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Sean McDonough named National Sportscaster of the Year 2025

Sean McDonough named National Sport doscaster of the Year 2025

On Thursday, Greg McElroy surprised Sean McDonough by informing him that the National Sports Media Association has chosen the veteran ESPN play-by-play announcer as the 2025 National Sportscaster of the Year.

“We’re really excited about this.” This is simply amazing,” McElroy stated. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be the one to break the news. And I don’t believe it could be more well-deserved. He is our leader. He is our patriarch. Sean McDonough is declared the 2025 NSMA Sportscaster of the Year.

McDonough joked that he was speechless for the first time in his life and planned to keep it “uncharacteristically brief.”

The comparison is apt. McDonough has been one of sports’ most diverse and skilled commentators for nearly 30 years, calling everything from the World Series to the Stanley Cup Finals to March Madness. However, national recognition had escaped him until now.

 

        Sean McDonough named National                         Sportscaster of the Year 2025

 

McDonough’s 2025 was defined by his work on college football, as he and McElroy rose to become ESPN’s second-most renowned team, trailing only Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit. The broadcast duo climbed to the top spot in Awful Announcing’s 2025 college football announcer rankings, rising from No. 2 a year ago. Their jump was powered by overwhelming support from voters, as they earned A, B, or C grades on 96% of all ballots and collected the most top-tier marks overall, with 439 A grades out of 699 total votes.

In a December column, Awful Announcing editor Matt Yoder praised Sean McDonough’s career longevity and versatility, noting that when McDonough eventually steps away from the microphone, his body of work will stand among the elite in sports broadcasting.

Over the years, McDonough has called everything from college football and basketball to Major League Baseball and the NHL, building a résumé that only a select handful of announcers in broadcasting history can rival. “But at this point in his career, among all of those responsibilities, he shines brightest when calling college football for ESPN, where he has formed a solid connection with Greg McElroy. McDonough is always in the present and expertly portrays the drama and pleasure of college football.”

McDonough turned 63 this year and is showing no signs of slowing down. He has stated unequivocally that he intends to continue calling games as long as he has his fastball, which he appears to have.

 

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Ohio State hires ex-LSU assistant Cortez Hankton as WR coach to replace Brian Hartline

Ohio State hires ex-LSU assistant Cortez Hankton as WR coach to replace Brian Hartline

Ohio State is poised to employ Cortez Hankton  as their new wide receivers coach, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. One’s Pete Nakos corroborated the report. He’s been LSU’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the past two years.

Hankton will succeed Brian Hartline, who accepted an offer to be USF’s next head coach. Hartline has been coaching Ohio State’s wide receivers since 2018. He coached standouts including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, and, most recently, Jeremiah Smith.

Cortez Hankton will now seek to continue Hartline’s success with wide receivers.

Ohio State hires ex-LSU assistant Cortez Hankton as WR coach to replace Brian Hartline

LSU rated No. 63 in the country in passing yards this season, but starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was injured for much of the season, and the school sacked head coach Brian Kelly during the season.

In 2024, LSU had the seventh-highest passing yards per game in collegiate football. For reference, Ohio State finished 29th that year.

Hankton has coached LSU wide receivers since 2022, after serving as co-offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons. In addition to teaching the wide receivers, he served as LSU’s pass game coordinator in 2022 and 2023, when Jayden Daniels was one of the most productive passers in the nation.

Hankton previously served as Georgia’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach from 2018 to 2021. He formerly coached wide receivers at Vanderbilt and Dartmouth.

Before becoming a coach, Hankton was a terrific receiver. He is Texas Southern University’s all-time leading receiver and owns the program record for most receiving yards in a single season.

Despite going undrafted, Hankton played in the NFL from 2003 to 2008. He ended his career with 34 receptions for 310 yards and two scores.

He’ll bring a plethora of knowledge to Ohio State as they prepare to compete for the national championship in 2026. Hankton should have enough talent at his disposal.

Jeremiah Smith, the two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year, is entering his junior year. Furthermore, Ohio State has numerous key receivers who are eligible to return next season.

Smith has seven catches for 157 yards and one touchdown against Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Unfortunately, Smith’s outstanding individual performance was not enough to propel the Buckeyes to victory. The Hurricanes finally defeated OSU 24-14, ending the season.

 

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Review of Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a disturbing true-crime documentary that pushes ethical limits

Review of Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a disturbing true-crime documentary that pushes ethical limits

Netflix’s Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is a very unnerving true-crime documentary that makes viewers rethink not only the crimes depicted but also the genre itself. Skye Borgman, a well-known true-crime storyteller, directs the film, which looks at the tragic case of Utah life coach Jodi Hildebrandt, who was convicted of extreme child abuse alongside Ruby Franke, a former family influencer.

The documentary begins with a horrifying scene: a starving 12-year-old boy knocking on a stranger’s door, desperate for assistance after fleeing Hildebrandt’s home. Police soon discover his sister in a similarly awful state, hiding in a cupboard, with indications of restraints and long-term abuse. These discoveries lay the groundwork for a bleak yet meticulously crafted story.

 

Review of Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a disturbing true-crime documentary that pushes ethical limits

Borgman, who has previously worked on Abducted in Plain Sight and The Girl in the Picture, takes a controlled, factual approach once more. Interviews with law officials, including lead detective Jessica Bate and county attorney Eric Clarke, shed light on how the case unfolded. Their calm, precise accounts stand in stark contrast to the ferocity of the crimes, making the story all the more frightening.

The video also looks at how Hildebrandt rose to prominence in the Mormon community as a trusted life coach who was frequently recommended by LDS church authorities.

Former clients claim her treatment was mainly based on shame, control, and emotional manipulation, particularly on sexuality and marriage. Over time, this influence spread to Ruby Franke, who abandoned her family-friendly online identity and became an active participant in the abuse, claiming that it was justified by religious devotion.

While Evil Influencer is successful in presenting the facts without sensationalism, it struggles to transcend the ethical difficulties that plague the true-crime genre.

The video highlights critical questions about how religious authority, unbridled trust, and influencer culture can facilitate abuse, but it does not delve far enough into these issues to provide meaningful insight or remedies.

Finally, the picture feels both necessary and unsettling. It exposes a horrendous act while also reminding viewers of the voyeuristic appeal of true crJodiime. As the article hints, the actual takeaway is a bigger question: should viewers—and producers—reassess their hunger for such bleak stories?

Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is currently available on Netflix.

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New Report Says PS6 and the Next Xbox Could Be Delayed Due to AI (RAM)

New Report Says PS6 and the Next Xbox Could Be Delayed Due to AI (RAM)

 

It’s a peculiar moment to be a video game enthusiast in a world full of amazing games and extremely costly technology to play them on, particularly in the console arena.

 

According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, console RAmaker oks like Sony and Microsoft are reportedly considering potential delays to their scheduled 2027 or 2028 console launches, which would be 7-8 years after the original PS5 and Xbox Series X/S releases.

 

The issue is RAM availability and the high pricing that follows.

 

“From what we understand, the situation has led console manufacturers to debate whether the next generation of consoles should be delayed from their intended 2027-2028 release window, with the hope RAM makers are expected to expand their production capacity, which should increase supply and eventually push memory prices down for consumers.”

New Report Says PS6 and the Next Xbox Could Be Delayed Due to AI (RAM)

You may be able to guess where the RAM is going: to meet the ever-increasing demands of AI infrastructure and processing that have risen around the world. AI has resulted in hundreds of percent spikes in RAM prices.

 

This leads to two major industry challenges.

 

With new consoles years away, current-generation hardware may see significant price increases. Sony has already raised prices once, and Xbox twice. In an industry where prices are meant to fall over time, we now have a PS5 that costs more than it did when it was first released five years ago. Meanwhile, Microsoft has been forced to raise the price of a system like the 2TB Xbox Series X to an eye-popping $800, with this and other factors contributing to a drop in Xbox hardware sales.

 

Nintendo has yet to raise the price of its new Switch 2, despite the fact that it started at $450, significantly higher than the $300 of the original Switch.

 

Then comes the obvious next step. If these current consoles cost this much, what are we talking about in terms of next-generation console prices, such as the PlayStation 6 or the next Xbox? These would be consoles priced between $800 and $1,000, and more than that in other markets. Even without RAM relief and price reduction, this could result in a significant loss for these enterprises. These price estimates could be low.

 

This, of course, is compounded by decreasing consumer purchasing power as a result of the global economy, where customers are less likely to spend $1,000 on a game console that used to cost $300, while rent, groceries, and other products and services have all increased in price. RAM level does not grow, but it spikes nonetheless.

 

AI continues to devour the globe in a variety of ways, including employment replacement and hardware demands.

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As the storm intensifies, Metro Detroit could experience damaging winds, icy roadways, and power disruptions.

As the storm intensifies, Metro Detroit could experience damaging winds, icy roadways, and power disruptions.

High Wind Warning Issued for Southeast Michigan.

A High Wind Warning will be in effect for all of Southeast Michigan from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, as a powerful storm system delivers destructive winds, hazardous travel, and the possibility of power outages to the area.

West winds are forecast to pick up fast overnight, with steady speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of 50 to 60 mph. The strong gusts, along with saturated soils from heavy rainfall, heighten the likelihood of felled trees, electrical lines, and dispersed power outages. Travel may be challenging at times, particularly for high profile cars.

Before the winds pick up, widespread rain will continue Sunday, with 1 to 2 inches forecast in parts of Southeast Michigan. The greatest rain will fall in the afternoon and evening, increasing the risk of ponding on roads and localized floods, especially in low-lying and urban areas.

As the storm intensifies, Metro Detroit could experience damaging winds, icy roadways, and power disruptions

Scattered thunderstorms are also likely Sunday evening, with a few potentially powerful storms, primarily south of I-94. The greatest concern from any larger storms will be gusty gusts that may reach 50 mph for a brief period of time.

As a strong cold front moves through late Sunday night, temperatures will plummet dramatically. Temperatures will soar into the 50s in the evening, with cold air dropping temperatures by 20 degrees or more in the hours before dawn. Rain is forecast to turn to snow by Monday morning, and the sudden drop in temperature could cause a flash freeze on untreated roads, sidewalks, and bridges, particularly during the Monday morning commute.

On Monday, snow showers and squalls are expected, resulting in brief spells of limited visibility and sudden whiteout conditions. While snowfall amounts are forecast to be between 1 and 2 inches, the combination of blowing snow and strong winds may make travel problematic at points throughout the day.

A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for Monday due to destructive winds, hazardous roadways, and snow squalls.

Looking ahead.
Colder air will remain in place until the middle of the week. Seasonably cold temperatures are forecast for New Year’s Eve on Wednesday night and New Year’s Day on Thursday, with highs in the 20s and lower 30s. Light snow may fall intermittently until midweek, but no considerable accumulation is forecast at this time.

Residents are asked to secure loose outdoor goods, plan for potential power outages, and exercise caution when traveling, particularly Sunday night through Monday evening. Make sure you have a flashlight and fresh batteries handy.

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The “Stranger Things” Brothers on Character Closure and Relationship Resolution

The “Stranger Things” Brothers on Character Closure and Relationship Resolution

 

Stranger Things” needed to wrap up a few strands and assist the Hawkins gang in becoming fully immersed in the game before reaching the endgame.

 

Over Christmas, the penultimate batch of Stranger Things episodes was released, and a lot happened in those three episodes. Before the series conclusion, viewers witnessed the characters come to some sort of resolution in addition to significant disclosures regarding the Upside Down.

The “Stranger Things” Brothers on Character Closure and Relationship Resolution

In particular, Will came out as gay to the core characters, and Jonathan and Nancy broke up. Before the major battle with Vecna, creators Matt and Ross Duffer stated in a heavily spoiler-filled interview with Variety that they wanted to make sure everyone “really resolved those tensions or conflicts.” Ross Duffer stated, “If the party is truly going to be able to defeat this great evil, they must all be working at their best.” “They must all be in agreement, whether those conflicts are internal to themselves or external to others.”

 

Matt Duffer described Will’s scene as the longest they worked on together during the season. They were “so concerned” about perfecting the sequence and making sure it was “resonating and truthful” for Will’s actor, Noah Schnapp, after removing it from season four due to space constraints.

 

When it came time to shoot, Duffer claimed he “seemed to access something incredibly truthful” after reading it and being moved to tears. Noah didn’t seem to be acting. I believe he lost himself entirely at that sequence, and that’s how the play ended.

 

Matt mentioned that they had also wanted to resolve Nancy and Jon’s relationship, which is one of Stranger Things’ larger storylines. The two “needed” to split up and become independent, according to the Duffers.

 

He said, “They do love each other very much, but there’s a very real conflict in the sense that they have gone through something very unique and challenging.” Will they ever be able to connect with someone as significant as this? However, how do you develop personally on your own? You must have that autonomy.

 

Eleven’s character and whether or not she can survive without endangering the world are the only unresolved issues. The answer to that query will be revealed in Stranger Things’ last episode, which will be available on Netflix on New

 

 

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Michael Vick likes the Bills’ Super Bowl chances: ‘The Door Is Open for Them’ The Buffalo Bills may not win the AFC East, but this might be the finest opportunity for Josh Allen and Co. to eventually reach the Super Bowl. Buffalo is one game behind the Patriots in the division, while New England has one less divisional defeat. That means the Bills will have a difficult time hosting a postseason home game, but the route to the Super Bowl may be smoother than in previous years. As Michael Vick mentioned on “FOX NFL Kickoff,” the AFC is wide open this season. The Chiefs have knocked the Bills out of the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. The other incident was in January 2023, when Joe Burrow and the Bengals prevailed at Orchard Park. Those two clubs will not be in the playoffs this season, and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens may also be excluded. Aside from Aaron Rodgers, Allen has the most postseason experience of any quarterback in the AFC. “Each season brings them closer, but something always steps in to stop them. Who’s responsible?” Vick talked on Fox. “It was the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals. There’s no Joe Burrow and no Patrick Mahomes.” The Bills’ defense is a significant question mark, particularly how they defend against the run. Offensively, they have a strong ground game. Allen is clearly the headliner on offense, but running back James Cook is having the finest season of his career. Cook has now rushed for 1,532 yards (410 yards more than his previous career high) and averaged 5.3 yards per carry while scoring 14 touchdowns. The road through the AFC will certainly include cold-weather games, with Denver and New England leading the league and Pittsburgh needing just a win against the Browns in Week 17 to capture the AFC North. When playing on the road against inexperienced opponents, Buffalo’s rushing offense will provide them a significant edge. “I’m excited to watch them,” Vick added. “They have the one-two punch of Josh and James, and they are one of the league’s greatest second-half sides. I believe if they put all of it together, this is a club that could represent the AFC.”

Michael Vick likes the Bills’ Super Bowl chances: ‘The Door Is Open for Them’

The Buffalo Bills may not win the AFC East, but this might be the finest opportunity for Josh Allen and Co. to eventually reach the Super Bowl.

Buffalo is one game behind the Patriots in the division, while New England has one less divisional defeat. That means the Bills will have a difficult time hosting a postseason home game, but the route to the Super Bowl may be smoother than in previous years.

As Michael Vick mentioned on “FOX NFL Kickoff,” the AFC

Michael Vick likes the Bills’ Super Bowl chances: ‘The Door Is Open for Them’c

is wide open this season. The Chiefs have knocked the Bills out of the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. The other incident was in January 2023, when Joe Burrow and the Bengals prevailed at Orchard Park.

Those two clubs will not be in the playoffs this season, and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens may also be excluded. Aside from Aaron Rodgers, Allen has the most postseason experience of any quarterback in the AFC.

“Each season brings them closer, but something always steps in to stop them. Who’s responsible?” Vick talked on Fox. “It was the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals. There’s no Joe Burrow and no Patrick Mahomes.”

 

 

The Bills’ defense is a significant question mark, particularly how they defend against the run. Offensively, they have a strong ground game.

Allen is clearly the headliner on offense, but running back James Cook is having the finest season of his career.

Cook has now rushed for 1,532 yards (410 yards more than his previous career high) and averaged 5.3 yards per carry while scoring 14 touchdowns.

The road through the AFC will certainly include cold-weather games, with Denver and New England leading the league and Pittsburgh needing just a win against the Browns in Week 17 to capture the AFC North. When playing on the road against inexperienced opponents, Buffalo’s rushing offense will provide them a significant edge.

“I’m excited to watch them,” Vick added. “They have the one-two punch of Josh and James, and they are one of the league’s greatest second-half sides. I believe if they put all of it together, this is a club that could represent the AFC.”

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Iran’s president claims the US, Israel, and Europe are conducting a ‘full-fledged war’ against the country

Iran’s president claims the US, Israel, and Europe are conducting a ‘full-fledged war’ against the country

 

Pezeshkian warns that if Israel and the United States strike Iran again, they would face a “more decisive response.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claims that the US, Israel, and Europe are conducting a “full-fledged war” on his nation.

The president’s statements on Saturday came before Monday’s meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

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They also come six months after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, and in September, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom reimposed United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

“I believe we are in a full-fledged war with America, Israel, and Europe. In an interview with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s official website, Pezeshkian stated that they do not want our country to be self-sufficient.

 

Iran’s president claims the US, Israel, and Europe are conducting a ‘full-fledged war’ against the country

“Our dear military forces are doing their jobs with strength, and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they [Israel and the US] attacked,” added the prime minister.

“So, if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response.”

The president stated that “this war” was unlike previous ones.

“This conflict is worse than Iraq’s war against us. If one understands it correctly, this battle is considerably more intricate and tough than that war,” Pezeshkian added, alluding to the 1980-1988 conflict between the neighboring nations that claimed thousands of lives.

The United States and its allies accuse Iran of attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, something Tehran has frequently denied.

In June, Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war that began with an unprecedented Israeli onslaught on Iranian military and nuclear targets, as well as residential regions.

According to Iranian officials, the strikes resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

The United States later joined the Israeli operation and bombed three Iranian nuclear installations.

Washington’s involvement halted discussions with Tehran over its nuclear program, which had begun in April.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has resurrected his so-called “maximum pressure” approach against Iran, which he implemented during his first term.

This has included new sanctions aimed at crippling the country’s economy and draining its oil profits from global markets.

According to recent sources, when Netanyahu pays a visit to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida this weekend, he will advocate for more military action against Iran, this time focused on Tehran’s missile development.

 

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Pop-Tarts Bowl 2025 Goes Viral Again as Edible Mascots Face Off and Get Eaten Live

Pop-Tarts Bowl 2025 Goes Viral Again as Edible Mascots Face Off and Get Eaten Live

The Pop-Tarts Bowl 2025 transforms college football into a viral food spectacle.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl has solidified its place as one of college football’s most talked-about and unique events. Since Pop-Tarts became the game’s headline sponsor in 2023, the bowl has transformed from a customary postseason clash to a popular cultural phenomenon, owing partly to its now-famous edible mascot tradition.

What began as a single Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tart mascot being placed into a massive toaster and devoured live on national television has evolved into a full-fledged fan experience. In 2025, the show will be larger than ever, with two competing edible mascot teams, live audience voting, and 24/7 social media coverage.

This year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl, dubbed “The People’s National Championship,” will pit Georgia Tech against Brigham Young on December 27. But for many spectators, the true stars aren’t the players on the field but the toaster pastries on the sidelin

Pop-Tarts Bowl 2025 Goes Viral Again as Edible Mascots Face Off and Are Eaten LiveMeet the 2025 Edible Mascot Teams.

This year’s mascot squads are Team Sprinkles and Team Swirls, each comprised of three famous Pop-Tart varieties. Protein Slammin’ Strawberry, Frosted Cherry, and Frosted Cookies & Crème make up Team Sprinkles, which comprises both classic favorites and bold new additions. On the other side, Team Swirls offers Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Frosted Wild Berry, and Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae, reintroducing familiar faces and fan favorites.

According to Pop-Tarts executives, going from one mascot to six is all about highlighting fan-favorite types while producing more outrageous situations that connect both online and in-stadium.

Fans decide on the ultimate sacrifice.

Fan engagement is one of the Pop-Tarts Bowl’s most engaging features. Leading up to the game, fans could vote via SMS to determine which mascot team would be “sacrificed.” However, the final disclosure—which team gets roasted and eaten—will not occur until the game is over and a winner is announced.

This practice has already resulted in memorable moments. In previous years, the Frosted Strawberry and Frosted Cinnamon Roll mascots met their demise following dramatic one-point victories, resulting in viral videos shared on social media.

How to Watch Mascots Live

Pop-Tarts responded to public demand by launching the first-ever Mascot Cam in 2025. This special live feed runs with the ABC broadcast and catches all of the mascot antics, from the entrances to the last toaster moment.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl has become a distinctly American sporting event, combining college football, food culture, and social media involvement to create an amazing experience of flavor, fun, and fandom.

 

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What the Stranger Things Cast Does Beyond the Upside Down: Careers, Music, Business, and Life After Netflix

What the Stranger Things Cast Does Beyond the Upside Down: Careers, Music, Business, and Life After Netflix

 

As Stranger Things nears the end of one of Netflix’s most popular seasons, its youthful ensemble has already demonstrated that life outside of Hawkins is just as hectic and ambitious. From music and Broadway to entrepreneurship and Hollywood blockbusters, performers such as Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Joe Keery, and others have established successful careers outside of the sci-fi smash series.

Finn Wolfhard focuses on music, film, and creative storytelling.

Finn Wolfhard, better known as Mike Wheeler, has increasingly broadened his artistic reach beyond acting. Early in Stranger Things, he split his time between acting and fronting the rock band Calpurnia. Wolfhard founded The Aubreys after the band broke up in 2019, releasing music that appeared in several of his cinematic projects.

 

What the Stranger Things Cast Does Beyond the Upside Down: Careers, Music, Business, and Life After Netflix

 

Wolfhard’s debut solo album,ñi

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