The 2025 Snowball Derby, a major stock car racing event, is happening at Flags Speedway from December 2 to December 7, 2025. Fans can watch it on FloRacing, and notable drivers like Kyle Busch and Erik Jones will participate. The winner receives a $50,000 prize and the Tom Dawson Trophy.
Key Facts
The event runs from December 2, 2025, to December 7, 2025.
The main race is the 300-lap Super Late Model race on December 7.
The winner gets a $50,000 prize and the Tom Dawson Trophy.
Over 50 experienced drivers, including Kyle Busch and Erik Jones, are competing.
Practice, qualifying, and smaller races happen throughout the week.
FloRacing is the streaming service for watching the event.
The race takes place on a half-mile paved track at Flags Speedway.
The New York Mets are planning to strengthen their team by pursuing top talent this offseason. They have signed Devin Williams and are predicted to target Framber Valdez, a top pitcher from the Houston Astros, who might sign a major $190 million contract. The Mets aim to improve their pitching lineup before the next season.
Key Facts
The New York Mets did not make it to the postseason this year.
The Mets have signed Devin Williams from the New York Yankees on a three-year deal.
The Mets are looking to add a top starting pitcher before the next season begins.
Framber Valdez, a top pitcher from the Houston Astros, is expected to receive a $190 million offer.
Dylan Cease, another top pitcher, recently signed a $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mets have the financial resources to potentially sign Valdez.
Improving their pitching rotation is a priority for the Mets during this offseason.
The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, a top free agent this winter. However, the Cincinnati Reds also have interest in signing him, largely because Schwarber has ties to the Cincinnati area. The final decision is expected to depend on financial offers, with the Phillies currently leading.
Key Facts
Kyle Schwarber is a leading free agent in Major League Baseball this winter.
The Philadelphia Phillies want to keep Schwarber on their team.
The Cincinnati Reds are interested in signing Schwarber because he is from the Cincinnati area.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand estimates the Reds have a 15% chance of signing Schwarber.
The Reds can offer him a chance to play close to home, but it depends on competitive pay offers.
Great American Ball Park, home to the Reds, is known to favor hitters, which could appeal to Schwarber.
Schwarber has expressed positive feelings about staying with the Phillies.
The Phillies are currently seen as having the best chance to retain Schwarber.
The Toronto Blue Jays are focusing on signing Bo Bichette, a top free agent, during the winter meetings. CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicts that Bichette and other top free agents will sign contracts earlier than usual. The Blue Jays aim to secure Bichette to boost their chances in the upcoming baseball season.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays recently signed Dylan Cease to a major contract.
The team is actively pursuing more top players to strengthen their roster.
Bo Bichette, a free agent shortstop, is a priority for the Blue Jays.
CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicts Bichette and other top free agents will sign contracts at the winter meetings.
The winter meetings are a key time for MLB teams to make big signings.
Axisa predicts a rarity that all top five free agents will sign deals next week.
Bo Bichette's signing could significantly influence the American League.
Amos Willingham, a pitcher originally from Georgia, signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros. Previously, he spent the past season in the minor leagues with the Atlanta Braves after being acquired from the Washington Nationals.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves used a record 46 pitchers during the last season.
Amos Willingham was picked up by the Braves from the Washington Nationals but did not play in the major leagues for them.
Willingham pitched at four different levels in the minor leagues for the Braves, mainly for Double-A Columbus.
He finished the season with a 5.17 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings.
Willingham's major league record includes a 7.11 ERA over 19 games with the Nationals.
He has signed a minor-league contract with the Houston Astros for the upcoming season.
The Astros might have bullpen openings but Willingham would need a strong performance in spring training to move up to the major league.
The coaching role for Penn State's football team is open, and different names are being considered. Jeff Hafley, currently the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, is among those linked to the position.
Key Facts
Penn State is searching for a new head football coach.
Louisville's head coach, Jeff Brohm, declined interest in the Penn State position.
Terry Smith is currently the interim head coach at Penn State.
Brian Daboll and now Jeff Hafley are potential candidates for the Penn State coaching job.
Jeff Hafley was previously the head coach at Boston College before joining the NFL.
Hafley expressed a preference for focusing on coaching over management duties.
The Texas Longhorns football team ended their regular season with a win over Texas A&M but are unlikely to make the College Football Playoff. They are preparing for the future by signing Dia Bell, a highly-rated quarterback for 2026, as a potential successor to Arch Manning. Manning has various options for the coming season, including staying at Texas or entering the NFL draft.
Key Facts
The Texas Longhorns football team finished the regular season with a record of 9–3.
They are ranked No. 13 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
The Longhorns are expected to play in a bowl game later this month or in January.
Arch Manning completed 61.4% of his passes and threw for 2,942 yards this season.
Five-star quarterback Dia Bell, ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2026, has committed to Texas.
Dia Bell was named the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida.
Manning has options to stay at Texas, enter the NFL draft, or transfer to another program.
John Cena, a famous professional wrestler and 17-time World Champion, announced that his final wrestling match will occur on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, streamed on Peacock. He insists this will be his true retirement, unlike typical non-committal retirements seen in wrestling. Cena plans to move entirely to his acting career while staying involved in WWE in a non-wrestling role.
Key Facts
John Cena is a 17-time World Champion in professional wrestling.
Cena announced his final wrestling match will take place on December 13, streamed live on Peacock.
He made a clear statement that this retirement is definite and he won't return to wrestling.
This type of complete retirement is rare among WWE's biggest stars.
Cena has been promoting his retirement plans, including appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
He has been preparing fans with a farewell tour to offer closure.
Cena's wrestling career started in 2002 and he became a leading figure in WWE.
After retiring from wrestling, Cena will focus on his successful acting career.
Devin Williams, a former New York Yankees player, has joined the New York Mets on a three-year, $51 million contract. Yankees fans have shown their disappointment on social media, prompting Williams to respond. Despite a tough season with the Yankees, Williams still has strong stats, and the Mets hope he will perform well next season.
Key Facts
Devin Williams moved from the Yankees to the Mets, signing a three-year deal worth $51 million.
Williams previously did not perform well with the Yankees last season.
He was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Yankees before joining the Mets.
Williams called out Yankees fans for their reactions on social media.
Despite his previous struggles, Williams had the second-highest strikeout rate in the league in the latter part of the season.
The Mets are optimistic that Williams can return to All-Star form.
Williams might serve as a setup man for Edwin Díaz, depending on Díaz's contract status with the Mets.
The New York Mets are reportedly interested in signing Cody Bellinger, an outfielder, who is also being considered by the New York Yankees and other big teams. The Mets and Yankees may be in direct competition for Bellinger, with both clubs keen on enhancing their rosters.
Key Facts
The Mets are interested in signing outfielder Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees are also interested in retaining Bellinger.
Other teams interested in Bellinger include the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets previously signed Juan Soto in a high-profile deal.
The Mets had a disappointing season, missing the playoffs by one game.
Bellinger is known for strong defense and versatility, playing both first base and center field.
Mets owner, Steve Cohen, has shown willingness to spend big in free agency.
The Yankees have an advantage due to familiarity with Bellinger.
Max Scherzer, an eight-time All-Star pitcher, might leave the Toronto Blue Jays for the San Francisco Giants. Scherzer hinted he wants to stay with the Blue Jays, but industry insiders say the Giants might be his next team due to his good relationship with their new manager.
Key Facts
Max Scherzer is a pitcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Scherzer had a tough regular season with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts.
In the postseason, Scherzer performed well, especially in a World Series Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Blue Jays have recently acquired pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.
Scherzer has shown interest in returning to the Blue Jays.
Jim Bowden from The Athletic reports that the San Francisco Giants are also a strong contender to sign Scherzer.
Scherzer has a good relationship with the Giants' new manager, Tony Vitello, who was his college pitching coach.
Last year, Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal with the Blue Jays.
The Boston Red Sox have lost reliever John Brebbia to the Colorado Rockies in free agency. Brebbia had previously played for the Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Detroit Tigers in 2023. He signed a minor league deal with the Rockies and is expected to receive an invitation to spring training.
Key Facts
John Brebbia was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2011.
He became a full-time Major League Baseball (MLB) player in 2017.
Brebbia's career includes a 3.80 earned run average (ERA), a 25.9% strikeout rate, and a 7.3% walk rate over 355 innings.
In 2023, he started with the Detroit Tigers but went on the injured list in April with a triceps strain.
The Tigers designated him for assignment (DFA) in June after he struggled upon returning from injury.
Brebbia then signed with the Atlanta Braves but had limited major league playtime.
The Red Sox picked him up in September, but he did not pitch in a major league game for them.
He became a free agent and signed with the Colorado Rockies in November, with an assignment to their Triple-A team.
Rory McIlroy shot a one-over-par 72 in the first round of the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, featuring five birdies and six bogeys. Strong winds made play challenging, with Elvis Smylie, Ryan Fox, and Carlos Ortiz leading at six under par. McIlroy expressed satisfaction with being back at the tournament and acknowledged the supportive crowd.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy scored a one-over-par 72 in the first round of the Australian Open.
The tournament is taking place at Royal Melbourne with challenging windy conditions.
McIlroy made five birdies and six bogeys during his round.
The current leaders are Elvis Smylie, Ryan Fox, and Carlos Ortiz, all at six under par.
McIlroy's partners, Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, finished two under for the day.
McIlroy, who last played in the Australian Open in 2015, appreciated the support from spectators.
Cameron Adam, playing in his second professional event, is two shots behind the leaders.
Jeff Guan, an amateur champion with a visual disability, is tied for 117th after scoring a four-over-par 75.
The World Cup draw is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, attended by President Donald Trump, other North American leaders, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The event includes American cultural elements associated with Trump, like a performance by The Village People. There is controversy over a new FIFA Peace Prize, which President Trump is expected to receive, raising concerns about FIFA's political neutrality.
Key Facts
The World Cup draw will happen at the Kennedy Center in Washington, near the White House.
President Donald Trump and leaders from Mexico and Canada will attend.
A new FIFA Peace Prize is expected to be awarded to President Trump at the event.
Critics worry the event undermines FIFA's declared neutrality on political matters.
The event includes a performance by The Village People, featuring a song linked to Trump.
President Trump and FIFA's Gianni Infantino have a well-known close relationship.
Infantino has appeared publicly with Trump on multiple occasions since 2018.
The 2025 World Champions Cup golf event starts on Thursday at Feather Sound Country Club. Three teams, including Team USA, will compete in various rounds, and the event is broadcasted on ESPN and ESPN+. The tournament includes formats like Scotch sixsome and six-ball play, and it runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Key Facts
The event begins on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
It takes place at Feather Sound Country Club.
The United States aims to defend its 2023 title.
Jim Furyk leads Team USA, with other teams led by Mike Weir and Darren Clarke.
Six-ball and Scotch sixsome are the game formats used.
ESPNews and ESPN+ will broadcast the event.
A Pro-Am is scheduled for Saturday.
The tournament concludes with singles play on Sunday.
The New York Yankees quietly signed Yostin Peña, an 18-year-old free agent outfielder from the Dominican Republic. Peña, who was previously signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, had his contract voided due to age-related concerns. This signing is part of the Yankees' efforts to improve their minor league system.
Key Facts
The Yankees signed Yostin Peña, an 18-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic.
Peña is 6-foot-4 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds.
The signing was not publicly announced by the Yankees and has been surrounded by confusion about the exact date.
Peña's contract with the St. Louis Cardinals was voided because of age-related concerns.
Age and identity fraud is a known issue in signing international baseball prospects.
Peña was signed with a $300,000 bonus by the Cardinals but never played a game for them.
Despite the previous issues, the Yankees seem to see potential in Peña's abilities.
The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a critical offseason as several key players enter free agency, including J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez. A sports writer predicts Suárez might sign a $164 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, which could help the Orioles improve their pitching lineup.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Phillies have important players becoming free agents this offseason.
Key players involved are J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez.
Ranger Suárez is predicted to leave the Phillies.
The Baltimore Orioles need better pitching to improve their team performance.
A $164 million contract is predicted for Suárez if he joins the Orioles.
The Orioles missed the postseason due to weak pitching last year.
UK Sport is offering Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes an AI-based app to protect them from online abuse. The app, called Social Protect, automatically hides abusive social media posts. This new initiative aims to help athletes feel safer online during events up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Key Facts
Team GB athletes are getting an AI tool to shield them from online abuse.
UK Sport has invested over £300,000 in this protective app.
The app scans and hides harmful social media comments in real time.
Athletes can use the app for free until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The app does not currently cover the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
It does not filter out private messages unless users provide additional details.
Athletes have shared that online abuse affects their mental health and performance.
The app allows users to add custom terms they consider offensive.
The Houston Astros have signed 35-year-old catcher Carlos Pérez to a minor-league deal. Pérez has experience in Major League Baseball and recently played for the Chicago Cubs' minor league team.
Key Facts
The Astros aim to increase their player options after a season with many injuries.
Carlos Pérez has five years of experience in Major League Baseball.
Pérez has played for eight major league teams before rejoining the Astros.
He agreed to a minor-league contract with the Astros recently.
Pérez has consistently played in minor-league games since 2008, except in 2020.
He performed well in Triple-A, hitting 27 home runs in consecutive seasons.
His best record in the major leagues was hitting six home runs in one season.
The Boston Red Sox may focus on acquiring a pitcher in the upcoming Major League Baseball Rule 5 draft to strengthen their bullpen. A leading candidate is RJ Petit, a large right-handed pitcher from the Detroit Tigers' minor leagues, known for his impressive fastball speed. However, the Red Sox face roster challenges if they decide to select him.
Key Facts
The Rule 5 draft allows MLB teams to pick players not on a 40-man roster who have been in the minor leagues for a certain number of years.
Players chosen in the Rule 5 draft must stay on the selecting team's 26-man roster for one full season.
RJ Petit, a right-handed pitcher from the Detroit Tigers, is 6-foot-8 and weighs 300 pounds.
Petit's fastball can reach speeds of 98 mph, and he's known for his effective slider.
Petit had a strong 2023 season with a 10-2 record, a 2.78 ERA, and 79 strikeouts.
The Red Sox may need to drop a player from their current 40-man roster to make space for a Rule 5 selection.
The Red Sox have the 22nd pick in the Rule 5 draft.
