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No. 1 seed Pitt defeated No. 3 seed Purdue in the NCAA volleyball tournament on Saturday, Dec. 13 to punch its ticket to the Final Four in Kansas City.

Pitt’s had sweeps against UMBC, Michigan and Minnesota to advance. Things were a little tighter against Purdue, which pushed the match to four sets before Pitt prevailed, 25-22, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17.

Senior setter Brooke Mosher, who transferred from Illinois, has 47 assists, seven digs, four block assists and three service aces to lead Pitt. The Panthers advance to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive season. Pitt will be looking for its first national championship.

‘This is incredible,’ Mosher said on the court after the match. ‘I could not ask for a better last year. Making the Final Four, it’s been my dream since I was little.’

Olivia Babcock had 23 kills and a hitting percentage of .333. Teammate Marina Pezelj added 14 kills and 12 digs.

Pitt will face the winner of Nebraska-Texas A&M (3 p.m. ET, Sunday on ABC) in the national semifinals in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 18.

SCORE: Pitt 3, Purdue 1

Set 4 final: Pitt 25, Purdue 17

Pitt advances to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive season.

Set 4: Pitt first to 15

The Panthers are back on track, hitting .500 in the fourth set and 10 points away from the Final Four.

Set 3 final: Purdue 25, Pitt 22

The Boilermakers push Pitt to a fourth set. Pitt hit an abysmal .167 in the third set compared to .226 for Purdue. Akasha Anderson is up to 17 kills and Kenna Wollard has added 12 kills. Ryan McAleer has 13 digs.

Set 3: Purdue first to 15 as it fights back

Akasha Anderson is up to 14 kills and Kenna Wollard has added 10 kills as the Boilermakers are working to steal a set.

Set 2 final: Pitt 25, Purdue 21

Pitt setter Brooke Mosher has 26 assists leading to 29 kills.

‘Brooke Mosher is setting one of the great matches of her career,’ Pitt coach Dan Fisher said.

Set 2: Pitt first to 15, Purdue is keeping it interesting

Olivia Babcock is dominating with 13 kills on .462 hitting. Brooke Mosher is up to 23 assists and Marina Pezelj has eight digs.

Akasha Anderson is leading the Boilermakers with 10 kills and hitting .350.

Set 1 final: Pitt 25, Purdue 22

Reigning player of the year Olivia Babcock had nine kills on .563 hitting. Pitt hit .441 for the match and Purdue .390.

Set 1: Pitt is the first to 15

The Panthers are on a 9-3 run as Purdue is rolling up the errors.

We are underway in Pittsburgh

Purdue has an early lead, looking for its first trip to the Final Four.

Purdue starters

Pitt starters

Purdue arrives in the snow

What time is Purdue vs Pitt volleyball?

The Purdue Boilermakers play the Pitt Panthers in the Elite Eight of the NCAA volleyball tournament on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh.

Purdue vs Pitt volleyball TV channel, streaming

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh)
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Stream: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

Purdue volleyball roster

Pitt volleyball roster

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The disturbing fallout between former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore and the program after ‘credible evidence’ surfaced he was involved in an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer is the latest in a long line of black marks for Michigan’s athletic department.

The most recent in a lengthy list of scandals has prompted a common refrain throughout the past week: Why and how does athletic director Warde Manuel still have a job? The answer is complicated and lengthy, but the version is this: He just does … for now.

A person with knowledge of the situation told the Detroit Free Press, part of USA TODAY Co., this week the Board of Regents met with Manuel on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss the latest scandal enveloping the biggest program he oversees.

Moore, Michigan’s football coach for two seasons and an assistant for six before that, was fired Wednesday when a relationship between him and a staffer was uncovered.

What does this have to do with Manuel? Other than it happened in the most important program he oversees? Because it’s still not entirely clear what he knew, and when.

That’s where the law firm of Jenner & Block comes in. U-M brought in the firm after its internal probe did not discover any evidence, but questions didn’t feel fully answered. Now, the firm has extended its investigation to the athletic department at large.

According to a source, the firm is looking into everything — including Manuel — to find out if there was a coverup.

Not only are there questions about the timing of U-M’s investigation — rumors swirled, but didn’t crescendo until after a loss to Ohio State, with the relationship not established until after an incoming recruiting class had mostly committed during the early national signing period — but about how such a long-term relationship within the department could have gone unnoticed by so many.

The first hint of impropriety came from an anonymous tip earlier this year, through a university hotline, stating Moore and the staffer were involved. The university brought both parties in for questioning and searched their phones, per the source, but no impermissible relationship was discovered.

That all changed this past week. Moore was fired after the staffer came forward and admitted there was a relationship.

That’s according to Kati Rezmierski, the Washtenaw County first assistant prosecutor who spoke Friday in Moore’s arraignment for third-degree felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering.

Moore has since admitted to police the two had been in a two-year relationship, the Free Press learned from recently obtained court records.

(While other court records redacted the name of the executive assistant, the transcript from the closed Friday hearing did not. The Free Press generally does not identify people described as domestic crime victims without their consent.)

A source told the Free Press “it’s fair” to say Manuel’s future is largely tied to the findings of the investigation. As of Thursday, he was “not on the hot seat in any imminent way,” but depending on the findings, that could change as quickly as Moore’s life has seemingly unraveled.

Of course, Manuel’s future isn’t that simple, either. He reports directly to the president’s office, which then reports to the board of regents. Currently, U-M is led by Domenico Grasso, an interim president brought in from U-M Dearborn after Santa Ono left Michigan for a potential job at the University of Florida.

A source told the Free Press that even though he’s serving on an interim basis, Grasso does have the go-ahead to make the call on Manuel’s future once Jenner & Block presents its findings.

Of course, this all comes while U-M searching for a permanent president. Grasso has indicated to those around him his plan is to finish the academic year, until May, according to a person with knowledge of his expected timeline.

The Free Press has learned the candidate list for president has been narrowed down; a decision could come early in 2026, though said hire would likely not take over until May 2026 — especially if they’re currently overseeing a university of their own.

The Jenner & Block investigation “would almost certainly be over’ by that point, according to the Free Press’ source. That would put the decision on Grasso, with the backing of the board to make the decision.

So, as Michigan looks for a new football coach and a new president, it also is looking into its athletic director.

Moore, who has been placed on a GPS tether since his release, is next due in court for a hearing on Jan. 22.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

WASHINGTON, DC — The time is up.

After a legendary 23-year run, John Cena ended his WWE career with his final match on Dec. 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

It was an emotional send-off as the night was dedicated to the 17-time WWE Champion, with several stars of the past and present paying respect after all of the accomplishments and memories from his storied career. It was a thrilling and electric final match, but it didn’t end in victory as “The Ring General” Gunther defeated Cena to silence the crowd.

The result was shocking and upsetting for the WWE universe, but Cena got the chance to say goodbye for good. It capped off a fun night that included young NXT talent getting a chance against some of the best of the main roster.

Watch: Saturday Night’s Main Event postshow

John Cena says goodbye

A video plays inside the arena and on the broadcast honoring Cena. Afterward, Cena salutes the crowd and leaves his armbands and sneakers in the ring. He then walks back to the ramp and salutes the audience one final time. He says ‘it’s been an honor’ before he walks backstage, capping off his career.

WWE roster says goodbye to John Cena

After the match, nearly the entire WWE roster comes out, with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk placing their championships on Cena’s shoulders.

John Cena vs. Gunther

After an incredible introduction, the crowd shows full hostility to Gunther as he takes early control of the match, throwing Cena around and taunting the audience in the process. Gunther goes for a signature chop, only for Cena to catch it.

He then tees off in vintage form and gets the hand up with the entire crowd. He lets out the ‘You Can’t See Me’ and landed the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. He sets up for the Attitude Adjustment but Gunther gets out of it. Cena stays on the attack and gets a hold of the STF on Gunther as the crowd gets on their feet.

Gunther gets out of the submission and his offense picks back up, delivering consecutive running Clotheslines to Cena. The taunting continues, but again Cena finds life again. He delivered another Five-Knuckle Shuffle and gets the AA right afterward, but Gunther kicks out. He tries another AA, and Gunther gets out and locks the Sleeper Hold on Cena. However, Cena reverses it with his own Sleeper Hold, which gets broken up by Gunther getting his leg on the rope.

The action moves outside of the ring where Gunther throws Cena into the steel steps. He moves the other set of stairs near the announcer’s table and gloats to the booing crowd. Gunther tries to land a vicious powerbomb on the announcer’s table, but Cena reverses it and lands the AA instead as both stars lay on the ground.

Back in the ring, Cena climbs the turnbuckle and lands the flying leg drop but the pin attempt is no good. He goes for a third Five-Knuckle Shuffle and Gunther lands the big boot. He follows it with a powerbomb and a pin attempt that Cena kicks out of. Gunther and Cena meet at the top rope and Cena lands the flying AA, and again Gunther kicks out.

Punches are traded when the two stars get to their feet, and it’s Gunther that breaks it with a powerbomb. He follows it with a Frog Splash and Cena avoids the loss, but Gunther doesn’t stop with another Sleeper Hold. Cena gets up several times but Gunther continues to drag him back down. Just when Cena breaks out of it, Gunther locks it back in.

Cena gets out one more time to land the AA but the pin doesn’t work and is immediately followed up with another submission hold. The crowd chants ‘don’t give up’ as Cena starts to fade. The referee checks Cena’s hand and he’s able to keep it up before the three-count.

But Gunther keeps the hold on. Cena finally taps out and Gunther wins, ending Cena’s career with a loss.

Analysis: Gunther is inevitable. ‘The Ring General’ said he would make Cena tap out and he delivers on his promise to get the victory.

The match was by far one of the most electric in recent memory as the crowd was really into the match and pulling for Cena to win. He showed he was going to leave it all out in the ring and delivered another epic clash to end it.

The result isn’t popular at all and there was plenty of booing and NSFW chants for it, but this is how it usually goes in retirement matches. There was hope Cena could end his with another signature victory, but instead Gunther gets the honor of sending someone away with a loss. Devastating for the WWE fans that rooted for Cena for so long, but it doesn’t represent what was an unbelievable career.

Watch: John Cena’s final introduction

Lilian Garcia with the final introduction for the 17-time WWE Champion.

Watch: John Cena’s final entrance

‘Stew, let’s go to work one last time.’

Cena enters to a thunderous ovation for his final WWE match.

The Miz appears, R-Truth interrupts

The Miz interrupts the broadcast to tell the crowd he should have been part of the John Cena farewell tour. As he goes on a tirade, R-Truth comes out and tells him he has an opponent.

Joe Hendry surprises

The Miz says his name and he appears.

Joe Hendry emerges and confronts The Miz and sends him down on the mat. Then he and R-Truth give The Miz a Five-Knuckle Shuffle before Hendry finishes it off with a Standing Ovation to ‘win’ the unofficial match.

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

The NXT and TNA stars waste no time getting things going as they deliver synchronized super kicks and each go flying out of the ring to stun the World Tag Team Champions. Thanks to the blazing start, Evans and Slater take the early control against Lee.

A powerbomb helps Lee slow down the other team and gives him time to tag in Styles, who shows he can absolutely hang with the young talent. After a brief moment of chaos outside of the ring with everyone, Evans and Slater get rolling again, this time against Styles.

Lee helped Styles recover, but he had a botch when he tried a Phenomenal Forearm. It didn’t slow him down as he soon afterward got the Styles Clash on Slater. It was the final blow to get the champions the win.

Analysis: It wasn’t a lot of time, but the tag teams did more than enough with it to deliver an entertaining match. Slater and Evans showed off their high-flying skills perfectly, while Styles again shows Father Time still hasn’t caught up to him. The botch hurt the overall finish, but still was a fun performance with the limited time in the ring.

Bayley vs. Sol Ruca

Each star had help in their corner with Lyra Valkyria on Bayley’s side and Zaria still supporting Ruca, and early on Ruca was a step ahead of the veteran, using her stellar acrobatic skill set to her advantage. A mistimed backflip from Ruca momentarily gave Bayley some offense, but the NXT star was back in front quickly; she executed a tumbling leap out of the ring for the first big moment of the match.

Bayley had another opportunity to gain momentum, but Ruca was relentless and didn’t stay down long enough to get in a hole. When Ruca tried another leap, Bayley caught it for a Belly-to-Bayley that resulted in both stars down on the mat.

Bayley tried a Rose Plant but Ruca avoided it with a cartwheel, and Ruca tried the Sol Snatcher but Bayley tripped her up before it could be executed. Bayley went for the pin that was unsuccessful because Ruca’s legs got on the ropes.

Afterward, Ruca finally landed the Sol Snatcher, but Bayley rolled out. Ruca desperately dragged her back in the ring and Bayley tried to roll her opponent up. Ruca got out of it and executed her own pin and she got the count to three for the victory. The two stars then shake hands.

Analysis: The Sol continues to rise.

Ruca dazzles every time she’s in the ring, and it was no different on one of the biggest stages of her young career. She controlled the majority of the match, a clear indicator she has what it takes to be a problem on the main roster. Credit Bayley for being the great veteran to put Ruca over, and there’s no limit to what she can achieve after another great outing.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi

The night starts with a massive showdown between the top star on the main roster vs. the top guy in NXT. The electricity is palpable after big pops on the entrances, and Femi shows early he’s not just a young star. He counters Rhodes’ punch with a powerful slam to the WWE Champion. From there, Femi takes the early advantage, throwing Rhodes around the ring with ease.

After taking some significant blows, Rhodes is able to slow Femi down and get him on the ground. That’s when Rhodes tees up the Cody Cutter and lands it to perfection. Rhodes had an unsuccessful leap outside of the ring, but a second time works to get Femi down.

It doesn’t have much impact with Femi recovering quickly in the ring for a Spinebuster. Rhodes went outside of the ring and Femi got a running start to launch himself into his opponent and over the table. Rhodes had a bloody mouth, yet it didn’t stop him from countering with a magnificent Cody Cutter.

The two stars were down when Drew McIntyre emerged and attacked Rhodes, ending the match in disqualification. Femi was upset and approached McIntyre, and that gave Rhodes enough time to give the ‘Scottish Warrior’ a Cody Cutter, followed by a slam from Femi. The two opponents then raise their titles together.

Analysis: The night gets off to a great start with the two champions putting on a high-quality match. Rhodes is established, but Femi got to formally introduce himself on the main roster. The crowd loved the NXT Champion and were fully invested in his entrance. He dazzled in the opportunity and did a exceptional job looking like a powerhouse.

People wanted to see a true winner in this fight, and a disqualification unfortunately hurts it a bit, and the crowd wanted to see the match continue. However, the result was certainly the safe way to go to protect WWE’s top guy and the one that will be in the position soon.

Watch: Oba Femi makes electric entrance

Watch: Cody Rhodes kicks night off

WWE icons in attendance

The stars are out to see Cena’s finale, including wrestling icons such as Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus and Mark Henry.

When is John Cena’s last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event?

John Cena’s last match takes place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, Dec 13.

Stream WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on Peacock

John Cena’s last match, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event start time

Saturday Night’s Main Event begins at 8 p.m. ET, with Cena’s final match as the main event.

How to watch John Cena’s last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Saturday Night’s Main Event will stream on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on YouTube in most markets.

Where is John Cena’s last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Cena’s final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

John Cena’s last match, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event preshow

The preshow for Saturday Night’s Main Event begins at 6 p.m. ET. It will be streamed on Peacock and WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

John Cena’s last match, Saturday Night’s Main Event match card

Matches not in order

  • John Cena vs. Gunther
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi
  • Bayley vs. Sol Ruca
  • AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

Watch: Saturday Night’s Main Event cold open

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque narrates the opening of Cena’s final match.

John Cena farewell tour reaches end

The farewell tour is now complete. In his last year of in-ring competition, Cena won the Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming the first 17-time title holder in WWE history. He also took the Intercontinental Championship, making him a Grand Slam champion.

Saturday Night’s Main Event stage

The view inside Capital One Arena. WWE opts for a generic stage.

John Cena final match prediction 

Retirement matches usually mean ending a career with a loss, but that’s for most wrestlers. It’s completely different with Cena. It’s going to be an emotional thriller, with so many close calls and callbacks to the past 23 years of Cena’s tenure. Gunther will look like he made Cena tap out and it will end in a loss.

That’s until hustle, loyalty and respect power through. Cena finds just enough in the tank for a big finish, and he gets the pin to end it all with a win. – Jordan Mendoza

John Cena ends wrestling career as the greatest of all time

Did you really see John Cena?

Yes, we all know we’ve spent his entire career “looking” for him. The man behind “You Can’t See Me” got taken too literally to the point of invisibility. But maybe there is a deeper meaning to it. 

What exactly were you looking for? A hero? A villain? A reason to smile? A reason to boo?

For 23 years, WWE fans searched endlessly, wondering if they’d ever find the answer. But as he enters the final match of his storied career, it’s all clear. Finally, we do see Cena.

What do we see? That John Cena has cemented himself as the greatest wrestler in history – and there will never be another like him.

Turns out, it’s just basic thuganomics. 

Read why there will never be another Cenahere.

A love letter to John Cena and professional wrestling

I wasn’t a John Cena fan. Not back then. Not even a little bit.

As a kid, I was in the minority. I recognize that. Watch back any Cena entrance from 2007-15 and you’ll find the same crowd reaction: every adult in attendance booing mercilessly while every child simultaneously screams in glee. 

This was the John Cena experience. No matter how you felt about him, you gave him a reaction. And as any pro wrestler will tell you, that’s the job, brother.

Love him or hate him, Cena represented everything great about this weird, niche genre of entertainment. He embraced its quirks with determination, its grueling schedule with endless effort and its spoils with grace.

You didn’t have to be a fan of Cena to recognize his mastery.

Read why wrestling will miss Cenahere.

John Cena’s top moments of his career

There’s no debating Cena is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time − evident by several signature moments that defined a generation of wrestling.

While there are undoubtedly hundreds of those unforgettable performances, which ones stand out above the rest?

See the full list of top 17 momentshere.

John Cena’s top entrances 

A key element in wrestling is the entrance, and Cena knew how to make them grand.

One of the several things that made Cena a WWE legend was his iconic entrance music. He started off with ‘Basic Thuganomics,’ which became a classic with some clever lines, but he introduced ‘My Time is Now’ in 2005, and it has become a song that has transcended wrestling, becoming a recognizable tune and sending crowds into a frenzy the moment the first note hits.

With that signature song, Cena has made some epic entrances that left the audience wowed. He’s entered arenas and stadiums thousands of times, but some of those entrances stand out more than others and have become iconic moments in Cena’s lasting legacy.

See the full list of best entranceshere.

John Cena’s 10 best feuds 

More than 23 years is enough time to develop heated rivals in wrestling, and Cena had plenty of them in WWE.

As the face of WWE for decades, Cena got to the top of the wrestling world thanks to the epic showdowns he had with other big-time stars. Whether it was the promos, matches or the stakes, some feuds stood out above the rest. They often helped raise the legacy of both Cena and his rival as they each brought the best out of each other, and those heated rivalries helped produce some of wrestling’s top moments in recent memory.

Of course, not all of them were top-tier quality, but there were rivalries that transcended the sport and helped shape what wrestling is today.

See the full list of Cena’s best rivalrieshere.

WWE stars pay tribute to John Cena

Get the tissues ready.

Cena not only impacted wrestling fans, but stars themselves. Several of them honor him, including some big names like Roman Reigns, in this emotional video.

Oba Femi has ‘huge opportunity’ vs. Cody Rhodes

With NXT stars getting to challenge main roster talent, no one gets a bigger shot than Oba Femi; the NXT Champion will face Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

“It’s huge for me,” Femi told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s just a huge favor he’s done for us up-and-coming NXT superstars to showcase us on his final day, which speaks to his selflessness and humility.”

“The Ruler” has become a major hit in NXT, with his signature strut starting what is often dominance in the ring. It will be his biggest match yet, but Femi is ready for the challenge.

“At the end of the match, people realize that there is a new crop of talent, and they are here, and they mean business,” Femi said. “While I’m out there, I’m going to enjoy every moment I’m in there with Cody. It’s the best now versus the projected future, the biggest prospect from NXT. It’s a huge match. It’s a huge opportunity, and the fans get to enjoy it. 

“But I think when everything is said and done, Oba Femi will be victorious,” he added.

John Cena WWE career accolades

It’s been a career full of achievements as Cena has done about everything a wrestler can do in WWE. Here are all of his achievements: 

  • WWE Champion: 17 times (record)
  • United States Champion: five times
  • WWE Tag Team Champion: four times
  • Intercontinental Champion: one time
  • Grand Slam Champion
  • Triple Crown Champion
  • 2012 Money in the Bank winner
  • 2008 and 2013 Royal Rumble winner
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

A woman who recently ended an approximately two-year affair with ex-Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore told law enforcement he grabbed butter knives from a drawer and pointed them at her after barging into her apartment, recently obtained court records show.

Details from the statements made by the woman, an executive assistant to the head coach, were used Friday to charge Moore. He was charged with third-degree felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering.

‘(The woman) advised that she was carrying her belongings downstairs to leave, and while inside of her apartment she heard footsteps outside. (She) indicated that she ran towards the door to secure it, but before she could, Mr. Moore swung the door open and barged into her apartment with tears in his eyes,’ the court document reads.

‘(The woman) indicated that she was approximately 5 feet from the door when he made entry. She advised that she began backing up and as he was approaching her. (She) advised that Moore grabbed two knives out of her drawer and pointed them at her, ‘You ruined my life. You ruined my life.’”

Moore, 39, admitted to having an affair with the executive assistant but denied threatening her, records show. He was not charged with assault. He posted $25,000 bond Friday, Dec. 12.

‘Mr. Moore admitted to removing the knives and stated that he had threatened to kill himself. Mr. Moore denied physically assaulting (the executive assistant) and denied threatening her with any weapons,’ the record states.

While other court records redacted the name of the executive assistant, the transcript from the closed Friday hearing did not. The Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Co., generally does not identify people described as domestic crime victims without their consent.

The information the executive assistant gave to police, and police presented at a court hearing Friday, Dec. 12, is different than how prosecutors described what happened when they charged Moore.

“While I understand that there isn’t evidence to suggest that he directly threatened the victim with any of those (knives) that I’ve indicated, the totality of the behavior is highly threatening and highly intimidating. She was terrorized, your honor,’ Kati Rezmierski, first assistant prosecutor for Washtenaw County, said during a public court hearing.

The woman told police that night of the incident that ‘she has never been more terrified in her life.’

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit described his charging decision in a statement sent to the Free Press on Saturday, Dec. 12.

“As was stated at the arraignment (Friday, Dec. 12), the evidence that is available at this time indicates that Mr. Moore had an intent to terrorize and harass the victim — which is the basis for the stalking charge. Given that his statements were those of self-harm, however, there was not sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, an intent to assault or batter the victim,’ Savit said.

‘As indicated in our release (Friday) announcing charges against Mr. Moore, this matter remains under active investigation and, as with any case, we may add or amend charges as new evidence comes in.”

Moore’s lawyer Joseph Simon provided a statement in response to questions about why his client was not charged with assault.

‘Your question highlights the need to first obtain and review all evidence against every element of the charged offenses before making speculative comments or conclusions and that is what we intended to do,’ Simon said in a text message sent Saturday to the Free Press.

The executive assistant’s lawyer, listed in the court record as Heidi Sharp, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Before Moore was publicly charged, Detective Jessica Welker of the Pittsfield Township Police Department provided sworn testimony about the actions underlying the ultimate charges.

This occurred during what’s called a ‘complaint authorization hearing.’ It occurred in front of Magistrate Odetalla Odetalla, about an hour before Moore was formally charged. It was closed to the public, but the Free Press obtained a transcript.

The transcript cites law enforcement ‘dispatch,’ indicating the executive assistant’s lawyer first called police, saying, ‘her client, had called her saying Sherrone Moore was inside of her home, attacking her.’

The transcript later indicates police met the lawyer at the executive assistant’s Ann Arbor apartment. When they arrived, the lawyer, ‘advised that Moore had a long history of domestic violence against (the executive assistant), and that he was very dangerous.’

Welker, the detective, goes on to provide more detail from the executive assistant and her lawyer.

‘(The executive assistant) advised that she continued to back up, telling him to leave, and he continued towards her with the knives, backing her towards the living room,’ the transcript states.

‘(The executive assistant) advised that she was trying to call her attorney, and it wasn’t until she got her attorney on the phone and put her on speaker — and Moore heard her voice — that he immediately backed up and turned the knives on himself, pointing them at his neck, saying that he was going to kill himself and that she was going to watch.’

Moore then left, the transcript states. The executive assistant saw he left the butter knives on the counter. She locked the door, the transcript states. The executive assistant’s lawyer also provided police with text messages purportedly from Moore to the executive assistant.

One, allegedly sent around the time Moore arrived at the apartment, said, ‘I hate you. My blood is on your hand.’

The executive assistant tried to end communications with Moore on Monday, Dec. 8, the transcript states. He repeatedly tried to contact her after that, the record states.

After Welker finished providing this information to the magistrate, Odetalla determined there was enough probable cause to sign and issue warrants for Moore’s arrest.

The woman who accused Moore is a 32-year-old staffer in the athletics department. The Michigan athletics department confirmed this week she remains an employee, but wouldn’t provide additional details.

The Free Press left a message seeking comment from her but is not naming her at this time.

Some salary records published by the university list her as an administrative specialist, a title the department uses to cover a wide variety of roles, with salaries ranging from $44,000 to $360,000.

Her current salary is listed as $99,000. The records indicate she began at the school with a salary of $58,000 before being increased to $90,000 last year and then to her current rate. The records do not indicate the duties of the employees listed.

The woman appears to have taken down her LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts after being publicly linked to Moore.

In 2021, the university adopted a policy regarding intimate relationships between supervisors and their subordinates. The policy prohibits supervisors from initiating such relationships. If the relationship precedes the employment conflict or the subordinate initiates it, the policy calls for the supervisor to notify a superior about it.

The policy also calls for a management plan when a supervisor is in a relationship with a subordinate. It could require moving jobs or changing to whom the subordinate reports.

Free Press reporter Violet Ikonomova contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

We also break down next week’s catalysts to watch to help you prepare for the week ahead.

In this article:

    This week’s tech sector performance

    Markets opened the week subdued with investors eyeing the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision, leading to modest gains in the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) and the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX).

    Reports of US President Donald Trump’s approval for NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) H200 chip sales to China boosted chip stocks and sustained AI enthusiasm. Tuesday’s (December 9) JOLTS report delivered data suggesting a cooling labour market amid tariff uncertainty but offering limited new clarity ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting.

    Markets rallied sharply on Wednesday (December 10) after the meeting resulted in a 25 basis point rate cut to 3.5 to 3.75 percent; however, Nasdaq gains were tempered, hinting at continued caution around AI capex sustainability ahead of earnings from Oracle and Broadcom.

    Rate-sensitive areas like financials and industrials led the rally, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) ahead of the Nasdaq, which closed slightly down. This highlighted a shift from tech dominance to a more diversified market. The S&P ended up 0.21 percent at a record 6,901.

    Markets interpreted Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s measured tone during his post-meeting press conference — hawkish on cuts but dovish on recession — as reinforcing a gradual easing despite tariff caution.

    Gains moderated toward the end of the week as Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) and Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) reported earnings that garnered a mixed reaction from investors and analysts.

    Tech stocks have whipsawed in recent weeks, rallying on Fed rate cut bets and trade negotiation optimism before sharp pullbacks triggered by AI bubble fears and overvaluation concerns.

    3 tech stocks moving markets this week

    1. NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)

    Nvidia’s shares initially surged on Tuesday (December 9) on reports that President Trump would permit H200 exports to pre-approved Chinese clients, subject to a 25 percent US federal surcharge.

    However, these early gains diminished as further reports emerged that Beijing is reviewing its domestic chip prioritization strategy.

    Meanwhile, companies like ByteDance and Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) are reportedly seeking large orders, pending approval. On Friday, Reuters reported that Nvidia is considering increasing H200 chip output due to robust Chinese demand. Its share price was US$175.02 at Friday’s close, a modest decrease of 4.35.

    2. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL)

    Oracle shares dropped over 7 percent after hours on Wednesday after the company’s Q2 earnings missed revenue forecasts, coming at US$16.1 billion compared to expectations of US$16.2 billion.

    The report showed cloud sales rose 34 percent, while infrastructure revenue increased by 68 percent. Both figures were below analyst expectations of 35 and 71 percent, respectively.

    Oracle shares plunged further after executives disclosed on a conference call that this fiscal year’s capital expenditure would reach around US$50 billion, higher than prior guidance, including around US$12 billion spent this quarter on data centers.

    On a more positive note, some analysts viewed capex as a strategic investment, citing AI’s growth potential and pointing to Oracle’s US$523 billion backlog of deals with companies like Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and Nvidia.

    Oracle shares closed more than 16 percent lower this week at a price of US$189.97 on Friday afternoon.

    3. Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)

    Conversely, Broadcom shares rose post-market on Thursday after reporting its Q4 2025 earnings results, which revealed a 74 percent increase in AI chip revenue, with custom XPUs now comprising 65 percent of its semiconductor business.

    Total revenue reached US$18.02 billion year-over-year, exceeding expectations of US$17.46 billion.

    Looking ahead, the company projects semiconductor revenue to double to US$8.2 billion in the next fiscal year. Q1 2026 guidance calls for US$19.1 billion total revenue.

    During the earnings call, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan named Anthropic as the newly qualified fourth hyperscale, confirming its US$11 billion additional order for custom XPUs and AI racks. Shipments are expected to ramp up in late FY26.

    After an initial rise, stocks fell during the call after the company guided low quarterly growth for its non-AI chips and a tax rate increase to 16.5 percent due to normalized post-acquisition tax benefits expiring.

    Still, JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) analyst Vivek Arya reset his price target on Broadcom stock from US$460 to US$500 on Friday (December 12).

    Despite the positive sentiment, Broadcom shares saw a decline of 11.79 to US$359.93 from the start of the week due to Friday’s sell-off.

    Broadcom, Nvidia and Oracle’s performance, December 8 to 12, 2025.

    Chart via Google Finance.

    Top tech news of the week

        Tech ETF performance

        Tech exchange-traded funds (ETFs) track baskets of major tech stocks, meaning their performance helps investors gauge the overall performance of the niches they cover.

        This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) declined by 3.88 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) saw a gain of 1.31 percent.

        The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) also decreased by 3.71 percent.

        Tech news to watch next week

        Speeches from Fed Governors Stephen Miran and Christopher J. Waller on Monday (December 15) and Wednesday (December 17) next week may further clarify the Fed’s dot plot.

        Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem will also speak in Montreal on Tuesday (December 16), while key jobs, manufacturing and retail sales data in the US throughout the week could shift rate cut bets, pressuring growth stocks.

        Earnings from Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) and BlackBerry (TSX:BB) will be released on Wednesday and Thursday (December 18), respectively.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        Rio Silver Inc. (the ‘Company’ or ‘Rio Silver’) (TSX.V: RYO,OTC:RYOOF) (OTC: RYOOF) announces that, following regulatory approval, the closing of the previously-announced transaction (the ‘Transaction’) with Peruvian Metals Corp. (‘Peruvian’) to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Mamaniña Exploraciones S.A.C. (the ‘Subsidiary’), a Peruvian corporation, which holds mining rights in the Maria Norte project (the ‘Maria Norte Property’) located in Peru. The details and the terms of the Transaction are summarized in the Company’s previous press releases on March 26, June 25 and September 17, 2025.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, on closing, Rio Silver has acquired from Peruvian 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Subsidiary. In consideration, Rio Silver issued to Peruvian 3,999,999 common shares of the Company, representing 9.27 of the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital (accounting for the recent 5:1 share consolidation completed on July 3, 2025), and, in addition, under the terms of the Transaction, the Company is required to pay an aggregate of US$250,000 by making semi-annual payments to Peruvian over a period of five years commencing on June 15, 2025. To date, the Company has made the following cash payments (i) CDN$15,000 upon signing; (ii) US$22,500 upon an amendment; and (ii) US$25,000 option payment on June 15, 2025, resulting in US$225,000 payable in remaining option payments.

        A geological report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 in respect of the Maria Norte Property will be filed at the Company’s profile on SEDAR+.

        ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Rio Silver INC.

        Chris Verrico
        Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
        Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

        For further information,

        Christopher Verrico, President, CEO
        Tel: (604) 762-4448
        Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com
        Website: www.riosilverinc.com

        This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws.

        News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        (TheNewswire)

        Vancouver, Canada, December 12, 2025 TheNewswire – Spartan Metals Corp. (‘ Spartan ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) (TSX-V: W | OTCQB: SPRMF | FSE: J03) announces, effectively immediately, it has terminated the previously announced (November 17, 2025) investor relations agreement with ValPal Management Consultancy.

        About Spartan Metals Corp.

        Spartan Metals is focused on developing critical minerals projects in well-established and stable mining jurisdictions in the Western United States, with an emphasis on building a portfolio of diverse strategic defense minerals such as Tungsten, Rubidium, Antimony, Bismuth, and Arsenic.

        Spartan’s flagship project is the Eagle Project in eastern Nevada that consists of the highest-grade historic tungsten resource in the USA (the past-producing Tungstonia Mine) along with significant under-defined resources consisting of: high-grade rubidium; antimony; bismuth; indium; as well as precious and base metals. More information about Spartan Metals can be found at www.SpartanMetals.com

        On behalf of the Board of Spartan

        ‘Brett Marsh’

        President, CEO & Director

        Further Information:

        Brett Marsh, M.Sc., MBA, CPG

        President, CEO & Director

        1-888-535-0325

        info@spartanmetals.com

        Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

        Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

        News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        Sweet 16 action continues in the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament with a slate of four games on Friday.

        No. 1 seed Texas kicked off the day by sweeping Indiana. No. 1 overall seed Nebraska will end the night against No. 4 Kansas after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps. The Huskers (32-0) remain undefeated and have only dropped seven sets all year, with the last coming nearly a month ago on Nov. 14 against UCLA.

        Speaking of sweeps, No. 1 Kentucky and No. 1 Pittsburgh punched their tickets to the Elite Eight on Thursday. The Wildcats ended Cal Poly’s Cinderella story in straight sets, while Pittsburgh brought out the brooms against Minnesota.

        USA TODAY gives you everything you need to know about Friday’s schedule, matchups, scores and highlights:

        SWEET 16 NCAA VOLLEYBALL RECAP: Kentucky, Pittsburgh sweep way to Elite Eight

        Set 1: Nebraska 25, Kansas 12

        Nebraska took a quick lead against Kansas and easily put away the first set.

        The Cornhuskers looked every bit like the No. 1 overall seed. They collectively hit .357 and registered six blocks against the Jayhawks, who were held to a negative hitting percentage (-.024) in the first set. Rebekah Allick led the Huskers with six kills on six attempts, while Andi Jackson added four blocks and three kills.

        Nebraska vs. Kansas volleyball underway

        Final: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

        Set 5: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

        No. 3 Texas A&M completed a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2001 after winning the fifth set, 15-12. The Aggies were able to swing the momentum of the game with their blocking ability, led by Ifenna Cos-okpalla’s 12 total blocks.

        Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (20 kills, 10 digs on .245 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (16 kills, 11 digs on .282 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (12 kills on .226 hitting) each recorded double-digit kills.

        ‘We just weren’t finishing the last end of the set,’ said an emotional Lednicky, who was three blocks away from a triple double. ‘We’re like, we’re not letting them sweep us. We know how to grind, we know how to dig it. We saw it in the TCU match and we did just that last one.’

        Tensions boiled over in the fifth set. Louisville head coach Dan Meske earned a yellow card for swatting the ball because he thought the referee missed a carry call during a long rally Texas A&M won to go up 12-10.

        Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine finished with a game-high 26 kills hitting .300 in the loss.

        Set 4: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 2

        No. 3 Texas A&M took a 17-8 lead after holding No. 2 Louisville to a -.143 hitting percentage to start the fourth set with its defensive prowess. The Aggies stretched their lead to as many as nine points, but Louisville went on a 7-1 run to come within three points of Texas A&M. The Aggies didn’t relinquish the lead this time. Texas A&M finished the fourth set on a 4-0 run to force a decisive fifth set.

        Texas A&M held Louisville to .000 hitting in the fourth set. The Aggies hit .267 and recorded nine blocks. Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (18 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (14 kills on .243 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .200 hitting) each have double-digit kills. Ifenna Cos-okpalla is up to 11 blocks.

        The Aggies are going for the reverse sweep, the team’s first since September 2024.

        Set 3: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 1

        No. 3 Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said his team needed to do a better job at finishing at the end of the set if they wanted to extend their season against No. 2 Louisville after giving up leads in the first two sets. The Aggies did just that in a third set that featured 15 ties and five lead changes.

        The Aggies had a 23-21 lead in the third set before Louisville tied it up at 23-23 following back-to-back kills from Chloe Chicoine. Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers responded with a pair of kills herself to give the Aggies the set, 25-23.

        Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (14 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .259 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .261) each have double-digit kills as the team is collectively hitting .292.

        Meanwhile, Chicoine is up to 19 kills on .405 hitting. Cara Crease added seven blocks.

        Set 2: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 0

        New set, same scenario. Much like the first set, Texas A&M was the first team to reach 15 points. The Aggies had a 21-16 lead in the second set, before Louisville staged another comeback. The Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to take the lead and clinch the second set, 25-22, to take a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M.

        Louisville capitalized on 14 total blocks and three aces. Chloe Chicoine (11 kills on .400 hitting) and Payton Petersen (10 kills on .563 hitting) led the Cardinals in kills.

        Logan Lednicky has nine kills, while Emily Hellmuth and Kyndal Stowers each have seven kills for Texas A&M.

        Set 1: Louisville 1, Texas A&M 0

        No. 3 Texas A&M had control of the first set and was the first team to 15 points, but No. 2 Louisville went on a 5-0 run to tie it up at 17-17. Five more ties ensued before Louisville ultimately created some separation to take the first set, 25-23. Louisville hit .457 and had two players with six or more kills — Payton Petersen (seven kills on .778 hitting) and Chloe Chicoine (six kills on .600 hitting).

        Louisville starters

        Wisconsin 3, Stanford 1

        Set 4: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 22

        The Badgers had to fight for it, but they moved on after a 3-1 win over Stanford that was sealed with a team block. Wisconsin finished the day hitting .420. Match standout Mimi Colyer had a blistering 27 kills on .373 hitting and 10 digs. On the other side of the net, Stanford hit very well for most of the match, but slipped to a .242 percentage in Set 4 after maintaining around .400 during the first three sets. The Cardinal had four players who finished with double-digit kills. Elia Rubin led the group with 15 kills and 13 digs.

        Set 3: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 23

        The third set was a back-and-forth battle. There were a whopping 9 ties and 4 lead changes before Wisconsin finally pulled away to go up 2-1. Grace Egan sealed Set 3 for the Badgers with a timely kill after two set points. Mimi Colyer continues her day of domination with 19 kills on .333 hitting. Carter Booth has also been fantastic for Wisconsin with 13 kills on .813 hitting. Julia Blyashov and Jordyn Harvey both have 10 kills for Stanford.

        Set 2: Stanford: 25, Wisconsin 21

        Stanford was poised in Set 2 with better defense and serving. The Cardinal were tied with the Badgers at 13, all, before letting off a 12-8 run to take the set. Elia Rubin had the deciding kill after three set points. Stanford hit .484 in Set 2 with three players who had six or more kills, including Rubin, who had a .417 hitting percentage and seven digs. Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer leads all players with 16 kills on 25 swings and .480 hitting.

        Wisconsin vs. Stanford is a sister-against-sister showdown

        Look across the court, and fans will see a pair of sisters on opposite sides of the court. Wisconsin’s Alicia Andrew and Stanford’s Lizzy Andrew are facing off against each other today in the Sweet 16.

        Set 1: Wisconsin 25, Stanford 17

        Wisconsin hit a blistering .514 in the first set, sealed by a Carter Booth kill. Mimi Colyer led the Badgers with nine kills on 15 swings and a .467 hitting percentage. Lizzy Andrew led the Cardinal, going a perfect three-for-three on kills.

        Wisconsin vs. Stanford is underway

        No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 2 Stanford are in the first set of the second match of day two of the Sweet 16.

        Texas star Cari Spears had her dad in the stands against Indiana

        Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears was in the stands today to watch his daughter, Texas freshman Cari Spears, play.

        Final: Texas 3, Indiana 0

        Set 3: Texas 25, Indiana 22

        Whitney Lauenstein sent Texas to the regional final with a kill to secure the sweep against Indiana. The Longhorns finished with .374 hitting and 23 total blocks. Torrey Stafford was brilliant with 19 kills on 28 swings (with zero errors) and a .679 hitting percentage. Nya Bunton was also critical to the Longhorns’ success with seven kills on .545 hitting and five blocks. Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Jaidyn Jager had 21 combined kills for the Hoosiers.

        Indiana is pushing Texas in Set 3

        The Hoosiers look much more relaxed in Set 3 as they try to fight off elimination. They are hitting .261 in the frame and have slowed down Texas’s blocks.

        Set 2: Texas 25, Indiana 22

        It took four set points, but Abby Vander Wal again secured the set Texas. The Longhorns have held the Hoosiers to under .200 for the match while maintaining .365 hitting percentage. Torrey Stafford is putting on a clinic from all over the court. Stafford has zero errors on 19 swings, including 15 kills and a .789 hitting percentage. Candela Alonso-Corcelles leads Indiana with seven kills on .125 hitting and six digs.

        Texas’s defense is rolling against Indiana

        The Longhorns have 17 total blocks and have held Indiana to a .088 hitting percentage in the second set and .127 hitting for the match.

        Set 1: Texas 25, Indiana 20

        Texas took the first set after two set points, with Abby Vander Wal landing the deciding point. As a team, Texas hit .323 in the set, compared to .162 for Indiana with nine errors. The Hoosiers had several runs to close the game with the Longhorns, but Texas was too much. Torrey Stafford led all players with six kills on .750 hitting.

        Texas is the first to 15 in Set 1 against Indiana

        The Longhorns reached 15 points behind a huge boost from outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who had five kills and two blocks.

        Indiana vs. Texas is underway

        The Indiana Hoosiers and Texas Longhorns are in the first set of the first match during Day 2 of the Sweet 16.

        NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 continues Friday

        Two No. 1 seeds play on Friday, with Texas playing Indiana in the opener. The top overall seed, Nebraska, puts its unbeaten streak on the line against No. 4 Kansas in the nightcap after opening the tournament with back-to-back sweeps.

        When is NCAA women’s volleyball Sweet 16?

        • Date: Dec. 12
        • Time: Four matches beginning at noon ET Friday. Match-by-match times below.

        How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

        • Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

        The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

        NCAA volleyball Sweet 16 schedule: Times, TV

        All times Eastern

        Thursday, Dec. 11

        • No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
        • No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
        • No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
        • No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

        Friday, Dec. 12

        • No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0
        • No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1
        • No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
        • No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2

        Saturday, Dec. 13

        • No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 1 Kentucky, 5 p.m. | ESPN2
        • No. 1 Pittsburgh vs. No. 3 Purdue, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

        Sunday, Dec. 14

        • No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Wisconsin, TBD
        • No. 1 Nebraska/No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, TBD

        When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

        • Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21

        The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

        NCAA volleyball second-round results

        Lexington bracket

        • No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
        • No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
        • No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
        • Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

        Austin bracket

        • No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
        • No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
        • No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
        • No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

        Pittsburgh bracket

        • No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
        • No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
        • No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
        • No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

        Lincoln bracket

        • No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
        • No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
        • No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
        • No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

        NCAA volleyball first-round results

        Lexington bracket

        • No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
        • No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
        • Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
        • No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
        • No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
        • No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
        • Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
        • No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

        Austin bracket

        • No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
        • No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
        • No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
        • No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
        • No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
        • North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
        • Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
        • No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

        Pittsburgh bracket

        • No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
        • Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
        • No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
        • No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
        • No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
        • No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
        • Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
        • No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

        Lincoln bracket

        • No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
        • Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
        • No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
        • No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
        • No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
        • No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
        • Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
        • No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

        NCAA volleyball tournament champions

        Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

        Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

        • 2024: Penn State
        • 2023: Texas
        • 2022: Texas
        • 2021: Wisconsin
        • 2020: Kentucky
        • 2019: Stanford
        • 2018: Stanford
        • 2017: Nebraska
        • 2016: Stanford
        • 2015: Nebraska

        The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY

        2025 is drawing to a close, and silver seems determined to end the year with a bang.

        The white metal’s breakout continued this week, with the price crashing through US$60 per ounce and continuing on up, even briefly passing US$64. It ultimately finished at just under US$62.

        Year-to-date silver is now up over 110 percent, far outpacing gold’s gain of about 63 percent.

        Its latest rise kicked off on November 28, the same day the Comex experienced an outage that lasted about 10 hours. Since then, positive drivers have continued to pile up.

        Chief among them this week was the most recent interest rate reduction from the US Federal Reserve. As was widely expected, the central bank made a 25 basis point cut at its meeting, which wrapped up on Wednesday (December 10), taking the target range to 3.5 to 3.75 percent.

        Both silver and gold tend to fare better in lower-rate environments, and while gold remains below its all-time high, it retook the US$4,300 per ounce level this week.

        Key Fed meeting takeaways

        It’s worth noting that although the Fed’s cut went through, three out of 12 officials voted against it, a situation that hasn’t happened since September 2019. Two wanted rates to stay the same, while Governor Stephen Miran was calling for a 50 basis point reduction.

        Miran took his spot on the Fed’s Board of Governors in September after being nominated by President Donald Trump, who has been critical of the Fed — and Chair Jerome Powell in particular — for not lowering rates as quickly as he would like. Powell’s term ends in May 2026, and it’s anticipated that his replacement will follow Trump’s vision. Kevin Hassett of the National Economic Council is said to be a strong contender, with 84 percent of respondents to a CNBC survey saying they think it will be him.

        While the Fed’s rate decision was in focus this week, market watchers are also closely eyeing its post-meeting statement, as well as press conference comments from Powell, to figure out what the central bank’s policy will look like heading into the new year and beyond.

        The latest dot plot shows that Fed officials expect only one rate cut in 2026, plus another in 2027. That’s unchanged from projections made in September, but experts have pointed out that the dot plot also highlights the growing divide between Federal Open Market Committee members.

        Another important facet is the news that the Fed will start buying short-dated bonds as of Friday (December 12), with an initial round involving purchasing US$40 billion worth of treasuries per month. This move comes after the end of quantitative tightening measures on December 1, and is being looked at as a step in the direction of quantitative easing.

        ‘This is basically another way of saying quantitative easing, and we’re going to continue to print money,’ said David Erfle of Junior Miner Junky. ‘The Federal Reserve is in a situation where, ‘Hey, we’ve got to continue to issue new debt to pay off the old debt.’ So now the yield curve is going to steepen as the Fed pivots toward these treasury bills, and private investors are going to have to absorb more duration risk. So basically, this means loose monetary conditions are on the way, and that’s positive for both gold and especially now silver.’

        Will the silver price keep rising?

        With that in mind, what exactly is next for the silver price?

        I’ve been asking guests on our channel where the metal goes from here, and many have said it’s becoming harder and harder to predict as silver enters uncharted territory.

        Peter Krauth of Silver Stock Investor and Silver Advisor said that a ‘relatively conservative’ outlook for 2026 would be US$70. However, he also emphasized that higher levels are possible:

        ‘It’s taken 45 years for (silver) to finally break out through that US$50 level. And so we’re in uncharted waters, uncharted territory, and this being the kind of market that we’re in — fundamentally, as well as macroeconomically, as well as geopolitically — I think odds are silver is going to continue to climb higher.

        ‘And I think it’s going to convert a lot of doubters into into believers that silver is going to go on setting new record highs, and that it’s still relatively early in this market. We’re going to see it perform very, very well for several more years.’

        For his part, Erfle weighed in on upside and downside for silver, outlining how the precious metal could get close to the US$100 level. Here’s what he said:

        ‘If you consider the supply/demand fundamentals, this is a fifth year of a supply deficit in silver, which has constantly been outpacing supply.

        ‘All these forces have converged to take the silver price so much higher, and looking at upside targets, the next target is the US$66, US$68 area, and then US$80 to US$83 if the momentum continues into January. But the long-term measured target of the cup-and-handle breakout is US$96.’

        I’ll be having more conversations about silver next week with experts like Gareth Soloway, John Rubino and John Feneck, so drop a comment on our YouTube channel if you have any questions.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        Nebraska volleyball is so successful, its home court at John Cook Arena will be expanded to 10,000 seats ahead of the 2026 season.

        The Nebraska Athletic Fund released renderings and details for the plan earlier this week. The addition of about 2,000 seats also means there will be a ‘comprehensive reseating of season tickets,’ according to the school fundraising site.

        ‘To ensure Nebraska Volleyball remains a leader both on and off the court, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our foundation. The expansion of John Cook Arena in the Bob Devaney Sports Center to over 10,000 seats will allow us to continue to grow the game and give more fans the opportunity to experience Nebraska Volleyball,’ the Nebraska Athletic Fund website reads. ‘We must embrace the evolution of intercollegiate athletics and find ways to preserve our financial model.’

        Some of the upgrades listed on the website for the expanded arena include:

        • New and improved seats with cupholders in each seat.
        • New centralized student section to enhance the impact of crowd noise on opponents.
        • New and improved seating courtside, in a new loge box and the Libero Club, which will replace VIP seats in the back row of the 100 level.
        • Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.

        Nebraska volleyball is wildly popular and entered the 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. After sweeping its opponents in the first two rounds, Nebraska faced Kansas in Friday’s Sweet 16.

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY