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US Men's National Team Faces Australia, Paraguay, and One of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo in 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup draw was held in Washington DC, determining the group stage opponents for the US men's national team. The US will face Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo in the group stage. The team's opening game is set for June 12 in Los Angeles, with subsequent games in Seattle on June 19 and in Los Angeles again on June 25. The draw ceremony, hosted by Rio Ferdinand and featuring US sports stars Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, Shaquille O'Neal, and Wayne Gretzky, placed the US in Pot 1 as a co-host of the tournament. Australia was drawn from Pot 2, and the two teams have not met in a men's World Cup before. Paraguay, the Pot 3 representative, finished sixth in South American World Cup qualifying. The Pot 4 representative will be determined by a playoff in March, featuring Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. If the US wins their group, they will face a third-placed team from one of Groups B, E, F, I, or J. Notable teams from other groups include Germany, Netherlands, France, and Argentina. The US schedule is now largely set, with warm-up friendlies against Germany, Portugal, Belgium, and another opponent lined up. The team's performance in the 2026 World Cup could mark a transformative period for the sport in the US. The draw also determined the groups for other notable teams, including holders Argentina, European champions Spain, and England. Mexico, another co-host, will open the tournament against South Africa, while Brazil was drawn into a challenging group with Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.
Netflix Agrees to Buy Warner Bros Film and Streaming Businesses for $72bn
Netflix has reached a deal to acquire the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn. The acquisition, which includes franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, as well as the streaming service HBO Max, is set to create a new giant in the entertainment industry. However, the deal still requires approval from competition authorities. Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos expressed confidence in receiving regulatory approval, stating that the combination of Warner Bros' library with Netflix's original content would provide audiences with more of what they love. The deal has been met with criticism from some in the film industry, including the Writers Guild of America, which argues that it would negatively impact workers and consumers. Despite this, Netflix believes the acquisition will set the company up for success in the long term. The takeover is expected to result in $2bn to $3bn in savings, primarily through the elimination of overlaps in support and technology areas. Warner Bros films will continue to be released in cinemas, and the company's television studio will remain able to produce content for third parties. The acquisition is valued at $82.7bn, including debt, with Netflix paying $27.75 per Warner Bros share.
Pixel Watch Rolls Out Always-On Display for Media Controls, Timer, and Stopwatch
The Google Pixel Watch is starting to implement always-on display (AOD) behavior across three key experiences: the Timer app, Stopwatch, and media controls. With the latest update to Google Clock 6.11, the Timer app will remain active even when the screen times out, removing the circular countdown ring and replacing seconds with dashes. The Stopwatch will also lose its ring and increment markers, with buttons becoming hollowed out and milliseconds being removed. Media controls are also getting an always-on display, with buttons switching to an outline style. This feature is rolling out to some users, but its availability is not yet widespread. To access the new media controls, users need to ensure their Media Controls app is up-to-date in the Play Store. These updates join existing AOD experiences in Google apps like Keep and Maps navigation, fulfilling Google's promise of "more consistent always-on behavior" with Wear OS 6. The update is part of Google's efforts to enhance the user experience on the Pixel Watch. As the features become more widely available, users can expect a more seamless and convenient interaction with their device. The rollout of Google Clock 6.11 is currently underway, although it has not yet reached all users.
US Admiral Reveals New Details on Controversial Double-Tap Strike
A US admiral has provided new information to lawmakers about a controversial double-tap strike that killed alleged drug traffickers on September 2, 2025. According to Adm. Frank Bradley, the struck boat was planning to rendezvous with a larger vessel headed to Suriname, a small South American country, to transfer drugs. The admiral argued that the strike was necessary to prevent the potential shipment of drugs to the US, despite the boat not being directly headed to US shores. However, US drug enforcement officials say that trafficking routes via Suriname are primarily destined for European markets. The new details add to the controversy surrounding the strike, which involved multiple attacks on the boat and the killing of survivors. The US military ultimately struck the boat four times, with the first strike splitting the boat in half and leaving two survivors clinging to a capsized portion. The second, third, and fourth strikes killed them and sank the vessel. The incident has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, with the Senate Armed Services Committee vowing to conduct oversight. The Pentagon's actions have raised questions about potential war crimes, as it is considered a war crime to kill shipwrecked people who are in need of assistance and care.
CDC Advisers Vote to Limit Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) vaccine advisory committee has voted to narrow the agency's hepatitis B immunization guidance for newborns. The vote, which was 8-3, recommends hepatitis B vaccination at birth only for infants born to women who test positive for the virus or whose status is unknown. This change reverses a decades-long policy of universal immunization at birth, which has been credited with dramatically lowering liver diseases caused by the virus. The decision has been met with strong objections from medical professionals, who argue that the universal birth dose policy has been highly effective in reducing cases of hepatitis B in U.S. children. The committee also voted 6-4 to recommend testing children's antibody levels after each hepatitis B shot to determine whether additional shots are needed, which may result in some children receiving fewer than the standard three shots. The changes have sparked concerns among medical experts, who warn that delaying or skipping the vaccine could put children at risk of infection and potentially revive a deadly threat. The CDC's acting director must approve the changes before they take effect. The vote reflects a sharp divide among committee members, with some arguing that the universal vaccination policy is unnecessary and may pose safety risks, while others contend that the evidence supports the continued use of the vaccine to protect newborns from the virus. The decision marks a significant shift in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned the safety of vaccines. Public health experts are urging individuals to consult with their medical providers and follow science-based recommendations from professional medical groups for advice on preventing disease and staying healthy.
Samsung's Galaxy A56 and A36 Rank Among Top 10 Best-Selling Phones in Q3 2025
In the third quarter of 2025, Samsung's Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 ranked among the top 10 best-selling phones globally. The Galaxy A56 reached the 8th spot, while the Galaxy A36 outsold it, capturing the 7th spot. According to Counterpoint Research, the success of these models can be attributed to their improved features, including Awesome Intelligence, Best Face, and Nightography. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which was previously among the top 10, was pushed off the list in Q3 2025. However, Samsung still managed to capture an extra spot, with five of its models ranking among the top 10 best-selling phones. Apple maintained its dominance, with the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max taking the top three spots. The Galaxy A56 and A36's performance is notable, as they offer a better set of features than their predecessors. Samsung's low-end models continue to drive sales volume, with the company selling five of the top 10 best-selling smartphone models in the world in Q3 2025. The rankings are based on sales data from Counterpoint Research, which separated sales of the Galaxy A16 4G and A16 5G. The report highlights Samsung's continued strength in the global smartphone market, with its mid-range and low-end models performing well. Overall, the third quarter of 2025 saw a shift in the rankings, with the Galaxy A56 and A36 emerging as top-selling models. Samsung's ability to capture an extra spot in the top 10 is a positive sign for the company, despite the Galaxy S25 Ultra being pushed off the list.
Vanity Fair Ends Association with Olivia Nuzzi Amid Controversy Over RFK Jr Relationship
Vanity Fair has parted ways with Olivia Nuzzi, the magazine's west coast editor, due to controversy surrounding her relationship with US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. The decision to end their association was described as "mutual" by publisher Condé Nast. Nuzzi's contract was set to expire at the end of 2025, but the magazine chose to distance itself from the controversy earlier. The move comes after allegations of journalistic transgressions made by Nuzzi's former fiancé, journalist Ryan Lizza, who claimed she had a more extensive connection to Kennedy's campaign than she had admitted and had another relationship with a person she was reporting on. Nuzzi had joined Vanity Fair under a short-term deal to focus on events, industries, and culture of the Pacific region. However, her position became uncertain after Lizza published a series of personal exposés about her, accusing her of multiple professional breaches, including an affair with former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. Vanity Fair initially did not respond to Lizza's claims but later stated they were looking into the facts. Nuzzi has since expressed regret over her actions, stating that she had "fucked up" and violated ethics rules. Her memoir, American Canto, was released recently, but the critical response has been largely negative. Nuzzi has indicated that she does not intend to return to campaign reporting.
UFC 323: Dvalishvili and Yan Make Weight for Bantamweight Title Rematch
The official weigh-in results for UFC 323 are in, with all fighters making weight except for two who forfeited 20% of their purses for being over the limit. The main event features UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against former champion Petr Yan in a highly anticipated rematch. Dvalishvili and Yan both weighed in at 135 pounds. The co-main event will see UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja face No. 1 ranked contender Joshua Van, with Pantoja weighing in at 125 pounds and Van at 124.5 pounds. The event takes place on December 6, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the main card starting at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. The prelims will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, and the early prelims will kick off at 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm PT. Two fighters, Brunno Ferreira and Mairon Santos, missed their weight classes and will forfeit 20% of their purses to their opponents. Despite this, their fights will proceed as scheduled. Other notable bouts on the card include a flyweight matchup between Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira, a bantamweight bout between Henry Cejudo and Payton Talbott, and a light heavyweight bout between Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov. The full fight card will be available to watch on PPV, with the early prelims and prelims streaming online.
US Supreme Court to Hear Case on Birthright Citizenship
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the constitutional right of guaranteed citizenship for those born in the US. The case revolves around the 14th Amendment, which has established the principle that anyone born in the country is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and foreign military forces. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship on his first day in office, but the move was blocked by lower courts after it was challenged over its constitutionality. The Supreme Court's ruling will determine whether the children of migrants who are in the US illegally or on temporary visas will remain eligible for citizenship. The Trump administration has argued that the 14th Amendment clause "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" excludes children of people who are not in the country permanently or lawfully. However, Cecillia Wang, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, stated that no president can change the 14th Amendment's fundamental promise of citizenship. The US is one of about 30 countries that grant automatic citizenship to anyone born within their borders. A study suggests that repealing birthright citizenship could increase the size of the unauthorized population in the US by an additional 2.7 million by 2045 and by 5.4 million by 2075. The Supreme Court's decision will have significant implications for the nation's immigration system and the lives of thousands of individuals born in the US to immigrant parents.
Astronomers Capture Unprecedented Images of Stellar Explosions
Astronomers have successfully captured high-resolution images of two stellar explosions, known as novae, in unprecedented detail. Using a cutting-edge technique called interferometry at the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA Array) in California, scientists were able to combine the light from multiple telescopes and achieve sharp resolution. The images reveal that these explosions are more complex than previously thought, involving multiple outflows of material and, in some cases, dramatic delays in the ejection process. The study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, focused on two novae that erupted in 2021: Nova V1674 Herculis and Nova V1405 Cassiopeiae. The images of Nova V1674 Herculis, one of the fastest stellar explosions on record, showed two distinct perpendicular outflows of gas. In contrast, Nova V1405 Cassiopeiae evolved much slower, holding onto its outer layers for over 50 days before finally ejecting them. The observations provide direct evidence that novae are powered by multiple interacting ejections and that the explosion process is more complex than previously thought. The findings challenge the long-held view that nova eruptions are single, impulsive events and instead suggest a variety of ejection pathways. The study's results have significant implications for our understanding of stellar physics, particularly in regards to shock formation and particle acceleration.
Michael Jordan Testifies in NASCAR Antitrust Case
Michael Jordan, the co-owner of 23XI Racing, testified in the landmark NASCAR antitrust case, stating that he felt compelled to challenge the sport's business model. Jordan, a longtime NASCAR fan, expressed his concerns about the charter system, which guarantees revenue to teams but is not permanent. He claimed that NASCAR refused to negotiate or compromise on the issue, leading 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to file the antitrust suit. Jordan's testimony followed that of Heather Gibbs, the daughter-in-law of Joe Gibbs, who described the chaotic process of signing the charter extension. Gibbs stated that the document was presented as a "take it or leave it" offer, with teams given only six hours to sign. Jordan echoed this sentiment, saying that the extension was not economically viable and included an antitrust violation. The case centers around the charter system, which was created in 2016 to provide teams with a guaranteed spot in every race and a defined payout. However, teams have been seeking permanent charters for revenue stability. Jordan compared the NASCAR business model to the NBA, where approximately half of the revenue is shared with players. He stated that the revenue split in NASCAR is far less and that teams are not given a shared responsibility in the sport's growth or loss. Jordan's 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are the only two teams that refused to sign the charter extension, opting instead to file the antitrust suit. The trial, which began on Monday, will continue to hear allegations that NASCAR is a monopolistic bully. Jordan's testimony highlighted the tensions between teams and NASCAR, with the former seeking greater stability and revenue sharing.
Pitchfork Readers' Poll Reveals Top Songs and Albums of 2025
The results of the Pitchfork 2025 Readers' Poll are in, with thousands of readers voting on the best songs and albums of the half-decade. The top song of 2025, according to readers, is Rosalía's "Berghain" featuring Björk and Yves Tumor. Other notable songs in the top 10 include Geese's "Taxes", Wednesday's "Elderberry Wine", and Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra". In the album category, Rosalía's "LUX" took the top spot, followed by FKA twigs' "EUSEXUA" and Geese's "Getting Killed". Other notable albums in the top 10 include Lady Gaga's "MAYHEM", Turnstile's "NEVER ENOUGH", and Clipse's "Let God Sort Em Out". The poll also highlights the diversity of music in 2025, with a wide range of genres and artists represented in the top 100 songs and albums. Readers can compare their picks with Pitchfork's own lists of the best songs and albums of 2025. The full lists of the top 100 songs and albums of 2025, as chosen by Pitchfork readers, are available online.
Frank Gehry, Renowned Architect, Dies at 96
Frank Gehry, the celebrated architect known for his imaginative and striking buildings, has died at the age of 96. He passed away on Friday in his home in Santa Monica after a brief respiratory illness. Gehry's designs, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, have achieved worldwide acclaim. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Pritzker Prize, the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, and the Companion of the Order of Canada. Gehry's career in architecture began after earning a degree from the University of Southern California in 1954 and serving in the Army. He initially struggled to make a name for himself, but eventually found success with his unique and creative designs. His firm, Gehry Partners LLP, grew to include over 130 employees, and he personally oversaw every project. Despite criticism from some, Gehry's work has been widely praised for its originality and innovation. Gehry's legacy will continue to be felt around the world, with numerous buildings and projects still in development. The Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, first proposed in 2006, is expected to be completed in 2026. He is survived by his wife, Berta, and his children, Brina, Alejandro, and Samuel. Gehry's impact on the world of architecture will be remembered for generations to come, and his buildings will continue to inspire and awe people around the world.
Somalis Push Back Against Trump's Derogatory Comments
In response to President Trump's recent remarks disparaging Somalia and its people, residents of Mogadishu are highlighting the positive aspects of their country. Trump had referred to Somalis as "garbage" and advised Somali Americans to return to their homeland to "fix it," describing it as "hell." However, many Somalis, including Somali-born Rep. Ilhan Omar, have rejected these comments, pointing out the significant contributions Somali Americans make to the US. Despite the country's struggles with clan-based conflict and the Islamist insurgent group al-Shabab, many Somalis are working to improve their nation. Dr. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan, a dentist, has established the country's only free ambulance service, which operates in the capital city of Mogadishu. Other initiatives, such as the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre, which runs Somalia's first rape crisis center, and the country's first amputee soccer team, demonstrate the resilience and determination of the Somali people. These efforts are a testament to the fact that Somalis are actively working to rebuild and improve their country, despite the challenges they face. The US government has been engaged in Somalia for decades, providing support to the Somali federal government in its efforts to stabilize the country and combat al-Shabab. While Trump's comments have been widely criticized, the partnership between the US and Somalia remains strong, with many Somalis emphasizing that their nation has much to offer and that its people will not be deterred by negative rhetoric.
Donald Trump Wins Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize
Donald Trump has been awarded the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" by the soccer organization during its World Cup draw in Washington. Trump accepted the award, saying it was "truly one of the great honors of my life." The award was given to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who praised Trump's actions towards peace. Infantino has appeared with Trump on several occasions, including a peace agreement signing between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trump had been angling to win the Nobel Peace Prize, but was passed over by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in October. The FIFA Peace Prize was announced a month ago, with Trump being the assumed victor. Infantino has been a vocal supporter of Trump, calling him a "close friend" and praising his energy and commitment to the World Cup. The award comes as the 2026 World Cup is set to be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with games taking place in 16 cities across North America. Trump has hosted Infantino in the Oval Office on several occasions, including to announce the Kennedy Center as the host of the World Cup draw. Other world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, attended the Washington, D.C. draw. The FIFA Peace Prize is a new award, and its creation was announced weeks after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has said that he deserves the award for ending various conflicts, and has been recognized by other world leaders, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently had dinner with Trump at the White House.
Vice President JD Vance Addresses Speculation About His Marriage
Vice President JD Vance has spoken out about the online speculation surrounding his marriage to Usha Vance, saying they find the attention "amusing." The speculation began after Usha Vance was photographed without her wedding ring during a visit to a military base with First Lady Melania Trump. JD Vance told NBC News that he and his wife "kind of get a kick out of" the attention and that their marriage is "as strong as it's ever been." This is not the first time the couple has garnered interest online, as JD Vance recently clarified comments about his wife's faith after saying he hoped she would one day be moved by the Christian gospel. Usha Vance, the first person of color to be second lady, has remained private since JD Vance took office but has joined her husband on key trips and become a public figure in her own right. The vice president dismissed the idea that the coverage of their marriage has been difficult, saying "it's funny" and that they found a recent viral social media cycle about Usha Vance's missing wedding ring to be "kind of funny." JD Vance and his wife have three small children and met while attending Yale University. Despite the scrutiny, the vice president says he will continue to love and support his wife, regardless of their differences. The couple's marriage has been under intense scrutiny, with JD Vance being seen as the "most likely" heir apparent to the "Make America Great Again" movement.
Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use Gerrymandered Map Amid Ongoing Litigation
The Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's block on Texas's newly gerrymandered map, allowing it to be used while litigation continues. Texas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the decision, stating that the state is now "officially — and legally — more red." However, the map does not actually make the state redder, but rather tips the playing field further in the GOP's favor. In Florida, lawmakers are also attempting to gerrymander the state's map, despite criticism. Florida state Rep. Mike Redondo claimed that the committee's work is not driven by partisan gamesmanship, which was met with laughter. The state is already heavily gerrymandered, with Republicans controlling 20 of 28 House districts, despite only receiving 42% of the vote. Governor Ron DeSantis defended the planned gerrymandering, citing demographic changes in the state since the 2020 census. However, the boundaries will still be based on the 2020 numbers. The attempt to gerrymander is explicitly banned by the state's constitution, but Republicans may be trying to exploit a loophole. The risk of litigation is high, and there is a possibility that the efforts could backfire if a strong Democratic wave materializes next year. Overall, 10 states have joined the fray, with gerrymandering attempts aimed at padding party numbers in Congress. These efforts are undemocratic power grabs that make government less representative, regardless of which party is responsible. The situation highlights the need for fair and representative district boundaries to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
Horses Video Game Banned from Steam and Epic Games Store Due to Violent and Disturbing Content
The indie horror game Horses, developed by Santa Ragione, has been banned from sale on Steam and Epic Games Store due to its graphic and disturbing content. The game's plot involves a 20-year-old Italian man sent to work on a farm where humans are treated as animals, wearing horse and dog heads. Players must perform menial tasks, including tending to the "horses" and participating in unsettling activities. Despite the game's crude graphics, which may dull the impact of the violent scenes, the content is still considered too intense for the platforms. Valve and Epic Games Store cited violations of their content guidelines, specifically regarding inappropriate and hateful content. However, the developer claims that no specific details were provided about what content was at issue. The game is still available on other platforms, such as itch.io and GOG, and has sparked a conversation about video games as art and censorship. The game's creator intends to provoke thought on violence and power dynamics, rather than to shock or offend. The controversy surrounding Horses has led to increased interest in the game, with many discussing its artistic value and the limits of free expression in the gaming industry.
New York Times Sues AI Startup Over Unauthorized Use of Articles
The New York Times has sued Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence startup, for allegedly copying and distributing millions of its articles without permission. The lawsuit claims that Perplexity AI's business model relies on scraping and copying content, including paywalled material, to power its generative AI products. The Times also alleges that Perplexity AI is violating its trademarks by creating fabricated content and attributing it to the newspaper. This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal disputes between publishers and tech companies over the use of copyrighted content without authorization. Perplexity AI faces similar accusations from other publishers, including Dow Jones, the New York Post, and Forbes. The company has been accused of plagiarizing content and scraping websites without permission. Perplexity AI has raised $1.5 billion in funding over the past three years and has attracted big-name investors such as Nvidia and Jeff Bezos. However, the company is now facing multiple lawsuits, including one from Amazon, which alleges that Perplexity AI is covertly accessing user accounts and masking its AI browsing activities. Perplexity AI has denied these allegations, accusing Amazon of bullying and attempting to stifle competitors.
NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim and Crewmates Prepare to Return to Earth
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, is set to depart the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. The crew will undock from the station's Prichal module at 8:41 p.m. EST on December 8 and land on the steppe of Kazakhstan at 12:04 a.m. on December 9. This marks the end of their 245-day mission, during which they orbited Earth 3,920 times and traveled nearly 104 million miles. The space station change of command ceremony will take place on December 7, where Ryzhikov will hand over command to NASA astronaut Mike Fincke for Expedition 74. After landing, the crew members will fly by helicopter to Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and then proceed to their respective destinations. Kim will return to Houston, while Ryzhikov and Zubritsky will depart for their training base in Star City, Russia. NASA will provide live coverage of the crew's return on various platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. The International Space Station has been continuously occupied by humans for over 25 years, serving as a critical testbed for NASA's deep space missions, including the Artemis campaign to the Moon and future human missions to Mars.