Tennis sensation Coco Gauff, fresh off dominating on the court, is showing love off the court, inviting "Heated Rivalry" stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams to the Australian Open after binge-watching the queer hockey romance series. Meanwhile, their co-star Robbie G.K. was spotted at the Seahawks-49ers playoff game, proving the cast is making power plays both on and off the screen!
Planet Money's board game project is heating up as designers Alex and Nick incorporate fan feedback into a near-final version, a move reminiscent of community-driven game development like "Settlers of Catan." The next stage involves finalizing the design, choosing a theme, and crowdsourcing card ideas, setting the stage for a deep dive into the game's production and retail journey. Stay tuned for the big name reveal later this month!
Samsung TV Plus just smashed through the 100 million monthly user mark, fueled by a 25% surge in streaming hours last year! Interactive fan experiences, like the Jonas Brothers concert livestream with its groundbreaking FanVote, and creator-led partnerships are driving engagement to record levels, signaling a new era for FAST channels.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is hoping that star forward Sadio Mane, who scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Egypt, will reconsider his potential AFCON and international retirement after the final against Morocco. At 33, Mane hinted this could be his last AFCON, but Thiaw emphasizes the nation's desire to see him continue leading the team, drawing parallels to past legends who defied expectations. Can Mane deliver one last historic performance and potentially extend his international career?
Get ready to journey back to Westeros with HBO's new prequel, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," focusing on the adventures of hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey! This humorous and grounded story, based on George R.R. Martin's novellas, follows Dunk and his bald young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), as they navigate jousting tourneys and encounter new faces from iconic houses like the Targaryens and Baratheons.
Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka is in hot water after being accused of verbally abusing staff, allegedly calling them names like "human scum" and threatening ritual suicide if they failed to secure a conference bid. In a stunning move, the city's HR chief publicly demanded an apology, leading Yamanaka to backtrack and express remorse for the "psychological burden" he placed on his staff, though the investigation is still ongoing. This situation is highly unusual in Japan.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, a Congolese fan's silent tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the DRC's first prime minister, resonated deeply, connecting the tournament to the nation's history of independence and struggle. This powerful gesture underscores the ongoing impact of colonialism and Lumumba's legacy on Congolese identity and the spirit of the game.
Get ready for some high-octane NFL Divisional Playoff action as the Buffalo Bills clash with the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers lock horns with the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday! Sunday brings more gridiron glory as the Houston Texans battle the New England Patriots, all vying for a coveted spot in Super Bowl LX.
In a stunning turn of events in Yokohama, Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka has apologized after being accused of verbally abusing staff, allegedly calling them names like "human scum." The city's HR chief publicly called out the mayor for workplace harassment, a rare move in Japan, leading to Yamanaka's partial admission and apology for the psychological distress caused. This situation evokes memories of past political scandals, but the direct accusation from within the city government adds a unique and intense layer to this developing story.
Get ready for culinary chaos! "Tournament of Champions" Season 7 on Food Network is bringing the heat with a bracket of top-seeded chefs, including four surprise culinary icons whose identities are shrouded in mystery until they enter the arena for a shot at the $150,000 prize and the coveted championship belt. After eight weeks and 31 battles, one chef will reign supreme in this ultimate test of skill and creativity.
Multiple news sources report that the White House's newly formed Gaza "Board of Peace," intended to foster investment and diplomacy, is facing criticism for its predominantly American composition, including figures like Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner, and the absence of Palestinian representation on the senior boards, raising concerns about its approach and potential for success in navigating complex regional dynamics. While a separate "Gaza Executive Board" will oversee on-the-ground work with a Palestinian-led committee, the lack of Palestinian voices at the highest levels fuels skepticism about the initiative's ability to secure buy-in from Palestinian stakeholders.
In a blockbuster move, the New York Giants have landed their top coaching target, John Harbaugh, after an intense courtship! Fresh off a shocking exit from the Baltimore Ravens despite a stellar 12-playoff appearance run and a Super Bowl XLVII victory, Harbaugh will now report directly to ownership, ushering in a new era for the Giants and hoping to replicate the success of legendary coaches like Bill Parcells.
Tennis phenom Coco Gauff is trading her racket for a remote, declaring herself the ultimate fan of HBO Max's queer hockey romance, "Heated Rivalry," and extending an invite to stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams to the Australian Open! Meanwhile, their co-star Robbie G.K. was spotted stateside, catching the intense Seahawks-49ers playoff clash, proving the cast's interests are as diverse as their on-screen drama.
Get ready for liftoff! NASA's colossal Space Launch System rocket has arrived at Launch Pad 39B, marking a crucial step toward the Artemis II mission and the first crewed lunar voyage in over half a century. Following a painstakingly slow, 12-hour trek, the rocket now faces final tests and a "wet dress rehearsal" before a potential launch as early as February 6th, reigniting dreams of lunar exploration not seen since the Apollo era.
Martin Luther King III, son of the legendary civil rights leader, reflects on his father's enduring legacy on this momentous day. Sharing personal memories of birthday celebrations and discussing today's pressing social justice issues, King III continues to champion his father's dream. He carries the torch, inspiring a new generation to strive for equality and justice, much like his father did during the Civil Rights Movement.
Bangladesh's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup is in jeopardy as officials refuse to play group-stage matches in India due to security concerns, requesting a shift to Sri Lanka. This dispute evokes memories of past India-Bangladesh cricket tensions, leaving fans wondering if Bangladesh will even take the field. The ICC's looming decision will determine if the Tigers compete for the title or face an unprecedented forfeit.
Arsenal, the Champions League's sole undefeated squad with a flawless 18 points, faces a tough challenge against Inter Milan in a pivotal Matchday 7 showdown at the San Siro. This marks the first clash between these giants since 2024, as Arsenal aims to maintain their dominance while Inter looks to regain their early-season form and disrupt the Gunners' historic run.
Bangladesh's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup is in jeopardy as they refuse to play group-stage matches in India due to security concerns, a bold stance reminiscent of past cricketing disputes. Despite pressure, Bangladesh insists on relocating their fixtures to Sri Lanka, leaving the ICC with a major decision that could reshape the tournament's landscape. Will the ICC bend, or will Bangladesh stand their ground, potentially forfeiting their chance at World Cup glory?
Get ready for culinary chaos! "Tournament of Champions" Season 7 is set to explode onto Food Network with a bracket-busting twist: four surprise culinary icons will enter the arena as top seeds, challenging returning chefs in head-to-head battles for a $150,000 prize and the coveted TOC belt. This season promises more randomizer madness and edge-of-your-seat action as chefs fight through 31 grueling matches to be crowned champion.
The colossal SLS rocket, reminiscent of the Apollo era's Saturn V, has reached the launch pad after a painstaking 12-hour journey, setting the stage for the Artemis II mission! This marks a crucial step towards the first crewed lunar voyage in over half a century, with liftoff targeted as early as February 6th.
