The Dallas Mavericks secured a hard-fought 121-115 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite missing star player Luka Dončić and other key contributors. Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie led the scoring, while P.J. Washington dominated the boards with a career-high 19 rebounds. The Mavericks overcame 20 turnovers and a strong performance from the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to end their six-game road losing streak. This victory marks the Mavericks' third win against the Thunder this season, making them the only team to defeat Oklahoma City multiple times.
Novak Djokovic's pursuit of an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam was halted by a leg injury during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. The Serb, struggling with a muscle tear, retired after losing the first set in a tiebreak, sparking mixed reactions from the crowd and tennis community. Zverev defended Djokovic, emphasizing his contributions to tennis, while Djokovic hinted at a possible farewell to the Australian Open, vowing to continue his quest for more Grand Slam titles despite the setback.
The Border 2 Fire broke out on January 23, 2025, in the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, the fire quickly grew to 600 acres and remained uncontained. Over 200 personnel were deployed to combat the flames, which threatened critical communication infrastructure but no structures. The fire caused significant air quality issues, prompting a smoke advisory. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with unusual conditions for January noted due to prolonged drought. Rain is expected by Sunday, with no significant flooding or mudslide risks anticipated.
Walter Salles’s film 'I’m Still Here' has become a significant contender in the awards season, receiving critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best International Feature Film. The movie, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir, portrays the true story of Eunice Paiva during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres’s performance as Eunice has earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, marking a historic achievement for Brazilian cinema. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, has been a box office success in Brazil and is set for a U.S. nationwide release in February 2025. Its exploration of political repression and familial resilience has resonated widely, making it a notable cinematic achievement.
An aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly advised Republican lawmakers against subpoenaing Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness in the January 6 investigation, due to concerns that it could expose sexually explicit texts sent to her by members of Congress. Hutchinson, who provided explosive testimony about former President Donald Trump’s actions during the Capitol riot, has become a central figure in the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding the events of January 6. The decision not to subpoena her has raised questions about the motivations behind the GOP’s efforts to revisit the investigation.
Liam Coen, previously the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has made a surprising move by accepting the head coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This decision comes after initially agreeing to a lucrative extension with the Buccaneers. Coen's departure is significant as he played a crucial role in enhancing the Buccaneers' offense, leading to top-three finishes in total offense and career-high numbers for quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Jaguars, who struggled last season, are optimistic that Coen's offensive strategies will revitalize their team and develop quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Recent rumors suggesting a romantic involvement between former U.S. President Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston have resurfaced, causing widespread speculation online. Despite Aniston's firm denial and the lack of concrete evidence, the rumors persist, fueled by social media and tabloid headlines. The situation underscores the rapid spread of misinformation involving high-profile individuals.
The Golden State Warriors claimed a significant 131-106 victory against the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center, with Stephen Curry leading the charge with 21 points and 7 assists. Rookie Gui Santos also shone, scoring a career-high 19 points. The Warriors' efficient shooting and depth were key to their success, improving their record to 22-22. The Bulls, despite Zach LaVine's 24 points, struggled defensively, falling to 19-26. This game highlighted the Warriors' dominance in recent matchups against the Bulls.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to declassify all remaining government records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. This move, aimed at increasing transparency, fulfills a campaign promise and addresses public interest and conspiracy theories surrounding these events. The declassification process will be overseen by the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General, with plans for the release of documents within specified timeframes. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the move towards transparency and others criticizing it as politicizing the legacies of the deceased leaders.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have surprise-released *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*, a definitive remaster of the 2008 action game *Ninja Gaiden 2*. This remaster, built using Unreal Engine 5, features enhanced visuals, redesigned stages, characters, effects, and lighting. It includes additional content from spin-off titles, such as the ability to play as three extra characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The game also introduces a 'HERO PLAY STYLE' mode for beginners, making the notoriously difficult game more accessible. Gore elements have been remastered to heighten the action experience, with the option to toggle these features on or off. The remaster was driven by fan feedback and serves as a bridge for fans eagerly awaiting *Ninja Gaiden 4*, set to launch later in 2025.