MLK Day, Virginia gun rights rally, SAG Awards: 5 things to know Monday

Editors | USA TODAY

Martin Luther King Jr.'s words continue to resonate, decades later

On the third Monday of January every year, the federal government closes up shop for a day to honor civil rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated on Apr. 4, 1968 in Memphis. The day, also celebrating King's birthday, honors his legacy and shines a light on civil rights. But the road to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was fraught. It didn't become a federal holiday until 1986, nearly 20 years after it was introduced to Congress. Even then, it faced an upward battle for all states to recognize the holiday, only getting nationally recognized in 2000. Since then, many individuals and businesses have used today to give back through public service.

5 great Martin Luther King Jr. quotes Historical comments by the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. PBS special on black America since his assassination is due in November.

Thousands of gun owners plan to attend gun rights rally in Virginia

Thousands of gun owners, many of them armed and some members of out-of-state militias and hate groups, plan to descend on Richmond on Monday amid a fierce battle over Virginia's gun laws. Gov. Ralph Northam and Democrats in the state General Assembly have promised to pass a host of gun control measures, sparking far-reaching outcry and threats of violence. Northam declared a state of emergency in Richmond through Tuesday evening after he says law enforcement received credible threats of extremist groups with "malicious plans." The Virginia Citizens Defense League, the group who organized the rally and challenged Northam's ban, has painted Democrat's gun proposals as "draconian" and urged for a mass, grassroots movement to fight back against "tyranny."

Day 1 of Australian Open features a big lineup

The first tennis Grand Slam tournament is underway as the Australian Open started competition late Sunday (Monday in Melbourne). First-round play continues Monday night with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal opening his quest for his first Aussie Open title in more than a decade against unseeded Hugo Dellien (9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2). On the women's side, No. 2 Karolína Plíšková takes to the court at 7 p.m. ET as she opens play with hopes of capturing her first Grand Slam title. Wildfires that have ravaged Australia have raised concerns about the air quality for the Australian Open players.

Australian Open 2020: A look at Serena, other things to know

SAG Awards 2020: 'Parasite' wins best cast, Renee Zellweger and Joaquin Phoenix take acting honors

It’s the Monday after the Screen Actors Guild Awards, an evening that delivered many noteworthy moments. Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" took the top prize – best ensemble in a motion picture – an important stop on the way to the Academy Awards. The South Korean movie, which made history as the first foreign-language film ever to win the SAG category, upended other favorites such as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "The Irishman." "Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix took the SAG honor for best actor, Renee Zellweger won best actress for "Judy," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" stalwart Brad Pitt conquered the supporting actor category, and Laura Dern received supporting actress for "Marriage Story."

'Bad Boys for Life' brings in $59 million at box office; 'Dolittle' falls short

Two "Bad Boys” were too good for one “Dolittle” at the box office. “Bad Boys for Life” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence brought in $59 million in the U.S. and Canada to score a No. 1 debut entering the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, with final numbers expected Monday. The action-packed buddy comedy returned for the franchise's third installment after a 17-year hiatus to outlast “Dolittle,” starring Robert Downey Jr., which opened at second with a mediocre $22.5 million. “Dolittle” barely topped the World War I film “1917,” which claimed the top spot last week.