Russsell Westbrook scored 25 points and Precious Achiuwa had 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Sacramento Kings snapped a 16-game losing streak — the longest in franchise history — with a 123-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.DeMar DeRozan and Daeqwon Plowden finished with 20 points each, with Plowden scoring 10 in the fourth quarter. Sacramento has the NBA’s worst record and hadn’t won since beating Washington on Jan. 16.(Video above: The Beam Stream returns.)Javon Smalls led Memphis with 21 points and nine assists. Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 17 points and GG Jackson added 16 points.The Grizzlies fought back to take the lead lead early in the third quarter, but the Kings answered with an 18-6 rally to build the game’s first double-digit lead midway through the period.Sacramento led 92-89 entering the fourth and took a comfortable advantage with a 15-4 run capped by a 3-pointer from Westbrook with 8:45 left.Injuries to key players have left both teams pivoting to the future. Memphis sits in 11th place in the Western Conference and has played most games with lineups cobbled together from available players. Eight Grizzlies were on the injured list for Monday’s matchup.The Kings led 63-61 at the half as both teams shot better than 54%. With the Grizzlies lacking an active player taller than the 6-foot-9 Jackson, Sacramento’s height advantage was apparent as Achiuwa had 14 points and 11 rebounds before the break.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
Russsell Westbrook scored 25 points and Precious Achiuwa had 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Sacramento Kings snapped a 16-game losing streak — the longest in franchise history — with a 123-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
DeMar DeRozan and Daeqwon Plowden finished with 20 points each, with Plowden scoring 10 in the fourth quarter. Sacramento has the NBA’s worst record and hadn’t won since beating Washington on Jan. 16.
(Video above: The Beam Stream returns.)
Javon Smalls led Memphis with 21 points and nine assists. Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 17 points and GG Jackson added 16 points.
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16-game slide comes to an end against the short-handed Grizzlies 123-114.. first win since Jan. 17th and first road win since Dec. 6th 2025
The Grizzlies fought back to take the lead lead early in the third quarter, but the Kings answered with an 18-6 rally to build the game’s first double-digit lead midway through the period.
Sacramento led 92-89 entering the fourth and took a comfortable advantage with a 15-4 run capped by a 3-pointer from Westbrook with 8:45 left.
Injuries to key players have left both teams pivoting to the future. Memphis sits in 11th place in the Western Conference and has played most games with lineups cobbled together from available players. Eight Grizzlies were on the injured list for Monday’s matchup.
The Kings led 63-61 at the half as both teams shot better than 54%. With the Grizzlies lacking an active player taller than the 6-foot-9 Jackson, Sacramento’s height advantage was apparent as Achiuwa had 14 points and 11 rebounds before the break.
The support for Ukrainian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Games suggests there may be challenges with reinstating Russia and Belarus for the LA28 Olympics.
President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned five former professional football players — one posthumously — for various crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.The pardons were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson. Ex-NFL players Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon were granted clemency.“As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation,” Johnson wrote on the social media site X, as she thanked Trump for his “continued commitment to second chances.”Johnson said Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones “personally” shared the news with Newton, who won three Super Bowls with the team.The White House did not return a request for comment Thursday night on why Trump, an avid sports fan, pardoned the players.Klecko, a former star for the New York Jets, pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury that was investigating insurance fraud. A defensive lineman, Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. He was a two-time Associated Press All-Pro player and a four-time Pro Bowler.Newton, an offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck as well as 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car driven by another man. Newton was a two-time All-Pro player and six-time Pro Bowler.Lewis, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, pleaded guilty in a drug case in which he used a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal not long after he was a top pick in the 2000 NFL draft. Lewis, a running back, was named an All-Pro once and was a one-time Pro Bowler. He was named the 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year.Henry, who played for the Denver Broncos, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved the drug between Colorado and Montana. He was a running back for three teams and a one-time Pro Bowler.And Cannon — who played with the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs — admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after a series of bad investments and debts left him broke.Cannon was a two-time All-Pro player and a two-time Pro Bowler. Cannon also won the 1959 Heisman Trophy while starring for Louisiana State University, where he had one of the most memorable plays in college football history: an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. He died in 2018.
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned five former professional football players — one posthumously — for various crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.
The pardons were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson. Ex-NFL players Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon were granted clemency.
“As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation,” Johnson wrote on the social media site X, as she thanked Trump for his “continued commitment to second chances.”
Johnson said Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones “personally” shared the news with Newton, who won three Super Bowls with the team.
The White House did not return a request for comment Thursday night on why Trump, an avid sports fan, pardoned the players.
Klecko, a former star for the New York Jets, pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury that was investigating insurance fraud. A defensive lineman, Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. He was a two-time Associated Press All-Pro player and a four-time Pro Bowler.
Newton, an offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck as well as 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car driven by another man. Newton was a two-time All-Pro player and six-time Pro Bowler.
Lewis, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, pleaded guilty in a drug case in which he used a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal not long after he was a top pick in the 2000 NFL draft. Lewis, a running back, was named an All-Pro once and was a one-time Pro Bowler. He was named the 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year.
Henry, who played for the Denver Broncos, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved the drug between Colorado and Montana. He was a running back for three teams and a one-time Pro Bowler.
And Cannon — who played with the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs — admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after a series of bad investments and debts left him broke.
Cannon was a two-time All-Pro player and a two-time Pro Bowler. Cannon also won the 1959 Heisman Trophy while starring for Louisiana State University, where he had one of the most memorable plays in college football history: an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. He died in 2018.
Whether it’s food, the halftime show, commercials or betting opportunities, Super Bowl parties offer something for everyone. This year, Americans are projected to legally wager a record $1.76 billion on Super Bowl 60, according to the American Gaming Association. That is up 27% from last year, continuing the growing enthusiasm around legal sports betting. One common game partygoers can find at these gatherings is Super Bowl squares. The no-skill, social betting game involves players selecting available squares on an empty 10-by-10 grid, with numbers zero to nine randomly assigned. The game gives attendees, even those with no football knowledge, something to engage with throughout the game. But is winning the game all about strategy or just luck? According to one expert, it’s all about luck. “When the columns and rows are assigned randomly, you really want the odds to be in your favor,” said Tim Chartier, a Davidson College professor of mathematics and computer science.How Super Bowl squares worksTypically, Super Bowl squares numbers are assigned after players select their squares, with each team assigned either a row or a column on the grid. At the end of each quarter, or sometimes just at the end of the game, players look at the last digit of each team’s score. The square with the matching row and column wins.Chartier specializes in data and sports analytics and has worked with teams in the NBA, NFL and NASCAR. He has also analyzed the odds of winning lottery games such as the Powerball jackpot and Mega Millions.The Get the Facts Data Team and Chartier analyzed all previous Super Bowl final scores, along with nearly 7,000 NFL games since 2000, to determine which score-ending combinations are most and least common. Here is what the analysis found.Out of all 59 Super Bowl final scores, the data team found the most common final score combination was 7-4, appearing five times. These final scores were: 7-14, 7-24, 37-24, 7-34 and 17-14.Out of the 100 possible combinations, 53 have never occurred. Last year’s final score was 40-22, with the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the first time the 0-2 combination appeared in a Super Bowl final score.Numbers like three, four and seven tend to appear more often because of how football scoring works, said Chartier. A field goal is worth 3 points, a touchdown is worth 6 points, 7 if the extra point is kicked in, and four is the difference between seven and three. Numbers like two, five and eight are unlikely to occur in the game. What are the most and least common combinations? Out of nearly 7,000 NFL regular and postseason games since 2000, the most frequent final score ending digit combination was 7-0, appearing 262 times. To avoid duplicate combinations, scores are written in away-home order like official scores. In Super Bowl games specifically, a final score ending in either 7-0 or 0-7 has occurred three times across all 59 games. The least frequent combination was 2-2, having occurred four times, less than 1% of games. It’s also never appeared in a final Super Bowl square. Knowing the probabilities of certain numbers can give players an advantage, but it does not guarantee a win, said Chartier, especially if other players know the odds as well. But it can help players determine which numbers they want to avoid. “When you don’t know in advance what they’re going to be, then the moment you know, you can look at the probabilities to see how lucky you may be, but you never know,” said Chartier. “Unlikely things happen all the time, which is part of why we watch sports.” One other thing to watch out for: Super Bowl squares are often considered illegal games of chance. Make sure you know the laws in your state before you enter. Use the tool below to see how often each final score combination has occurred in NFL games.
WASHINGTON —
Whether it’s food, the halftime show, commercials or betting opportunities, Super Bowl parties offer something for everyone.
This year, Americans are projected to legally wager a record $1.76 billion on Super Bowl 60, according to the American Gaming Association. That is up 27% from last year, continuing the growing enthusiasm around legal sports betting.
One common game partygoers can find at these gatherings is Super Bowl squares. The no-skill, social betting game involves players selecting available squares on an empty 10-by-10 grid, with numbers zero to nine randomly assigned. The game gives attendees, even those with no football knowledge, something to engage with throughout the game.
But is winning the game all about strategy or just luck? According to one expert, it’s all about luck.
“When the columns and rows are assigned randomly, you really want the odds to be in your favor,” said Tim Chartier, a Davidson College professor of mathematics and computer science.
How Super Bowl squares works
Typically, Super Bowl squares numbers are assigned after players select their squares, with each team assigned either a row or a column on the grid. At the end of each quarter, or sometimes just at the end of the game, players look at the last digit of each team’s score. The square with the matching row and column wins.
Chartier specializes in data and sports analytics and has worked with teams in the NBA, NFL and NASCAR. He has also analyzed the odds of winning lottery games such as the Powerball jackpot and Mega Millions.
The Get the Facts Data Team and Chartier analyzed all previous Super Bowl final scores, along with nearly 7,000 NFL games since 2000, to determine which score-ending combinations are most and least common. Here is what the analysis found.
Out of all 59 Super Bowl final scores, the data team found the most common final score combination was 7-4, appearing five times. These final scores were: 7-14, 7-24, 37-24, 7-34 and 17-14.
Out of the 100 possible combinations, 53 have never occurred. Last year’s final score was 40-22, with the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the first time the 0-2 combination appeared in a Super Bowl final score.
Numbers like three, four and seven tend to appear more often because of how football scoring works, said Chartier.
A field goal is worth 3 points, a touchdown is worth 6 points, 7 if the extra point is kicked in, and four is the difference between seven and three. Numbers like two, five and eight are unlikely to occur in the game.
What are the most and least common combinations?
Out of nearly 7,000 NFL regular and postseason games since 2000, the most frequent final score ending digit combination was 7-0, appearing 262 times. To avoid duplicate combinations, scores are written in away-home order like official scores.
In Super Bowl games specifically, a final score ending in either 7-0 or 0-7 has occurred three times across all 59 games.
The least frequent combination was 2-2, having occurred four times, less than 1% of games. It’s also never appeared in a final Super Bowl square.
Knowing the probabilities of certain numbers can give players an advantage, but it does not guarantee a win, said Chartier, especially if other players know the odds as well. But it can help players determine which numbers they want to avoid.
“When you don’t know in advance what they’re going to be, then the moment you know, you can look at the probabilities to see how lucky you may be, but you never know,” said Chartier. “Unlikely things happen all the time, which is part of why we watch sports.”
One other thing to watch out for: Super Bowl squares are often considered illegal games of chance. Make sure you know the laws in your state before you enter.
Use the tool below to see how often each final score combination has occurred in NFL games.
NASA’s Artemis II moon launch delayed after technical issues during rehearsal
MINUTES. SANIKA ALL RIGHT. SLOWLY BUT SURELY. THAWING OUT HERE. CAM. WELL, LET’S TALK ABOUT A MAJOR SETBACK FOR NASA IN THE QUEST TO GO BACK TO THE MOON. THESE ARE LIVE PICTURES FROM PAT 39, WHERE THE ARTEMIS TWO MISSION WILL REMAIN GROUNDED FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER MONTH. WE BROKE THE NEWS ON SUNRISE AFTER NASA CHIEF JARED ISAACMAN MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA OVERNIGHT. AS WE REPORTED YESTERDAY, CREWS WERE WORKING THROUGH A NUMBER OF ISSUES DURING DRESS REHEARSAL, BUT WE’LL NOW NEED MORE TIME TO FIX THE ROCKET IN ORDER TO LAUNCH WESH TWO. MEGHAN MORIARTY IS LIVE AT KSC, WHERE NASA IS EXPECTED TO GIVE US AN UPDATE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR NOW. MEGHAN, ALL EYES ON THIS. AT 1:00, NASA MISSION SPECIALISTS ARE EXPECTED TO BREAK DOWN WHAT HAPPENED DURING WET DRESS REHEARSAL. THE CHALLENGES THAT THEY HAD THERE, AS WELL AS WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARTEMIS TWO. NOW THAT WET DRESS REHEARSAL, WE HAVE BEEN EXPLAINING IT TO YOU FOR DAYS, BUT JUST A REMINDER, IT’S THAT CRITICAL TEST THAT IS A SIMULATED LAUNCH AND PRACTICE COUNTDOWN AHEAD OF THE REAL DEAL. AND IT’S DESIGNED TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS GIVING NASA A CHANCE TO FIX THINGS BEFORE THE LAUNCH, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT WE’RE DOING HERE. NASA SAYS THEY PUSHED THROUGH SEVERAL CHALLENGES DURING THE TWO DAY TEST THAT STARTED MONDAY AND WENT INTO THIS MORNING, ADDING THAT THEY MET MANY OF THE PLANNED OBJECTIVES. BUT TEAMS DID ACTUALLY DETECT THAT HYDROGEN LEAK PRETTY EARLY INTO FUELING. THEY DID PUSH THROUGH, BUT ULTIMATELY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE TOO BIG OF A RISK TO CONTINUE. NOW, HYDROGEN LEAKS, THOUGH THEY’RE NOT UNCOMMON. WELL, IT SHOWS THEY’RE IN A VERY PRECARIOUS SITUATION. HYDROGEN IS INSIDIOUS. IT’S THE SMALLEST MOLECULE. IT CAN EASILY LEAK. THIS CAUSED MANY ISSUES DURING THE ARTEMIS ONE COUNTDOWN. ARTEMIS ONE WAS THAT UNCREWED TEST FLIGHT IN 2022, AND IT ALSO SUFFERED SUFFERED HYDROGEN LEAKS DURING TESTING, WHICH DELAYED ITS LAUNCH DATE. NOW, WHILE TEAMS DETECTED THAT LEAK EARLY ENOUGH, THEY ALWAYS EXPECT A SMALL AMOUNT OF HYDROGEN THAT WILL BE RELEASED DURING THIS PROCESS, ESCAPING SOME OF THOSE SEALS. BECAUSE IT’S SUCH A SMALL MOLECULE. HOWEVER, AS THEY WENT THROUGH THAT TESTING, THEY REALIZED THAT IT WOULD EXCEED NASA’S SAFETY LIMIT. SO NOW THEY’RE TARGETING A LAUNCH IN MARCH. AGAIN, THAT NEWS CONFERENCE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AT 1:00. WE’LL NOT ONLY BE STREAMING IT ON WESH.COM, BUT WE WILL BRING YOU THE UPDATES STARTING ON WESH 2 NEW
NASA’s Artemis II moon launch delayed after technical issues during rehearsal
NASA’s Artemis II mission has been postponed to March following technical issues identified during a wet dress rehearsal. The mission was originally scheduled for launch this Sunday, Feb. 8. During the rehearsal on Monday, engineers spent several hours troubleshooting a liquid hydrogen leak, according to NASA.The head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, announced on X around 2 a.m. that hydrogen leaks had been discovered during fueling of the tank. Beyond the liquid hydrogen leak, teams encountered several additional issues, including:A recently replaced valve for the Orion crew module hatch pressurization system required retorquing.Closeout operations took longer than planned.Cold weather affected several cameras and other equipment.Intermittent audio communication dropouts occurred across ground teams.A research chemist monitoring the process at the space center said NASA will need to figure out what was going wrong. NASA explained that the launch was mainly delayed to allow teams to review data and conduct a second wet dress rehearsal. While the new launch window is set for March, there is no specific launch date yet.NASA held a news conference Tuesday at 1 p.m. to discuss the issues and the upcoming launch further.Watch the full conference below:
NASA’s Artemis II mission has been postponed to March following technical issues identified during a wet dress rehearsal.
The mission was originally scheduled for launch this Sunday, Feb. 8.
During the rehearsal on Monday, engineers spent several hours troubleshooting a liquid hydrogen leak, according to NASA.
The head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, announced on X around 2 a.m. that hydrogen leaks had been discovered during fueling of the tank.
Beyond the liquid hydrogen leak, teams encountered several additional issues, including:
A recently replaced valve for the Orion crew module hatch pressurization system required retorquing.
Closeout operations took longer than planned.
Cold weather affected several cameras and other equipment.
Intermittent audio communication dropouts occurred across ground teams.
A research chemist monitoring the process at the space center said NASA will need to figure out what was going wrong.
NASA explained that the launch was mainly delayed to allow teams to review data and conduct a second wet dress rehearsal.
While the new launch window is set for March, there is no specific launch date yet.
NASA held a news conference Tuesday at 1 p.m. to discuss the issues and the upcoming launch further.
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.“I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.It’s certainly not any better now.“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.“You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.
The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”
Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.
He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”
The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.
The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.
Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.
“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.
George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.
“I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”
Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.
It’s certainly not any better now.
“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”
George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.
George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.
The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.
“You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”
What’s the absolute best way to give Gov. Gavin Newsom free publicity and a worldwide audience?
Freeze him out at Davos, where the rich and powerful are meeting in the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland. The Trump administration is learning the hard way, in real time, that petty comes with a price — in this case, being laughed at by, well, the world.
And while Congress, Europe and law may hold no terrors for our president, we all know ridicule hits him in his soft, white underbelly.
In case you missed it, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the California governor has been banned from a scheduled media talk (allegedly under pressure from the White House) that was going to be a rebuttal to Trump’s ramble at the event, according to Newsom’s office.
On Wednesday, Newsom’s team announced that he had been turned away from USA House, the privately run but official gathering spot of the United States. Newsom was scheduled to do a fireside chat with Fortune magazine, but apparently when he arrived at the church-turned-conference hall, he was politely told to beat it.
“How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?” Newsom posted on X.
Cue the outrage. Cue the coverage.
Fortune didn’t know the snub was coming, according to screen shots of private text messages reviewed by The Times, but within minutes it was world news. Except maybe on CBS.
That’s a lot of focus on a guy who isn’t even a billionaire and doesn’t run a country, and supposedly isn’t even in the presidential race yet. In case you’re not personally familiar with the gathering at Davos, it’s pretty much the kings (and occasional queen) of the world coming together to think big thoughts. Getting cold-shouldered in that crowd is a big deal.
But it’s the kind of big deal that makes Newsom look good. Blackballing him from USA House was akin to screaming in his face that he’s a big meanie and the president wasn’t going to take it any more. So there!
It’s funny. It’s powerful. It gets him the kind of news coverage that other not-yet-candidates dream about.
It makes it clear that far from the useful foil that the Newsom-Trump rivalry is often explained as, Newsom is hitting on points that are hitting home. With Trump, and with voters. And now, maybe with world leaders — which just makes him that much more viable as a candidate. Without a doubt, this is Trump quashing dissent.
Earlier in the day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went after Newsom, calling Newsom “Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken.”
That’s a reference to the overly suave serial killer in the film “American Psycho” crossed with a popular 1990s version of a male Barbie known for its pretty eyes and good hair. To be fair, Newsom does resemble both of them.
That remark came in response to Newsom calling Bessent’s speech “smug” for suggesting that the average American couple was buying up homes as rentals for their retirements. Personally, like most of us, I can’t even afford an extra Barbie doll house, so to be fair, Newsom is right on that one.
Newsom also scored points off Trump’s speech. He called it “boring,” the most vicious insult you can hurl at Trump. But it was.
For more than an hour, Trump repeatedly called Greenland Iceland by mistake, while demanding it be turned over to him.
Yawn.
He went after windmills because “they kill the birds, they ruin your landscapes.”
Wut?
He went after Minnesota with a particularly rabid if overused bit of racism, because it “reminds us that the West cannot mass import foreign cultures, which have failed to ever build a successful society of their own.”
Yuck.
As Newsom pointed out in a press gaggle not too long afterward — right before being banned from his formal talk — for an American audience, it’s the same ugly drivel we’ve been subjected to for nearly a year. Absolutely none of it is fresh, though it remains awful and dangerous.
“My God, there wasn’t anything new about that speech,” Newsom said. “It was remarkably insignificant.”
It was certainly not a speech that won Trump credibility or support from those kings and queens. It certainly did not contain diplomacy or leadership, or frankly, even sense. Despite the laughter and applause from the audience, I doubt there are few if any outside of Trump’s team who would call it a success.
Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch partyThe Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.Indiana would not be denied.Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. —
Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.
Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch party
The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.
Indiana would not be denied.
Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.
The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.
Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.
In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.
Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.
Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.
The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.
Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.
Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.
Twenty-six people have been charged in connection with an alleged bribery and point-shaving scheme involving men’s basketball games at the NCAA Division I and Chinese professional levels, U.S. Atty. David Metcalf announced Thursday.
The bribery charges carry a maximum sentence of five years and the fraud charges up to 20 years.
The indictment is the latest in a string of illegal gambling and game-fixing episodes in the seven years since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, the federal statute that restricted legal betting to primarily Nevada.
Dozens of professional and college athletes and coaches have been suspended, fired or prosecuted for alleged gambling violations. This latest indictment only adds to the ledger.
“This was a massive scheme that enveloped the world of college basketball,” Metcalf said. “This was a significant and rampant corruption of college athletics.”
The most prominent player named in the indictment was Antonio Blakeney, the leading scorer at Louisiana State in 2016-17 and a veteran of two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. The shooting guard has played for professional teams in China, Israel and Bahrain since last playing in the NBA in 2019. The indictment describes Blakeney as being “charged elsewhere.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed the sweeping indictment, which involves 15 players from 17 college teams over the last four years. The scheme allegedly involved two gamblers — Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley — who were indicted in October for their alleged role in an NBA sports gambling scheme that allegedly included Miami Heat player Terry Rozier.
The alleged game fixing involving Blakeney began during the 2022–23 season in the Chinese Basketball Assn. Blakeney, who played for the Jiangsu Dragons and led the league with 32.1 points a game, allegedly was recruited by Hennen and Fairley to shave points.
According to the indictment, Hennen texted a friend after a fixed Chinese game, “Nothing guaranteed in this world but death, taxes and Chinese basketball.”
A year later the gamblers began targeting college players from mid-level Division I programs who weren’t making much money from name, image and likeness opportunities. Bribes to those players ranged from $10,000 to $30,000, according to the indictment.
Prop bets — wagers on specific events or occurrences within a game that aren’t tied to the final score — also were placed on certain outcomes based on the agreements with players.
Besides the players and gamblers, others included in the indictment worked as AAU coaches or personal trainers and allegedly recruited players to shave points.
“They picked these men because they were well connected in the world of college basketball,” Metcalf said. “Trainers, recruiters, networkers, people of influence, and because of that influence, they added gravitas and legitimacy to the scheme.”
Colleges under investigation include DePaul, Saint Louis, La Salle, Eastern Michigan, Robert Morris, Fordham, Buffalo, Tulane, Northwestern (La.) State, Nicholls State, Southern Mississippi, North Carolina A&T, Kennesaw State, Coppin State, New Orleans, Abilene Christian and Alabama State.
The indictment estimates the gamblers conspired with as many as 39 players across those 17 Division I teams to fix games. Bradley Ezewiro, who attended Bishop Montgomery High in Torrance before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, is the only player with Southern California ties. He played at Saint Louis in 2023-24.
NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement that the governing body of college athletics conducted its own investigations into the fixing allegations and achieved results.
“The pattern of college basketball game integrity conduct revealed by law enforcement today is not entirely new information to the NCAA,” he said. “Through helpful collaboration and with industry regulators, we have finished or have open investigations into almost all of the teams in today’s indictment.
“Eleven student-athletes from seven schools were recently found to have bet on their own performances, shared information with known bettors, and/or engaged in game manipulation to collect on bets they — or others — placed. This behavior resulted in a permanent loss of NCAA eligibility for all of them. Additionally, 13 student-athletes from eight schools were found to have failed to cooperate in the sports betting integrity investigation by providing false or misleading information, failing to provide relevant documentation and/or refusing to be interviewed by the enforcement staff. None of them are competing today.”
At least four of the players charged in the indictment are active: Simeon Cottle of Kennesaw State; Camian Shell of Delaware State; Carlos Hart of Eastern Michigan; and Oumar Koureissi of Texas Southern. Cottle scored 21 points Wednesday night in Kennesaw State’s victory over Florida International and is the leading scorer in Conference USA.
Baker said the NCAA tries to root out sports betting violations through a “layered integrity monitoring program” that covers more than 20,000 games, but acknowledges the organization can’t do it alone.
“We still need the remaining states, regulators and gaming companies to eliminate threats to integrity — such as collegiate prop bets — to better protect athletes and leagues from integrity risks and predatory bettors,” he said. “We also will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement. We urge all student-athletes to make well-informed choices to avoid jeopardizing the game and their eligibility.”
DEFENDANTS NAME, ROLE, HOMETOWN Jalen Smith, fixer — Charlotte, N.C. Marves Fairley, fixer — Carson, Miss. Shane Hennen, fixer — Las Vegas, Nev. Roderick Winkler, fixer — Little Rock, Ark. Alberto Laureano, fixer — Bronx, N.Y. Antonio Blakeney, fixer/player — Kissimmee, Fla. Isaiah Adams, player — Tampa, Fla. Arlando Arnold, player, — Picayune, Miss. Simeon Cottle, player — Fairburn, Ga. Kevin Cross, player — Edinburg, Texas Micawber Etienne, player — Philadelphia Bradley Ezewiro, player — Los Angeles Shawn Fulcher, player — Brooklyn, N.Y. Elijah Gray, player — Charlotte Carlos Hart, player — Miami Markese Hastings, player — Grand Rapids, Mich. Corey Hines, player — Atlanta Cedquavious Hunter, player — Como, Miss. Oumar Koureissi, player — New York Da’Sean Nelson, player — Chicago Demond Robinson, player — Montgomery, Ala. Camian Shell, player — Winston-Salem, N.C. Dyquavion Short, player — Greenville, N.C. Airion Simmons, player — Little Rock, Ark. Diante Smith, player — Dallas Jalen Terry, player — Ypsilanti, Miss.
WASHINGTON — An audacious overnight raid by elite U.S. forces that seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from his bedroom in Caracas plunged the country into turmoil Saturday, prompting international concern about Venezuela’s future and President Trump’s attempt to take control of the sovereign nation.
Trump justified the stunning attack by accusing Maduro, without evidence, of sending “monsters” into the United States from Venezuelan prisons, and by claiming Maduro’s involvement in the drug trade. But the American president focused more on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, accusing its government of stealing U.S. oil infrastructure in the country decades prior and vowing that, under new U.S. government control, output would increase going forward.
He spoke little about democracy there, dismissing a potential role for Venezuela’s long-standing democratic opposition in running the country with Maduro now gone. Instead, Trump said his team was in touch with Maduro’s handpicked vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, whom he called “quite gracious” and said was “essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to Make Venezuela Great Again.”
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said. “We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind. We’re not going to let that happen.
“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in,” he added, “spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country.”
But the president offered few details on how his administration would exert control over Caracas — either through political coercion or by force. He suggested both options were on the table. “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” he added.
In a defiant speech, flanked by military leaders who had long stood by Maduro in the face of U.S. pressure, Rodriguez called for the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife, who were flown to a New York airport Saturday afternoon. Top Venezuelan generals were also seen leaving the vice president’s office Saturday, indicating collaboration continues within the remnants of the government.
President Trump, alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaks to the media Saturday after U.S. military actions in Venezuela.
(Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images)
No timeline for transition
Trump did not offer a timeline for how long a transition would take, or which Venezuelan factions he would support to assume leadership.
Maria Corina Machado, a leader of the Venezuelan opposition and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, said Saturday that she and her team were prepared to assume control of Venezuela.
“The hour of freedom has arrived,” she wrote on social media. “We are prepared to assert our mandate and take power.”
But in a surprising statement, Trump told reporters that he did not believe Machado had the “respect” needed to run the country.
Trump instead focused on how his Cabinet intends to run Venezuela in the coming days, stating that American oil companies are ready to descend on the country and begin “taking out tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground.”
“That wealth is going to the people of Venezuela and people from outside of Venezuela that used to be in Venezuela, and it goes to the United States of America, in the form of reimbursement for the damages caused to us by that country,” Trump said.
In recent speeches and media appearances, Machado has expressed support for privatizing Venezuela’s oil industry, without committing herself to granting U.S. companies preferential treatment in a post-Maduro world.
“Oil wealth was not used to uplift, but to bind,” Machado said in her Nobel Prize lecture last month. “And then came the ruin: Obscene corruption; historic looting. During the regime’s rule, Venezuela received more oil revenue than in the previous century combined. And it was all stolen. Oil money became a tool to purchase loyalty abroad.”
Among the world’s largest oil reserves
Venezuela, a country of 30 million people with twice the landmass of California, sits on one of the largest oil reserves in the world. But its production capacity has been relatively weak in recent years, owed in large part, experts say, to U.S. sanctions, as well as poor government investment in its infrastructure.
Up until now, China has been the largest importer of Venezuelan crude, purchasing between 60% and 80% of its barrels output each month. Senior Chinese officials were in Caracas when the raid occurred, and in a statement, China’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply shocked” by what it described as a “hegemonic” U.S. action that violated international law.
The U.S. operation began with explosions throughout Caracas, as more than 150 U.S. aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers and remotely piloted drones, cleared away Venezuelan air defenses to make way for the interdiction team, which included U.S. law enforcement officers. Electricity was cut throughout much of the city as the assault unfolded, Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
A Delta Force unit penetrated Maduro’s heavily fortified compound at 2:01 a.m., capturing him and his wife as they attempted to escape into a safe room, U.S. officials said. Only one helicopter in the U.S. fleet was hit by Venezuelan fire, but was able to continue flying through the mission. No U.S. personnel were killed, Caine said.
Trump, who had ordered the CIA to begin monitoring Maduro’s movements months ago, watched as the operation unfolded from a room at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, “literally like I was watching a television show,” the president said in an interview with Fox News on Saturday morning.
‘Full wrath of American justice’
From there, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken to the USS Iwo Jima, stationed in the Caribbean alongside a third of the U.S. naval fleet, before their eventual flight to New York, where Maduro will face charges over his alleged ties to illicit drug trafficking.
“If you would’ve seen the speed, the violence,” Trump told Fox. “Amazing job.”
In a social media post, Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi wrote that Maduro and his wife were “two alleged international narco traffickers” who would be facing criminal charges in New York.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said.
Maduro, according to a new indictment, is charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. His wife is charged in the cocaine conspiracy.
The indictment says Maduro “sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking.”
“This cycle of narcotics-based corruption lines the pockets of Venezuelan officials and their families while also benefiting violent narco-terrorists who operate with impunity on Venezuelan soil and who help produce, protect, and transport tons of cocaine to the United States,” the indictment says.
‘Congress will leak,’ Trump says
The Trump administration did not seek congressional approval for the attack, prompting lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill to express trepidation and concern over the operation. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Saturday that it was “not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission.”
Trump agreed, saying that members of Congress tend to “leak” information to the public. “Congress will leak and we did not want leakers,” Trump said.
Democrats and some Republicans in Congress raised questions about the legality of the attack and the administration’s long-term vision for Venezuela.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) questioned whether Trump’s operation was consistent with his vows to put “America first,” and said a U.S. military campaign targeting drug cartels would focus not on Venezuela, but on Mexico. And Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a frequent critic of the president within his own party, expressed skepticism over the administration’s characterization of the attack as an “arrest with military support.”
“Meanwhile,” Massie wrote, “Trump announces he’s taken over the country and will run it until he finds someone suitable to replace him. Added bonus: says American oil companies will get to exploit the oil.”
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), a former national security official in the Obama administration, accused Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of “blatantly” lying to Congress, saying the administration officials had assured lawmakers that the goal in Venezuela was not regime change. Kim said the Trump administration plan to run Venezuela was “disastrous.”
“The American people deserve a government focused on running our own country, not the folly of trying to run another,” Kim wrote on social media.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) dismissed the administration’s justification of the mission, stating on social media, “it’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month,” referencing Trump’s recent pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.
“It’s about oil and regime change,” she added.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), who represents a district with a large Venezuelan population, said she wants to know why Congress and the American people were “bypassed in this effort.”
“The absence of congressional involvement prior to this action risks the continuation of the illegitimate Venezuelan regime,” Wasserman Schultz wrote on social media.
Republicans largely backed the Trump administration’s action, but some did express some hesitancy about the attack’s potential implications.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said in a social media post that Maduro’s capture was “great for the future of Venezuelans and the region” — but raised concerns that other world leaders may follow the example in a way that may clash with U.S. interests.
“My main concern is now Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan,” Bacon said. “Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.”
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the Trump administration is working to schedule briefings for members next week, when lawmakers are expected to return to Washington.
Tense hours in capital after attack
In Caracas on Saturday, the mood was tense. Long lines formed at supermarkets and pharmacies as shoppers, fearful of uncertainty, stocked up on essentials.
Maduro’s supporters gathered throughout the city, many bearing arms, but seemed unsure of what to do next. Across Latin America, reaction to the U.S. operation was mixed. Right-leaning allies of Trump including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa backed the U.S. attack, while leftists broadly condemned it.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized an “aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America” and said he was ordering the deployment of the Colombian armed forces along his nation’s 1,300-mile-long border with Venezuela.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the U.S. “crossed an unacceptable line” and compared the action to remove Maduro to “the darkest moments of [U.S.] interference in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Trump, meanwhile, boasted that the U.S. operation in Venezuela would help reassert U.S. dominance in Latin America.
“American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,” he said. “We are reasserting American power in a very powerful way in our home region.”
We’ll say it… 2025 was one of the best years for K-Pop yet! The continued global explosion of K-Pop was pushed to new levels thanks to K-Pop Demon Hunters, more idols expanding their world tours, and highly anticipated returns from the likes of G-DRAGON, MONSTA X, BLACKPINK, and GOT7. We could talk all day about our favorite K-Pop comebacks, but here (in alphabetical order) are 25 of the best from 2025.
aespa – Rich Man
We really didn’t think it was possible for aespa to have a better year than they did in 2024, but in 2025 they levelled up (… ‘Next Level?’). We loved ‘Dirty Work,’ but the Rich Man mini-album is our fave comeback from aespa this year. Each of the six tracks is a masterpiece that showcases aespa’s ever-evolving skillset, but if we had to pick a favorite other than the title track ‘Rich Man,’ then it would have to be the album closer, ‘To The Girls.’
ALL(H)OURS – Smoke Point
If hype energy K-Pop comebacks are your thing, then we hope Smoke Point was on your 2025 playlists! The title track, ‘GIMME GIMME,’ is another level of fiery and intense. It’s giving old school MONSTA X! 2025 was ALL (H)OURS’ second year since debut, and the growth they’ve shown in that time is so impressive. We can’t wait to see what happens for ALL (H)OURS next.
ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3
As if the ‘Lemon Drop’ era hadn’t been enough, ATEEZ did not come to play with ‘In Your Fantasy’ and GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3. The album is a true ‘Masterpiece’ (pun somewhat intended), and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to get solo b-sides from each ATEEZ member! Our faves have got to be ‘Slide to me,’ ‘NO1,’ and ‘Sagittarius.’
BLACKPINK – ‘JUMP’
The world is always tuned in every time there’s a BLACKPINK comeback! In 2025, the quartet reunited for a world tour and the single, ‘JUMP.’ Naturally, the track is as vivacious and high-energy as anyone would expect from a BLACKPINK release. This time, though, as well as YG’s in-house team, ‘JUMP’ was co-written and co-produced by music juggernaut Diplo. Here’s to more BLACKPINK music in 2026…?
BOYNEXTDOOR – The Action
Between No Genre and The Action, it’s been a career-best year for BOYNEXTDOOR. Again and again, the group proves that they’re at the forefront of K-Pop and will continue to pioneer the 5th Generation. The members continue to get more and more hands-on, too, with Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak all contributing to the songwriting of the tracks, which focus on BOYNEXTDOOR’s group aspirations, with a sprinkle of their usual tongue-in-cheek spirit.
ENHYPEN – DESIRE: UNLEASH
As ever, in 2025, ENHYPEN took the time out of their hectic world tour schedules to release one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks. DESIRE: UNLEASH was first announced during ENHYPEN’s Coachella set, and that performance was probably a 2025 highlight, too. DESIRE: UNLEASH was stacked with hits, but our favorites have to be ‘Outside’ and ‘Helium!’
EVNNE – LOVE ANECDOTE(S)
The Honey POP stans EVNNE big time, and the release of their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), was no different! The title track, ‘How Can I Do,’ feels like several songs in one, but in the best way possible. From the R&B moments to the intense chorus, there’s an edge of 3rd Gen sensibilities in this song. The highlight, though, is the bass and drums breakdown underneath the fierce rap verses.
GOT7 – WINTER HEPTAGON
We’ll be real, we almost forgot that WINTER HEPTAGON was a 2025 release because it came out so early in the year! Nonetheless, we are always thrilled to have more GOT7 music in our lives. This album, which we had truly been dreaming of, brought all of our wishes to life. As always, GOT7 were hands-on in the creative process, with every member contributing to the writing and production. The lead single, ‘PYTHON,’ was exactly the statement GOT7 needed to make. “I know I’m an icon.” Yes, yes, you are.
G-DRAGON – Übermensch
The king of K-Pop finally returned in 2025! With an absolutely top-tier album, Übermensch,G-DRAGON firmly restated that he is not going anywhere, even if he keeps us waiting in between releases! From ‘POWER’ dropping at the end of 2024 to ‘TOO BAD’ to all the bsides, Übermensch is a masterpiece. And if you don’t wanna take our word for it, check out the cameos in the ‘TOO BAD’ MV to see who else is a fan of G-DRAGON, too.
Hearts2Hearts – FOCUS
Hearts2Hearts made the list of our favorite K-Pop debuts in 2025, but their first mini-album, FOCUS, was easily one of our fave comebacks, too! There’s something about the title track that makes it one of the most intriguing of the year, and it’s the perfect choice for Hearts2Hearts’ end-of-year stages as they entice more fans. “I cannot focus on anything but you,” is how Hearts2Hearts are making S2U feel!
ILLIT – ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’
‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ might be one of the most recent K-Pop comebacks from 2025, but it’s still one of the best! ILLIT is a group that knows their brand perfectly, and they know how to both embrace and expand it, too. ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ is (sorry) super cute, whilst still showing a new side to the girls. We cannot wait to see how ILLIT continue to grow as we go into their third year as a group!
IVE – IVE EMPATHY
Doesn’t it feel like IVE has a career-best year, every year? Well, 2025 was no exception! Way back in February, the girls released IVE EMPATHY, which was immediately one of our fave IVE comebacks yet. Thanks to mega-hits ‘ATTITUDE’ and ‘REBEL HEART,’ this album quickly set the stage for IVE to exceed expectations once again.
JENNIE – Ruby
“Who wanna rock with JENNIE?” Umm… us please! Ruby was technically JENNIE’s debut solo studio album, but we’re including it as a comeback as she’d had official solo releases before. Having said that, Ruby definitely felt like a brand new start for JENNIE. Having worked with the likes of Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Diplo, and so many more, JENNIE gifted us with a cohesive, theatrical body of work. We waited for this album for so long, and it was so worth the wait!
j-hope – ‘MONA LISA’
Not satisfied with wrapping up his solo world tour, j-hope gifted us with a trio of iconic singles. It was so hard to pick just one of them for our top K-Pop comebacks list, but we’ve gone with ‘MONA LISA.‘ This track has been on repeat for us all year, and we reckon it’ll still be that way throughout 2026, too. From the slick choreography to the fun message, we love every part of this song.
KATSEYE – BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
KATSEYE spent 2025 “making beats,” and we couldn’t be more grateful to them for it. The girlies had their first comeback this year, the BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP, led by ‘Gnarly’ and ‘Gabriela.’ Sometimes divisive but always talked about, everything these girls touch seems to turn to gold. Here’s to hoping that KATSEYE never go ‘M.I.A!’
LE SSERAFIM – ‘SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)’
Not only was ‘SPAGHETTI‘ one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks of 2025, but it’s maybe our favorite collaboration of the year, too! Every aspect of this release was iconic, from the styling to the TikTok trends to the packaging of the physical albums! The title track from this single album is fiery, mischievous, and tongue-in-cheek, which is basically all we could have wished for from the fimmies.
MEOVV – ‘BURNING UP’
MEOVV’s digital single ‘BURNING UP’ saw the girls take a different sonic direction than their previous releases, but this sounds works just as well for them! Still equally fierce, but with a brighter pop edge, ‘BURNING UP,’ as well as just being super fun, showcases how much MEOVV has grown in such a short amount of time.
MONSTA X – THE X
Was this the most highly anticipated comeback on this list? Maybe! MONBEBE had to suffer for literally years waiting for a group comeback, thanks to military enlistments, but we finally got it! The members didn’t come to mess around when they finally reunited either; 2025 has been stacked for them. As well as THE X, they celebrated their 10th anniversary, announced a 2026 world tour, and dropped the single ‘Baby Blue.’ We wanna see MONSTA X ‘N the Front’ row next year!
P1HARMONY – DUH!
Not only was DUH! one of our fave K-Pop comebacks in 2025, it also gave us one of the very best b-sides we’ve heard in a long time: ‘Pretty Boy.’ We’re not the only ones who think that, either! ‘Pretty Boy’ has actually overtaken the title track’s streams on Spotify! ‘DUH!,’ though, is totally worth celebrating too. Our favorite thing about the title track is its music video. Filled with references to their discography, lore details, and some classic P1H looks, it’s the perfect MV for fans both old and new.
Stray Kids – KARMA
There’s no way we couldn’t include Stray Kids on this list when both of the albums they released this year topped the Billboard 200, is there? Our fave 2025 comeback from the megastars has to be KARMA. Even if the music wasn’t incredible (which it is), the very fact it celebrates Stray Kids’ work ethic and all of their success (so far!) would be enough to earn KARMA a place in our hearts, and on this list.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – The Star Chapter: TOGETHER
We’ll be honest, ‘Love Language,’ nearly made the list as a top K-Pop comeback in 2025, but then we thought: why have one TXT song, when you could have eight? The Star Chapter: TOGETHER was a special era for many reasons, not least because it wrapped up all of TXT’s lore and storyline for the past seven years! It also gifted us solo tracks from each member for the first time, and from the cuteness of ‘Sunday Driver’ to the moodiness of ‘Ghost Girl’ to the sensuality of ‘Dance With You,’ each and every one of these b-sides is a dream come true!
TWICE – THIS IS FOR
Like for TXT, we were torn for this pick. We nearly chose TEN: The Story Goes On as our fave TWICE comeback in 2025 because we’re just so thrilled about their tenth anniversary, but ultimately we couldn’t resist THIS IS FOR. The title track was one of the most underrated bops this year, and we will never, ever, stop watching clips of ‘Right Hand Girl’ from the World Tour. Plus, we got brand new unit songs! What’s not to love?
XLOV – I One
2025 was the year that we, and the world, fell totally in love with XLOV. Imma Be was one of our favorite debuts this year, and UXLXVE was a top album, so it’s only natural that I One would be one of our fave comebacks! Led by ‘1&Only,’ this era was what truly launched XLOV to the forefront of K-Pop. Even more than that, ‘1&Only’ and ‘BIZNESS’ had some of the best choreography of the year, and we cannot recommend the performance videos enough.
ZEROBASEONE – NEVER SAY NEVER
Well, first of all, we have to say that we’re very sorry to ‘BLUE,’ but how could we resist the pull of ‘ICONIK?’ ZB1 told us to “Let the rhythm flow through [y]our body,” after all! In another year filled with hits from this group, we were thrilled about this comeback for many reasons, not least because it was their first full-length album! With the future of ZEROBASEONE still a mystery, we’re glad that we, and ZEROSE, got to enjoy a full body of work from ZB1.
&TEAM – Back To Life
One of our favorite global groups finally had their official Korean debut! &TEAM released Back To Life, including the searing rock-inspired title track that earned &TEAM their first Korean music show win. However, the mini-album’s b-sides are what make this comeback so special. We’ll never stop watching performances of ‘Lunatic’ and ‘Mismatch.’
So there you have it, all of our top 2025 K-Pop comebacks, or at least 25 of them! Which is your favorite comeback? Did your ults make the list? Let us know! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
2025 felt like a year where music refused to sit still. Every week brought a new sound, a new story, a new artist stepping into their moment. The team at THP HQ went through the annual ritual of debating, defending, and passionately campaigning for our faves, and it wasn’t easy narrowing this beast of a year down to just fifty albums. But we did it… just about. So grab your headphones, a snack, and maybe some tissues; here are The Honey POP’s Top 50 Albums of 2025!
That’s Showbiz, Baby! – JADE
Jade had us waiting for a hot minute for this album, but wow, was it worth it. That’s Showbiz Baby! is easily one of the most exciting pop releases we’ve had in years; it’s pure pop perfection from beginning to end. Every step of the journey has felt unmistakably and unapologetically Jade. She made an unforgettable entrance with ‘Angel Of My Dreams,’ a moment so defining it earned her first-ever BRIT Award for Pop Act earlier this year. It left everyone wondering what her sound would be after such an eclectic debut. The answer? Bold, in-your-face, and absolutely brilliant. Her debut record is stacked with standouts, from the confident, main-character strut of ‘IT Girl’ to the fiery sass of ‘FUFN.’
And just when we thought she couldn’t top it, Jade closed the year by dropping That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore, adding eight new tracks, including the stunningly dramatic ‘Church’ and her fierce take on Madonna’s ‘Frozen.’ The deluxe edition doesn’t just elevate the album; it extends the pop excellence she’s already delivered. Jade isn’t simply following trends… she is the trend. With this record, she cements her place as the newest it girl, carving out her space in pop history. And honestly? We’re fully strapped in for the ride. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks:‘Angel Of My Dreams,’ ‘It Girl,’ and ‘Church’
Golden Hour Pt 3: In Your Fantasy – ATEEZ
Honestly, these men really are making all our fantasies come true with every new piece of content they release. The third installment of the Golden Hour series gave us a softer yet more mature side of ATEEZ in the best way possible, showing how the group can do anything they put their minds to. From the moment we heard the R&B and hip-hop mixture of ‘Lemon Drop,’ we knew this album was going to be completely different from what we’ve seen before in the best way. Most of all, we’d say that’s reflected in the solo songs we got from each ATEEZ member, where we can see all their talent shine in their own unique styles. From Hongjoong’s hype beats in ‘NO1’ to Jongho’s stunning vocals in ‘To Be Your Light’, it’s safe to say that, in Captain’s words, they’re “getting in our heads,” with this album. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Now This House Ain’t A Home,’ ‘Lemon Drop’ and ‘In Your Fantasy’
NO LABELS: Part 01 – YEONJUN
Yeonjun’s NO LABELS: PART 01 is easily in the running for the best debut album of 2025. Although, in line with its concept, perhaps we shouldn’t give it any titles? Regardless, across the six tracks, Yeonjun fully realizes a very succinct vision, whilst also proving that he’s capable of doing any genre or style he sets his mind to. Where he could’ve turned out a perfect pop album (which we also would’ve loved), Yeonjun defied expectations by releasing an album far grittier, bolder, and more daring than anticipated.
None of these facets of Yeonjun came as a surprise to MOAs, but they are more crystal clear than ever before. From the derisive nonchalance of ‘Do It’ to the earnest sensuality of ‘Let Me Tell You (with Daniela of KATSEYE),’ NO LABELS: PART 01 is both concise and eclectic. Is it too soon to predict NO LABELS: PART 02 will be on this list in 2026? – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Coma,’ ‘Do It,’ and ‘Nothin’ ‘Bout Me’
So Close To What – Tate McRae
From a career-defining single run (seriously, probably our favorite rollout ever) to new songs that make her one of the pop princesses of the year, Tate McRae’s So Close To What has to be talked about when discussing the music that we’ve loved in 2025. This album is a masterpiece from top to bottom! Not only does it have bops that make us feel confident and let our hair loose, but it also includes some of the deepest stories that Tate has told through her tracks. So Close To What has been our favorite era with her, making it even more fun with a world tour full of amazing performances and making her even more worthy of the superstar status. It’s a perfect pop album in our books!
The deluxe, SO CLOSE TO WHAT???, is also incredible. The five songs Tate has added to her Miss Possessive universe show a lot of growth, not only in her lyrics and mission for these tracks, but also in her production. We feel like this deluxe is Tate’s best music yet. It’s so hard to choose our favorites! – María Solano
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Miss possessive,’ ‘bloodonmyhands (feat. Flo Milli), and ‘No I’m not in love’
Beautiful Chaos – KATSEYE
Is it too soon to say that KATSEYE are well on their way to being the world’s biggest girl group? Because it certainly seems like they’re heading that way! The girls had their first comeback this year, first with ‘Gnarly,’ and then with their BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP. Each and every song on this album has had a stand-out moment, not least ‘Gabriela,’ which earned KATSEYE their first GRAMMY nomination! The most underrated is the b-side ‘Mean Girls,’ which sees KATSEYE channel their girl-power energy in a less ferocious way than is typical for them. But, speaking of ferocious, it was ‘Gnarly’ that probably brought the girls the most notoriety; it was instantly divisive upon release, but it feels pretty safe to say it’s won over even the harshest of critics now. To anyone who still isn’t on board, haven’t you considered that boba tea is ‘Gnarly?’ – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Gnarly,’ ‘M.I.A,’ and ‘Gabriela’
UXLXVE – XLOV
XLOV is by far one of the most exciting up-and-coming groups around. And they lived up to that hype with UXLXVE, their first mini-album. In each of the six tracks, you get the sense that XLOV really understands their audience, a feat which many more established artists still grapple with. UXLXVE switches seamlessly between soft melodies, euphoric pop, and sensual R&B. We always love a K-Pop group that is so hands-on in the creative process, and that’s exactly what XLOV is. Their leader, Wumuti, is heavily involved in songwriting and production, and all the members contribute in one way or another, from their concept to their styling and beyond. And look, we wouldn’t admit to being totally obsessed with a song about rizz of all things if we could avoid it. But, just like Taemin got us with ‘The Rizzness,’ XLOV’s ‘Rizz’ is just that undeniably good. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Rizz,’ ‘Scent,’ and ‘Biii:-P’
TUNNEL VISION – ITZY
The debate over whether to include Girls Will Be Girls or TUNNEL VISION as one of the best albums of 2025 could go on forever. It goes to show just how many incredible songs ITZY have delivered this year. Ultimately, the concept, the experimentation, and the cohesiveness in TUNNEL VISION make it the epitome of what ITZY are capable of. Starting with an intro track as gripping as ‘FOCUS,’ we knew TUNNEL VISION would be one of those mini-albums that leave a mark in ITZY’s career. ‘TUNNEL VISION’ is confident, assertive, empowering, and speaks to ITZY’s journey and restless ambition.
But ‘TUNNEL VISION’ is far from the only standout on this release; songs like ‘DYT’ elevate ideas from previous releases, and ‘8-BEAT HEART’ showcases ITZY’s unique, cheeky, fun yet experimental side. Yet songs like ‘Nocturne’ show a sweeter, yet more profound, side, without losing the sound that makes them so special. TUNNEL VISION showcases everything we love about ITZY, takes it to a whole new level, and opens the doors even further for what they can achieve as a group – and we’re here for every part of it. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks:‘TUNNEL VISION,’ ‘DYT,’ and ‘8-BIT HEART’
Magic Man II – Jackson Wang
Magic Man II is by far one of the best albums we’ve heard this year. It’s pure, unfiltered art in the form of 11 songs that narrate the process of overcoming hard times by allowing yourself to feel your feelings and process them in a healthy way. Jackson mentioned multiple times throughout the year how taking a year off and enjoying his time with friends and family helped create all the songs present in MM II, and it shows for sure. From opening with ‘High Alone’ to closing with ‘Made Me A Man,’ we are taken on this journey of self-reflection that resonates deeply with anyone who’s been through hard moments.
Personally, we’ve listened to ‘GBAD’ more times than we’d like to admit for its message about protecting our peace even if it makes us a villain in someone else’s story, and cried listening to Jackson’s beautiful tribute to his parents in songs like ‘Dear’ and ‘Sophy Ricky.’ And we can’t finish this without mentioning how ‘Made Me A Man’ was the perfect closer to the album, reinforcing what Jackson has been saying since the beginning: everything that happens to us, good or bad, makes us who we are, we just have to accept that and make the best of it. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘GBAD,’ ‘Sophy Ricky’ and ‘Made Me A Man’
Breach – Twenty One Pilots
As a direct follow-up to their 2024 album, Clancy, Twenty One Pilots released one album to tie up the lore and storylines they had been building up for over a decade. And just like Clancy last year, Breach has unsurprisingly made it into our top albums of the year! Breach is first and foremost an album that celebrates the universe Twenty One Pilots have created with every aspect of their art: from the music, to the lyrics, to the music videos. The end of Clancy announced the comeback of Blurryface, and Breach sees how they go face-to-face with this infamous character, precisely a decade after the release of Blurryface.
Breach has even more layers than the usual Twenty One Pilots release, as it includes, in the most genius and satisfying way, references to some of their most iconic and meaningful songs. From tracks like ‘City Walls, ‘ which follow Twenty One Pilots’ signature sound, to songs like ‘Days Lie Dormant,’ which offer a new element to their discography. Even as Breach reminisces on Twenty One Pilots’ journey as artists, it also expands their horizons as musicians and brings something new and refreshing to the table. Twenty One Pilots’ entire career comes down to this album, and it is a beyond-impressive one. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘City Walls,’ ‘The Contract,’ and ‘Downstairs’
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Call men out on their cr*p and face your problems head-on, but make it cute: the recipe for success, according to Miss Sabrina Carpenter. And let’s face it, it’s working wonders for her (and us), and Man’s Best Friend is proof of it. We can’t count how many times we’ve screamed the lyrics to ‘Manchild’ in our cars or laughed while listening to ‘Nobody’s Son’ because it reminded us of someone, but that’s the magic of Sabrina’s music: it makes serious situations lighter with her cheeky lyrics and unique voice. In our opinion, it’s only further up from here for this pop princess, and we can only hope to be along for the ride with her! – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Manchild,’ ‘Nobody’s Son’ and ‘Never Getting Laid’
K-Pop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
Now, how could we write about our top 50 albums without including the soundtrack of the year? K-Pop Demon Hunters not only smashed it in terms of movie records, but its soundtrack album was quite the success, too. From the lightning-fast energy of anthems like ‘Golden’ and ‘How It’s Done’ to the sleek swagger of villain-boy-band bops like ‘Soda Pop’ and ‘Your Idol,’ the album takes you on a wild ride between hero-team high drama and devilish-charm chaos.
Then, when tracks like ‘What It Sounds Like’ drop for the stirring score, you feel that emotional weight, like battle scars made beautiful by music. Whether you’re rooting for the supernatural girl-group heroes or vibing with the darker side, the soundtrack never asks you to pick sides, it just demands you dance, feel, and get swept up. K-Pop Demon Hunters doesn’t just soundtrack a story; it gives you a full-on K-Pop fantasy world you might never want to leave. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks:‘How It’s Done’, ‘Soda Pop’, and ‘Golden’
Wishbone – Conan Gray
Conan Gray only needs a guitar and his lyrics to create one of the best albums of the year. After the release of Found Heaven last year, a new Conan Gray album wasn’t in our bingo card for 2025. Yet, Wishbone arrived in our lives to take over all of our playlists. For this album, Conan went back to his roots and stripped the creation down to just him and a few trusted producers. The result was a raw album full of vulnerability and some of his best songwriting as he tells an introspective story of a failed love. And no one does that quite like Conan Gray.
The title says it all: Wishbone refers to the way someone always gets the biggest piece of a wishbone. Kicking off the album with ‘Actor,’ the song already announces where the story would end, and yet tracks like ‘This Song’ make us feel every ounce of love that was once there. Songs like ‘Nauseous’ are where Conan shines as a songwriter, opening up about himself through his music, being raw and vulnerable. Still, his use of imagery and metaphor reaches its peak in ‘Eleven Eleven.’ Conan has always been an incredible storyteller, and through this album, he showed even more growth as an artist, and yes, these songs will haunt us forever now. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Actor,’ ‘Vodka Cranberry,’ and ‘Eleven Eleven’
ORDER Chaos ORDER – Calum Hood
5 Seconds of Summer has given us so much this year, but one thing that they never lack is incredible music. As we reflect on our favorite albums of 2025, we have to mention the masterpiece by our beloved Calum: ORDER chaos ORDER.
If we were to describe this album in one word, we would use vulnerability. Mr. Calum Hood has always left us speechless with the way his music is both relatable and unique, and ORDER chaos ORDER is a rollercoaster of emotions. This project is for those who love to be connected with their deepest feelings, but also for the dreamers. Our favorite thing from this incredible album is the lyricism. Calum does a lot of introspection throughout these tracks, thinking about the “what ifs” and the “what could’ve beens” while giving us the feeling of living in a permanent summer sunset.
We’re so thankful for living in the same timeline as this genius, and we are so proud of Calum for allowing us to explore this solo musical journey!
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Streetwise,’ ‘Dark Circles,’ ‘Sunsetter’
Sidequest – Michael Clifford
Speaking of 5SOS and their 10/10 run this year, we obviously have to mention the coolness of Michael Clifford! His solo album, SIDEQUEST, gives us super fun aesthetics and a taste of pop-punk blending that has sparkled in Michael’s style since he started sharing his music with us. Eclectic colors, fuzzy shapes, and video game screens are the visual standouts of this era, but he also wanted to share how mature he has become and push his producing abilities for this release. Michael wanted to combine his alternative music lover personality with his newest electronic inspirations to make SIDEQUEST as authentic as possible. And we think he has covered all of his wishes with this release!
He has collaborated with some amazing artists for some of the tracks, but SIDEQUEST is a purely Michael Clifford creation. From writing all the lyrics to mastering the record, Michael has poured his entire soul in his solo adventure. We’re so happy that our 2025 has been blessed by his great songs!
THP’s Song Picks: ‘give me a break! (feat. waterparks)’ because we will always be PARXSOS truthers, ‘cool,’ ‘enough’
Caligo Pt.1 – PLAVE
PLAVE’sCaligo Pt.1 slinks onto your playlist like moonlight on water, moody, stylish, and full of surprises. From the rock-fuelled punch of opener ‘Dash’ to the silky R&B glow of ‘Island,’ the record shows off the group’s range without ever tipping into over-ambition. Tracks like ‘Chroma Drift’ bring retro city-pop warmth with airy saxophone lines and smooth grooves, while ‘12:32 (A to T)’ offers a quiet, tender moment that feels like a whispered late-night promise.
Even the laid-back hip-hop charm of ‘RIZZ’ adds a cheeky swagger, proving PLAVE aren’t afraid to play with tone and texture. Caligo Pt. 1 is a polished, genre-hopping mini-album that shows PLAVE knows exactly how to set a mood, whether you’re craving a punch, a slow groove, or a dreamy escape. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Chroma Drift,’ ‘Island,’ and ‘Dash’
fe304: FORWARD – NMIXX
If there’s one group we could easily add both releases of the year to the list, it would hands down be NMIXX. With the release of Blue Valentine later in the year, they made history and established themselves as the force they were always meant to be. And while Blue Valentine is the first full-length album of a lifetime and would also deserve a place in our list, it is difficult to compete against the absolute jaw-dropping masterpiece that is their Fe304: FORWARD mini-album.
Starting the era with ‘High Horse,’ we knew NMIXX weren’t here to play, as they showcased their contemporary dancing skills and their beyond-powerful vocals. ‘High Horse’ is the most unique, special, and mind-blowing release of K-Pop, not only this year. And the best song of the year could only be followed by a show-stopping title track like ‘KNOW ABOUT ME,’ which highlighted their harmonies and synergy. It doesn’t stop there, though, because every song in Fe304: FORWARD is a unique piece that showcases NMIXX’s restless love for experimenting with music, vocals, and pushing their sound beyond any barrier, leading us to K-Pop excellence in songs like ‘Papillon.’ From track 1 with ‘High Horse’ to track 6 with ‘Ocean,’ FE304: FORWARD is a masterclass in not only what K-Pop can and should be, but also in what music is all about. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘High Horse,’ ‘KNOW ABOUT ME,’ and ‘Papillon’
People Watching – Sam Fender
Sam Fender scored a hat-trick with his third studio album, People Watching. We’ve been fans of Sam for a long time, and we’re still taken by surprise every time he releases something new, and he’s somehow managed to get even better! In People Watching, Sam, once again, delves into the personal and political. And not the kind of grand, sweeping political gesturing many celebrities make, but deeply felt, nuanced commentaries on social class, capitalism, and more. This has been a keystone in Sam’s discography from the start, but it’s rare not to see this fade away once an artist reaches the levels of success that Sam has. The intricate nature of Sam’s lyricism is only amplified by the stadium-level production he puts behind it. The duality shouldn’t work, but for the third album in a row, Sam Fender has proved he’s one of the few who can make it happen. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘People Watching,’ ‘Chin Up,’ and ‘Remember My Name’
The Star Chapter: Together – TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s latest full-length album, The Star Chapter: TOGETHER, feels like a kaleidoscope of sounds and emotions, all tied together by the group’s unmistakable energy and ambition. From the vibrant, ‘80s-tinged synth-pop of opener ‘Upside Down Kiss’ to the soaring, yearning melodies of lead single ‘Beautiful Strangers,’ the album draws you in with lush production and hooks that linger.
The solo songs, from the carefree falsetto glide of ‘Sunday Driver’ to the raw emotional surge of ‘Take My Half,’ let each member shine in their own lane while still feeling connected to the group’s wider universe. When tracks like ‘Bird of Night’ drift in on soft piano and gentle vocals, or when ‘Dance With You’ pulses with sultry rhythm and playful groove, TXT shows they’re unafraid to explore new moods and musical corners. The Star Chapter: TOGETHER doesn’t just showcase growth, it delivers a full-on emotional ride, blending confidence, vulnerability, and that signature “we’re all in this together” spirit that makes it impossible not to hit replay. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks:‘Beautiful Strangers,’ ‘Ghost Girl,’ and ‘Song of the Stars’
Love & Hyperbole – Alessia Cara
With the release of ‘Dead Man’ as the lead single of Alessia Cara’s new album last summer, Love & Hyperbolewas an album that had been among our most anticipated of 2025. And ten months after its release, it has remained one of the year’s most memorable albums. Songs like ‘Subside’ and ‘Fire’ find their way back into our minds constantly. Alessia Cara’s pen has never failed, but Love & Hyperbole reveals a side of her that is even more mature, profound, and introspective, while showcasing her unique, striking vocals. From ‘Dead Man,’ she dipped her toes into a more jazzy, darker side, and it set the tone for the entirety of the album.
Released on Valentine’s Day, she created a unique atmosphere in Love & Hyperbole where she explored all the different sides of love – the sense of freedom, the beauty, the heartbreak, and the aftermath. It’s smooth and relaxing, yet all the songs are filled with nuanced emotions in the most cathartic way, including some of her most beautiful songs about love and growth. Alessia has always had a way with music that sets her apart, and no album has showcased her unique vision and way with words quite like Love & Hyperbole. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Subside,’ ‘Clearly,’ and ‘Fire.’
Übermensch – G-Dragon
The king of K-Pop returns with another album full of bangers. Truly, GD is the Übermensch of the industry. Named after Nietzsche’s concept of the new goal for humanity, translated as “beyond-man,” the album definitely reflects the notion of “an individual who transcends themselves,” as G-Dragon himself put it. After 12 years without releasing a full-length album, GD reinvented himself once again and brought us eight insane tracks that just scream “this is what K-Pop is about,” mixing genres, bringing killer collabs, and reminding us why he’s considered one of the best rappers in the industry.
If we had to choose a single lyric to highlight from this album, it would have to be, “prove ‘em all wrong, I’ve got all the receipts,” from ‘Power,’ because there’s nothing quite like feeling like you have the power to do anything, and that’s exactly the feeling this song brings out in us. Also, excuse us while we fangirl over ‘Home Sweet Home,’ where GD brings his Big Bang members, Taeyang and Daesung, along for the ride, and they make it clear that their, “golden days are still alive,” which we couldn’t be happier to hear! – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Too Bad,’ ‘Power’ and ‘Drama’
Perrie – Perrie
After years of anticipation, our girl Perrie finally dropped her debut self-titled album… and it was worth every second of the wait. From the energetic yet bittersweet debut single ‘Forget About Us’ to the sassy, confident punch of ‘If He Wanted To He Would,’ this record delivers an irresistible mix of belting choruses and catchy hooks that practically beg you to roll the windows down and scream along. When she shifts into heart-tugging ballads like ‘Miss You’ or ‘Same Place Different View,’ her voice, crisp, emotive, and rich, turns heartbreak into something beautifully cathartic.
And then there are the groove-soaked moments like ‘Sand Dancer’ and ‘Pushing Up Daisies,’ proving Perrie is just as magnetic on the dance floor as she is behind a piano ballad. Overall, Perrie plays like the ultimate pop playlist: warm, inviting, and full of personality. It marks the official arrival of a solo star whose shine isn’t going anywhere. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s song picks: ‘Sand Dancer’, ‘Miss You’, and ‘If He Wanted To He Would’
KARMA – Stray Kids
Following world-changing releases like GO LIVE, NOEASY, and 5-STAR, the stakes and expectations were high for Stray Kids’ fourth full-length album, and KARMA met them without breaking a sweat. KARMA is an album that put Stray Kids’ success as a self-produced group in the forefront – it celebrated all sides of their artistry, their journey, their passion for music, their bond as a group, and their connection to fans. Coming right off the biggest K-Pop tour of the year, KARMA is directly inspired by the energy Stray Kids brought to the stage every night, as shown through songs like ‘Half Time.’
We also had hard-hitting songs with Stray Kids’ unique energy and undeniable rap skills, like ‘BLEEP’ and ‘CREED,’ as well as new ventures into EDM with ‘Phoenix’ and pop-punk with ‘In My Head.’ ‘MESS,’ ‘Ghost’ and ‘0801’ showed more vulnerability and introspection, giving KARMA a life on its own. It only makes sense that Stray Kids’ karma would come to fruition with this album, giving them their first MAMA daesang for Album of the Year. But more than anything, KARMA was about ‘CEREMONY’ and celebrating Stray Kids’ success despite adversity and the impact of their music. They were right: that ratio did get them worldwide. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘BLEEP,’ ‘CEREMONY,’ and ‘Phoenix’
Zara Larsson getting her flowers is long overdue, but better late than never! A long-time star across Europe, the U.S. is finally starting to take notice, thanks to the virality of Midnight Sun and Zara’s stint supporting Tate McRae on tour. Zara is by far one of pop’s most down-to-earth, relatable stars, whilst still giving us all the glitz and glam we could ever ask for! With Midnight Sun, Zara shows off her duality. The album is full of Eurodance and house-influenced tracks, underneath vocals so strong that she’s nicknamed Beyoncé’s adopted daughter. In the era of TikTok music, Zara Larsson has our vote as an artist who is doing that right, with integrity, and has our recommendation as a must-follow on social media! – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Girl’s Girl,’ ‘Midnight Sun,’ and ‘Blue Moon’
Idols – YUNGBLUD
YUNGBLUD is another artist who we’re thrilled to see finally getting their dues stateside! Idols kind of does what it says on the tin, full of references to the artists who inspire YUNGBLUD. From the offset of ‘Hello Heaven, Hello,’ YUNGBLUD is taking you on a journey, throughout musical styles but also seemingly through his own psyche, though YUNGBLUD himself has said this album came from the heart rather than the head. Since the very onset of his career, YUNGBLUD has toyed with genres with a very on-brand anarchic sensibility. Idols is no different, gifting us with stadium rock anthems featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra. “Tell me, do you wanna feel alive?” Then listen to Idols. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Hello Heaven, Hello,’ ‘Zombie,’ and ‘Lovesick Lullaby’
Knees Up – Olly Murs
Olly Murs’ new album Knees Up feels like a full-on invitation to the ultimate party; cheeky, upbeat, and unmistakably him. From the high-energy opener ‘Save Me’ to the ska-tinged swagger of ‘Bonkers,’ the record bursts with big hooks, big horns, and that playful charm fans always fall for. But there’s still plenty of heart woven in. Tracks like ‘Love = Madness’ and ‘Honest’ slip effortlessly between the pop bangers, giving space to his softer, more vulnerable side without dimming the party lights.
When he slows things down, whether it’s a tender ballad or a mellow groove, his vocals shine with that signature warmth and sincerity. In fact, this might be the closest we’ve ever gotten to Olly’s true live sound. So many of these songs carry the “big band” energy his concerts are known for, and it gives the whole record that full-bodied, feel-good lift. Knees Up isn’t here to reinvent the wheel; it’s here to remind you exactly why Olly Murs became the soundtrack to summer nights and late-night drives in the first place. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Save Me’, ‘Run This Town,’ and ‘Honest‘
Detox – ONE OK ROCK
You can always trust that ONE OK ROCK to deliver an album that will leave its mark on our entire year. Their eleventh album, DETOX, came out back in February and has remained in our top albums of the year. After the release of Luxury Disease in 2022, ONE OK ROCK collaborated with the legendary producer Rob Cavallo to create magic once again. The main single, ‘Dystopia,’ says it all: DETOX questions the world, sees the ugliness, but also serves as a break and a necessary cathartic disconnect from the real world. While DETOX has some good pop bangers like ‘Tropical Therapy,’ it also saw ONE OK ROCK going back to their roots: it’s their heaviest album in years.
It opens with a track like ‘NASTY’ that hits hard just in the right way, and they collaborated with Paledusk and CHICO CARLITO in one of their heaviest tracks yet, ‘C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y.’ And still, it has its vulnerable and beautiful moments like ‘Tiny Pieces’ and even more so ‘This Can’t Be Us’ that push their musicality and Taka’s vocals even more. DETOX is an album that manages to package everything that makes ONE OK ROCK so special and unique, all their experimentation and experience with different genres, into 11 flawless tracks. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks:‘Nasty,’ ‘Party’s Over,’ and ‘This Can’t Be Us’
Hometown – BamBam
BamBam Thai album. That’s it, that’s the tweet. Actually, it’s not, we’re gonna talk a lot about Hometown. For the first time in 14 years since his debut, BamBam released an EP fully in Thai, and the project is all we could’ve wanted and so much more! From the dreamy vibes of ‘WONDERING’ all the way to the more modern feel of ‘Dancing By Myself,’ HOMETOWN is a beautiful and heartwarming tribute to his origins, and we can definitely hear all the love and care BamBam put into every song, once again proving his talent knows no bounds. And neither do his connections in the industry, apparently, seeing as he got some of the most popular names in Thai music to feature in HOMETOWN.
Seriously, Jeff Satur in ‘More Than Friend,’ TIMETHAI in ‘Dancing By Myself’ and INK WARUNTORN in ‘Greenlight?’ Perfection! And we can’t help but mention how finishing the EP off with ‘Angel in Disguise,’ an ethereal fantasy in song form produced by Pharrell Williams, that really evokes the feeling of coming home. More than an album, HOMETOWN is an invitation into BamBam’s world, and we’re more than happy to accept it.– Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘WONDERING,’ ‘More Than Friend’ and ‘Angel in Disguise’
The Life Of A Showgirl – Taylor Swift
The Life of a Showgirl may have been released in October, but it became one of the most talked about albums of the year in a matter of a few hours – needless to say, that even after the Eras Tour, Taylor is still taking the world by storm. Taylor Swift mixed a new and old approach when it came to the writing of this album, going back to her most-pop era collaborator Max Martin – the mastermind behind her best and most iconic albums, such as 1989 and Reputation – but also offering a new style of writing in these songs.
Opening the album with pure Taylor pop gold with ‘The Fate of Ophelia,’ there was no escaping this song or this entire album. Catchy pop songs like ‘Opalite’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ explored her newfound peace and love, while delving into some of her deeper past fears, and songs like ‘Father Figure’ explored darker sides of the industry. The final and title track of the album sums up the message of the entire release, and choosing to feature Sabrina Carpenter is nothing short of genius. The Life of a Showgirl explores the pressure of the public eye, the complex relationships within the industry, but also love and change, all in the unique style of Taylor Swift. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘The Fate of Ophelia,’ ‘Elizabeth Taylor,’ and ‘Opalite’
Echo – Jin
Jin’s new solo drop, Echo, sits somewhere between a heart-shattering breakup diary and a late-night drive soundtrack, and it is deliciously dramatic. From the gut-punch ache of the lead single ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’ to the smoky pop-rock moments that slide between piano-led introspection and guitar-fuelled alt-rock, this record finds Jin digging deeper into his feelings than ever. His voice? Still, that honey-soft velvet that somehow makes heartbreak sound golden.
Tracks like the tongue-in-cheek country-rock standout ‘Rope It’ add a playful, familiar charm, giving his more cinematic, melancholic moments even more room to breathe. And when he leans fully into that emotional storytelling, the album glows with the kind of star power only Jin can pull off: confident, tender, and unexpectedly bold all at once. Echo doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it so well that by the time the last track fades out, you realize it’s taken you for a ride anyway. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Top Picks: ‘Background,’ ‘With The Clouds,’ and ‘Rope It’
This Is For – TWICE
We have to talk about TWICE every year, their music is a staple for us! Our favorite girls have celebrated their tenth anniversary this year, and that shows how unstoppable they’ve been in 2025! We feel like we’ve grown with them through this decade, and their full album from this year, THIS IS FOR, is a perfect example, celebrating their evolution as well as a new chapter for the group.
TWICE reflects and shows their talent through THIS IS FOR with songs that include the whole group, as well as amazing sub-units that were amazing surprises for us! With this album, we’ve gotten to hear new combinations and new styles that we’ve never heard before, and it’s incredible how much the members want to show new sides of themselves, even after ten years of releasing some of the most iconic K-Pop tracks. They want to show us how passionate they are, as well as deliver empowering messages to their fans. THIS IS FOR is TWICE’s most mature project, and it keeps being as fun, groovy, and legendary as the rest of their discography! Our biggest 2025 wish is to keep celebrating more decades with them!
You know we love our rookie groups, and ARrC is no exception. We knew these boys were going to be big since their debut last year with AR^C, and this year’s releases only confirmed our suspicions. Their third mini-album, HOPE, released in July, brought us five absolute bangers that showcase the group’s musical versatility, going from ‘awesome,’ which takes inspiration from 2000s hip-hop, all the way to the neo-soul influences of ‘night life.’ We also can’t help but mention the messages in their lyrics.
Staying true to their name (“Always Remember the real Connection”), the group’s focus stays on positive messages about staying optimistic even in the middle of a chaotic world and staying true to yourself, and we cannot wait to see what our boys will be up to next in their career! – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘awesome,’ ‘night life’ and ‘vitamin I’
Only cry in the rain – CHUU
In the post-LOONA era we unfortunately have to live in, the girls continuously make it better by giving us some of the best releases K-Pop has to offer. This year, Chuu may have been booked and busy in variety shows and having her own tour, but it didn’t stop her from giving us her best mini-album yet: Only cry in the rain. Her previous flawless mini-albums established her as a soloist, and Only cry in the rain allowed her to go even deeper, offering five extremely recognizable, unique songs that fit together like a beautiful puzzle. ‘Only cry in the rain’ has a very clear concept and message: to find hope even in the darkest times while embracing all your emotions, including the pain.
Chuu used her addictive energy and positivity to create a mini-album that brings comfort and love, and doesn’t forget to have fun like in songs like ‘Back in Town’ and the viral ‘Kiss a Kitty.’ While ‘Je t’aime’ is a beautiful love song, ‘No More’ ends the release on a high note of positivity and empowerment. All tied together by Chuu’s infectious personality and stunning vocals, Only cry in the rain became a ray of light in our lives. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Only cry in the rain,’ ‘Je t’aime,’ and ‘No More’
Underwater – Big Ocean
2025 marked a huge turning point for Big Ocean. A year into their debut, they stepped confidently into a mature, sultry concept that completely shed any “young and innocent” expectations people once had. Their second mini album, Underwater, pulls you straight into an ocean of mystery; it’s moody, cinematic, and fully immersive. From the raw ache of PJ’s solo track ‘SINKING’ to the slick, cool allure of ‘FADE OUT,’ co-penned by Chanyeon, every song feels like a wave tugging at your heartstrings.
Then comes the title track ‘ATTENTION,’ a hypnotic surge of confidence with commanding vocals that dare you to dive deeper. And by the time ‘End of Time’ drifts in under moonlight, a love letter to PADO straight from the members’ hearts, it feels like the final piece of a fully realised concept. Underwater isn’t just a comeback; it’s a transformation. With its mermaid-inspired visuals, emotional depth, and bold tonal shift, the album proves that Big Ocean isn’t afraid to explore their shadowy depths, and they surface stronger, more expressive, and endlessly magnetic. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks:‘Attention,’ ‘Sinking,’ and ‘End Of Time’
The Misunderstood EP – Hannah Bahng
Our Aussie girl is back once more on this list with another bahng-er (hehe) in the form of The Misunderstood EP. Vocals? On point. Lyrics? Gut-wrenchingly beautiful. Our ears? Blessed! One of our absolute faves from the EP is ‘IM ME AGAIN,’ an ethereal track that showcases both Hannah’s talent for lyricism as well as her gorgeous voice in the best way possible. We also got our hearts slightly broken while listening to ‘RIBS,’ but coming from Hannah, we’re willing to accept that. The Misunderstood EP feels like a natural evolution from her previous release, The Abysmal EP, but more mature and experienced, and we cannot wait to see what comes next for this amazing girl we love so much. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘what never lived,’ ‘IM ME AGAIN,’ and ‘RIBS’
Wait On Me – KAI
KAI’s fourth solo album was far more understated than its predecessors, but no less worthy of acclaim or a spot on our top 50! KAI’s first release since returning from the military, everyone was anticipating Wait On Me, whether you’re an EXOL or not. Wait On Me also brought KAI’s first solo tour, which THP was lucky enough to attend, basically making all our dreams come true. And no, we won’t be taking this opportunity to talk about the ‘Pressure’ choreography. The singles, ‘Adult Swim’ and ‘Wait On Me,’ didn’t have the same fanfare as the likes of ‘Rover’ or ‘Mmmh,’ but still reiterated KAI’s status as one of K-Pop’s very best. Wait On Me is rife with KAI’s sensual artistry, honey-smooth vocals, and legendary performance skills. As KAI says in ‘Flight to Paris,’ “Get away from the mundane,” and check out Wait On Me. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Flight to Paris,’ ‘Walls Don’t Talk,’ and ‘Pressure’
DESIRE : UNLEASH – ENHYPEN
We can trust ENHYPEN to always deliver incredible music, and their 2025, DESIRE: UNLEASH, is truly everything that we wanted, and more! We have already explored their sweet romantic side with ROMANCE: UNTOLD, but this year’s project was a total 180 (in the best way!). With this comeback, ENHYPEN wanted to focus more on the mysterious lust and daring side of vampires. Everything surrounding DESIRE: UNLEASH was designed to make us want more, from the amazing songs to the visuals that they keep on serving!
We believe that ENHYPEN has created one of the best K-Pop discographies ever, and the addictive tracks from this project could only have been created by this group. The title track, ‘Bad Desire (With or Without You),’ follows how the group longs and yearns for true love. It goes along with their lore so well! And, of course, their b-sides keep getting better and better, following their enigmatic sides with passion and fiery romance. We love how the group keeps adding chapters to their storytelling through music that we can’t get enough of! – María Solano
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Outside,’ ‘Helium,’ and ‘Bad Desire (With or Without You)’
Winter Heptagon – GOT7
Mature, charming, and unapologetically GOT7 at its finest… that’s how we’d describe Winter Heptagon in one sentence. We knew this year was going to be a good one when we heard Winter Heptagon for the first time in January. With nine songs total and at least one written by each member, GOT7’s 13th mini album truly shows off how versatile the group is. And it’s amazing to be able to tell which song belongs to who just by listening. We knew the R&B vibe present in ‘Remember’ was Yugyeom’s doing, and ‘SMOOTH’ has Jackson’s signature written all over it, and that goes for all of them.
We were so glad to see GOT7 back together, making music and visibly enjoying every second. Frankly, Winter Heptagon brought us some much-needed warmth, and we can’t wait to see what else our lovely, chaotic seven have in store for us in the future. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘PYTHON,’ ‘Yours Truly,’ and ‘SMOOTH’
Am I The Drama? – Cardi B
Seven years is a long time to wait for a sophomore album, but Am I The Drama? proves, once again, that Cardi B plays by her own rules and comes out on top. Across 23 songs, Cardi flexes her versatility to such an extent that even dedicated fans might’ve been surprised. From vulnerable R&B to maximalist anthems to that highly anticipated diss track, not one of these songs could be accused of being filler. Another decision Cardi made for Am I The Drama? that we love? With the exception of ‘Up’ and ‘WAP,’ Cardi didn’t add the plethora of hit singles she’s had in the interim between Invasion of Privacy and Am I The Drama?. In a music industry that’s ruled by numbers, the decision to prioritize artistry over debuting an album with an extra 2 billion streams from the get-go is one we’ll always respect. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Imaginary Playerz,’ ‘Pretty & Petty,’ and ‘Safe’
Permission to Dance On Stage: Live – BTS
2025 marked a huge moment in BTS history: the year all seven members finally returned from military service, sending ARMY into full celebration mode. Soon after their discharge, the members headed straight back into the studio to begin preparing for their highly anticipated return to music. While we’re more than happy to wait (perfection takes time, after all), they made sure we were well fed in the meantime with Permission To Dance: LIVE. Pulled from shows between 2021 and 2022, this project is BTS’s first-ever live album, and it serves as a powerful reminder of just how phenomenal they are as performers.
The album leans into nostalgia while spotlighting the strength of their live vocals, even as they tackle intense choreography. From fresh arrangements on classics like ‘FIRE’ to the rich, prominent live instrumentals, Permission To Dance: LIVE brings us one step closer to their eagerly awaited 2026 comeback and the tour that the members have been teasing. It leaves us buzzing for the day we finally see all seven of them light up a stage together again. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Fire,’ ‘Black Swan,’ and ‘Permission To Dance’
WRLD – The Rose
If you asked us what The Rose’s WRLDfeels like, we’d say it feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s like Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyung are telling us everything will be okay through these seven songs. And not only did they do that through the lyrics, but The Rose also gave us a stunning video on their YouTube channel where they play the songs, creating a truly immersive experience for all of us.
As huge fans of immersive visuals in songwriting that we are, of course, we’d be obsessed with ‘Nebula,’ where subtle chords mix with lyrics like, “Counting stars, I closed my eyes / Searching for answers of life…” to create a perfect atmosphere. We’re also absolutely in love with Tomorrow’ and how it brings the feeling of being hopeful for the future, after all, “Tomorrow we’ll be okay.” And now on to the closing track, ‘Ticket To The Sky,’ it honestly feels like coming home to who we love and feeling safe in their embrace. Yes, we cried a little (or a lot). Don’t judge us. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Nebula,’ ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Ticket To The Sky’
SWAG – Justin Bieber
2025 has been the year of unforgettable comebacks, including the rise of the iconic Justin Bieber, and bringing him back to our on-repeat playlists! Justin has released not one, but two special R&B albums, called SWAG and SWAG II. These releases show us how much this genre and his personal style are a true fit for one another. We’ve decided to focus on the first album from this duology, since it was the one that announced his big return, but we recommend listening to both to get the complete story of where Justin has been.
As Justin has been experiencing adulthood, this new music represents growth. SWAG is a collection of his feelings while dealing with adult themes such as faith, marriage, and loyalty. As enjoyers of Justin’s R&B, we fell in love with this album. All of the tracks are cohesive, and they’re perfect if you want to enjoy the production and collaboration that comes with this genre. We can’t talk about 2025 without mentioning this big comeback!
THP’s Song Picks: ‘TOO LONG,’ ‘405,’ ‘WALKING AWAY’
No Genre – BOYNEXTDOOR
Listening to BOYNEXTDOOR turns our whole day around! We can recognize their music anywhere by their energy, and 2025 has been an incredibly busy year for them. They’ve shown us how versatile they are through this year’s releases, including No Genre, a mini-album full of tracks created by the members that highlights the message of embracing your true identity.
No Genre’s songs are playful and colorful, and they are all incredibly different from one another! If this were your first taste of the group, you would’ve discovered their hunger to display their artistry. BOYNEXTDOOR was in charge of this entire comeback, including the storytelling and the lyricism of the tracks. The members are deeply connected with No Genre, and we’re so happy to see that more groups are in charge of their creative works in K-Pop. This project shows that the group is here to conquer K-Pop’s fifth gen, and we can’t wait to keep seeing what they create in their next releases!
THP’s Song Picks: ‘I Feel Good,’ ‘123-78,’ and ‘Next Mistake’
Everyone’s A Star! – 5SOS
If you’re at all familiar with The Honey POP and our origin story, you would’ve probably expected this album in our top 50, right? After three long years (the pain of which was admittedly soothed by solo releases from every member), 5SOS returned with EVERYONE’S A STAR!, and we’re toying with the notion that this might be their best album yet. This album truly encapsulates all four members’ musical tastes, their sense of humor, their fanbase, and their talents. EAS! is an album that could only be made by a band that has been in the industry as long as 5SOS has; it exists perfectly in the balance between being self-aware and realistic, without being jaded and cynical. Even more than that, EVERYONE’S A STAR! was 5SOS’s most exciting (and well-executed) album rollout yet. Move over, ’She’s Kinda Hot’ graffiti livestream! – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Evolve,’ ‘Boyband,’ and ‘istillfeelthesame’
Ruby – JENNIE
If you were wondering, no, nobody does it like JENNIE! 2025 has been a huge year for the BLACKPINK members, both as a group with a new release and a world tour, and as soloists. All of them now have incredible albums under their belts! We want to highlight one of our favorites that has been appearing in all of our Spotify Wrappeds: Ruby. JENNIE has always been one of our favorite K-POP icons, but this album has made her conquer all of our hearts and our playlists!
We always associate Ruby with empowerment and owning your personal evolution. We have been craving to enjoy a full project created by JENNIE for as long as we can remember, and we wanted to hear her story from her, and only from her. We knew she was going to knock our socks out, as she has always delivered breathtaking concepts and songs that make history. This album gives us a glimpse into JENNIE’s creative mind through raw storytelling and versatility. Whether you prefer to listen to her iconic and catchy raps, her pop perfection with collaborations with amazing artists, or you love her vocals and her exploration through her growth, JENNIE does it all in Ruby. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect project to define our year! – María Solano
THP’s Song Picks: ‘with the IE (way up),’ ‘ZEN,’ ‘Filter’ (and of course, special mention to ‘like JENNIE’. Such an iconic title track!)
Back To Life – &TEAM
&TEAM’s Korean debut had been highly anticipated for three years, albeit a little confusingly, given they’ve always straddled the line between J-Pop and K-Pop, and have promoted Korean versions of most of their songs. But nonetheless, we’re so happy they’ve officially debuted, but we’re pretty sure &TEAM’s excitement superseded even the most hyped LUNÉs. The members clearly worked so hard on every aspect of this era, from the vocals to the performance to all of the extracurricular activities that come along with being a K-Pop idol.
The title track, ‘Back To Life,’ was &TEAM at their very best, with rock melodies and vocals mixed with hip-hop sensibilities and choreography. This versatility is matched (‘Mismatch-ed?!’) with the far more overtly hip-hop influenced coupling track, ‘Lunatic.’ This one-two punch of a rock anthem and a hip-hop banger has worked for &TEAM for several comebacks now, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Also, what on earth happened to Jo this era?! We’re still not ok. – Anna Marie
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Lunatic,’ ‘Mismatch,’ and ‘Back To Life’
Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny
No one does Latin pop like Bad Bunny does Latin pop. Benito chose to start the year with a bang in the form of Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The album is a love letter to his Puerto Rican upbringing, but it resonated with the entire Latin American community, to the point where most recognized the feeling behind not just the lyrics, but also the cover with the two empty chairs.
The title track, ‘DtMF,’ deserves all the praise it got (and still gets) for translating the feeling of looking back on past moments and thinking “I should’ve appreciated these things and these people more,” and how we only seem to realize that once we’re away and missing it. We also cannot help but mention ‘LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,’ where Bad Bunny directly tells the people of Puerto Rico not to let their home lose its identity in the same way much of Hawaiian culture has been lost over the years. In summary, one of the best albums of 2025, and we can’t wait to see what songs Benito will be performing during the Super Bowl halftime show next year. – Anna Bastos
THP’s Song Picks: ‘LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,’ ‘DtMF’ and ‘LA MuDANZA’
Beautiful Mind – Xdinary Heroes
Xdinary Heroes debuted in 2021, and ever since, they’ve continued to push boundaries and expectations, carving out a space in the industry meant for them and them only. Last year was already a massive year for the band as they released their first full-length album, Troublemaker, and their more experimental mini-album, LIVE and FALL. Mix those two, and you get one of the absolute best releases by Xdinary Heroes yet: Beautiful Mind. ‘Beautiful Life’ is at the forefront of the album. This rhapsody draws direct inspiration from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen and ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ by My Chemical Romance, adding Xdinary Heroes’ special spark to the mix and an opera-rock influence. It gave us one of the year’s most unique and unforgettable songs.
Beautiful Mind is a darker release, full of songs that push their sound to a new level while remaining true to Xdinary Heroes’ colors. From powerful ballads like ‘Supernatural’ to impactful, fun songs like ‘BBB,’ Xdinary Heroes packed some of their most unique and impressive songs in this mini-album, and created a new precedent in K-POP with Beautiful Mind. – Juu Luquín
THP’s Song Picks: ‘Beautiful Life,’ ‘Supernatural,’ and ‘George the Lobster’
DUH! – P1HARMONY
The dark horse of K-Pop struck again in 2025 with the greatest comebacks ever! P1Harmony has been, once again, one of our favorite boy groups of the year, as they’ve shown us more of their craft and their incredible music and charisma. They’re here to stay, and they will be loudly and confidently proud of how much they’ve worked to create their style. As they keep it fresh with every release, we proudly say that DUH! is one of our favorite records of the year!
DUH! is a mini-album that focuses more on the old-school hip hop style, but it also adds new genres to their iconic discography, like afrobeats and hyperpop tunes. These six tracks give us verses that leave us speechless, as well as a massive boost of energy and confidence! All of the songs from this record are playful and fun, reminding us that P1Harmony never plays about exploring new sounds and new dance moves to make their discography the most memorable of them all. This comeback is a breath of fresh air in K-Pop; they’re the only ones that can make such incredible music like this!
THP’s Song Picks: Pretty Boy,’ ‘DUH!,’ and ‘Work’
HUNTER – Key
Key’s HUNTER crashes in like a neon-soaked thriller; bold, stylish, and completely unafraid to push boundaries. From the pounding, bass-heavy swagger of the title track ‘HUNTER’ to the ‘90s-groove bounce of ‘Infatuation’ (ft. Eunho of PLAVE), the album shows off Key’s fearless flair for blending pop-house, R&B, and experimental electronics into something fresh and electrifying.
Tracks like ‘Picture Frame’ deliver dreamy synth-house that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, while the dance-floor-ready ‘GLAM’ and the edgy, off-kilter ‘Want Another’ prove Key still lives for the unexpected. And then there’s ‘Lavender Love,’ like a calm sunrise after the storm of beats. HUNTER doesn’t just revisit familiar styles; it reinvents them, crafting a sleek, cohesive sonic universe where every track stands on its own and somehow clicks together effortlessly. – Jazmin Williams
THP’s Song Picks: Hunter,’ ‘Strange,’ and ‘GLAM’
Color Outside The Lines – CORTIS
When we talk about our favorite K-Pop debuts of the year, we must talk about CORTIS. They’ve already taken the world by storm with Color Outside The Lines! CORTIS’ message is to break free from the standards with their passion for music and their vibrant fun. We felt that they would be superstars the moment we pressed play on ‘GO!’ and ‘FaSHioN!’ The group is full on creatives that want to show the world how K-Pop can mix with other genres in a modern and hip way. CORTIS wanted to showcase their personalities as much as they could with this debut, and thanks to that, they’ve created great, catchy tunes that have added a new soundtrack to the K-Pop genre this year.
We’ve never seen a debut catching so much praise and attention! Plus, all the members have collaborated in the creation of this debut in some shape or form. Every beat, lyric, dance move, and vibe from Color Outside The Lines includes their personal artistry. We feel like CORTIS is such a refreshing group! We’re so glad to be experiencing this new take on K-Pop with them. It’s been a while since we’ve heard such a perfect debut, and we can’t wait to see what they do in 2026 and beyond! – María Solano
THP’s Song Picks: ‘FaSHioN,’ ‘GO!,’ and ‘JoyRide’
And that’s your lot! What are your thoughts on our top 50 albums for 2025? Did you see your faves on this list? Let us know over on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
And if you want more music in your life, you’ve come to the right place…
What do an axe, a bucket and a cannon have in common? Meet the rivalry trophies of college football
Welcome back to Oklahoma Chronicles. Now we want to take *** deeper look at NIL rules, the current state of college athletics, and the transfer portal, and all of it. Joining our panel today, *** couple of really good guests. We have State Senator Todd Gher here who authored NIL legislation this year in Oklahoma, very busy keeping your eyes on everything and the moving and shaking. Also Bobby Lepack, who teaches an NIL class at the University of Oklahoma, thanks so much. for being here. Thanks for having me. Well, let’s talk NIL and the transfer portal and everything as we were talking earlier, we just talked about how everything is changing so much. In fact, Bobby, you have this class on NIL it’s through the the business college there at OU, and you had to stop teaching it for *** while because everything’s changing it so so fast sometimes, correct it’s, it’s *** really dynamic landscape and between the Alston decision and then the new rules after that and how litigation. And now potentially the score act and all of that, you know, how about back us up and we start talking about the Alston decision and all of that. I mean, I should even say NIL when we say that name, image like this, this was something created so that college athletes, student athletes could receive compensation, get some money for signing autographs or doing endorsement deals, but it’s, it’s, it’s really grown. So I wanna come back to all the nitty gritty, but this has become such *** huge thing that even. Legislators now are having to watch very closely not just in Oklahoma but around the country. That’s right you know this, uh, the legislation we passed this year was, uh, basically, uh, the governor had done an executive order. This was taken that executive order, worked closely with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University to uh get this bill through the, the Senate and over to the house, uh, did, you know, but it’s so dynamic in, in that, uh. It’s almost there’s 32 states already running NIL legislation they’re all different from each other or they’re some of them are and it’s very competitive and so we ran this legislation in order to uh keep that competitive edge that our universities need as well as to protect the student athletes, OK, and, and, and everybody’s doing this at the same time because of these changing dynamics, Bobby, and how everything’s happening from. The decision and the you know and lawsuits and everything, how many different factors are in play right now? How many things are colleges juggling and athletic departments? I think you got 3 big ones, right? So you have the name, image and likeness stuff, NIL, which I think is *** distinct concept from pay for play, which is what’s coming from the revenue share agreements that are coming out of the house settlement and then the last is the transfer portal which is really I think the one that’s actually. I would say the culprit in so much of the consternation around college sports is the the kind of open transfer rules that are going on. I think when you talk to most college football fans they can get behind the, you know, these universities they’re making so much money off off of their backs, especially these, these. You know, these very revenue making sports like football and basketball, they should get something but now it’s become, but I don’t like them leaving every single year where every single year we got *** new roster of players whether or not you had *** good team or *** bad team it’s *** whole new thing is is the portal become exploited because of NIL did one kind of create *** monster out of the other, do we think? I think the portal has, uh, you know, as far as the fans are concerned, has created an impatience that instead of, you know, the traditional way we’ve always done it, which is, uh, take *** young man and, and red shirt him and then build that team and, and, uh, build those skill sets, now it’s, uh, hey, you’ve got the money, go out there and just buy *** team for us we want to win next year so it’s created an impatient and the fan base, uh, but it’s also created. Uh, impatient with the coaches and the coaching staff and the different styles, right? is this difficult on these coaching staffs? Oh, absolutely. I, I, I have *** personal connection to. You have *** brother, my younger brother Brian, who played football and so I, I saw it from the side of the athlete that wasn’t allowed to get an IL, um, beforehand beforehand and now right back in the day and uh. And now as *** coach dealing with the dynamic of the portal you’re you’re not just recruiting high school players you’re recruiting at various times in the calendar year players from other rosters that have gone into the portal but you’re also trying to prevent your own guys from going into the portal and so it creates this dynamic where. The coaching calendar is just *** nightmare. They’re working nonstop year round on roster management issues and recruiting guys that play for them, play in high school and are now in the portal. It’s, it’s *** very difficult situation and it doesn’t stop. It never stops and it’s changing. Sometimes because from *** leadership perspective you’re trying to protect the interests of the state universities correct? is that when you’re doing these, these you know these bills is it coming from that standpoint to make sure that Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and and other universities in the state. Are on at least *** competitive footing. That’s right, you know, in this state, you know, it applies to all the universities, but you know if you’re just talking about University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, they’re actually in two different conferences and so it’s imperative that we actually evened out that landscape so that if the SEC did something early. And the Big 12 was late to catch up. There wouldn’t be *** political, I mean, ***, uh, *** disadvantage, *** competitive disadvantage between the two schools, much less, uh, uh, *** competitive disadvantage coming from other states and other universities, you know, they, they call it the wild wild west, but it’s more of an arms race at this point, right? And I remember the old arms. When it was about facilities and T. Boone Pickens was out there and they were dominating the arms race and now it’s something completely different but I think it’s, I think that’s actually *** really good point is you’re just changing the mix, right? Where are you allocating your resources in this and it’s this is something that’s coming up in the coaching world is how are you gonna manage your roster, how are you gonna manage your personnel. Uh, I think it’s gonna take *** new breed of coach, new breed of athletic director. I think you’ll see you’re seeing departments do that. Oklahoma’s done *** really, I think, outstanding job of changing how they manage the roster. They brought in *** GM with NFL experience, things like that. They actually have *** general manager for these programs, right? And, and I think you’ll see the people that that are creative and open to the chaos. And and willing to take that challenge on really succeed and blossom in this, and if you’re not willing to adapt to the new environment, then you’re gonna have *** hard time and there might be more adapting to come because there is federal legislation that that could be you know uh that could be changing things again with with the score Act for example which Bobby that would make *** big change as well or maybe would that bring. Us together perhaps because that the whole idea of that is it would create *** national system correct for state senators wouldn’t have to be every single year creating new NIL legislation. It’s interesting the SCOR Act, if if you look at it really closely, it’s basically saying we’re just gonna create what the NCAA used to be and give them the antitrust exemption and give them authority to enforce *** bunch of rules, right? and um. So it kind of harkens back, but then added in are the three components we talked about earlier. There’s got to be revenue share. There’s gotta be transfer portal options and then the NIL protections. Uh, it’ll be interesting to see what happens there. I’m not sure exactly where it’s gonna go, if it’s even gonna pass, you know what, what is your intuition and what are you hearing about this? Well, you know, I, I think it’s interesting that uh from the federal level to the to the state level that, you know, as we said we we were in it to keep the competitive. Uh, not, not wanting to be at *** competitive disadvantage and, and to protect our student athletes. When you listen to, uh, what’s coming out of the federal, federal side, they’re talking about stabilizing the system. And uh they’re talking about protecting them from uh antitrust lawsuits in NCAA and so it’s kind of *** different focus and in an individual state doesn’t want to be disadvantaged to another state or another university where the federal government’s trying to, you know, make that stability give uh give uh each uh. that ability to compete too. Bottom line, and we have less than 2 minutes here. Is this better than what it was when your brother was, was, was playing football? Bobby, what do you think? I think from an NIL perspective it’s absolutely better, right? My brother was *** very, he is still is *** very talented singer and I remember he’s *** walk-on player at Oklahoma. He couldn’t. Be somebody’s wedding singer and get paid the market rate for his services, that was wrong, right? That’s exploitation, all of those things, but I think the environment that’s created with the ongoing transfer portal, no rules or or very limited rules and *** lot of uncertainty on what’s going to happen with eligibility. We even see litigation over that. I think that’s worse, and I think that. Somebody’s gonna have to step up and and make *** change whether that’s *** federal solution or that’s the colleges themselves self regulating saying we’re not going to participate in this game this way anymore. I think somebody’s got to do something about that. Well, there’s always going to be billionaire donors, right, that are gonna be willing to step up and it’s just who has them and who’s willing to use it in less than *** minute, do you think, Senator, the current system is college athletics broken or. We’re moving towards *** better, *** better place or are we there now? I, I think, I think we’re moving towards *** better place and, uh, you know, the, the state and the state legislature and the governor are engaged in temporary solutions until we can figure this out nationally or uh however we’re gonna do it but I think we’re moving to *** better solution where we’re gonna have revenue sharing and we’re gonna have uh control. And and things over college athletics to ensure that you know the Olympic sports aren’t left behind to ensure that women’s sports aren’t left behind. I think that’s gonna take *** national solution on that. We’ll tell you what, we’re going to pause here. We’re gonna take *** break. You can find more. We’re gonna record *** little bit more. We’re gonna talk about those other sports and how we can protect them. You can find that on KOCO.com as well as our YouTube page.
What do an axe, a bucket and a cannon have in common? Meet the rivalry trophies of college football
The most-played series in major college football history, the bitter border-state rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin, is punctuated each year with a postgame ritual by the winning team that could be described as jubilant yardwork.When time expires on Saturday in the 135th edition of the Gophers-Badgers grudge match, currently even at 63-63 with eight ties, the victors will sprint toward Paul Bunyan’s Axe, take turns hoisting the six-foot shaft above their heads as they parade it around the stadium, and aim the head at one of the goal posts in pretending to chop it down like it’s a giant tree in the north woods. The axe has been awarded annually since 1948.Video above: Taking a deeper dive in NIL rules and impact on college athleticsThere’s hardly a richer — or quirkier — tradition in college football than rivalry trophies, one of the few elements of the game that remains the same in the new era of revenue sharing and the transfer portal. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy.”It’s a way for a community — certainly the students, alumni, fans and faculty, but even more casual fans — to get revved up for a football game,” said Christian Anderson, a University of South Carolina professor whose research focus is on the history of higher education. “There are a lot of people who may not pay attention the whole season, and then the rivalry game comes and they’re a passionate fan for one Saturday.”Longtime members of the Big Ten boast perhaps the richest history of these one-of-a-kind prizes. The Little Brown Jug, which is neither little nor brown, dates to the Michigan-Minnesota game in 1903. Wolverines coach Fielding Yost, out of fear the Gophers might tamper with their water, had a student manager buy a jug for the team. After a brutal struggle ended in a tie as Minnesota fans stormed the field, the container was left behind. The Gophers formally returned it after the Wolverines won the next meeting in 1909.Minnesota fared better at the beginning with Floyd of Rosedale, a 98-pound bronze pig named after the state’s governor in 1935 who suggested the trophy to his Iowa counterpart as a way to deescalate tension between two fan bases with deep roots in farming.Indiana will face Purdue on Friday for the Old Oaken Bucket, found in disrepair on a local farm in 1925 with the belief it might have been used by Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. Indiana and Michigan State have competed since 1950 for the Old Brass Spittoon, a relic from the trading post era purchased at an antique shop by an MSU student to add incentive to the game. Illinois and Ohio State have played for a century for the Illibuck Trophy, now a wooden turtle after an ill-fated attempt to award the real thing — a 16-pound snapper — to a student society on the campus of the winning team. Michigan and Michigan State have fought since 1953 for annual ownership of the Paul Bunyan Trophy, a four-foot wooden statue of the mythical lumberjack donated by the state’s governor to mark MSU’s entry into the conference.As football became the front-of-the-brochure image of a college campus, the power of visuals has helped make these trophies lasting legends.”It’s a tangible representation that we beat our rivals,” Anderson said. “Maybe we only keep it for a year because it’s a traveling trophy, but next time we’re going back to get it if we didn’t win it.”The NCAA certified the Territorial Cup played for by Arizona and Arizona State as the oldest known rivalry trophy, awarded after their first meeting in 1899. But there’s a gap in the history of the small, silver-plated pitcher. It was missing for decades until its rediscovery in a storage area of a church near the ASU campus in 1983. Traveling-trophy formality was finally reinstated in 2001.If there’s one recurring theme among rivalry trophies, it is relics from the pre-industrial age. Nevada and UNLV play for the Fremont Cannon, a 545-pound replica of the cannon the explorer of the same name abandoned in a snowstorm during his trek through the state in 1844. Notre Dame and USC have the Jewelled Shillelagh, a wooden symbol of a traditional Gaelic war club that was first presented in 1952. Oh, and there are all kinds of bells waiting to be rung by a winning team out there. Lots of bells.California and Stanford play for an axe, too, except theirs is just the head mounted on a plaque, an oft-stolen trophy annually awarded since 1933. Kentucky and Tennessee battle for a beer barrel. When Mississippi fans stormed Mississippi State’s field after a Rebels win in 1926, MSU supporters balked and brawls broke out. To help restore dignity to the rivalry the following year, the student bodies from both schools introduced the Golden Egg, a gold-plated football mounted on a pedestal. Fortunately, the egg never gets too close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas, where SMU and TCU have played for the Iron Skillet since 1946. The rivals from the defunct Southwest Conference have met 104 times in 110 years, but no future games have been scheduled.The Slab of Bacon is safely away from the skillet, too. That was the first version of the Minnesota-Wisconsin hardware, a wooden slab that went missing in 1943 after the planned exchange following a Gophers victory never took place, for reasons that depend on which school is telling the story. A summer storage cleanout project in Madison in 1994 turned up the trophy, which Wisconsin has since kept on display. Somehow, all the game scores through 1970 are inscribed on it even though it was supposedly unable to be found for all those years.
MINNEAPOLIS —
The most-played series in major college football history, the bitter border-state rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin, is punctuated each year with a postgame ritual by the winning team that could be described as jubilant yardwork.
When time expires on Saturday in the 135th edition of the Gophers-Badgers grudge match, currently even at 63-63 with eight ties, the victors will sprint toward Paul Bunyan’s Axe, take turns hoisting the six-foot shaft above their heads as they parade it around the stadium, and aim the head at one of the goal posts in pretending to chop it down like it’s a giant tree in the north woods. The axe has been awarded annually since 1948.
Video above: Taking a deeper dive in NIL rules and impact on college athletics
There’s hardly a richer — or quirkier — tradition in college football than rivalry trophies, one of the few elements of the game that remains the same in the new era of revenue sharing and the transfer portal. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy.
“It’s a way for a community — certainly the students, alumni, fans and faculty, but even more casual fans — to get revved up for a football game,” said Christian Anderson, a University of South Carolina professor whose research focus is on the history of higher education. “There are a lot of people who may not pay attention the whole season, and then the rivalry game comes and they’re a passionate fan for one Saturday.”
Longtime members of the Big Ten boast perhaps the richest history of these one-of-a-kind prizes. The Little Brown Jug, which is neither little nor brown, dates to the Michigan-Minnesota game in 1903. Wolverines coach Fielding Yost, out of fear the Gophers might tamper with their water, had a student manager buy a jug for the team. After a brutal struggle ended in a tie as Minnesota fans stormed the field, the container was left behind. The Gophers formally returned it after the Wolverines won the next meeting in 1909.
Minnesota fared better at the beginning with Floyd of Rosedale, a 98-pound bronze pig named after the state’s governor in 1935 who suggested the trophy to his Iowa counterpart as a way to deescalate tension between two fan bases with deep roots in farming.
Indiana will face Purdue on Friday for the Old Oaken Bucket, found in disrepair on a local farm in 1925 with the belief it might have been used by Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. Indiana and Michigan State have competed since 1950 for the Old Brass Spittoon, a relic from the trading post era purchased at an antique shop by an MSU student to add incentive to the game.
Darron Cummings
FILE – Indiana’s Mike Katic celebrates with the Old Oaken Bucket after defeating Purdue in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Bloomington, Ind.
Illinois and Ohio State have played for a century for the Illibuck Trophy, now a wooden turtle after an ill-fated attempt to award the real thing — a 16-pound snapper — to a student society on the campus of the winning team. Michigan and Michigan State have fought since 1953 for annual ownership of the Paul Bunyan Trophy, a four-foot wooden statue of the mythical lumberjack donated by the state’s governor to mark MSU’s entry into the conference.
As football became the front-of-the-brochure image of a college campus, the power of visuals has helped make these trophies lasting legends.
“It’s a tangible representation that we beat our rivals,” Anderson said. “Maybe we only keep it for a year because it’s a traveling trophy, but next time we’re going back to get it if we didn’t win it.”
The NCAA certified the Territorial Cup played for by Arizona and Arizona State as the oldest known rivalry trophy, awarded after their first meeting in 1899. But there’s a gap in the history of the small, silver-plated pitcher. It was missing for decades until its rediscovery in a storage area of a church near the ASU campus in 1983. Traveling-trophy formality was finally reinstated in 2001.
If there’s one recurring theme among rivalry trophies, it is relics from the pre-industrial age. Nevada and UNLV play for the Fremont Cannon, a 545-pound replica of the cannon the explorer of the same name abandoned in a snowstorm during his trek through the state in 1844.
Notre Dame and USC have the Jewelled Shillelagh, a wooden symbol of a traditional Gaelic war club that was first presented in 1952. Oh, and there are all kinds of bells waiting to be rung by a winning team out there. Lots of bells.
California and Stanford play for an axe, too, except theirs is just the head mounted on a plaque, an oft-stolen trophy annually awarded since 1933. Kentucky and Tennessee battle for a beer barrel.
When Mississippi fans stormed Mississippi State’s field after a Rebels win in 1926, MSU supporters balked and brawls broke out. To help restore dignity to the rivalry the following year, the student bodies from both schools introduced the Golden Egg, a gold-plated football mounted on a pedestal.
David Becker
FILE – UNLV pulls the Fremont Cannon trophy, awarded to the winner of the annual Battle of Nevada game, on the field after defeating Nevada in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Fortunately, the egg never gets too close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas, where SMU and TCU have played for the Iron Skillet since 1946. The rivals from the defunct Southwest Conference have met 104 times in 110 years, but no future games have been scheduled.
The Slab of Bacon is safely away from the skillet, too.
That was the first version of the Minnesota-Wisconsin hardware, a wooden slab that went missing in 1943 after the planned exchange following a Gophers victory never took place, for reasons that depend on which school is telling the story.
A summer storage cleanout project in Madison in 1994 turned up the trophy, which Wisconsin has since kept on display. Somehow, all the game scores through 1970 are inscribed on it even though it was supposedly unable to be found for all those years.
The 32nd annual Run to Feed the Hungry is now underway, bringing a record number of participants to the Thanksgiving tradition to benefit the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser of the year for Sacramento Food Bank.The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People will also join virtually and get a bib and shirt.The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month. This year, food banks have experienced increased demand. Days ahead of the fun run, the 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry had already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners. It’s the first time the event has sold out in its 32-year history.| MORE | A look at the weather for Run to Feed the HungryHere is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor. Live updates from Run to Feed the Hungry 9:15 a.m.: The runner who won the 10K just crossed the finish line for the 5K seconds before the 15-minute mark.9 a.m.: The 5K is now underway.8:48 a.m.: The first female runner finished seconds before the 34-minute mark.8:44 a.m.: The first three participants for the 10K race finished in under 30 minutes.8:15 a.m.: The 10K race began with the elite runners taking the lead.8 a.m.: This year’s run will provide 4 million meals to those in need.7:30 a.m.: Traffic expert and DJ Brian Hickey gives a preview of what music to expect during the run.7 a.m.: Some runners are already showing up to prepare for the fun run.6 a.m.: KCRA 3’s Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Teo Torres get an early look at the start of the course before the sunrise. Where are the road closures for Run to Feed the Hungry?Watch the video below for a quick snapshot of closures.Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes. Are there race awards?Yes.People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.Learn more here.How to check Run to Feed the Hungry race resultsYou can find out what time runners completed the run here. What else should I know?No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.Refunds and transfers are not available.Click here for more FAQs from organizers.Celebrating thankfulnessShare photos of what you’re thankful for this holiday season.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The 32nd annual Run to Feed the Hungry is now underway, bringing a record number of participants to the Thanksgiving tradition to benefit the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser of the year for Sacramento Food Bank.
The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People will also join virtually and get a bib and shirt.
The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month.
Days ahead of the fun run, the 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry had already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.
Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners. It’s the first time the event has sold out in its 32-year history.
Here is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor.
Live updates from Run to Feed the Hungry
9:15 a.m.: The runner who won the 10K just crossed the finish line for the 5K seconds before the 15-minute mark.
9 a.m.: The 5K is now underway.
8:48 a.m.: The first female runner finished seconds before the 34-minute mark.
8:44 a.m.: The first three participants for the 10K race finished in under 30 minutes.
8:15 a.m.: The 10K race began with the elite runners taking the lead.
8 a.m.: This year’s run will provide 4 million meals to those in need.
7:30 a.m.: Traffic expert and DJ Brian Hickey gives a preview of what music to expect during the run.
7 a.m.: Some runners are already showing up to prepare for the fun run.
6 a.m.: KCRA 3’s Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Teo Torres get an early look at the start of the course before the sunrise.
Where are the road closures for Run to Feed the Hungry?
Watch the video below for a quick snapshot of closures.
Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?
The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.
People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.
Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes.
Are there race awards?
Yes.
People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.
The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.
The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.
No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.
Run to Feed the Hungry has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Sacramento since its inaugural event 31 years ago. Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners. It’s the first time the event has sold out in its 32-year history. The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People were also able to register virtually and get a bib and shirt.The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month. This year, food banks have experienced increased demand. The 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry has already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.Here is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor. What is a team at Run to Feed the Hungry? A team could represent a company, family, school or another group. If you join or form a team, you get access to an upgraded tech shirt, a team area with coffee, water and breakfast snacks on Thanksgiving morning and a professional photo. Learn more here. The deadline to form or join a team was Nov. 21. Where and when is packet pickup? Packet pickup takes place at Fremont Presbyterian Church, located at 5770 Carlson Drive. Additional parking is across the street at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.Below are the times to pick up your packet. Saturday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 23: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.Monday, Nov. 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Wednesday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.When do the races start? The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m. for timed runners and 8:20-8:30 a.m. for untimed runners. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. for timed runners and 9:05-9:40 a.m. for untimed runners. Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes. Can you look up your run time for the 5k or 10k? Yes, there is a Run to Feed the Hungry results page that tracks when participants cross the finish line and how long it took them. See past race results here. Are there race awards?Yes.People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.Learn more here. Can I bring my pet?Organizers ask participants to leave their pets at home. How to volunteer? You can sign up here. What else should I know?No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.Refunds and transfers are not available.Click here for more FAQs from organizers. Celebrating thankfulnessShare photos of what you’re thankful for this holiday season. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
Run to Feed the Hungry has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Sacramento since its inaugural event 31 years ago.
Organizers say it’s the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country. It’s also the biggest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, organizers said registration for the run had sold out, with 34,050 runners.
The Nov. 27 event for 2025 offers a 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer run or walk. People were also able to register virtually and get a bib and shirt.
The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services helps hundreds of thousands of people get food assistance in Sacramento County each month through a network of 111 partner agencies. Last year, the organization distributed the equivalent of 33.2 million meals to an average of 309,285 people each month.
The 2025 Run to Feed the Hungry has already set a new registration record, topping last year’s record of 31,660 participants on Monday. At the first event in 1994, there were 796 runners and walkers.
Here is what else you should know about this year’s event, which KCRA 3 and My58 help to sponsor.
What is a team at Run to Feed the Hungry?
A team could represent a company, family, school or another group. If you join or form a team, you get access to an upgraded tech shirt, a team area with coffee, water and breakfast snacks on Thanksgiving morning and a professional photo. Learn more here.
Run to Feed the Hungry
Here’s this year’s team shirt.
The deadline to form or join a team was Nov. 21.
Where and when is packet pickup?
Packet pickup takes place at Fremont Presbyterian Church, located at 5770 Carlson Drive. Additional parking is across the street at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
Below are the times to pick up your packet.
Saturday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
When do the races start?
The 10K starts at 8:15 a.m. for timed runners and 8:20-8:30 a.m. for untimed runners. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. for timed runners and 9:05-9:40 a.m. for untimed runners.
Where does Run to Feed the Hungry take place?
The event starts on J Street, west of the entrance of Sacramento State, and runs a loop through the East Sacramento neighborhood. The course ends at the Scottish Rite Temple at 56th and H streets. View the course map here.
People usually park at Sac State and in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers say there is free bike parking near the start line. View the parking map here.
Note: The J Street entrance to Sac State will be closed until after the race finishes.
Can you look up your run time for the 5k or 10k?
Yes, there is a Run to Feed the Hungry results page that tracks when participants cross the finish line and how long it took them.
People can choose to have chip timing and join a timed runner’s corral to compete for an award.
The top three finishers in each age group will get a medal, and the top three overall men and women in the 5K and 10K will receive plaques and prize money.
The top three masters (age 40 or older) among men and women will also receive plaques and prize money.
No bikes, skateboards, or scooters are allowed. People using strollers are not allowed in the timed races but are encouraged to sign up for the untimed events.
There was a time when success was measured by how much you could control. The corner office. The solo byline. The patent. The mic. But the tides have shifted. In today’s interconnected world, success is measured by how open you are to cocreating a future that’s bigger than any one vision, title, or brand.
In boardrooms, community centers, faith spaces, and creative studios alike, we’re witnessing a quiet revolution. The old playbook—built on competition, hierarchy, and scarcity—no longer holds the answers. Power is shifting from institutions to ecosystems, from dominance to partnership, from “mine” to “ours.” And the leaders who will shape this next era? They understand one undeniable truth: Collaboration is the new currency. And those who build together will define what comes next.
Collaborative capital
Recently, I was honored to participate in the launch of the Leadership Council for Healthier Communities (LCHC)—a groundbreaking initiative powered by CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. This wasn’t just a meeting of minds; it was a bold reimagining of how change gets made. The council brought together a mosaic of voices: corporate leaders, nonprofit champions, government partners, faith-based organizers, and grassroots community builders. I didn’t just feel like I was in the room—I felt like I was in the right room.
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Not because of status, but because of synergy. CEOs sat beside community organizers. Health system executives made space for local advocates. Philanthropists and policymakers leaned in—not with power plays, but with shared purpose. No one came to prove ownership. We came to build alignment. And in that alignment, something powerful emerged: the realization that the most valuable form of capital in that room wasn’t financial. It was relational.
This is what I call collaborative capital. It’s a force more powerful than funding. Collaborative capital accelerates trust. It multiplies impact. It builds legitimacy. It fuels innovation much faster than money alone. It’s what happens when people choose partnership over posturing. And when that kind of energy fills a room, it’s magnetic.
Collaboration is a discipline
We’re living in a time where the myth of the solitary genius is fading. The notion that one person or one institution can drive transformative change alone no longer fits the complexity of the world we live in. Real progress isn’t built by the loudest voice or the most polished brand. It’s built by the boldest collaborators—the people willing to move from ego systems to ecosystems.
Because the real flex? Isn’t owning the table. It’s being brave enough to build a new one.
And this shift isn’t just philosophical—it’s strategic. In a world full of overlapping challenges and interdependent solutions, the organizations that thrive will be those that master the art of collaboration.
But let’s be clear: Collaboration isn’t a buzzword. It’s a discipline. It’s a decision. And it requires structure. Shared data. Transparent goals. Aligned incentives. Far too often, we treat collaboration like a press release instead of a practice. But the work of partnership is operational, not ornamental. The magic doesn’t come from the announcement. It comes from accountability.
Cocreation, not competition
What I experienced during the LCHC launch reminded me that we don’t need more talking heads—we need more proving grounds. More brave spaces where business, philanthropy, and community can cocreate—not compete. Spaces where trust is the new driver of change, shared purpose is the new profit, and alignment is the new advantage.
Wealth, in this new ecosystem economy, isn’t measured in dollars. It’s measured in the depth of your partnerships. The strength of your trust networks. The credibility of your collaborations. Every shared insight, every relationship built on integrity, every mission-aligned partnership becomes a compounding asset. This is the new balance sheet of leadership.
And so, I leave you with this: The question of this era is no longer, “Who has the most influence?” It’s, “Who can move the most people together toward something greater?” That’s the real currency. That’s the future. LCHC didn’t just launch an initiative; it launched a movement. A movement proving that collaboration isn’t the opposite of ambition—it’s the evolution of it. One that says we don’t have to compete to be relevant, but we have to collaborate to be revolutionary.
The next generation of visionaries, disruptors, and changemakers won’t lead alone. They’ll lead together. And when history looks back on this moment, it won’t ask who led the loudest. It will ask who led with others. Because the boldest thing a leader can do right now is collaborate.
Gov. Jeff Landry is being applauded by some for taking a stand against bloated contracts in college sports and derided by others for political grandstanding that could make it harder for Louisiana State University to land a new football coach.This much is clear: The governor has been a vocal force in a sports shakeup that has consumed LSU recently.Video above: LSU interim coach Frank Wilson focused on ‘this moment’ in the wake of Brian Kelly’s firingThe university lost its football coach and athletic director last week amid criticism from Landry, a smooth-talking Cajun populist and staunch ally of President Donald Trump.The episode is just the latest example of Landry being hands on with LSU since taking office last year. He once revived the team’s tradition of bringing a live tiger onto the football field, publicly called for the school to discipline professors who criticized Trump in class and complained about LSU women’s basketball players not being on court to stand for the national anthem, though the team did not change its pre-game routine.Here’s what to know:What did Landry say?LSU football coach Brian Kelly was fired in the fourth season of a 10-year, $100 million deal, the day after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 25.The day of Kelly’s firing, Landry said he hosted a meeting in the governor’s mansion on the evening of Oct. 26 “to discuss the legalities of the contract.” Landry has said he is concerned his state will be on the hook to pay for Kelly’s buyout, which is about $54 million.John Carmouche, chair of the LSU’s Board of Supervisors’ Athletic Committee, told the AP that the meeting at the governor’s mansion occurred after Kelly had already been fired by athletic director Scott Woodward.While the governor’s concerns are valid, negotiations with Kelly are ongoing and private donors and nonprofits have typically picked up the bill for sports-related buyouts at the university, Carmouche added.Days after Kelly’s firing, Landry told reporters at a Wednesday press conference that LSU’s athletic director would not be selecting the next football coach.“Hell, I’ll let Donald Trump select it before I let him do it,” said Landry. He also criticized Woodward’s prior tenure at Texas A&M, where he served as the school’s athletic director.The next day, LSU cut ties with Woodward.In a Thursday statement, Woodward said that “others can recap or opine on my tenure and on my decisions over the last six years as Director of Athletics, but I will not.”Board chairman Scott Ballard framed Woodward’s departure as the result of “a mutual agreement after conversations” between Woodward and the LSU board. Nine of 18 Board of Supervisors members have been appointed by Landry since taking office in January 2024 and the governor will be able to appoint four more in 2026.Carmouche, who, like Ballard, was appointed to the LSU board by Landry, denied that the governor’s remarks had any influence on Woodward’s departure.“We’re all independent people,” Carmouche said.What’s next for LSU footballIn a Friday press conference, LSU interim athletic director Verge Ausberry, flanked by Ballard and Carmouche, sought to reassure the public that the school’s athletic department “is not broken.”A search committee comprised of Ausberry, Carmouche, Ballard and several others is on the hunt for a new coach. The university board is scheduled to vote on a new president Tuesday, having been without one since June.Landry has denied that he will be picking the next coach, but said he wants the new contract to be structured differently than Kelly’s.“We’re going to put metrics on it, because I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country and then leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill,” Landry told reporters.What others are saying“The Louisiana governor and the LSU board has damaged the reputation of our university,” political pundit James Carville, a Democrat, told the AP. Carville has said he plans to burn his LSU diploma and football gear and is mulling a defamation lawsuit against Landry on Woodward’s behalf.Carville hosted a welcome party for Woodward, a former political consultant and lobbyist, when he was hired by LSU in 2019. Under Woodward, LSU won six national championships in various sports, including football.Former Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Richard Lipsey, who founded the influential Tiger Athletic Foundation and recommended Woodward’s hiring, said that Landry’s comments about Woodward revealed that he “wanted more control over LSU” and “wants to run the athletics department.”Landry’s office did not respond to a request for comment.Ed Orgeron, the former LSU football coach who led the team to a national title in 2019, said that it’s not unusual for a Louisiana governor to take an active interest in the university’s football program. Landry’s predecessor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, hosted dinners for the university’s freshmen recruiting class and showed up at practice to throw passes with LSU receivers.Current Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell, a Landry appointee, said that the governor’s comments sparked constructive public discussion about the need for greater guardrails to protect public universities amid ballooning costs in college sports: “He said what a lot of people were thinking.”Rep. Dixon Wallace McMakin, an LSU graduate who serves as the football team’s announcer, said that Louisiana governors have regularly sought to influence the Tigers dating back a century to the days of firebrand populist Huey Long and are sensitive to poor performance on the gridiron.“It affects everybody and a governor feels it from all of his voters around the state,” said McMakin, a Republican. “Our standard is excellence, and anything less than excellence we will not stand for in the state of Louisiana.”Wilbert Pryor, who has served on the Louisiana Board of Regents for nearly a decade, said Landry’s perceived influence over the LSU athletics program would complicate the hiring process for a new coach reluctant to have the governor looking over his shoulder.“I don’t remember any governor in my lifetime making decisions on college football,” Pryor said. “You’d think he would have other things to garner his attention.”
BATON ROUGE, La. —
Gov. Jeff Landry is being applauded by some for taking a stand against bloated contracts in college sports and derided by others for political grandstanding that could make it harder for Louisiana State University to land a new football coach.
This much is clear: The governor has been a vocal force in a sports shakeup that has consumed LSU recently.
Video above: LSU interim coach Frank Wilson focused on ‘this moment’ in the wake of Brian Kelly’s firing
The university lost its football coach and athletic director last week amid criticism from Landry, a smooth-talking Cajun populist and staunch ally of President Donald Trump.
The episode is just the latest example of Landry being hands on with LSU since taking office last year. He once revived the team’s tradition of bringing a live tiger onto the football field, publicly called for the school to discipline professors who criticized Trump in class and complained about LSU women’s basketball players not being on court to stand for the national anthem, though the team did not change its pre-game routine.
Here’s what to know:
What did Landry say?
LSU football coach Brian Kelly was fired in the fourth season of a 10-year, $100 million deal, the day after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 25.
The day of Kelly’s firing, Landry said he hosted a meeting in the governor’s mansion on the evening of Oct. 26 “to discuss the legalities of the contract.” Landry has said he is concerned his state will be on the hook to pay for Kelly’s buyout, which is about $54 million.
John Carmouche, chair of the LSU’s Board of Supervisors’ Athletic Committee, told the AP that the meeting at the governor’s mansion occurred after Kelly had already been fired by athletic director Scott Woodward.
While the governor’s concerns are valid, negotiations with Kelly are ongoing and private donors and nonprofits have typically picked up the bill for sports-related buyouts at the university, Carmouche added.
Days after Kelly’s firing, Landry told reporters at a Wednesday press conference that LSU’s athletic director would not be selecting the next football coach.
Gerald Herbert
LSU running back Harlem Berry (22) celebrates his touchdown against Texas A&M in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La.
“Hell, I’ll let Donald Trump select it before I let him do it,” said Landry. He also criticized Woodward’s prior tenure at Texas A&M, where he served as the school’s athletic director.
The next day, LSU cut ties with Woodward.
In a Thursday statement, Woodward said that “others can recap or opine on my tenure and on my decisions over the last six years as Director of Athletics, but I will not.”
Board chairman Scott Ballard framed Woodward’s departure as the result of “a mutual agreement after conversations” between Woodward and the LSU board. Nine of 18 Board of Supervisors members have been appointed by Landry since taking office in January 2024 and the governor will be able to appoint four more in 2026.
Carmouche, who, like Ballard, was appointed to the LSU board by Landry, denied that the governor’s remarks had any influence on Woodward’s departure.
“We’re all independent people,” Carmouche said.
What’s next for LSU football
In a Friday press conference, LSU interim athletic director Verge Ausberry, flanked by Ballard and Carmouche, sought to reassure the public that the school’s athletic department “is not broken.”
A search committee comprised of Ausberry, Carmouche, Ballard and several others is on the hunt for a new coach. The university board is scheduled to vote on a new president Tuesday, having been without one since June.
Landry has denied that he will be picking the next coach, but said he wants the new contract to be structured differently than Kelly’s.
“We’re going to put metrics on it, because I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country and then leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill,” Landry told reporters.
What others are saying
“The Louisiana governor and the LSU board has damaged the reputation of our university,” political pundit James Carville, a Democrat, told the AP. Carville has said he plans to burn his LSU diploma and football gear and is mulling a defamation lawsuit against Landry on Woodward’s behalf.
Carville hosted a welcome party for Woodward, a former political consultant and lobbyist, when he was hired by LSU in 2019. Under Woodward, LSU won six national championships in various sports, including football.
Former Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Richard Lipsey, who founded the influential Tiger Athletic Foundation and recommended Woodward’s hiring, said that Landry’s comments about Woodward revealed that he “wanted more control over LSU” and “wants to run the athletics department.”
Landry’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Ed Orgeron, the former LSU football coach who led the team to a national title in 2019, said that it’s not unusual for a Louisiana governor to take an active interest in the university’s football program. Landry’s predecessor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, hosted dinners for the university’s freshmen recruiting class and showed up at practice to throw passes with LSU receivers.
Current Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell, a Landry appointee, said that the governor’s comments sparked constructive public discussion about the need for greater guardrails to protect public universities amid ballooning costs in college sports: “He said what a lot of people were thinking.”
Rep. Dixon Wallace McMakin, an LSU graduate who serves as the football team’s announcer, said that Louisiana governors have regularly sought to influence the Tigers dating back a century to the days of firebrand populist Huey Long and are sensitive to poor performance on the gridiron.
“It affects everybody and a governor feels it from all of his voters around the state,” said McMakin, a Republican. “Our standard is excellence, and anything less than excellence we will not stand for in the state of Louisiana.”
Wilbert Pryor, who has served on the Louisiana Board of Regents for nearly a decade, said Landry’s perceived influence over the LSU athletics program would complicate the hiring process for a new coach reluctant to have the governor looking over his shoulder.
“I don’t remember any governor in my lifetime making decisions on college football,” Pryor said. “You’d think he would have other things to garner his attention.”
Every leader I’ve ever met believes they’re a good communicator. After all, if you’ve made it into a leadership role, you’ve probably spent years giving presentations, running meetings, and guiding conversations. Communication comes with the territory.
And yet, what you say and what your team actually hears are rarely the same thing.
That gap is costing you more than you think. It’s costing trust. It’s costing productivity. And in too many cases, it’s costing you your best people.
The solution isn’t to repeat yourself more often or to hold another training session on “active listening.” The problem is deeper. The real issue is self-awareness.
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The listening illusion
Harvard Business Review published research showing that while 95 percent of people believe they’re self-aware, only 10 to 15 percent actually are. That means most leaders are giving directions and coaching their teams without fully realizing how they come across.
Here’s the danger: Leaders who lack self-awareness don’t know what they’re missing. They may believe they’re projecting confidence, but their team hears arrogance. They may think they’re being clear, but their team hears confusion. They may feel they’re listening, but their team feels ignored.
It’s not just miscommunication—it’s a loss of credibility.
The blind spots leaders miss
Blind spots show up in small ways, but they have an outsized effect. A few of the most common:
Talking more than listening. Leaders often equate airtime with authority, when in reality it can signal insecurity.
Assuming silence equals agreement. Silence more often signals resistance—or worse, disengagement.
Treating everyone the same. Not every team member processes information the way you do.
Failing to confirm understanding. Asking “Any questions?” isn’t the same as making sure the message landed.
Individually, these moments may not seem like much. Together, they create frustration, friction, and in many cases, turnover.
Personality styles at play
Here’s the part few leaders consider: Your team isn’t bad at listening. They’re just wired to listen in different ways.
One framework that explains this difference is the four-color personality model:
Fiery Red: fast, direct, results-driven. Reds want clarity and action, not a backstory.
Sunshine Yellow: energetic, enthusiastic, people-focused. Yellows thrive on stories and vision.
Earth Green: calm, patient, relational. Greens value harmony and thoughtful discussion.
Cool Blue: analytical, cautious, precise. Blues want data, logic, and time to think.
Picture your last meeting. A Fiery Red may have wanted to move straight to decisions while a Cool Blue was quietly worrying about missing details. A Sunshine Yellow may have been brainstorming loudly while an Earth Green just wished for a slower pace.
What feels like a “listening problem” is actually a self-awareness problem. When you don’t recognize these differences, you miss half the conversation.
The real cost of not being heard
When people don’t feel heard, the damage runs deep.
Trust breaks down. Employees stop speaking up when they think it won’t make a difference.
Innovation slows. Great ideas are lost if they’re delivered in a style the leader can’t hear.
Top performers leave. They’ll choose leaders who recognize their contributions.
Productivity drags. Misunderstandings mean rework, missed deadlines, and frustration.
These aren’t “soft costs.” They directly hit culture, performance, and retention.
Turn awareness into action
Here’s the good news: Self-awareness can be built. The first step is noticing, and from there, applying a few simple practices.
1. Know your style. Do you lead with Red energy? Yellow? Green? Blue? Each comes with strengths—and blind spots. Identify your style here
2. Notice others. Ask yourself: Who’s in the room? Do they speak quickly or slowly? Do they want details or big-picture vision? Do they draw energy from discussion or prefer to think first?
3. Adapt. Meet people where they are. With Reds, keep it short and direct. With Yellows, bring the energy. With Greens, allow time and invite their input. With Blues, back up your ideas with data.
4. Check for understanding. Don’t stop at “Any questions?” Instead, try prompts like:
“What’s one concern you see with this plan?”
“How would you explain this to someone else?”
“What would give you more confidence moving forward?”
These small shifts change the entire dynamic.
Why this matters now
Business today is faster, louder, and more complex than ever. Strategies shift overnight. Technology is rewriting how teams work. The noise isn’t going to quiet down.
The leaders who thrive will not necessarily be the ones with the newest tools or biggest budgets. They’ll be the ones who walk into a room, read the energy, and make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
That’s not charisma. It’s not a gift. It’s practiced self-awareness.
And here’s the hard truth: If your team isn’t listening, it’s not their fault. It’s your blind spot.
A practical first step
If you’re ready to bridge the gap between what you say and what your team hears, start here:
Share it with your team and encourage them to do the same. This alone will change the way you run meetings.
The cost of low self-awareness isn’t just miscommunication. It’s missed opportunities, lost trust, and untapped potential.
Once you start noticing, you’ll never lead the same way again.
Concordia University’s attempt to bolster athletics with one hand while slashing four sports with the other was hampered by a federal judge who granted a preliminary injunction preventing the Division II university from dropping the women’s swimming and tennis programs.
Seven members of the women’s swimming and diving team and two women’s tennis players allege in a sex discrimination class action lawsuit filed in August that by dropping the programs, the Irvine school is violating Title IX.
Judge Fred W. Slaughter agreed, ordering that the injunction remain in place for the duration of the lawsuit. Concordia must immediately reinstate the women’s teams and provide them “with funding, staffing, and all other benefits commensurate with their status as varsity intercollegiate teams,” Slaughter wrote in a 19-page ruling.
Concordia announced the cuts of the men’s and women’s swimming and tennis teams in May, stating the school had “determined that the current model is not sustainable in the midst of increasing operational costs, facility limitations, and significant changes in the collegiate athletics landscape.”
But the cuts came at a time when Concordia was plowing $25.5 million into upgrading the university’s athletic infrastructure. A week after athletic director Crystal Rosenthal calculated the cuts would save $550,000 a year, she sent an email to unaffected athletes boasting that major improvements would be made to Concordia’s athletics infrastructure.
Rosenthal, who is also the school’s softball coach, wrote: “We are currently in the midst of a major $17.5-million construction project that includes a new 19,000-square-foot facility featuring a state-of-the-art weight room, locker rooms, and modern training room space. This facility represents our belief in the future of our athletic programs and our student-athletes.”
She added that more than $8 million had been earmarked for upgrades to the baseball, softball and soccer/track/lacrosse facilities — including the installation of outdoor lights.
The lawsuit followed in August and Slaughter issued the preliminary injunction Friday. Arthur Bryant, the lawyer representing the female athletes, said that women comprised 59% of Concordia’s students but received only 51.2% of the roster spots for sports.
“The court’s thorough, compelling decision confirms what we said from the start: CUI’s decision to eliminate the women’s swimming and diving and tennis teams was a flagrant violation of Title IX,” Bryant said in a statement. “Concordia needs to add about 100 opportunities for women to reach gender equity. It should not be eliminating any women’s teams.”
The concurrent spending on infrastructure was particularly galling to female athletes and some alumni, according to SwimSwam. The swimming and water polo teams train off-campus and place few operational demands on the school. The swimming program had 23 men and 25 women on its rosters last season.
Concordia, a Lutheran-affiliated school with about 1,500 undergraduates that moved from the NAIA to NCAA Division II in 2017, is one of several universities whose efforts to trim athletic programs have been thwarted by courts.
A federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction against Stephen F. Austin State in August, preventing the school from eliminating its women’s beach volleyball, bowling and golf programs. According to Sportico, at least eight other schools since 2020 have been ordered to reinstate programs after Title IX challenges: Iowa, William & Mary, UConn, Dartmouth, Clemson, East Carolina, North Carolina Pembroke and Dickinson College.
You can’t do it alone. Successful leaders know that having a great team makes all the difference. No one person has all the answers all the time. The trick is learning how to build a high-performing team, which requires more than just delegating work. If you want to build a high-performing team, use these phrases to encourage a collaborative culture that will bring out the best in every member of your team.
1. Together we can do this.
Use this phrase to remind the members of your team that you’re in it together, and that together you are collectively stronger and more effective.
2. Can you think of a better way?
When you use this phrase, you will get people to think. It’s a way of saying that you are open to new and better ideas. You have a team of smart, capable people around you who will rise to the challenge if you give them permission.
3. Success depends on everyone working together.
As the old saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. Keep your team’s focus on the importance of working together to achieve success. No one person can do it alone, and no one person is the hero. Every individual on your team is critical to its ultimate success.
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4. I trust you’ll make the right decision.
When you trust your people, you encourage them to be high performers. This phrase is a way of telling others that you give them the freedom to make the right decision for the good of the organization, even if it is not what you personally would do.
5. What can I do to help?
As a high-performing leader, ask what you can do to help instead of waiting for people to ask you for help. This phrase is a great way of signaling that you are not going to get in the way of your team, and in fact, you are going to actively remove any barriers that get in their way.
6. I’ve got your back.
Organizations are political places where it pays to be savvy. As a leader, you know this, and this phrase is a way of telling others that you will have their back no matter what. This will help create the psychological safety your people need so they won’t be distracted with political posturing or self-preservation, and they can focus on results.
7. Thank you.
Being thanked for a job well done never gets old. Be consistent with your gratitude and remind others what a difference they make. This will set the right expectations, which in turn will inspire more of the same.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
