Wembanyama returns to starting lineup for Spurs against Jazz but Fox out with hip injury

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will return to the starting lineup Saturday night against the Utah Jazz, but point guard De'Aaron Fox will miss the game after experiencing tightness in his left adductor.

Wembanyama has come off the bench in seven straight games since returning from a strained left calf that kept him out for 12 games. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson opted to bring Wembanyama off the bench due to a minutes restriction as the 7-foot-4 star worked to regain his strength and conditioning.

Fox was downgraded to questionable on Friday afternoon and ruled out Saturday.

Fox missed the first eight games of the season after straining his right hamstring during the offseason. He is averaging 21.9 points, 6.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 22 games this season for surging San Antonio.

The Spurs have won eight straight, including three straight victories over Oklahoma City in a two-week span.

Julian Champagnie will make his 18th start of the season with Fox out.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA

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December 27, 2025

Wembanyama returns to starting lineup for Spurs against Jazz but Fox out with hip injury

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will return to the starting lineup Saturday night against t...

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Terry Smith emotional after Penn State Pinstripe Bowl win: 'Greatest moment in my life'

Penn State football's2025 season ended on a high note with awin over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It's a win for theNittany Lionsthat closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game,interim coach Terry Smithgot emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN's Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

"I love this group. They're just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life," Smith told McGregor. "It's just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn't going to do that (cry) again, but I'm just so happy for our guys."

He added: "I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I'm just thankful and grateful."

Look at what Penn State and a bowl game win means for interim head coach Terry Smith 🥹pic.twitter.com/35zdhXucNY

— ESPN (@espn)December 27, 2025

REQUIRED READING:Penn State vs Clemson score, highlights: Nittany Lions win Pinstripe Bowl

Saturday's win overClemsoncloses out Smith's run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith's name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

"We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can't be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out," Smith said. "What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn't have to play. They didn't have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

"They played really, really hard. It's just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that."

Chants of "Terry" take over Yankee Stadium as Terry Smith and Penn State are presented the Pinstripe Bowl trophy.#WeAre#PennStatepic.twitter.com/KsO2tzmMiS

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues)December 27, 2025

Smith,a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin's staffsince 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions' win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Terry Smith emotional postgame interview after Pinstripe Bowl win

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December 27, 2025

Terry Smith emotional after Penn State Pinstripe Bowl win: 'Greatest moment in my life'

Penn State football's2025 season ended on a high note with awin over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. It's...

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Osimhen steers Nigeria into Africa Cup knockout stage, Senegal made to wait

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Victor Osimhen scored a rare Africa Cup of Nations goal and Nigeria booked its place in the knockout stage with an ultimately nervy 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles almost squandered a three-goal lead as Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back in the 74th minute and Ali Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th.

Osimhen missed two good chances with headers early on as the Nigeria made a good start, but he finally made one count before the break with a header to Ademola Lookman's cross.

It was just Osimhen's second Africa Cup goal in his career.

Nigeria was cruising after the break when Lookman set up Wilfred Ndidi for the second goal, then Osimhen set up Lookman in the 67th.

The Carthage Eagles somehow found a way back and threatened an unlikely comeback after Bright Osayi-Samuel was penalized for handball after a VAR check. Talbi scored the penalty and fans in the Complexe Sportif de Fès set off flares in delight.

Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi headed just wide in stoppage time and the Nigeria players ultimately showed enough experience to see out the win.

Nigeria is assured of its place in the last 16 with a maximum six points in Group C, three ahead of Tunisia while Tanzania and Uganda have a point each.

The top two progress automatically to the last 16, along with the best third-place finishers.

East Africa derby

Uganda and Tanzania – two of the three co-hosts of the next tournament with Kenya – drew 1-1 in a frenetic early Group C game, a result that did little for either after opening losses.

Uganda's Allan Okello missed the chance to win the game when he struck a penalty well over in stoppage time, after a rain deluge had drenched the players and sent fans scampering for cover.

Tanzania's Simon Msuva put the Taifa Stars ahead with a penalty early in the second half, then Uche Ikpeazu equalized with a diving header late, just three minutes after going on as a substitute. That goal prompted the heavens to open, adding to the chaos of the final minutes as both sides pushed for a win to boost their hopes of progress.

Senegal's new star

The 17-year-old French-born Ibrahim Mbaye rejuvenated his team and provided the impetus for Sadio Mané to score in a 1-1 draw with Congo.

Senegal dominated possession and chances with Nicolas Jackson and Mané again missing good opportunities, as they did in theopening win against Botswana.

Cédric Bakambu pounced on the rebound to open the scoring for Congo in the 61st after Édouard Mendy had saved Théo Bongonda's initial shot.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw reacted by sending on Mbaye and the 17-year-old made an immediate impact, though not before Bongonda could have made it 2-0 on a break.

Mbaye ran at the Congolese defenders and had an effort saved by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, with Mané tucking away the rebound to level in the 69th.

"We are not completely unhappy as the AFCON is always tough," Mané said. "It was a tough match and in this competition you cannot underrate any team."

Mbaye was left free when Congo defender Arthur Masuaku pulled up with what looked like an Achilles injury. Masuaku was unable to continue, but Mbaye, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, could get more opportunities to shine against Benin in Senegal's final group game.

Earlier, Yohan Roche's first-half strike was enough for Benin to beat Botswana 1-0 for its first ever Africa Cup win.

"It is a source of immense pride," Roche said. "We were aware of the people's expectations, and we managed to stay focused."

After two games, Senegal leads Group D with four points, ahead of Congo on goal difference, with Benin third on three, followed by Botswana with none.

AP at the Africa Cup:https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations

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December 27, 2025

Osimhen steers Nigeria into Africa Cup knockout stage, Senegal made to wait

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Victor Osimhen scored a rare Africa Cup of Nations goal and Nigeria booked its place in the knockou...

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David Bowie Agreed to Bing Crosby Duet Because His Mom Loved the American Singer, but 1 Problem Almost Derailed the Deal

Screen Archives/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• David Bowie almost walked away from his famous and unlikely duet with Bing Crosby

• The rock singer agreed to the duet because his mom loved Crosby

• For Bowie to agree, the writers of the Merrie Olde Christmas special had to make tweaks to the song

The now-iconic duet betweenBing CrosbyandDavid Bowiealmost didn't happen. Filmed for Crosby's 1977 holiday special,Merrie Olde Christmas,there was one big reason that Bowie almost walked away.

Despite the fact that his mother loved Crosby, Bowie had an objection to the original song they pitched him, according toPBS.

TV Times via Getty

"We had decided that we wanted them to do a duet of a 'Little Drummer Boy,' and when we told Bowie about the number, he said, 'I won't sing that song.' We said, 'Why?' and he said, 'I hate that song,'" Larry Grossman, writer forMerrie Olde Christmas,recalled.

"He said, 'If I have to sing that song, I can't do the show,'" the writer added.

Grossman recalled Bowie saying that he was only "doing the show because my mother loves Bing Crosby."

So, they had to change the original plan for the 1977 PBS Christmas special, making the duet a mash-up with "Peace on Earth."

"We decided the best way to salvage the arrangement was to do a counter melody that would fit in between the spaces and maybe write a new bridge and see if we can sell him that," Buz Kohan, co-writer ofMerrie Olde Christmasalongside Grossman, explained.

"Within an hour, we had it written, and we were able to present it to him again," Kohan said. "Bing loved the challenge, and he was able to transform himself without losing any of the 'Crosby-isms' — that relaxed feeling and the atmosphere that he would always create whenever he was on camera."

While the Christmas special was taped in September 1977, Crosby died of a heart attack just five weeks later at the age of 74. The hour-long program aired posthumously at the end of November in the United States and on Christmas Eve in England.

The song "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" was eventually released as a single by RCA Records in November 1982, and it peaked at No. 3 on the United Kingdom Singles chart, making it Crosby's final popular hit. The song was also a success for Bowie, with a total estimated sales of over 400,000 in the UK alone.

In addition to Bowie,Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmasfeatured performances and appearances by Twiggy, Ron Moody, Stanley Baxter, the Trinity Boys Choir, and members of the Crosby family.

Read the original article onPeople

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December 27, 2025

David Bowie Agreed to Bing Crosby Duet Because His Mom Loved the American Singer, but 1 Problem Almost Derailed the Deal

Screen Archives/Getty NEED TO KNOW David Bowie almost walked away from his famous and unlikely duet with Bing Crosby The rock singer agre...

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Harry Styles drops surprise video, fans say 2026 comeback is upon us

Harry Stylesfans are gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback in 2026 after the pop star made a slight return to the public eye on Saturday, Dec. 27.

The "As It Was" singer's YouTube channel posted an over eight-minute video chronicling the last show of his "Love On Tour" at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on July 22, 2023. The video shows fans getting ready outside, preparing for their idol's last show of the over tour that commenced in September 2021 and spanned more than 170 dates.

"(There's) some sadness because it is the last show, then he will disappear," one fan says in Italian.

The video later shows the British musician playing a piano ballad cover of the song "Forever, Forever," which the video is also titled. Fans are seen emotionally stunned and in awe as they watch Styles sing in a dazzling tassel sequin vest.

Styles has not released music since the May 2022 release of funky synth-pop project "Harry's House," which took home the coveted album of the year Grammy in 2023. Following his win, he completed a historic 15-show run at Madison Square Garden and pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as "Don't Worry Darling" and "My Policeman."

He has maintained a low profile following the tragic death of his friend and fellowOne DirectionbandmateLiam Payneat age 31 on Oct. 16, 2024. In arare social media post, Styles remembered his "lovely friend" as someone who loved "making other people happy."

He has, however, been spotted on the run this year, including at theBerlin Marathonin September and theTokyo Marathonin March.

Is Harry Styles releasing new music in 2026? What fans think

Though the Dec. 27 "Forever, Forever" video had no direct tease of new music, Styles fans, many of whom call themselves "Harries," are already committing to the bit that 2026 will be their year.

Three years have separated his last two albums, "Fine Line" and "Harry's House," leading many to believe it's time to start the countdown.

USA TODAY has reached out to Styles' reps for comment.

Here's what some fans are saying.

harry styles is back which means my insufferable fangirl side is more back THAN EVERpic.twitter.com/F32YcoGHrR

— ana ⭐ (@perfctcharms)December 27, 2025

i fear a lot of people in my life rn haven't known me at a time in history when harry styles has been active and they're about to meet an entirely different side of me

— maria ౨ৎ (@scardofmyguitar)December 27, 2025

me announcing to everyone and my friends that harry styles is coming backpic.twitter.com/qVB6beqptL

— mi'asia ☁️✨ (@glowinasia)December 27, 2025

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️pic.twitter.com/RphWoaNkbe

— 🪭 (@bratrryy)December 27, 2025

Harry styles watching people tweet about his next album when he was just feeling sentimental around the holidayspic.twitter.com/HhgsVhxPuw

— grace ❤️‍🔥 (@bythepocketful)December 27, 2025

HARRY STYLES NOTIFICATION IN THE YEAR 2025pic.twitter.com/dTw4Mi5J0J

— delicate pov (@moonantidote)December 27, 2025

THE MAIN POP PRINCESS IS COMING BACK. EVERYONE SHOULD BE SCAREDpic.twitter.com/Gsqgfc62g5

— 🧁 (@suestylesism)December 27, 2025

Me crying because my close personal friend harry styles finally posted something and ended the droughtpic.twitter.com/Oc1EwIFXdN

— Mel 🎄 (@mcnuggetmel)December 27, 2025

Styles has yet to promote the new video on his other social media platforms.

His most recentInstagram postdates back to Oct. 17, 2024, and his previousX postwas on Dec 11, 2022. His latestTikTok videowas posted on July 24, 2024, two days after his Reggio Emilia concert.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Harry Styles drops surprise 'Forever, Forever' video. Fans lose it

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December 27, 2025

Harry Styles drops surprise video, fans say 2026 comeback is upon us

Harry Stylesfans are gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback in 2026 after the pop star made a slight return to the ...

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Why “SNL” isn't new tonight and when it will be back with new episodes

Will Heath/NBC via Getty

The lights are off at Studio 8H whileSaturday Night Liveis on winter hiatus.

As the cast and crew enjoys some time off for the holidays, fans can catch up on season 51 as the legendary NBC sketch show airs repeats of earlier episodes before returning in the new year.

The network previously announced that tonight's show will be a repeat ofSabrina Carpenter's Oct. 18 episodein which the "Manchild" songstress did double duty as host and musical guest. Then, the first Saturday of January will be a rerun of theNov. 1 episode hosted by Miles Tellerwith musical guest Brandi Carlile. Jan. 10 will also be a repeat.

Mike Coppola/Getty

The first new episode of 2026 takes place on Saturday, Jan. 17, withStranger ThingsstarFinn Wolfhard— who also appeared in Jason Reitman'sSNLbiopicSaturday Night— making his hosting debut joined byA$AP Rockydoing musical duties.

SNLclosed out 2025 with a bang on Dec. 20 in an episode fronted byWicked: For GoodstarAriana Grandeand musical guestCher, who returned to perform song duties for the first time since herSNLdebut in 1987.

The episode also turned out to be the final appearance ofBowen Yangin the middle of his seventh season on the cast. The comedian made atear-filled goodbye, embraced by his close friend andWickedcostar Grande and Cher, whom he's often called hisSNLdream guest.

Saturday Night Live/YouTube

December also featured new episodes fronted byWake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mysterystar Josh O'Connor with musical guest Lily Allen, and fan-favorite Melissa McCarthy hosting for her sixth time joined by musical guest Dijon.

Season 51 kicked off on Oct. 4 withhost Bad Bunnyand musical guest Doja Cat. It also saw the addition offive new featured players— Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska — following the exits of cast members Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker.

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

Other episodes this season have been fronted bySNLalum Amy Poehler joined by musical guest Role Model, plus cameos from formerSNLcostars Tina Fey and Seth Meyers; comedian Nikki Glaser with singer Sombr; andThe Running Manstar Glen Powell with songstress Olivia Dean.

Will Heath/NBC

After the sketch showreturns with new episodes in January,it is expected to go on another break while NBC airs the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics from Friday, Feb. 6, to Sunday, Feb. 22.

Saturday Night Liveairs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

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December 27, 2025

Why “SNL” isn't new tonight and when it will be back with new episodes

Will Heath/NBC via Getty The lights are off at Studio 8H whileSaturday Night Liveis on winter hiatus. As the cast and crew enjoys some ti...

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Former ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway child actress killed in New Jersey stabbing

Imani Smith,who once playeda young Nala in Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway, died on Sunday after she was found with stab wounds at a home, according to the Middlesex County, New Jersey, Prosecutor's Office.

She "had her whole life ahead of her," a GoFundMe account set up by Smith's aunt, Kira Helper, said. "She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person."

On December 21, just after 9:15 a.m., authorities in Edison, New Jersey, received a 911 call about a stabbing,accordingto a release.

"Upon their arrival to a residence on Grove Avenue, they discovered Imani Smith, 26, of Edison with stab wounds," the release said. Smith was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she wasdeclareddead.

Officials have arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, of Edison, in connection with Smith's death. Authorities said the two knew each other before the incident anddescribed itas "not a random act of violence."

Smith's father, Rawni Helper, said in a phone call with CNN Saturday that Jackson-Small is the father of Smith's 3-year-old son.

Jackson-Small is facingseveral charges,authorities said, including first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Centeraccordingto jail records.

CNN has reached out to his attorney at the Middlesex County public defenders office for comment

Smith worked from 2011 to 2012 for Disney's "The Lion King," Broadway'sthird-longest running show,accordingto Playbill.

The former child actress is survived by her son, "her parents, her two younger siblings, and an extended family, friends, and community who loved her so very much," the GoFundMe said.

"A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney's Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world," the post, which has raised more than $70,000, said.

CNN's Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.

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byCosmopolite

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December 27, 2025

Former ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway child actress killed in New Jersey stabbing

Imani Smith,who once playeda young Nala in Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway, died on Sunday after she was found with stab...

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