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The Panthers started fast at home, marching 12 plays in seven minutes before Rico Dowdle punched in a touchdown — their only points of the day. They never scored again, and back-to-back turnovers in the second half sealed a 17-7 defeat to the Saints. Afterward, head coach Dave Canales said he hopes the team didn’t take New Orleans lightly, emphasizing detail and a push to find their best football. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu said preparation “wasn’t good enough,” with a game in Atlanta next Sunday.

On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver celebrated Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s mayoral race over Andrew Cuomo, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. He aired the mayor-elect’s speech and pushed back at pundit criticism, including CNN’s Van Jones and a Washington Post editorial, calling it unfair after what he described as an Islamophobic campaign. Oliver also highlighted Cuomo’s ads—some reportedly AI-made—mocking one bizarre spot featuring a pregnant Schoolhouse Rock bill, before delivering a profane alternative he joked Mamdani could have said.

Eight senators in the Democratic caucus broke ranks late Sunday, siding with Republicans to advance a plan to end government shutdown. The 60-40 vote followed a pledge from Senator John Thune, Republican majority leader from South Dakota, to allow a December vote on Democrats’ priority: extending health care subsidies set to lapse at year’s end. Many Democrats say the promise is unacceptable, warning that losing the subsidies would raise premiums for millions. Three of the eight had backed a funding resolution since the shutdown began; five more joined, drawing rebukes as the bill moves to a Senate vote.

President Donald Trump will welcome Syria's interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House on Monday, a first for a Syrian president, capping the former jihadist's rapid transformation from HTS commander to head of state. U.S. officials expect al-Sharaa to commit to the U.S.-led campaign against ISIS, after Washington and allies lifted terrorism designations and eased sanctions. The trip, hailed by analysts as a sign of American trust, comes amid Syria's fraught transition: internal rifts, renewed ISIS threats, tensions with Kurdish authorities and Israel, and a push to scrap remaining sanctions likely to feature in talks.

Senators struck a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, advancing a 60 to 40 procedural vote on a stopgap funding through Jan. 30, while defections by seven Democrats and one independent, accompanied by a promised health care vote for defectors, sparked anger within the caucus. The administration faces a two-day deadline to raise SNAP benefits to 100% after a court ruling. World leaders convene in Brazil for COP30 without an active U.S. role. Electricity prices are up 40% since 2020, AI data centers add demand, and parents are urged to model healthier screen habits.

Abigail Spanberger will enter the Virginia governor’s office amid an escalating fight over public universities, where Republican-appointed boards at UVA, George Mason and VMI have targeted leaders and diversity initiatives. With Democrats set to control the General Assembly and attorney general’s office, Spanberger has signaled support for overhauling board appointments and making college more affordable. Her allies expect her to resist a Trump administration pressure campaign that included a compliance pact with UVA and scrutiny of George Mason, while Republicans warn campuses will remain culture war battlegrounds and predict clashes with the Trump administration and the courts.

HuffPost says Americans have sent Trump a clear message, with Democrats calling it a 5-alarm fire for the president. Framing the moment as Washington chaos, the outlet invites readers to join its coverage and support unflinching, fact-based journalism. In a note of thanks, it credits early backing with bolstering the newsroom during uncertain times and asks for renewed help to keep going.

Great tech doesn’t have to be pricey. This curated list spotlights gadget gifts under $50 that aim to make life easier for travelers, bookworms, students and anyone craving convenience. Picks range from an Apple AirTag and an iOS wallet tracker to an Echo Pop, Rocketbook smart notebook, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and a hands free reading light. Also featured: a beanie with built in headphones, a three in one charger for Apple devices, Kasa Smart Wi‑Fi mini plugs, an electric lighter, an iPhone portable charger, an extra‑bright mini flashlight, a mug warmer, and long charging cords.

After an injury-plagued start and a 1-5 hole, the Baltimore Ravens have reeled off three straight wins to reach 4-5 and emerge as heavy favorites to win the AFC North, priced at -290 on DraftKings. Pittsburgh still leads at 5-4 but sits at +260, while Cincinnati (+2800) and Cleveland (+20000) trail far behind. With upcoming games against the Browns, Jets, and Bengals, Baltimore could hit six straight before a December 7 meeting with the Steelers.

President Donald Trump attended the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders game Sunday, becoming the first sitting president at a regular-season NFL matchup since 1978. He joined the Fox broadcast in the third quarter, recalled his high school playing days, praised Drew Brees, and even called a 2nd-and-7 run by Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Boos met him on the videoboard and during a halftime enlistment ceremony. The visit followed an ESPN report that he wants the Commanders' planned RFK site stadium named after him. Trump said he's helping secure approvals and, amid a 40-day shutdown, insisted the country is "great."