Positive Updates for the Week of January 24th

Welcome to Good News, your weekly dose of positive stories that remind us there’s still a lot to celebrate! From the world of pop culture to notable political events, let’s dive into this week’s highlights.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Now Available on PC

This week marks a significant milestone in gaming as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, a contender for the best game of 2024, expands its reach beyond the PlayStation 5.

Initially exclusive to PlayStation 5, Rebirth is now accessible on PC as of January 23. Gamers have praised the port, also confirming that it is Steam Deck Verified—allowing fans to play it on the go. This is the perfect opportunity to join a group of eccentric characters as they work to thwart a corporate government threatening the world’s existence.

For those seeking a fuller experience, consider exploring the original Final Fantasy VII, its prequel Crisis Core, and Remake, the first part of the trilogy joined by Rebirth. While it’s not mandatory, I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in this expansive narrative, as I did throughout my 2024 gaming journey.

Creative Pushback Against Snitch Lines

In a week filled with challenging political news, it’s essential to celebrate small victories. One such victory occurred in Missouri, where officials were compelled to remove a “snitch form” aimed at exposing clinics providing gender-affirming care. According to TechCrunch, the form was inundated with everything from fan fiction to the script of the Bee Movie, showcasing community creativity.

In another development, a recently introduced snitch line by Trump to report on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is encountering similar challenges. As noted by The Huffington Post, this line is being spammed with everything from jokes to further submissions of the Bee Movie script. Kudos to the community for such ingenuity!

Oscar Nominations Bring Joyful Recognition

The 2025 Oscar nominations were announced this week, and it was a delight to see Cynthia Ervio and Demi Moore recognized for their outstanding performances in Wicked and The Substance, respectively. Their nominations affirm the talent deserving of the spotlight, though one can only hope they both receive recognition.

Moore, who recently won her first significant award at the Golden Globes, delivered a passionate acceptance speech encouraging women to recognize their own worth.“In those moments when we [women] don’t think we are enough… just know you will never be enough. But you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick, ” she shared. Powerful words indeed.

Additionally, the exquisite animated feature Flow received nominations for both Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature. Notably, this year marks the first time a Latvian film has been nominated for an Oscar—an exciting milestone for the industry.

Viral Cat with an Unusual Allergy

In heartwarming news, a cat has gone viral on Reddit after its owner discovered that he is allergic to other cats! This fluffy feline’s journey has captured hearts online as his owner seeks treatment for him. Thankfully, he’s doing well despite this unusual allergy.

LEGO Announces One Piece Sets

After dreaming about this for 25 years… Oda-Sensei couldn’t be more excited!? ‍☠️ ONE PIECE and LEGO are teaming up to turn dreams into reality! Prepare to set sail on some legendary adventures, Straw Hats!! pic.twitter.com/88suqs0de0

— ONE PIECE Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) January 23, 2025

The trend of “LEGO for adults”continues to flourish, with recent epic sets from Lord of the Rings and Legend of Zelda hitting shelves. This week, LEGO announced plans to create One Piece sets, much to the delight of its creator, Eiichiro Oda.

However, these sets will be uniquely based on Netflix’s live-action adaptation rather than the long-standing manga or anime versions. While this might seem unexpected, fans are eager for any opportunities to build iconic structures like the Going Merry from LEGO blocks.

Taskmaster Unveils New Series Featuring Jason Mantzoukas

What has 10 legs and is coming soon? Give up? It’s the cast of Series 19! #Taskmaster returns with Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Mathew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey, and Stevie Martin.

— Taskmaster (@taskmaster.tv) 2025-01-22T09:55:33.052Z

For those unfamiliar, Taskmaster is a brilliant UK game show, available for free on YouTube. Hosted by Alex Horne and Greg Davies, the series invites five comedians to engage in a series of absurd challenges. From delivering letters in spectacular fashions to navigating unique obstacles, the creativity knows no bounds.

News of the latest contestants for series 19 has thrilled many, particularly the inclusion of Jason Mantzoukas. Known for his chaotic energy on shows like The League and his popular podcast How Did This Get Made?, Mantzoukas is sure to bring excitement to the series. Here’s hoping Taskmaster continues to draw American comedic talent moving forward—Paul F. Tompkins would be a fantastic addition!

Good News on LA Fires Approaching Full Containment

In a positive turn regarding California’s wildfires, dedicated firefighters, including prison inmates, have worked tirelessly to bring the Los Angeles fires closer to full containment. As of January 20, the Eaton Fire was nearly 95% contained, while the Palisades Fire was reported to be 77% contained a day later, as noted by CBS News. Additionally, there is potential rain anticipated in the LA area this weekend, which could further aid containment efforts.

To support those contributing to firefighting efforts, consider donating to the LA-based Anti-Recidivism Coalition, which benefits incarcerated individuals involved in these critical services.

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