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December 28, 2025.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard controls the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)

Kawhi Leonard scores career-best 55 points, ties Clippers’ franchise record

December 28, 2025

With a franchise scoring record there for the taking, Kawhi Leonard elected to take a pass in order to be fresh for another day. Team-oriented to the core, Leonard scored a career-high 55 points to push the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. The Clippers are now on a season-best four-game winning streak and a recent scoring burst from Leonard is the primary reason. Leonard was closing in on the franchise record but decided to keep his fourth-quarter floor time to six minutes and departed with just under a minute remaining. He now shares the team mark for points in a game with teammate James Harden.

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes while pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (94) on the final play of the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Bears’ heartbreaking loss to 49ers costs them chance at top seed in NFC playoffs

December 28, 2025

The Chicago Bears suffer a heartbreaking 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. A last-ditch pass from Caleb Williams to Jahdae Walker falls short, ending their chance for a record seventh late-game comeback. The loss on Sunday night costs them the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Williams moved the Bears 63 yards in just over two minutes, but they couldn’t capitalize from the 2-yard line. The Bears have already clinched the NFC North and can still earn the No. 2 seed. Despite a strong offensive performance, Chicago’s defense struggled, allowing six touchdowns.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) runs toward the end zone to score against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Brock Purdy and the 49ers hang on to beat the Bears 42-38 and have a shot at top NFC seed

December 28, 2025

Brock Purdy threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings with 2:15 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers forced an incomplete pass on the final play from the 2 to beat the Chicago Bears 42-38 and set up a Week 18 showdown for the top seed in the NFC. Caleb Williams drove the Bears down the field in the closing seconds and had one last shot for the win. But Bryce Huff forced him out of the pocket and his throw short-hopped Jahdae Walker in the end zone to seal a sixth straight victory for the 49ers. San Francisco can secure the top seed by beating Seattle on Saturday night.

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FILE - The 7-foot tall "2026" numerals are displayed at an illumination ceremony in Times Square, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray, File)

Out with the old: With 2026 nigh, here’s some wide-ranging intel on managing transitions

December 28, 2025

It’s that time again when we turn the calendar page on one year and meet another. For many Americans, these last weeks of December are a time to take stock, to look at goals accomplished and those still unmet, to think about hopes and plans for the next year. Experts in different fields who deal with transitions and change have some advice – Plan what you can, but accept that some things will be unknown and unexpected. What works for someone else may not be the best way for you. Set goals that you can achieve, and then build on them.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) passes against Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, second from left, and guard Keon Ellis (23), as center Deandre Ayton (5) watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Luka Doncic and LeBron James combine for 68 points, Lakers end skid with 125-101 win over Kings

December 28, 2025

Luka Doncic scored 34, LeBron James had 24 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings. Nick Smith Jr. had 21 off the bench for the Lakers, who had dropped four of six and all by at least 13 points, including a 23-point demolition by Houston on Christmas Day in their previous game. DeMar DeRozan had 22 for the Kings, who have won consecutive games just once this season. Maxime Raynaud finished with 16, as Sacramento had six players in double figures.

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Palestinian youth walk along a tent camp for displaced people as the sun sets in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Trump and Netanyahu are to meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the US-backed Gaza ceasefire

December 28, 2025

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. They aim to boost a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, which faces challenges as it looks to move into a more complicated second phase. Trump hopes to leverage his relationship with Netanyahu to speed up the peace process. The ceasefire began in October and has mostly held, but progress has slowed lately. The second phase involves rebuilding Gaza under international supervision, creating an international security force and normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world.

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FILE - A woman stands in front of the home where a New Year's Eve firework explosion killed and injured people, Jan. 1, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia, File)

Hawaii hopes stricter laws will quiet illegal fireworks after deadly New Year’s Eve blast

December 28, 2025

Hawaii authorities are cracking down on illegal fireworks after a tragic explosion last New Year’s Eve killed six people. Mike Lambert, director of Hawaii’s Department of Law Enforcement, notes a decrease in fireworks in some areas. This year, authorities are enforcing stricter laws and issuing citations to offenders. Nearly a year after the explosion, none of the 12 arrested have been charged. Honolulu police are working with prosecutors on charges. An amnesty event last month collected 500 pounds of illegal fireworks. State Rep. Scot Matayoshi authored bills to impose fines and prison time for offenders. Fireworks remain a cultural tradition, but safety concerns are rising.

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Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen pauses during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Josh Allen blames himself for failed 2-point conversion in final seconds of Bills’ loss to Eagles

December 28, 2025

Josh Allen is taking the blame for coming up short in the clutch. The Bills quarterback says it was on him for sailing a 2-point conversion pass wide of open receiver Khalil Shakir in the back of the end zone with 5 seconds left in a 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen wasn’t in the mood for excuses. He dismissed questions about whether he was hurt after paying a visit to the X-ray room following the game. And he said the sore right foot that limited him in practice this week wasn’t a factor.

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Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen (17) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Eagles hang on to beat Bills 13-12 when Josh Allen misses an open Khalil Shakir on 2-point try

December 28, 2025

Josh Allen sailed a 2-point conversion attempt wide of open receiver Khalil Shakir in the back of the end zone with 5 seconds remaining, and the Philadelphia Eagles hung on for a 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills. Dallas Goedert caught a 1-yard touchdown pass, Jake Elliott hit field goals of 28 and 47 yards, and the Super Bowl champion Eagles barely avoided squandering a 13-0 fourth-quarter lead. Linebacker Jalyx Hunt had two of Philadelphia’s four sacks. Allen scored on a tush push on fourth-and-goal to pull the Bills within one point with 5 seconds remaining. Buffalo went for 2 and the win but Allen couldn’t connect with Shakir.

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams get into a scrum during the third quarter before both were ejected during an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

NBA suspends Alvarado and Williams for fight during Pelicans-Suns game

December 28, 2025

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has been suspended two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams has been suspended one game for their roles in a fight during the third quarter of Saturday night’s game. The NBA announced the suspensions, that come without pay, on Sunday. Alvarado will miss Monday night’s home game against the New York Knicks and Wednesday night’s game at the Chicago Bulls. Williams will miss Monday night’s game at the Washington Wizards. Both players were ejected following the incident.

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New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) reacts to a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raiders in position for top draft pick after 34-10 loss to Giants

December 28, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders are in position to snag the top pick in next year’s draft after losing 34-10 to the New York Giants. The Giants snapped a nine-game losing streak on Sunday. Interim coach Mike Kafka won his first game after losing his first five. Las Vegas will secure the top pick with a loss to the Chiefs. Jaxson Dart, drafted 25th overall, showed his dual-threat ability by passing for 207 yards and rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith passed for 176 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before leaving with an injured ankle.

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Patriots’ Drake Maye makes another strong case for MVP with a dominant performance in win over Jets

December 28, 2025

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is making a strong case for MVP honors this season. He threw five touchdown passes in less than three quarters on Sunday, leading the Patriots to a 42-10 victory over the New York Jets. The win helped the Patriots win the AFC East title for the first time since 2019. Maye has already reached 4,203 yards passing this season, joining Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe in New England’s record books. Fans and teammates alike are backing Maye for MVP as he continues to lead the team with impressive performances.

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Midair helicopter crash in New Jersey leaves 1 dead and another critically injured

December 28, 2025

Officials say two helicopters have crashed midair in southern New Jersey on Sunday, killing one person and leaving another critically injured. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said rescuers responded to a report of an aviation crash at about 11:25 a.m. on Sunday. Video from the scene shows a helicopter spinning rapidly to the ground. Police and fire crews subsequently extinguished flames that engulfed one of the helicopters. One person was killed and another was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Friel said the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws under pressure from Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Philip Rivers is happy he got 3 ‘bonus games’ even if he’s made his last start for the Colts

December 28, 2025

Philip Rivers knows he may have made the last start of his improbable comeback. Rivers ended a five-year retirement to rejoin the quarterback-needy Indianapolis Colts at age 44. But he couldn’t stop the Colts’ losing streak. Although he gave the Colts a chance to win two out of his three games, he went 0-3 as a starter. With one meaningless game left, the Colts may turn to Anthony Richardson or rookie Riley Leonard as the starter. Rivers says even if he had known the outcome, he’d do it again. He says it was “an absolute blast” to play what he called “three more bonus games.”

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Attorney General Pam Bondi, third from right, Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, left, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, ATF Special Agent in Charge of Washington Anthony Spotswood, FBI Director Kash Patel, and FBI deputy director Dan Bongino speak during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were ‘in charge,’ memo says

December 28, 2025

The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen. He also said he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge.” That’s according to a memo filed by the Justice Department on Sunday that argues that Brian J. Cole Jr. should remain jailed as the case moves forward. Cole was arrested earlier this month on charges of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees.

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UConn forward Sarah Strong (21) goes up for a layup during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Butler in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Strong, Fudd help No. 1 UConn beat Butler 94-47 for 29th straight win

December 28, 2025

Sarah Strong scored 15 points, Azzi Fudd added 13 and No. 1 UConn extended its winning streak to 29 games with a 94-47 victory over Butler. UConn (13-0, 4-0 Big East Conference), the defending national champion, is unbeaten since an 80-76 loss at then-No. 19 Tennessee on Feb. 6, and has won 51 straight against Big East opponents. The Huskies are off to their best start since 2017-18, when they won their first 36 games before a 91-89 overtime loss to Notre Dame in the national championship game. Strong finished with seven assists, six rebounds and three steals. Caroline Dotsey and Addison Baxter scored 10 points apiece for Butler (7-7, 1-3).

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LSU forward Kate Koval (13) shoots a layup against Alabama State forward Kaia Ponder, center right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Kate Koval scores 23 as LSU dominates Alabama State 109-41

December 28, 2025

Kate Koval scored a season-high 23 points and collected 11 rebounds to spark No. 5 LSU to a 109-41 victory over Alabama State  on Sunday in the nonconference finale for both teams. The Tigers finished their nonconference schedule unbeaten for the third time in LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s five seasons. In addition to Koval’s fifth double-double of the season, Amiya Joyner had 19 points, ZaKiyah Johnson 17, Bella Hines 13 and MiKaylah Williams 11. Alabama State was led by Alanah Pooler, who had eight points and six rebounds.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, center, runs against Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Tampa Bay’s playoff chances are growing slimmer, but still alive despite fourth straight loss

December 28, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David delivered a speech to his teammates in the locker room following Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Baker Mayfield wanted to keep the contents of that message in-house, but the quarterback of the reeling Buccaneers indicated that the veteran’s words were clear that the team still has a chance to clinch the division. The Buccaneers would still clinch their fifth consecutive division title and a playoff berth if they beat Carolina (8-8) in next week’s regular-season finale to force a two-way tie.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tyler Shough rallies the Saints with a big second half to beat the Titans 34-26

December 28, 2025

Tyler Shough threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Austin Jr. with 6:22 left to put New Orleans Saints ahead to stay as they rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat the Tennessee Titans 34-26 Sunday. Shough improved to 5-3 as a starter helping the Saints win their fourth straight. He outplayed Cam Ward in this NFL’s third game between starting rookie quarterbacks this season. Shough was 22 of 27 for a career-best 333 yards and two touchdowns with a 142.7 passer rating. Ward threw for 251 yards and two TDs. The Titans now go into the 2026 season trying to string together consecutive wins.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence scores past Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore (95) and safety Camryn Bynum (0) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Trevor Lawrence runs for 2 scores as Jaguars close in on AFC South title with 23-17 win over Colts

December 28, 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars have moved within one victory of their first AFC South title since 2022. Trevor Lawrence ran for two scores, Cam Little kicked a tiebreaking 42-yard field goal with 6:58 left, and the Jaguars beat the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 on Sunday. The Jags won their seventh straight game one day after two-time defending division champ Houston beat the Los Angeles Chargers to remain in contention for the title. Jacksonville’s Liam Coen became the first coach in NFL history to take over a four-win team and win 12 games the next season. The Colts’ 44-year-old quarterback, Philip Rivers, fell to 0-3 since he ended a five-year retirement.

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Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson (4) drives to the basket against Winthrop guard Isaiah Wilson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)

Anderson scores 29 points as No. 15 Texas Tech wins 46th straight non-conference home game

December 28, 2025

Christian Anderson scored 25 of his 29 points by halftime as 15th-ranked Texas Tech stretched its non-conference home winning streak to 46 games with an 87-57 win over Winthrop. Jaylen Petty had 20 points for the 10-3 Red Raiders, and preseason JT Toppin had 14 points with 11 rebounds Sunday for his seventh double-double this season. Donovan Atwell added 14 points with four 3-pointers. Kareem Rozier and Logan Duncomb each had 11 points for 8-7 Winthrop. Anderson had 25 points by halftime, when he alone had outscored Winthrop with Tech up 59-21.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet celebrates after scoring against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Seahawks close in on NFC’s top seed with 27-10 win over Panthers

December 28, 2025

The Seattle Seahawks have beaten the Carolina Panthers 27-10 to close in on the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Zach Charbonnet ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and the Seahawks turned two third-quarter Carolina turnovers into TDs. The Seahawks have won six straight. They can wrap up the NFC West title and the top seed if the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams both lose or tie. The Panthers had a chance to win the NFC South, but now they’ll need to win at Tampa Bay next weekend to win their first division title since 2015 and snap a seven-year playoff drought.

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Ohio State guard Jaloni Cambridge, bottom, grabs the ball against UCLA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker, top, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

No. 4 UCLA extends its winning streak to 6 games with an 82-75 win over No. 19 Ohio State

December 28, 2025

Lauren Betts had 18 points and 16 rebounds as No. 4 UCLA extended its winning streak to six games with an 82-75 win over No. 19 Ohio State. Kiki Rice added 16 points and Angela Dugalic scored 15 as UCLA (12-1, 2-0 Big Ten) beat the Buckeyes for the fourth straight time, dating to December 2023. Jaloni Cambridge led all scorers with 28 points, and Elsa Lemmila added 13 points and seven rebounds for Ohio State (11-2, 1-1) which had its nine-game winning streak halted in its conference home opener.

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Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. reacts after catching a touchdown pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Browns prevent Steelers from clinching AFC North with 13-6 win over Pittsburgh

December 28, 2025

Shedeur Sanders threw for 186 yards and a touchdown, Cleveland’s defense kept Pittsburgh out of the end zone and the Browns held on for a 13-6 victory, preventing the Steelers from clinching the AFC North. Pittsburgh came into the weekend needing either a win or loss by Baltimore for its first division title since 2020. Instead, the Steelers will host the Ravens to close the regular season the winner getting the division and the AFC’s fourth seed in the playoffs.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Ewers throws 2 TDs as Dolphins beat Bucs 20-17 to force pivotal Week 18 NFC South matchup

December 28, 2025

Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63-yard toss on his first career score — and the Miami Dolphins beat the slumping Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 on Sunday. The Bucs (7-9) entered the day one game behind the Carolina Panthers (8-7) in the NFC South. With the Panthers’ 27-10 loss to Seattle on Sunday, the Buccaneers would still clinch their fifth consecutive division title and sixth straight playoff berth by beating Carolina in next week’s regular-season finale. Baker Mayfield completed 33 of 44 passes for 346 yards with two interceptions.

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Texas center Kyla Oldacre (00) goes up to score against Southeastern Louisiana during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

Kyla Oldacre and Madison Booker lead No. 2 Texas over Southeastern Louisiana 120-38

December 28, 2025

Senior Kyla Oldacre scored a career-high 22 points and Madison Booker added 20 to help No. 2 Texas finish its non-conference schedule undefeated with a 120-38 victory over Southeastern Louisiana. Texas (15-0) has won 34 straight home games. First-half scoring bursts of 26-0 and 21-0 secured the victory early. The Longhorns scored 68 points in the paint against an opponent that used no player taller than six feet in its rotation. The 6-6 Oldacre hit 9 of 10 shots from the field and 4 of 5 free throws in 19 minutes off the bench.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Ja’Marr Chase has two TD catches as Bengals breeze past Cardinals 37-14

December 28, 2025

Ja’Marr Chase caught two touchdown passes from Joe Burrow, who threw for 305 yards as the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Arizona Cardinals 37-14. Chase finished with seven catches for 60 yards and became the first player in NFL history with at least 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and seven TD catches in each of his first five seasons. Burrow passed for 300 yards or more for the 28th time, tying Andy Dalton for the most in franchise history. Arizona’s Trey McBride had 10 catches, giving him 119 this season to break the NFL single-season record for a tight end, topping Zach Ertz’s 116 in 2018.

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New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, left, celebrates after a touchdown against the New York Jets with teammate Drake Maye (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Maye has career-high 5 TDs passes in Patriots’ 42-10 rout of Jets. Now they wait on AFC East title

December 28, 2025

Drake Maye threw a career-high five touchdown passes as the New England Patriots dominated the New York Jets 42-10. The Patriots finished the regular season undefeated on the road, moving closer to winning the AFC East title. Maye completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards before being replaced in the third quarter. The Patriots scored touchdowns on their first six drives, while the Jets struggle with their fourth consecutive loss. New England finished 8-0 away from home, marking the third time in franchise history with no regular-season road losses.

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Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis, top, and Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde, bottom, fight during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Rhona Wise)

NHL fines Lundell and Sabourin for actions in penalty-heavy Panthers-Lightning game

December 28, 2025

The NHL has fined Florida’s Anton Lundell and Tampa Bay’s Scott Sabourin for their actions during Saturday night’s game between the Panthers and Lightning. Lundell was fined $5,000 for high-sticking Tampa Bay forward Jake Guentzel, while Sabourin was fined $2,018.23 for slashing Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola. These fines are the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The teams combined for 45 penalties, the highest total since 2011. Tampa Bay’s 26 penalties set a franchise record. The game had 136 penalty minutes, the second-most in the NHL this season. Tampa Bay won 4-2.

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South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) passes against Providence guard Orlagh Gormley during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbia, S.C., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Tessa Johnson and Madina Okot score 18 points each as No. 3 South Carolina beats Providence 96-55

December 28, 2025

Tessa Johnson and Madina Okot each scored 18 points to lead third-ranked South Carolina over Providence 96-55, but the Gamecocks also lost guard Ta’Niya Latson to injury. Latson, South Carolina’s second-leading scorer who led the country in points per game last season, left in the second quarter after injuring her left foot at Colonial Life Arena. She was helped off the court with no weight on the foot. Coach Dawn Staley had no immediate update after the game. The Gamecocks (13-1) out-scored the Friars (8-6) on a day where their defense wasn’t great but they had more than enough points to win.

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FILE - Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham looks at the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game, against BYU, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey, File)

Kyle Whittingham confident his style will be a familiar fit as Michigan’s next football coach

December 28, 2025

Kyle Whittingham was barely two weeks into retirement after 21 years at Utah when he found an offer he couldn’t turn down. Whittingham is the new head coach at Michigan. It’s a proud program in disarray after the firing of Sherrone Moore for an extramarital relationship with a staffer. Michigan also was punished for a sign-stealing scandal. Whittingham says that didn’t deter him from what he calls one of the best jobs in the country. He says the players are solid and the issues will work themselves out. Whittingham says he brings a style of play familiar to Michigan.

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‘Avatar’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ propel strong ticket sales to wrap a turbulent 2025 for Hollywood

December 28, 2025

Hollywood has wrapped up a turbulent 2025 with big ticket sales for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Marty Supreme.” As expected, James Cameron’s latest trip to Pandora dominated ticket sales over a busy holiday weekend in theaters. It collected an estimated $88 million over the four-day Christmas-to-Sunday period. But much of the heat in theaters over the holiday weekend belonged to “Marty Supreme.” Josh Safdie’s 1950s-set table tennis drama collected $27.1 million over the four-day weekend. It’s a smash success for the indie studio. Hollywood is ending a rough year with its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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FILE - Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) scuffles with Carolina Hurricanes players during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Matthew Tkachuk practices with Panthers for 1st time this season, indicating game return is near

December 28, 2025

Matthew Tkachuk is back on the ice with the Florida Panthers, appearing at practice on Sunday for the first time this season. He had surgery more than four months ago to repair a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle. Tkachuk has not played since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, when the Panthers clinched their second consecutive title. He wore a yellow non-contact jersey, indicating he’s not yet ready for game action. The Panthers play Washington on Monday and Montreal on Tuesday. Tkachuk has said he aims to return for the NHL Winter Classic on Friday and hopes to play in the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) shoots as Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (19) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Blue Jackets’ All-Star defenseman Zach Werenski placed on injured reserve

December 28, 2025

The Blue Jackets have placed All-Star defenseman Zach Werenski on injured reserve. Werenski, who ranks second among defensemen in goals and points, is considered day-to-day after suffering a lower body injury during the December 20 game against the Anaheim Ducks. He also ranks second in ice time, averaging nearly 27 minutes per game. The team activated forward Mathieu Olivier off injured reserve on Sunday. Olivier missed 13 games with an upper body injury sustained in a game against Washington on November 24. He has three goals and nine points in 23 games this season.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan active for Seahawks game despite being added to injury report

December 28, 2025

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is active and expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks despite being added to the injury report with an illness. McMillan leads the Panthers with 65 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He was the No. 8 overall pick from Arizona. The Panthers can wrap up the NFC South today with a win over Seattle and a Tampa Bay loss or tie against Miami.

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FILE - Tampa Bay Rays' Pete Fairbanks during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Marlins finalize $13 million, 1-year deal with reliever Pete Fairbanks

December 28, 2025

The Miami Marlins have finalized a $13 milllion, one-year deal with right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks. The 32-year-old Fairbanks made a career-high 61 appearances with Tampa Bay last season, going 4-5 with a 2.83 ERA. He set a career high with 27 saves in 32 opportunities, while giving up seven home runs and 45 hits in 60 1/3 innings. Fairbanks also finished last season ranked third among American League relievers in games finished (48) and seventh in saves. The Rays declined an $11 million option on Fairbanks last month, allowing their closer to become a free agent. Fairbanks got a $1 million buyout.

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FILE - French actress Brigitte Bardot poses for photographers on a lawn in the garden of the Excelsior Hotel on the Lido of Venice, Italy, Sept. 2, 1958. (AP Photo/Walter Attenni, File)

A muse for musicians: 11 songs inspired by Brigitte Bardot

December 28, 2025

The 1960s French sex symbol, actor, singer and animal welfare activist Brigitte Bardot has died. She was 91. With the alliterative cadence of her name and synonymity with a kind of classic beauty, Bardot was also a muse to many, particularly musicians. In songs, Bardot is often not Bardot the woman, but a symbol for desire. She appears in songs across language and genre. A small selection includes Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Caetano Veloso, Elton John, The Pretenders, Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith, Liz Phair, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and even her own song with Serge Gainsbourg.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Rams Pro Bowler Stafford heads into Monday night game against the Falcons as the top passer in NFL

December 28, 2025

Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford is leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns as the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams prepare to play the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Falcons coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson have much praise for Stafford, the former University of Georgia star. Robinson says Falcons second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. drew comparisons to Stafford when the Falcons made Penix a first-round pick in 2024. Penix is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, leaving veteran Kirk Cousins to start against the Rams. The starting role is reserved for Penix in 2026.

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Andrew and Caitlin Nissen Help Readers Find Their People

December 28, 2025

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky Reading is usually a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Book lovers Caitlin and Andrew Nissen invite you to drop by Monarch Books and Boutique, make some friends and maybe pick up a new book or two.  Andy is a welder by trade and Caitlin runs her […]

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FILE - This photo provided by NASA shows the Moon's shadow covering portions of Canada and the U.S. during a total solar eclipse as seen from the International Space Station on Monday, Aug. 8, 2024. (NASA via AP, File)

The moon and sun figure big in the new year’s lineup of cosmic wonders

December 28, 2025

The moon and sun share top billing in 2026. Kicking off the year’s cosmic wonders is the moon, drawing the first astronauts to visit in more than 50 years. A caravan of robotic lunar landers also will be launched, including Jeff Bezos’ new supersized Blue Moon. The sun will generate buzz, too, with a ring-of-fire eclipse at the bottom of the world in February and a total solar eclipse at the top of the world in August. Each of those will be followed closely by lunar eclipses. The stargazing fun begins with a supermoon on Jan. 3.

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FILE - A subway rider swipes his MetroCard in a turnstile as he enters the 34th St. subway station, July 23, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

New York subway ends its MetroCard era and switches fully to tap-and-go fares

December 28, 2025

The New York City transit system is retiring the MetroCard after more than 30 years. The gold-and-blue swipeable card was introduced in 1994 to replace the subway token, which had been used for half a century. The last sales and refills on MetroCards will be Dec. 31, though existing cards will still work for some time into 2026. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is fully transitioning to OMNY, a contactless payment system rolled out in 2019. The system allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay their fare, much in the same way they do for other purchases.

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In Memoriam

Elanor Louise Lyke | 12/28/2025

December 28, 2025

View The Obituary For Elanor Louise Lyke. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Elanor Louise Lyke on this permanent online memorial presented by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

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Houston quarterback Conner Weigman (1) wears a cowboy hat as part of his MVP trophy after the Kinder's Texas Bowl NCAA football game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)

Weigman throws 4 touchdown passes as Houston beats LSU 38-35 in Texas Bowl

December 28, 2025

Conner Weigman threw for 236 yards and four touchdowns as Houston rallied from an early 14-point deficit for a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl. It was the final game for LSU before new coach Lane Kiffin takes over on the sideline next year. Kiffin was hired Nov. 30, leaving a playoff-bound Ole Miss team, but interim coach Frank Wilson III remained in charge on the field for the Tigers’ bowl game. LSU finished 2-3 under Wilson after Brian Kelly was fired during the season. Weigman completed 27 of 36 passes and rushed for 56 yards. Ethan Sanchez made a 25-yard field goal to give the Cougars a 31-28 lead with 7:42 remaining.

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