Australia recently won the Ashes series against England, finishing with a 4-1 victory. They did well with their basic cricket skills and strong team performance, especially from players like Mitchell Starc. Australia's next goal is to win in England, as they haven't done so since 2001.
Key Facts
Australia won the Ashes series against England with a 4-1 score.
Mitchell Starc was the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets in the series.
Australia's bowlers, including Starc, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser, performed well.
Travis Head played an important role as an opener and boosted the team's batting.
Australia has not won an Ashes series in England since 2001, drawing the last two series there.
Australia aims to win the Ashes in England in 2027.
The Australian team sees this upcoming goal as their next major challenge or "Everest."
The New York Yankees are in negotiations to bring back Cody Bellinger, but talks face challenges over the length of his contract. The Kansas City Royals have emerged as a potential surprise team interested in signing Bellinger. If successful, Bellinger would join the Royals' roster as a key player in their outfield.
Key Facts
The Yankees want to re-sign Cody Bellinger but have not yet agreed on contract terms.
Bellinger is looking for a seven-year contract, which is causing negotiation delays.
The Kansas City Royals are seen as a "dark horse" team that might sign Bellinger.
Bellinger hit 29 home runs last season, making him a valuable player.
The Royals need a stronger outfield lineup and see Bellinger as a potential fit.
If Bellinger joins the Royals, his contract would be one of the largest on the team, next to Bobby Witt Jr.'s.
The New York Yankees are trying to re-sign Cody Bellinger with a contract, but the discussions are taking longer than expected. The Yankees have offered Bellinger a deal with a high yearly salary, but he wants a longer contract, possibly for seven years.
Key Facts
The Yankees want Cody Bellinger to stay with the team for next season and beyond.
Negotiations are slow because Bellinger's side wants a longer contract than the Yankees offered.
The Yankees' latest offer includes more than $30 million per year.
Bellinger wants a seven-year deal, while the Yankees prefer a five-year deal.
The New York Mets also show interest in signing Bellinger.
The Mets' president tends to avoid long contracts with players over 30 years old.
Bellinger will be 31 next season, influencing the contract length discussion.
Jeff Hardy, a professional wrestler, revealed he has been dealing with a neck injury involving two bulging discs. Despite this, he has been cleared to compete and plans to adjust his wrestling style to protect himself. Hardy and his brother are set to participate in upcoming wrestling events, including TNA Genesis.
Key Facts
Jeff Hardy has neck issues with two bulging discs on the left side of his neck.
The injury occurred during a wrestling match where he lost the NXT Tag Team Titles.
He has been cleared by doctors to continue wrestling but needs to be cautious.
Hardy is scheduled to defend his TNA World Tag Team Championship with his brother, Matt.
They will also appear on the premiere of "Thursday Night Impact" on January 15.
Adjusting his wrestling style is necessary for him to manage the injury safely.
TNA's move to AMC involves Hardy and his brother as part of the launch strategy.
The Toronto Blue Jays may not prioritize re-signing player Bo Bichette after acquiring Kazuma Okamoto. The Seattle Mariners are seen as a strong contender to sign Bichette, who is better suited to play second base due to his defensive performance.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette was a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays last season.
The Blue Jays recently signed Kazuma Okamoto, making it less likely they will re-sign Bichette.
Bichette is scheduled to meet with the Philadelphia Phillies as part of free agency discussions.
The Seattle Mariners, close to reaching the World Series last season, are seen as a strong contender to sign Bichette.
Bichette is considered by experts to be a better fit for second base rather than shortstop, where he had a poor defensive rating.
At shortstop last season, Bichette had a minus-13 outs above average; at second base in the World Series, he improved to zero outs above average.
The Mariners already have a shortstop, J.P. Crawford, which may mean Bichette would be asked to change positions.
Bo Bichette, a key baseball player, is likely leaving the Toronto Blue Jays after seven years. Reports suggest he may join the Philadelphia Phillies, though no official deal is made yet.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette is a top free agent in baseball.
He has played for the Toronto Blue Jays for seven years.
The Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto, making it less likely Bichette will stay.
Bichette is scheduled to meet with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies players have been encouraging Bichette to join their team.
Bichette had a good relationship with Don Mattingly, now the Phillies' bench coach.
Bichette is known for his hitting but has weaker skills as a defensive shortstop.
Manchester City signed Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth $87 million. Semenyo, who is a top scorer in the Premier League, joins Manchester City to enhance their attack as they compete in major football leagues.
Key Facts
Manchester City has signed Antoine Semenyo, a forward from Ghana, from Bournemouth.
The deal is worth around 65 million pounds, which is about $87 million, and it lasts until the end of the 2031 season.
Semenyo has scored 10 goals this season, making him the third-highest scorer in the Premier League.
He also has three assists to his name this season.
Semenyo can play on both wings and joins a team with other wingers like Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush.
Two potential competitors for Semenyo, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, are currently injured.
Semenyo was previously with Bournemouth for two and a half seasons, after moving from Bristol City.
Before joining Manchester City, Semenyo was linked with other major clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool.
Anita Karim is Pakistan's first female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and became notable after knocking her father unconscious during training. She made her international MMA debut in 2018, paving the way for female fighters in Pakistan. Anita is now set to fight in the first professional women's MMA event to be held in Pakistan.
Key Facts
Anita Karim is Pakistan's first female MMA fighter.
She began her MMA journey seriously by dropping out of university to train full-time.
Her international MMA debut happened in July 2018.
She grew up with martial arts, influenced by her father and three brothers who were involved in MMA.
Pakistan officially recognized MMA as a sport in 2020.
Anita is scheduled to fight in the first professional women's MMA match in Pakistan against Iranian fighter Parisa Shamsabadi.
Her brothers' gym, Fight Fortress, played a significant role in her training and development as an MMA fighter.
Manchester City has signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for about £65 million, which is a record sale for Bournemouth. Semenyo, a Ghana international, signed a contract with Manchester City until 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt. He joins after scoring 10 goals this Premier League season.
Key Facts
Manchester City signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for approximately £65 million.
This transfer fee is a record sale for Bournemouth.
Semenyo's contract with Manchester City lasts until 2031.
He will wear the number 42 shirt, previously worn by Yaya Toure.
Semenyo scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season, ranking third in the league's scoring charts so far.
He came to Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 for about £10 million.
Antoine Semenyo has played 110 games for Bournemouth, scoring 32 goals and providing 13 assists.
Before Bournemouth, Semenyo played for Bristol City in the Championship, with loan spells at Sunderland, Newport County, and Bath City.
Al Michaels, a well-known sports broadcaster, will announce the NFL Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on Amazon Prime Video. Despite being 81 years old, Michaels plans to continue working and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Al Michaels is a broadcaster for Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football."
Michaels will call his 31st career postseason NFL game at Soldier Field.
The game features the Green Bay Packers against the Chicago Bears.
Michaels has worked in sports broadcasting for over 40 years.
He previously worked with NBC on "Sunday Night Football."
Despite his age, Michaels plans to continue broadcasting and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
The last playoff game Michaels called at Soldier Field ended with the "double doink" missed field goal.
CM Punk, a WWE wrestler, explained that a viral moment where he wore two identical t-shirts during a match was just an inside joke and not a response to criticism. He made it clear that the stunt was meant to entertain his opponent, not send a message to Kevin Nash, who had critiqued him earlier. Punk stressed that live wrestling events are a chance for more fun and creative stunts.
Key Facts
CM Punk performed a stunt with two identical t-shirts during a WWE match.
The moment went viral on social media.
Some fans thought it was aimed at Kevin Nash, who had criticized Punk.
Punk clarified that it was an inside joke to amuse his opponent.
He highlighted that live wrestling events allow for more freedom to have fun.
Punk said people often look too deeply into actions for hidden meanings.
He started his 2026 wrestling campaign successfully by defending his title.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss quarterback, played well in the Fiesta Bowl but his team lost to Miami, 31-27. After the game, Chambliss spoke about his uncertain future in college football, as he waits for a decision on whether he can play another year due to a previous medical redshirt. Chambliss expressed a desire to return to Ole Miss instead of entering the NFL Draft or transfer portal.
Key Facts
Ole Miss lost to Miami 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Trinidad Chambliss was the quarterback for Ole Miss and played well with 277 passing yards and one touchdown.
Chambliss is waiting for a decision on an appeal to allow him another year of college football eligibility due to a medical redshirt.
Chambliss has expressed interest in returning to Ole Miss for another season.
There were debates about whether Chambliss should enter the NFL Draft before the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Chambliss’s final attempt at a win in the Fiesta Bowl was a last-second pass that did not connect.
This season, Ole Miss faced challenges, including the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.
Chambliss’s appeal decision may influence his future career path in football.
The FA Cup, a historic football competition, is less prioritized today due to the focus on Premier League and European tournaments. Managers often rest key players during the FA Cup to maintain their club’s status in more financially rewarding leagues.
Key Facts
The FA Cup is a long-standing football tournament, but its significance has lessened.
The Premier League's schedule often overshadows the FA Cup's fixtures.
Financial interests lead clubs to prioritize staying in the Premier League.
Some managers rest key players during FA Cup matches after busy schedules.
Lower-division teams can sometimes upset higher-ranked clubs in the FA Cup.
In 2009, Stoke City changed its team for an FA Cup match and faced criticism after losing.
Stoke City reached the FA Cup final in 2011, showing that smaller clubs can have successful runs under the right conditions.
Ole Miss Rebels played against the Miami Hurricanes in a College Football Playoff game but lost 31-27. Lane Kiffin, the previous head coach of Ole Miss, praised the team for its efforts despite the loss. Kiffin had left Ole Miss to coach at LSU before the playoff games.
Key Facts
Ole Miss lost to Miami with a final score of 31-27.
The game took place in State Farm Stadium, Arizona.
Ole Miss had a late lead but couldn't maintain it in the closing minutes.
Carson Beck, Miami's quarterback, led a successful final drive.
Lane Kiffin had left Ole Miss to take a job with LSU before the playoffs.
Despite leaving, Kiffin congratulated Ole Miss on an impressive season.
Pete Golding, the defensive coordinator, became head coach after Kiffin's departure.
Younes Ebnoutalib, a 22-year-old football player, made a significant impact this season by scoring 12 goals in 17 games for the German second-tier team Elversberg. This success led to his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt, a major German club, marking a big step up from his previous position in the fourth league tier. Ebnoutalib is now seen as a rising talent in German football, with a chance to follow in the footsteps of previous successful players from Eintracht.
Key Facts
Younes Ebnoutalib scored 12 goals in 17 games for Elversberg before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Eintracht Frankfurt bought him for £6.9 million.
Ebnoutalib played in the fourth league tier for FC Giessen just one year ago.
He comes from a sporting family; his father was an Olympic silver medalist in taekwondo.
Eintracht hopes Ebnoutalib can follow previous stars like Manchester City's Omar Marmoush.
Daniyel Cimen, Ebnoutalib's former coach, believes he has great potential.
Ebnoutalib had a challenging stint in Italy with AC Perugia.
He attributes some of his football skills to his taekwondo training.
The New York Yankees signed 24-year-old DJ Gladney, who was previously with the Chicago White Sox, to a minor-league contract. Gladney plays all three outfield positions and first base but is unlikely to make the major league team this year. He has shown power in the minor leagues, hitting double-digit home runs in recent seasons.
Key Facts
DJ Gladney, a 24-year-old player, signed with the New York Yankees.
Gladney was with the Chicago White Sox for six years.
He plays all three outfield positions and first base.
Gladney hit double-digit home runs each of the last four seasons.
His last year's performance was weak, with a .645 OPS at Double-A.
The Yankees signed him to add depth to their outfield in the minor leagues.
Gladney is unlikely to join the major league team this season.
He chose free agency in November before signing with the Yankees.
Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam tennis champion, received a wildcard entry to the Australian Open as he starts his last year in professional tennis. Meanwhile, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, dealing with past injuries, decided not to play in the singles competition but will compete in doubles.
Key Facts
Stan Wawrinka received a wildcard for the Australian Open.
Wawrinka announced 2026 will be his final year playing professional tennis.
He is a three-time Grand Slam champion and won the Australian Open in 2014.
Wawrinka is currently ranked 156th in the world.
Nick Kyrgios, ranked 670th, chose not to compete in singles due to not feeling prepared for five-set matches.
Kyrgios will participate in the doubles competition at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios previously won the Australian Open men's doubles in 2022 with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Boston Red Sox plan to sign a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic named Garielvin Silverio for a $1.4 million bonus. This signing comes as the Red Sox are still in talks with third baseman Alex Bregman for a potential contract, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox have not signed any major league free agents this offseason.
They are negotiating with third baseman Alex Bregman but have not reached a deal.
The Red Sox plan to sign Garielvin Silverio, a top international prospect, for $1.4 million.
Silverio is a 17-year-old outfielder from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The 2026 international signing period begins on Thursday.
Silverio is known for his strong hitting ability and impressive physical strength.
The Red Sox might sign up to 20 international prospects in the upcoming week.
Steve Austin's first wrestling opponent, Frogman Leblanc, has died at age 73. In 1989, Leblanc faced Austin in his debut match in World Class Championship Wrestling. Leblanc, who entered wrestling at age 35, also appeared in matches with other well-known wrestlers like Sting.
Key Facts
Frogman Leblanc died on January 3rd at age 73.
Leblanc was Steve Austin's first opponent in a 1989 match.
The match took place under World Class Championship Wrestling.
Leblanc also wrestled against Sting and The Great Muta.
He began his wrestling career at 35 years old.
Leblanc sent a video to UWF after seeing an ad, which led to his wrestling training.
He helped guide Steve Austin during their match, as Austin was then a rookie.
The Minnesota Timberwolves observed a moment of silence for Renee Good, who was recently killed by a US immigration agent, before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Timberwolves won the game 131-122, continuing their winning streak. Additionally, the Indiana Pacers ended a 13-game losing run, and the Chicago Bulls' game was postponed due to court issues.
Key Facts
The Minnesota Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Renee Good, who was shot and killed by a US immigration agent.
This moment took place before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Timberwolves won the game with a score of 131-122.
Julius Randle contributed significantly with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Indiana Pacers ended a long losing streak by winning against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Pacers’ coach, Rick Carlisle, celebrated his 1,000th career win.
The Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game was postponed due to condensation on the court.
The postponement was agreed upon by the NBA, game officials, and both teams.
