Djokovic and Alcaraz set to chase history in Australian Open final

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are both chasing history in the Australian Open men's final on Sunday night.

Djokovic, who shares the all-time record of24 Grand Slam singles titles, is chasing an unprecedented 25th major championship to become the most decorated tennis player of all time.

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard, is bidding to become the youngest man ever to complete acareer Grand Slam.

They both survived grueling five-setters in the semifinals on Day 13. Alcaraz held off No. 3 Alexander Zverev on Friday. Djokovic's epicwin over two-time defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinnerended after 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The 10-time Australian Open winner was still doing interviews at 3 a.m. inside the depths of Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic's record in finals at Melbourne Park is 10-0. Alcaraz is playing his first Australian final.

Rod Laver Arena was sold out, with ticket prices surging ahead of the championship decider. Formalities for the final were due to start at 7:30 p.m. local time (0830 GMT).

Conditions were cool and cloudy with some gusting breezes, and light rain showers possible.

AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

Djokovic and Alcaraz set to chase history in Australian Open final

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are both chasing history in the Australian Open men's f...

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Government OKs ESPN's blockbuster deal for NFL Network from league

Government regulators approved ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network, linear rights to the NFL RedZone Channel and other league media assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN, the NFL and ESPN announced late Saturday night.

The blockbuster deal was formally announced last August pending reviews by the Justice Department and other non-US antitrust authorities, which are now complete.

"With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead," ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. "As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America's most popular sport."

The deal will bring major NFL media properties under the Disney-owned network and expand ESPN's football offerings across both traditional and streaming platforms.

The National Football League gave up 100% ownership of the NFL Network for 10% of ESPN, which is valued in billions of dollars.

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Under the agreement, NFL Network and RedZone will be integrated into ESPN's upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service while remaining available via cable and satellite. The RedZone brand could translate to a similar offering in other sports to which ESPN has broadcast rights.

NFL Fantasy will merge with ESPN Fantasy, creating the official season-long fantasy platform of the league.

As part of a second agreement between the sides, ESPN will also gain rights to license three additional NFL games per season for 28 total. Seven of those games will be broadcast on NFL Network -- these three new ones and four that will shift from ESPN to NFL Network. The NFL doubleheaders on Monday nights will cease, while NFL Network again will have four international games for a total of seven games each season.

The merger does not impact coverage of Super Bowl LX next week, with viewers unlikely to see changes until April at the earliest, when NFL Media employees become part of ESPN.

The NFL will retain ownership of key properties including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com and the NFL Podcast Network, and will continue producing and distributing the digital version of RedZone independently

--Field Level Media

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

Government OKs ESPN's blockbuster deal for NFL Network from league

Government regulators approved ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network, linear rights to the NFL RedZone Channel and oth...

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'Wet and Hungry' Hikers Saved from Mountain, Then They Left Rescue Team to Pay Their Hotel Bill

Tim Graham/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team carried out a 7-hour rescue to save two hikers on a late-night winter hike

• A hotel at the bottom of the peak offered the hikers a room at a reduced rate to spend the rest of the night, but never received payment

• After going public with their story, the rescue team reimbursed the hotel with the help of more than 200 donations

A pair of hikers were rescued from a tall English mountain — and then skipped on the bill for the hotel that offered them a place to stay, according to a rescue team.

In apost on Facebook, the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (WMRT) detailed the "7-hour avoidable rescue" of two young male hikers who got lost amid "treacherous" winter weather in December on Scafell Pike — England's tallest peak at 3,209 feet, perBackpacker.

When the hikers were back at the valley bottom, they were "wet and hungry" and in need of a place to spend the rest of the night, the rescue group claimed.

The bar manager at the Wasdale Head Inn offered to stay up, provide the pair with some snacks and let them stay in one of the unoccupied apartments at a 35% discount," according to WMRT's post.

The rescue team said the two men agreed to the manager's offer, but insisted they'd left their money in their tent on the mountain.

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"Disappointingly, in the morning they offered no thanks for the efforts of the hotel, asked for further reductions to the cost, pushed hard for a breakfast and asked if they could arrange transport to get them out of the valley," WMRT wrote.

The hotel stood firm on its original offer and asked the men to transfer the money when possible. However, in the weeks since, the money never came in — and the phone number the hikers left didn't work.

In addition to skipping out on their hotel bill, the hikers also took with them the gear the rescue team lent them to safely return down the mountain, including two head torches, according to the organization, who said their own attempts to contact the men were also unsuccessful.

"We avoid judging those we rescue but struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters in the valley," they wrote.

Although the hotel agreed to absorb the cost of the loss, saying WMRT didn't have to pay, the rescue team still hoped to reimburse them, which is why they went public with their story.

Much to their surprise, their Facebook post received more than £3,600 (about $4,400),

"It's a remarkable amount of money- we only really needed about £130," WMRT's Richard Warren told BBC Radio Cumbria. "We are bowled over by the generosity of support."

The team has since closed the fund and promised any additional money will go towards their operational costs.

The rescue team stated they hope that the two hikers will see the post and rectify their errors. "They might also reflect on the kindness they were offered that night by the staff at the Wasdale Head Inn and our own volunteer team following their eventful visit to Cumbria," the rescue group wrote.

In a comment on the post, the Wasdale Head Inn thanked the rescue team and highlighted the dedication their staff showed the two hikers.

"Luckily, this is the first time in living memory (45 years or more) that those rescued have behaved like this," the hotel commented, "however, the messages of support and donations for the team from so many people more than make up for this one selfish episode."

Read the original article onPeople

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

'Wet and Hungry' Hikers Saved from Mountain, Then They Left Rescue Team to Pay Their Hotel Bill

Tim Graham/Getty NEED TO KNOW The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team carried out a 7-hour rescue to save two hikers on a late-night winter hike...

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Creator Unveils Decade-Spanning Plan for the Series

If your hopes were crushed when Game of Thrones ended after just eight seasons – despite such an elaborate world woven by George R.R. Martin in his novels –  A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms showrunner Ira Parker may have a wild idea for how long the show must go on, appeasing fans.

In a conversation withEsquire, Parker revealed his bold idea for the adaptation. He wants to spread the series over decades, saying, "I hope George keeps writing these. The truth is—and I've pitched this to HBO with a couple of very polite eye rolls—I want to do four or five now with Egg as a kid. Then, I want to come back in ten years and do four or five more seasons…"

He continued, "And with real Dexter [Ansell] and real Peter, just the age that they are at that point. Then, we'll come back ten years after that and do well, Egg the adult. So, it would be over the course of their lifetime. And mine too."

While this sound intriguingly ambitious, it's very unlikely and far too bold. Even Parker admitted, "I'm not sure anyone's going to let me go for that."

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on HBO and HBO Max on January 18, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, with new episodes dropping every Sunday through the finale on February 22, 2026.

Related: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Becomes Highest-Rated Season 1 in the GoT Universe

This story was originally published byTV Squadon Feb 1, 2026, where it first appeared in theShowssection. Add TV Squad as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Creator Unveils Decade-Spanning Plan for the Series

If your hopes were crushed when Game of Thrones ended after just eight seasons – despite such an elaborate world woven by...

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HUNTR/X, Art Garfunkel, Clipse and more light up pre-Grammy gala hosted by Clive Davis

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The music world lost a giant when heavy metal iconOzzy Osbourne diedlast summer. So, what better way to kick off the famed Clive Davispre-Grammys galaSaturday night than with a tribute to the prince of darkness?

2026 Pre-Grammy Gala - Show

MGK (formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly) and country star Jelly Roll began the night of live music and tributes with Osbourne's "I Don't Wanna Stop" and "Mama, I'm Coming Home," respectively, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"Rest in peace, Ozzy," MGK said. "Bring it home, Jelly."

Performances followed fast and furious from there: Alex Warren brought his "Ordinary" hit; sombr did "12 to 12"; Clipse and John Legend's "The Birds Don't Sing" told a soulful story. Olivia Dean, atop contender for best new artistat the 2026 Grammys, sang "Man I Need."

Greatest of all? The trio HUNTR/X doing "Golden" from"Kpop Demon Hunters,"a fictional girl group built of very real singers Ejae (the voice of Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey), for a full-throated vocal performance.

Before the 93-year-old famed music executive Davis emerged on stage in a sequined suit to host his annual gala, Recording Academy President and CEOHarvey Mason jr. announcedthat the date of the event, Jan. 31, had been dubbed "Clive Davis Day" by the city of Beverly Hills, where it was held.

"I think you're gonna have an incredible time this evening," Davis told his audience, an understatement if there ever was one, before shouting out some of the big names seated before him: Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Berry Gordy and Brandi Carlile among them.

A midshowtribute to Bernie Taupin,Elton John's principal collaborator and lyricist, got people dancing; Darren Criss launched into "Benny and the Jets." Laufey joined him for the duet "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."

Republic Records founders, CEO Monte Lipman and COO Avery Lipman, were honored with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award at the star-studded event and used their speeches to spotlight Universal Music Group's entrepreneurial spirit. EvenStevie Wondersang their praises.

The brothers have been celebrated as titans of their industry; Republic Records is routinely viewed as one of the most influential labels in the music business.

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Davis' gala, the incredibly popular and equally exclusive event, struck a different tone this year than last, when it was transformedto refocus on relief effortsfollowing the devastatingLos Angeles-area wildfires.

Outside, a small group of protesters, with a megaphone, held an anti-immigration enforcement demonstration. The Beverly Hilton is a part of Hilton Worldwide; recently, protesters haveheld demonstrations in NYCand Minneapolis, wearing shirts that read "Hilton houses ICE" and calling for Hilton to stop federal immigration officers from staying there.

Inside, music was at the center: Jennifer Hudson paid homage tothe late Roberta Flackwith "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." The duo Dan + Shay did the same for Art Garfunkel, who later closed the stage with "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Before he performed, Garfunkel told the room his song was styled after Phil Spector's production on "Ol' Man River," where the biggest orchestration is saved for the last line. Davis was an early believer in the unusual idea.

Gaining admittance to Davis' event is notoriously challenging. The A-listers who made the cut this year included Diplo, Karol G, Pharrell Williams, Rita Wilson, Dave Grohl, Diane Warren, Sharon Osbourne, Yungblud, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, Jeff Goldblum, Gladys Knight, Madison Beer, Cameron Crowe, Lana Del Rey, Shaboozey, Max Martin, Leon Thomas, Bebe Rexha and Jack Antonoff.

Don Lemon, too, received one of Davis' coveted shout-outs. The independent journalist was released from custody Friday after he was arrested and hit withfederal civil rights chargesover his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest thatdisrupted a serviceat a Minnesota church. When he stood from his seat to wave to the crowd, he was met with a standing ovation.

Early on in the evening, a video message from President Barack Obama played on screen. "Clive's talent has always been seeing and hearing what other people don't," he said, then listed a few of the artists Davis helped launch: "Janis Joplin,Bruce Springsteen,Whitney Houston."

It is an impressive list and further evidence of what makes Davis' party a highlight of every Grammy week. There's a lot of talent in the room, and at its heart is the man who knows how to recognize it. Or, as Gayle King said when she quoted Warren at the top of the show: "He's the best friend a song ever had."

The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. For more coverage of this year's Grammy Awards, visit:www.apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

HUNTR/X, Art Garfunkel, Clipse and more light up pre-Grammy gala hosted by Clive Davis

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The music world lost a giant when heavy metal iconOzzy Osbourne diedlast summer. So, what better way t...

Read More

Milan’s historical trams at night as the city gears up for the Winter Olympic Games, in photos

MILAN, Italy (AP) — Milan's tram network is one of Italy's largest and oldest, with the core fleet dating back to the late 19th century, The network began with horse-drawn carriages, switching to steam in 1878, becoming fully electrified by 1901.

The polished raised cabins, wooden interiors and ornate lighting of the oldest trams still operating, dating from 1927-'30, offer the perspective of a bygone era, especially alongside sleeker, modern models.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

Milan’s historical trams at night as the city gears up for the Winter Olympic Games, in photos

MILAN, Italy (AP) — Milan's tram network is one of Italy's largest and oldest, with the core fleet dating back to...

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A year after losing Luka Dončić, the Mavs have brighter days ahead because of Cooper Flagg

HOUSTON — A flummoxed Cooper Flagg was the first Maverick to emerge from the tunnel at halftime, using his right hand to slap against his thigh, visibly frustrated with how his team had turned a one-point game into an eight-point deficit in five minutes.

That the 19-year-old was leading the procession into the Dallas locker room was not lost on the occasion, nor was it out of the ordinary. Leadership and poise are two of the most common words associated with the No. 1 pick when his older, more experienced teammates are asked to describe Flagg. His broad shoulders and body language being the telltale signs of the Mavericks' mood are no surprise halfway through his rookie season.

But the sudden presence of everything else — the burning sense of urgency to win, the rapidly developing awareness of momentum, and more profoundly, what's expected of him — is why Dallas' newfound direction under Flagg instills hope.

"I feel confident," Flagg said following his 34-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist performance ina 111-107 loss to Houston, which is fourth in the West. "Getting to my spots, making some shots. When I play with confidence and a downhill mentality, it's really good for our team. The guys are pushing me to be aggressive, and I'm trying to do what's best for the team."

A year ago,the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers in the middle of the night, undoubtedly the most shocking transaction in NBA history. The foregoing of everything Dončić' brought to the table — his gravity, otherworldly offensive arsenal and his ability to raise the ceiling of a franchise — ushered in a new era of uncertainty for a Dallas team that was on the cusp of a title less than eight months prior. Anthony Davis, the central returning piece, was immediately thrust into then-general manager Nico Harrison's grand plans of contention.

But an extended trip down revisionist lane serves no good purpose. The Mavericks were never able to manifest their plans of a championship triumvirate; Kyrie Irving, offseason addition Klay Thompson and Davis have yet to play a game together. The basketball gods smiled down on the Mavs, however. The ping-pong balls fell their way, and Flagg landed graciously in their lap. Harrison was later relieved of his duties.

Suddenly, Flagg became the symbol of desperation. Desperation of a Mavericks fanbase emotionally torn from the departure of one of their own and the arrival of something new. Desperation of a Dallas front office searching for a centripetal young force. Desperation of the NBA seeking a fresh, exciting storyline.

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For a teenager, the weight of expectations and anticipation can be overwhelming. But Flagg, who's scored 83 points over his last two games and is operating at a 22.2-point, 6.6-rebound, 4.7-assist clip since Dec. 1, it's evident he's no ordinary kid.

"A lot of maturity and poise coming from him," teammate Max Christie told Yahoo Sports. "He's 19 years old, already becoming an avid leader on this team. It shows with his play but also with the way he acts in the locker room, practice and what not. He's been able to endure a lot and he's been great for us. Very cool to watch him develop and blossom into the player we all know he can be."

The Mavericks, who are now 13-15 over the last two months, continue to slide further away from the final play-in spot, currently occupied by the Los Angeles Clippers. But Dallas' goals — or Flagg's goals, at least — outweigh the potential prospect of a postseason push.

Spend any amount of time around head coach Jason Kidd, and the level of passion, trust and care he's put in Flagg is evident. During games, Kidd can be seen with both hands in his pockets near midcourt, calmly calling out occasional sets for Flagg to run using his fingers — knowing that ball retention is near the top of the rookie's to-do list. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Mavericks commit nearly 3% less turnovers when Flagg is on the floor, an impact metric graded in the 95th percentile.

Flagg is an extremely ball-savvy player who understands spacing, structure and his teammates. But as the weeks and months have progressed, Flagg has become more aware ofhimself, what he can and can't do yet — and how best to leverage his unique skill set. His assist-to-turnover ratio is positive, he encourages ball movement and operates within the flow of the offense. He may not be a traditional point guard — Kidd vehemently pushed back on early criticism regarding Flagg's position and stormed out of Saturday's postgame news conference — but it's clear the rookie needs the ball in his hands more often than he doesn't.

Advanced metrics like DARKO and LEBRON already consider him closer to a top-100 player than not. Per Bball-Index, Flagg ranks in the 93rd percentile in rim shot creation, 89th in drives per 75 possessions, 97th in rim shot-making efficiency, 97th in finishing talent and among the top 10% in shot creation and transition ability. Flagg is level on drives per game with Amen Thompson and averages more downhill trips than names like Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and De'Aaron Fox. The next evolution in Flagg's game, aside from improving his outside touch and defensive efficiency, is how his presence — or lack thereof — is felt by his team. Dallas, statistically, is a hairline fraction better offensively with him on the floor and worse defensively. The numbers split isn't catastrophic — we're talking about a 19-year-old after all — but it's enough to understand where the growth should continue.

"It's been amazing," Thompson told Yahoo Sports of Flagg's progress. "Especially with his composure down the stretch. He's going to be an amazing player that stays here for a long time, so Mavericks fans are very blessed to have him. It's been awesome to see his growth from game to game. He's gonna be super special."

The next few days in the NBA world will be dominated by trade talks, with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of the list, his immediate future uncertain. One thousand miles away, the Mavericks will wait patiently for Flagg to emerge from his cocoon. Dončić's triple-double on Friday was a harsh reminder of Dallas' past. Flagg's 49-point masterclass vs. Charlotte on Thursday, followed up with Saturday's 34-point showing, is yet another reminder of their bright future.

byVincento Seyarto

in

February 01, 2026

A year after losing Luka Dončić, the Mavs have brighter days ahead because of Cooper Flagg

HOUSTON — A flummoxed Cooper Flagg was the first Maverick to emerge from the tunnel at halftime, using his right hand to ...

Read More