-of-28 for 145 yards. Running back J’Mari Taylor chipped in 19 carries for 98 yards rushing. Trell Harris led UVA with six catches for 60 yards. But the Cavaliers never crossed the end zone against the ACC’s fifth-best defensive unit.

Lorenzo J Reyna 2 hours ago

Sports

Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox announces return from injury with first 2025-26 bucket

De’Aaron Fox has recovered from injury as he returned to action in the San Antonio Spurs’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Fox hasn’t appeared in the Spurs’ first eight contests of the regular season. He was dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines, delaying his season debut with the team. Fox was gearing up for his second season with San Antonio, as the squad acquired him from the Sacramento Kings last year. He averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game throughout his 17 appearances. The star guard made his return clear during the second quarter against New Orleans. He handled the ball at the top of the key, putting himself in great position to knock down the 3-pointer with ease. De’Aaron Fox stops on a dime for his first bucket in his return with the Spurs 👏pic.twitter.com/rGw6lAM9CL — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 9, 2025 How De’Aaron Fox, Spurs played against Pelicans Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox’s return to the court was a welcome sight for the Spurs, taking the Pelicans down in a 126-119 victory. San Antonio took control with a solid first half, having a 66-58 lead at halftime. Even as New Orleans tried to keep the game close, the hosts made enough plays down the stretch to secure the home win and improve to a 7-2 record. Rebounding and ball movement made the difference in this matchup. The Spurs prevailed in both categories by securing 43 rebounds and creating 31 assists. It wasn’t the same for the Pelicans, finishing with 40 rebounds and 27 assists. Eight players scored in double-digits for San Antonio, including Fox. He led the way with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He shot 9-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Victor Wembanyama came next with 18 points and 18 rebounds, Devin Vassell had 16 points and two rebounds, Harrison Barnes put up 15 points and two rebounds, while Stephon Castle provided 14 points and 14 assists. The Spurs will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. ET.

Richard Pereira 3 hours ago

Sports

Seahawks’ Cooper Kupp expected to return in Seattle vs. Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks expect Cooper Kupp to suit up Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals despite heel and hamstring issues, via Jeremy Fowler on X, formerly Twitter. That tracks with Seattle’s final injury report, as Kupp practiced fully Friday and carries a questionable tag that will give fans some hope. Rookie Tory Horton is doubtful, while Jake Bobo and Dareke Young are out, which makes Kupp’s return timely. Seattle doesn’t need to reinvent the offense, just reinsert its chain-mover. In Kupp’s absence last week, Sam Darnold spread it around and cooked Washington for four touchdowns in a 38–14 win. Horton popped for two scores, Jaxon Smith-Njigba kept the sticks moving, and the Seahawks rolled to 6–2. With Kupp trending in, Darnold gets his elite option back on third down and in the red zone. Depth still matters here. With Horton likely sidelined, newly acquired Rashid Shaheed could step into a real role opposite Kupp and Smith-Njigba. Arizona, meanwhile, arrives banged up on the back end and without multiple starters, setting up favorable looks if Seattle protects. This is a chance to stack momentum. The ESPN game page has Seattle at 6–2 and Arizona at 3–5 ahead of kickoff at Lumen Field, and the first meeting this season tilted Seattle’s way in late September. Get Kupp back, keep the quick game humming, and use the shot plays when the Cardinals roll help toward the slot. Jarran Reed’s late scratch dings Seattle’s interior defense, so the offense may need to carry a little extra weight. Either way, Kupp’s return should clean up the third-down plan and tilt coverage where Seattle wants it. Expect an early dose of option routes and glance RPOs to get him settled.

Allan Binoy 3 hours ago

Politics

NSW police accused of ‘sickening’ double standard over neo-Nazi rally as Jewish groups demand answers

Pro-Palestine and climate activists join Jewish voices criticising ‘entirely inconsistent police responses’ and ‘unfathomable approval’

Henry Belot 3 hours ago

Sports

Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz’s reaction after Oregon’s game-winner sums up Hawkeyes’ night

The Iowa Hawkeyes suffered a crushing 18-16 loss to No. 9 Oregon Ducks on Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium. Atticus Sappington’s 39-yard field goal with just three seconds left ended Iowa’s playoff hopes. Kirk Ferentz’s calm but heartbroken reaction perfectly captured the devastating loss. When the ball sailed through the uprights, the sidelines told the complete story, via CBS Sports. Dan Lanning was jumping, screaming, and clapping on the Oregon sideline as his team celebrated one of its biggest wins of the season. On the other end, Kirk Ferentz stood silent and motionless. The Iowa head coach’s face showed the pain of coming so close to a signature victory only to watch it slip away in the final seconds. Opposite ends of emotion for Oregon and Iowa. pic.twitter.com/60KjbpXdsH — CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 9, 2025 The game came down to two final drives that decided everything. Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski scored on a three-yard touchdown run to give the Hawkeyes a 16-15 lead with 1:51 remaining. The Kinnick Stadium crowd erupted, sensing a massive upset was within reach. But Oregon quarterback Dante Moore had other plans. He led a clutch 10-play drive down the field, completing five critical passes for 47 yards. The Ducks methodically moved into field goal range as the clock ticked down. Sappington stepped up under pressure and drilled the game-winner with three seconds left. Iowa’s defense, ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense, had played tough all night. The Hawkeyes got a considerable boost when Drew Stevens kicked a 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, tying the longest in program history. Oregon ran for 261 yards on the ground, wearing down Iowa’s defense in cold, rainy conditions. Ferentz praised his team’s effort after the game. He called it “emblematic of November football,” where two great teams compete hard and the game comes down to inches. He told his players there was plenty to be proud of, despite the heartbreaking loss, as reported by Angela Miele of Sports Illustrated. Iowa proved they belonged with the nation’s elite, but Oregon (8-1) escaped with their playoff hopes intact.

Jayesh Pagar 3 hours ago

Sports

Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick Vow Bounceback Season from Alex Bowman After Disappointing Year

Alex Bowman, after a 2024 season filled with early hope, endured a long and challenging 2025 campaign, in which he remained winless throughout. But the leadership of his team has full faith in him and explained why he’s on the verge of a rebound. Bowman’s 80-race drought finally ended in 2024 when he muscled through wet conditions at the Chicago Street Course, overtaking Joey Hand late and holding off Tyler Reddick, who was seizing hard on slicks. That win looked ready to springboard his season, but a technical setback at the Charlotte Roval that same year derailed his playoff push after the Round of 12. The setback, a car-weight infringement, cost him a likely Round of 8 berth, and his misfortunes carried into the 2025 season. Bowman went winless and clawed into the playoffs only by scraping in on points. He closed the season 13th in the standings, banking two poles (Homestead and Bristol), six top-fives, and sixteen top-tens. Outside observers questioned whether the Hendrick Motorsports driver could recapture his winning form, his bosses, Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon spoke with conviction. Ahead of the finale at Phoenix, Hendrick praised the group’s perseverance. “I think they put a lot of pressure on themselves. They had a good start on the year. There have been some tracks that Alex was our best car. So, no different than trying to work on the short track program. That team is working hard on getting better everywhere. I think they’re showing great signs.” Hendrick acknowledged that every stable has a driver playing catch-up at times. For example, Chase Elliott wasn’t having that good of a season a year or so ago. But now the team has stepped that up. Hendrick himself admitted that he has seen tremendous focus on the #48 team because of their sponsor and pride. That’s why he believes Bowman will have a good season next year. Gordon echoed that sentiment. He credited crew chief Blake Harris and the No. 48 outfit for providing key data and insights that contributed to the organization’s overall success. “We know that they’re very valuable, but we also know there’s things that need to be improved there. It’s a big part of our focus in this off-season, is giving Alex, Blake, the tools that they need and making sure surrounding them with all the things that can help strengthen their team and button up some of those things. I’m with Rick, I don’t think they’re that far off.” Gordon took pride in the team’s effort while acknowledging the pressure that comes with wearing Hendrick colors. Anyone at HMS carries high expectations, especially with the performance of the other three. But he believes they’re right there. They’re already contributing a lot. He believes a few tweaks could make all the difference. The talent is there, the chemistry is growing, and the results, he insists, will follow. “I think a few minor adjustments, and I think those guys can be right there in the hunt,” Gordon noted. Bowman, for his part, even in a season light on wins, showed enough skills and consistency to suggest that a resurgence isn’t far off. For Hendrick Motorsports, the blueprint is to sharpen the edges, keep the faith, and let the No. 48 get back into contention in 2026.

Neha Dwivedi,The SportsRush 3 hours ago

Sports

Fans hyped as Vanderbilt survives Auburn, keeps CFP hopes alive

Vanderbilt has done its best to prove that it is not just a Cinderella story this season, but road losses to Alabama and Texas have prevented some fans from crowning them a legitimate national title contender. The College Football Playoff selection committee clearly shares in their hesitation, as evidenced by the No. 16 it slapped next to the Commodores in its first rankings of the year. A home loss to Auburn would have crushed Vandy’s postseason dreams and overshadowed much of the growth the program has enjoyed in 2025. Diego Pavia and company refused to suffer such a fate on their own field, edging out Auburn, 45-38, in a wild, overtime SEC face-off in Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium. It was ugly — the defense allowed 563 total yards and head coach Clark Lea made an unsuccessful gamble on fourth-and-1 instead of kicking a potential go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter — but Vanderbilt is still in the Playoff conversation heading into its bye week. Fans are relieved, thrilled, and concerned following a matchup in which 53 combined points were scored in the second half and OT. When one has conflicted feelings to sort out, right or wrong, they tend to hit the social media streets. Vanderbilt football fans react to Auburn scare “Why does it always have to be so close,” @vandywx commented on X after the Commodores concluded their fourth straight one-possession game (3-1). “My nerves! Way to dig in and get it done!” @GamerMom4TN exclaimed. “Great win by Vanderbilt Football over Auburn tonight! Chances of going to CFP rise to 28%,” @dougbrown700 shared. Proud Vandy alumnus, longtime reporter and polarizing pundit Skip Bayless also expressed enthusiasm regarding his school’s exhilarating win, which saw the Commodores overcome a 14-point first-half deficit and squander an eight-point fourth-quarter advantage during an emotionally draining evening of football. “I am so proud of my Alma mater Vanderbilt, the perennial ‘doormat’ of the SEC, rising into national prominence under coach Clark Lea, who just called Diego Pavia ‘the best player in the country,'” Bayless posted. “He is, without doubt.” Can Vandy get back on track? Pavia threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for another 112 yards and one TD, inserting himself back into the Heisman Trophy conversation. Under interim head coach DJ Durkin, new starting quarterback Ashton Daniels and Auburn displayed striking tenacity on the road. Though, many people will argue that this close battle is an indictment on the Commodores rather than a sign of progress for the Tigers. A more decisive outcome is expected, especially against a squad that is searching for an identity after the firing of Hugh Freeze. Vanderbilt football nearly saw its CFP pursuit meet its end at the hands of a team that has only one SEC win, which came against the only squad that has none (Arkansas). But Lea’s bunch got the job done. The Commodores now have the luxury of learning from this rough outing and correcting their flaws before it is too late. They will take the week to regroup, prepare for the visiting Kentucky Wildcats and then gear up for what should be a season-defining trip to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alex House 3 hours ago

Sports

Florida football’s DJ Lagway benched for Tramell Jones after ugly effort vs. Kentucky

A rough night turned into a hard pivot for Florida football. After an error-stacked first half against the Kentucky Wildcats, Billy Gonzales sat starting quarterback DJ Lagway and handed the offense to true freshman Tramell Jones, per Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. The move followed three first-half interceptions and stalled drives that buried Florida in a multi-score hole. Florida benched DJ Lagway for Tramell Jones as the staff searched for a spark. That call tracked with the in-game drumbeat as fans had already been calling for a change after a “putrid” opening half, and Kentucky’s pass rush kept teeing off on obvious passing downs. Florida trailed 31–7 at the time of the switch. The numbers tell the story. By halftime, DJ Lagway was 11-of-19 for 83 yards with one touchdown and three picks, per the ESPN Box Score. Florida’s possessions skewed short, and field position flipped in Kentucky’s favor. The box score reflected the one-sided flow as the Wildcats controlled tempo and leveraged short fields off takeaways. Enter Tramell Jones. The true freshman came in with a clean season line, 12-of-18 for 131 yards and two touchdowns, mostly in low-leverage snaps. Florida didn’t need hero ball; it needed rhythm. Expect quick game, defined reads, and more quarterback run to calm the rush and get the ball to Vernell Brown III and J. Michael Sturdivant in space. If Florida can lean on tempo and early-down efficiency, the defense at least has a chance to reset the field. There’s off-field fallout, too. Florida played without speedster Jerrae “Tank” Hawkins, who reportedly opted out to preserve his redshirt after appearing in four games, via 247 Sports. That trims the receiver rotation and only increases the pressure on the quarterback to stay clean and on schedule. Florida didn’t wait to see if the tide would turn. It made the change, betting on Tramell Jones’ poise to stabilize a spiraling night.

Allan Binoy 3 hours ago

Sports

LSU WR Nic Anderson carted off field vs. Alabama with apparent knee injury

LSU football earned a chance to put aside Brian Kelly’s exit by attempting to stun No. 4 Alabama. But now the Tigers must do it without Nic Anderson. The top wide receiver for LSU left with a concerning CFB injury. Anderson appeared to have injured his knee at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Exactly what you don't want to see for Nic Anderson…he's had some injury issues in the past, specifically knee related. Let's hope this isn't one of those. 🙏 LSU VS ALABAMA Postgame Show Will Start in the 4th Quarter👇https://t.co/DF62Fc7Ivk 🎞 ©️ ESPN / ABC pic.twitter.com/CTzE9wyXp6 — Lonn Phillips Sullivan (@LonnPhillips) November 9, 2025 He eventually was carted off the football field. But Anderson rises as the newest setback in what’s become a dark season for the Tigers. LSU canned Kelly after just four seasons and a 34-14 record. But his Tigers looked underwhelming in the 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. Kelly broke his silence two days before the Alabama matchup. Meanwhile, QB Garrett Nussmeier went from Heisman Trophy hype and first round chatter to struggling in ’25. The junior Anderson has caught just 10 passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns this season. How LSU fared offensively vs. Alabama Petre Thomas-Imagn Images The Tigers haven’t fared much better offensively without Kelly. Nussmeier may have completed 18-of-21 passes for 121 yards. But he’s yet to toss a touchdown pass in the contest. LSU only has 137 total yards through the air into the third quarter. The LSU ground game, meanwhile, hasn’t factored much either — hitting 56 yards with under four minutes left into the third. The visitors also have converted on three third down ties in nine attempts. Alabama recovered one LSU fumble during the game. Yet the Tigers have won the time of possession battle — holding the ball for 23:46. Running backs coach Frank Wilson is handling head coaching duties on an interim basis. But LSU sparked controversy in hiring Verge Ausberry in the athletic director role — who was suspended in 2021 for 30 days after failure to report and respond to allegations of sexual assault that involved athletes. LSU trailed 17-6 in Tuscaloosa before the fourth quarter. ‘Bama owns an impressive 57-27-5 overall mark against its Baton Rouge rival.

Lorenzo J Reyna 3 hours ago

Sports

Bears’ D’Andre Swift overcomes groin injury to return for Week 10 vs. Giants

The Chicago Bears offense is coming off a 47-point outing against the Cincinnati Bengals. The performance pushed the Bears to a 5-3 record this season and kept them afloat in a tight NFC Playoff picture. One of the bright spots from the Week 9 win was the production from rookie running back Kyle Monangai, who totaled 176 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards on 29 total touches. It was the third time in the last three weeks a Bears running back surpassed the 100-yard mark. Now entering Week 10 against the New York Giants, the Bears will get another boost to their backfield. Despite being questionable all week due to a groin injury and personal injuries, Bears running back D’Andre Swift is expected to play vs. the Giants, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Swift initially injured his groin in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Ben Johnson told the media that it was something that had been nagging Swift for a while, but was not serious. The injury forced the veteran running back to miss the Week 9 matchup against the Bengals. However, he was a full participant in Chicago’s practice report on Thursday. It is unclear if Swift will regain his starting role after Monangai’s breakout last week, but his return will at least deepen Chicago’s backfield. If anything, it will spare the Bears the need to elevate Brittain Brown from the practice squad. Through seven games in 2025, Swift has 464 rushing yards in 100 attempts and five total touchdowns. Before his injury, Swift finally hit his stride after a rough start to the year. To begin the season, Swift carried the ball 56 times for 187 yards and two touchdowns. In his last three games, Swift carried the ball 44 times, amassing 277 yards and three touchdowns. Swift joins tight end Cole Kmet, wide receiver Luther Burden Jr, and running back Roschon Johnson as Bears players returning this Sunday.

Sterling Bennett 3 hours ago

Sports

Pirates sign veteran pitcher to one-year deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa to their bullpen, signing him to a one-year minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. La Sorsa brings experience from three MLB organizations, having pitched parts of three major league seasons since his debut in 2023. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted the 27-year-old in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of St. John’s University, where he played for the Red Storm. He also starred at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York, leading the team to a Catholic High School Athletic Association championship in his senior year. During the 2018 collegiate summer season, he pitched for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League, recording a 3-2 record with a 5.79 ERA and contributing two innings to a combined no-hitter. La Sorsa began his professional career with the Hudson Valley Renegades in Low-A, throwing 36 1/3 innings in 2019. After the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to COVID-19, he returned in 2021 with 31 appearances, posting a 3.60 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning. He continued his progression in 2022, achieving a 36.3% strikeout rate at Double-A and limiting opponents to a .191 batting average, finishing with a 2.33 ERA over 73 1/3 innings. His MLB debut came with the Rays on May 29, 2023, when he pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two. However, after two appearances, Tampa Bay designated him for assignment, and the Washington Nationals claimed him on June 8. In 23 games with Washington that season, La Sorsa recorded a 4.76 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. He returned to the Nationals in 2024, pitching 16 games with a 4.58 ERA and 14 strikeouts across 17 2/3 innings before the team released him in January 2025. La Sorsa then joined the Cincinnati Reds on a minor league deal, appearing in five major league games and posting a 10.80 ERA with two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. After a brief run with the New York Mets, he elected free agency in November.

Abdullah Imran 3 hours ago

Sports

Albany State destroys Fort Valley State 48-3 in Fountain City Classic

Though I have covered Fort Valley State fervently this season, today marked my first time attending the Fountain City Classic since I graduated in December 2019; the years since have seen a combination of COVID-19 and work responsibilities keeping me away. This year, my family and I braved the road to Columbus, Georgia, excited to see what a Fort Valley State team—which has proven to have an adept, opportunistic defense and arguably the best special teams in the conference—could do against an Albany State team cruising to the SIAC Championship against Benedict College on next week. Yet, what unfolded was the same frustrating effort against our historic rival that I have witnessed throughout my decade-long affiliation with my HBCU. In the past decade, Fort Valley has only won twice against Albany State: a miraculous 2016 comeback led by Otis Brown in which we ultimately went on to win our first conference championship since 1999, and a 2022 victory fueled by a phenomenal performance from Wildcat star turned Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson. The effort I saw displayed in this latest loss was simply disheartening. I am a Fort Valley State University alumnus who loves my institution and what it’s done for me and my family. And I defend Fort Valley State when needed, such as last month’s erroneous coverage of the Central State dust-up. But, I have no choice but to be objective about what I saw this afternoon, as well as what I’ve seen throughout this season, and hope for better for the Wildcats in the near future. The Blue Death Defense Can Only Do So Much Fort Valley State has an incredibly formidable defense, led by Corey Barlow. They are physical, they fly around the field, and they are certainly hard-hitting, while the special teams unit features consistent playmakers who rank among the best in the conference. But there is only so much a defense can do when they are out on the field for such a prolonged time. At some point, the offense simply has to step up. The offense, under first-year head coach Marlon Watson, has had its ups and downs throughout the season. Hope for offensive stability first appeared when true freshman quarterback Don Hudson Jr. took the helm during the Clark Atlanta game. Hudson, who seemed the perfect replacement for star quarterback Kelvin Durham (now leading Johnson C. Smith to a CIAA Championship appearance), was electric against Clark Atlanta and the following week against a formidable Delta State team in the first half. But then an injury knocked Hudson out of the remainder of the Delta State game, and it seemed as if the hope for the offense vanished with him. Even after he returned for later contests, he never matched the high level of play he demonstrated in the first half of the season. Fort Valley State’s offense just collapsed The true failure in the Fountain City Classic was the quarterback carousel and its consequences. Donovan Anthony started the game, and the offense was stagnant, failing to move the ball. Albany State’s defense expertly scouted the quarterback scramble and stuffed him multiple times. At one point, the only source of movement for FVSU’s offense was via the referees, as Albany State had committed so many penalties. The offense briefly flickered when Saadiq Teal came into the game at the end of the first quarter and jump-started the unit with two quick passes and a nice quarterback scamper. But early in the second quarter, Teal tweaked his leg after sliding and having an Albany State player fall on him. He ultimately left the game for a prolonged period. When Anthony returned, he immediately threw a pick-six, a play that essentially took the wind out of the Wildcats’ sails and was the precursor to the loss. This kind of atrocious quarterback play is the glaring problem that held the team back from truly being a contender this year. If Watson’s version of the Wildcats had last year’s offense with a steady quarterback like Durham at the helm, they’re likely in championship conversations. They certainly beat Clark Atlanta, Central State, and Delta State, and they likely beat West Alabama and Benedict. Although Albany State would’ve been a tough out, it would’ve been a closer contest than it was today. The point is this: Fort Valley State was a competent offensive attack from being a scary team. So I am excited for the offences’ potential. But what I’ve seen this season, especially this afternoon, was far from what I believe Watson’s offense can look like in the seasons to come. Albany State has the blueprint that Fort Valley State should follow What I saw from Albany State’s offense is exactly why they are headed to the SIAC Championship next week. Isaiah Knowles is, hands down, the best quarterback in the conference. He is cool under pressure; he doesn’t fold when he sees a blitz, and he is masterful at extending plays and scrambling until he finds an open receiver. Quinn Gray, a former FAMU quarterback during the legendary Billy Joe era, has successfully revitalized Albany State’s identity, shifting them from a traditional run-first team with the physical “Dirty Blue” defense to one that employs a heavy, up-tempo Air Raid passing attack. This offensive style simply overwhelmed Fort Valley’s stout defense. While I am impressed with elements of Marlon Watson’s first year, namely the defense and the continued excellence of the special teams, the offense must be radically addressed. Fort Valley can have the best defense in the conference and force turnovers, but if they lack an offense that can put together scoring drives, rest the defense, and put pressure on the opposition, FVSU will not win an SIAC championship, make a Division II playoff run, or even consistently beat Albany State as they close in on overtaking the series record. This loss is incredibly discouraging, as the difference between being a losing team and one that competes for championships rests squarely on building upon the current strengths of the team and finding an offense that can open up the field for the Wildcats.

Randall Barnes 3 hours ago

Politics

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Guardian staff 4 hours ago

Technology

OPINION: Urgent changes needed for Reeves Road Flyover intersection

By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga The recent opening of the Reeves Road Flyover was welcome news for the east Auckland community, who’d been waiting for this project for several decades. It’s had an immediate impact, with travel times in the morning significantly improved, and feedback from drivers indicating shorter and easier journeys to work and school. However, it’s clear the new intersection with Pakuranga Road isn’t working during the evening peak with longer travel times than normal, in some cases negating the gains made in the morning. Last week, I met with the Eastern Busway Alliance (EBA) alongside councillor Maurice Williamson and Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall, to discuss the congestion issues we’ve been observing and raise possible solutions. I’ve also written to the chief executive of Auckland Transport (AT). At that meeting it was agreed something needs to change, and the Alliance have committed to investigating several possible solutions in addition to the work they were already doing to try and improve congestion. The main proposal I know many of you have been asking for is the return of a third eastbound lane that goes straight through the intersection towards Howick, which would improve the efficiency of the intersection. The reason this wasn’t initially included in the design of the intersection was to accommodate both the right-turn lane onto the Flyover from Pakuranga Road, and a future cycle lane along that section of road. This cycle lane removes one lane from Pakuranga Road between Ti Rakau Drive and the Flyover, and I’ve made it clear to the Alliance and AT it isn’t needed or justified, particularly at the expense of a third lane for general traffic. Currently, the right-turn lane must remain while work is done at the old Ti Rakau Drive/Reeves Road intersection, where the turn onto the South Eastern Highway is closed until after Christmas. Once this work is completed, the right-turn lane onto the Flyover from Pakuranga Road should no longer be needed, as traffic from the direction of Panmure can turn onto Ti Rakau Drive and use the turn from there. I’ve also expressed my concern with the general design of the Flyover/Pakuranga Road intersection, which results in a sharp corner for traffic heading towards Howick, forcing vehicles to slow down and further exacerbating congestion. Cancelling the planned cycle lane, and returning a third lane to Pakuranga Road heading towards Howick, should alleviate the congestion issues we’ve been seeing and make the intersection more efficient. I’ll continue to advocate to the EBA and AT for urgent action on these issues and will keep the community informed.

Times Team 5 hours ago

Sports

Painful to Watch: Dale Jr. Reacts to Denny Hamlin’s Crushing NASCAR Title Defeat

Sometimes, even for a guy who’s seen it all in NASCAR, watching a race can be tough. For Dale Earnhardt Jr., seeing his friend Denny Hamlin lose the championship this year wasn’t just disappointing; it was gut-wrenching. On his podcast, Dale Jr. didn’t hold back, admitting that watching Hamlin come so close, only to have it slip away, was “excruciating.”You could feel the weight of that word. It wasn’t just a casual comment from a Hall of Famer. It was a genuine expression of pain for a fellow driver and friend. Dale Jr. has been in those high-pressure moments himself. He knows what it feels like to have a championship within your grasp, to feel the hopes of your team and your fans resting on your shoulders. That shared experience makes his words hit even harder. Dale Jr. on Hamlin’s Best Shot at a Title Denny Hamlin was on fire that day. He had the fastest car, won the pole, and led a staggering 208 laps. It looked like his day, his year, his championship. For 20 full seasons, Hamlin has been chasing that elusive Cup Series title, and this felt different. It felt like destiny.”He never had a better shot at winning the championship,” Dale Jr. said, and he was right. You could see it in Hamlin’s demeanor before the race even started. Dale Jr. mentioned hearing that Hamlin was emotional on the front stretch, a rare sight for a driver known for his calm, composed attitude. That raw emotion showed just how much was at stake. It wasn’t just another race; it was the culmination of a lifetime of work, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit. When you’ve been in the sport that long and accomplished so much, the one thing missing from your trophy case becomes an obsession. A Heartbreaking End to a Dominant Day The final laps were a cruel twist of fate. A late-race caution, triggered by William Byron’s crash, threw everything into chaos. Hamlin, who had been dominating, found himself in a tough spot after a pit stop. While he took fresh tires, the restart shuffle was brutal. Kyle Larson, his rival and friend, capitalized, restarting higher and securing a P3 finish that was enough to seal the deal. Hamlin, after leading for so long, was relegated to a sixth-place finish in the race and, once again, finished the season without the championship. It’s the kind of ending that makes you question everything. For a driver like Hamlin, who pours his heart and soul into every race, it’s a devastating blow. Dale Jr. felt that pain. He knows that in racing, sometimes the best car doesn’t win. Sometimes, luck, timing, and circumstances conspire against you in the most heartbreakingly cruel way. What’s Next for Denny Hamlin? The sting of this loss will linger. When asked about his future, Hamlin was understandably still processing the outcome, saying he would “need some time on this one.” But Denny is a fighter. He’s one of the most resilient and determined drivers in NASCAR. He has a contract, and he plans to be back. That drive is what makes him a perennial contender and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. The focus now shifts to the next season, with the Daytona 500 on the horizon. While he’s never won “The Great American Race” in the Next-Gen car, you can bet he’ll be more motivated than ever to start the new year with a statement victory. Final Thoughts This loss, as painful as it is, might just be the fuel that drives him to come back even stronger. For a driver of his caliber, every setback is just a setup for a comeback, and Dale Jr., like the rest of the NASCAR world, will be watching.

Sarah Talker,Total Apex Sports 6 hours ago

World

Revealed: Gunman fired six shots at British Embassy in Argentina while Prince Philip was inside... two months after ill-tempered World Cup clash

Just two months after England won the 1966 World Cup, dispatching Argentina along the way in an ill-tempered quarter-final, Prince Philip was targeted by gunmen during an official visit to the South American country, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. It had been reported that a shooting took place outside the British Embassy in Buenos Aires during the Duke of Edinburgh’s ‘goodwill’ visit, with gunfire aimed at the building from a passing car. But newly released Foreign Office documents confirm that the duke, then 45, had been inside the embassy when the incident took place – and that diplomats privately believed he was likely to have been the gunmen’s target to make the attack more ‘symbolic’. His visit in late September came at a time when relations between the countries had been seriously strained by a fiery World Cup clash at Wembley, settled by a Geoff Hurst goal. Argentine captain Antonio Rattin was sent off for persistent foul play. He refused to leave the pitch for several minutes, with Argentina threatening to walk off en masse. After the game, England manager Alf Ramsey labelled the Argentinians ‘animals’, sparking fury back in Buenos Aires. Amid a diplomatic rift, the prince’s visit was aimed to ‘contribute outstandingly to Anglo-Argentine relations’. UK officials at the time said the shooting was little more than an ‘impromptu demonstration’, but the files indicate it was likely part of a coordinated nationalist assault linked to Operativo Condor. The nationalist group had that month forced a passenger aircraft to land on the British-owned Falkland Islands and demanded the raising of the Argentine flag, issuing a declaration of sovereignty. While it was known that the duke had arrived at the embassy on the day of the shooting, it was never confirmed he was inside at the time. But newly released dispatches, marked ‘SECRET’ – written by the British ambassador in Buenos Aires and by consular officials in Rosario – stated that the presence of His Royal Highness ‘gave the events a theatrical significance’ that nationalist organisers ‘had undoubtedly intended’. The incident involved six shots fired from a revolver ‘from a car driving rapidly past’, which struck the building and damaged the stone and woodwork. The attack prompted British officials to re-examine the vulnerability of the Falkland Islands. The diplomatic consequences faded within weeks, and negotiations over sovereignty resumed.

Editor,Isaac Crowson 6 hours ago

World

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Kate Lyons 6 hours ago

World

Prince George joins the King, Queen and Princess of Wales at Festival of Remembrance

Prince George has joined the Princess of Wales, King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall in London, marking the beginning of a gradual introduction to more national ceremonies for the young royal. Princess Catherine made her first appearance since former prince Andrew was stripped of his titles at the annual festival held by the British Legion. She was accompanied by her eldest son, instead of her husband Prince William, who was travelling back from COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil. The festival commemorated the end of World War II and had a special emphasis on "the resilience and strength of military children who have faced bereavement". The Princess wore Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Edward and his wife Sophie and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria were also in attendance. The royals sat in the box and watched a performance by Rod Stewart and Sam Ryder. Prince George is second in line to the British throne behind his father. The Prince's appearances were infrequent during his younger years but George has attended several public engagements with his parents this year. In May, he attended his first royal tea party at Buckingham Palace. He also sat in the royal box with his younger sister Charlotte at this year's Wimbledon Men's Finals. His father, Prince William, told Eugene Levy's The Reluctant Traveller show in September there were "lots of things to think about" when considering his son's future as King and a potential working royal. "I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people's lives for the better." Meanwhile, Anne, the Princess Royal, is on a brief tour of Australia, marking Remembrance Day today in Sydney. There has been little detail released of the senior working royal's trip but she is expected to lay wreaths and visit several Australian capital cities.

Georgie Hewson 6 hours ago