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Las Vegas Kansas defeated previously unbeaten No. 17 Tennessee 81-76 in the Players Era Championship third-place game on Wednesday, ending Tennessee’s unbeaten start. Melvin Council Jr. and Elmarko Jackson scored 17 points each, while Nate Ament led Tennessee with 20. Kansas trailed most of the second half before taking the lead with 5:36 remaining and holding off a late Tennessee rally. Tre White added 14 points and Florey Bidunga contributed 13, including late free throws. The result moved Kansas to 6-2 and Tennessee to 7-1. Officials' box scores and postgame comments corroborated. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Bryce Harris scored 36 points to lead Howard to a 115-61 victory over Saint Mary's (Md.) Wednesday. In Highland Heights, Donovan Oday scored 27 to power Northern Kentucky past Wofford 93-83. In Worcester, Tyler Boston contributed 12 points as Holy Cross defeated Worcester State 77-53. In Durham, Landon Lewis scored 17 to help Brown beat New Hampshire 59-47. Box scores published Wednesday list rebounds, assists and updated team records. Statistical details include individual shooting percentages and rebound totals. The Associated Press reports used Data Skrive and Sportradar for statistics and sourcing. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Ocala, Fla. — Four Marion County firefighters were arrested after deputies said they violently hazed a 19-year-old colleague at Station 21 on Nov. 16. Authorities also allege the suspects chased the victim into the parking lot, removed his pants and underwear, struck him with a belt, stole his phone and waterboarded him repeatedly before releasing him when a service call arrived. Arrests announced on Nov. 26 named Edward Kenny III, Seth Day, Tate Trauthwein and Kaylee Bradley, who face charges including kidnapping, robbery and battery. Fire officials said the employees were terminated. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

RALEIGH, N.C. A federal three-judge panel on Wednesday allowed North Carolina to use a redrawn congressional map aiming to flip the 1st District to Republicans as part of a multistate redistricting effort tied to President Donald Trump. Judges denied preliminary injunction requests after hearings in Winston-Salem and upheld several GOP-enacted districts used in 2024 that helped Republicans gain seats. Plaintiffs including NAACP and Common Cause argued the changes dilute Black and Hispanic voting power; the court found plaintiffs unlikely to prevail. The ruling can be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Detroit. The Detroit Lions reinstated center Frank Ragnow, ending his six-month retirement and rejoining the team. The four-time Pro Bowl lineman, drafted No. 20 in 2018, announced retirement in June citing health issues but remained in contact with the club. The team activated him off the reserve-retired list Wednesday, making him eligible for upcoming games; reports say a quick return is unlikely and Dec. 14 is a potential target. Ragnow has 96 games, multiple All-Pro honors and a 2021 four-year, $54 million extension. The move aims to shore up injured offensive line. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Syracuse, N.Y. — Multiple National Weather Service offices issued winter-storm warnings, watches, and lake-effect alerts across the Great Lakes, Midwest, Plains and parts of the Appalachian range this week, forecasting heavy, locally variable snowfall and gusty winds from Thursday through Saturday. Agencies reported accumulations ranging from a few inches up to 18–28 inches in isolated Upper Peninsula locations, and advised that bands may cause sharp changes in totals. Authorities warned of travel disruptions over Thanksgiving and the following weekend as precipitation may mix with rain in warmer areas, and urged public safety precautions. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen practiced fully Wednesday despite reporting overall soreness following a 23-19 loss at Houston on Nov. 20 when he was sacked eight times. Coach Sean McDermott said left tackle Dion Dawkins entered concussion protocol and right tackle Spencer Brown injured his shoulder; both were later ruled out Friday for the upcoming game at Pittsburgh. Backups Ryan Van Demark and Chase Lundt were named as replacements. The Bills stood 7-4 and prepared to play 6-5 Pittsburgh this weekend. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. State attorneys general this week sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture, challenging October guidance that narrows SNAP eligibility for certain refugees, asylees and other humanitarian entrants after they obtain permanent residency. The coalition of 22 state attorneys general argues the guidance exceeds changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill and seeks a court order to block enforcement. States cite potential loss of benefits for thousands, a rise in food insecurity, and legal noncompliance. USDA issued the guidance on October 31; lawsuits were filed this week in multiple federal courts across states. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

BEREA, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders will start again for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday after leading the team to a 24-10 win over Las Vegas Raiders. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Dillon Gabriel has cleared concussion protocol but Sanders will remain the team's starting quarterback. Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and an interception in his first start. Browns staff praised multiple big plays, including Myles Garrett's three sacks that moved him past his club record. The team prepared this week for the San Francisco 49ers. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.