Mary J Blige announces her first Las Vegas residency, Burna boy confirms the release date of its first song from 2026, Michael Carrick signs a deal with Man United as interim head coach. Stay informed with our Rave News Summarywhich summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to stay informed, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here’s a look at five of the hottest news topics…
1. Mary J Blige announces her first Las Vegas residency
Vegas, are you ready? I am so excited to announce my very first Las Vegas Residency May 1 – 9 and July 10 – 18 at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Get your tickets (Friday at 10am PT/NOW) ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wx78xvVnq9
— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) January 12, 2026
Mary J Blige is officially bringing her reign to Las Vegas. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has announced her first-ever Las Vegas residency, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the city’s most in-demand live music events of the year. Blige will headline two limited runs at Dolby Live at Park MGM, May 1-9 and July 10-18, delivering her iconic catalog and powerful vocals in one of Las Vegas’ premier venues.
The announcement marks a milestone in Blige’s storied career, placing her among the elite artists who have turned Vegas residencies into cultural events. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. PT, and fan reaction suggests they’ll be moving soon. Far from a nostalgia-driven showcase, the residency is framed as a celebration of her lasting influence, a deserved victory lap for an artist whose music has defined generations and continues to resonate with raw honesty and the confidence of grown women.
2. Burna Boy confirms the release date of his first song of 2026
For the dreamers, the ballers, the outsiders, FOR EVERYONE! @SportieveTV ⚽️🚀
January 16, #sportyforeveryone pic.twitter.com/byVONT1Hsu
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) January 12, 2026
Burna Boy has officially confirmed the release date of his first song as 2026, marking the start of another high-profile year for the global Afrobeats star. In an announcement made in partnership with sports broadcasting platform SportyTV, the Grammy-winning artist revealed that the new single, titled ‘For Everybody’, will be released on Friday, January 16. The release will be accompanied by a star-studded music video, teased with cinematic images that have already sparked excitement on social media.
According to early details, the video will feature prominent European football stars, with rumored cameos from top Premier League and La Liga players, further blurring the lines between music and sports culture. Burna Boy shared the news and reinforced the inclusive spirit behind the song with the caption: “For the dreamers, the ballers, the outsiders, FOR EVERYONE!” The single follows a dominant 2025 for the artist, highlighted by the release of his eighth studio album No sign of weakness and a historic achievement alongside the England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman after the Lionesses’ victory at Euro 2025.
3. Death toll from nationwide protests in Iran rises to at least 2,000, activists say
Now in Iran: Officials from the ayatollah’s murderous regime confirmed at least 2,000 deaths in protests for the first time.
Tehran has previously downplayed the deadly crackdown on its citizens – an admission that could increase international scrutiny. pic.twitter.com/wRvh24IDDw
– C14 News Israel | NL (@c14israel) January 13, 2026
The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has risen to at least 2,000 people, according to activists, marking the country’s deadliest period of unrest in decades. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said this figure dwarfs the number of victims of previous protest movements, including the 2022 protest movement. Mahsa Amini demonstrations, causing the most deaths in just two weeks. The protests, which broke out over Iran’s deteriorating economic conditions, have since grown into direct challenges to the country’s theocratic leadership, including chants and graffiti calling for the death of the Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ali Khameneia crime punishable by death.
Activists report that at least 1,847 of the dead were protesters, along with 135 government-linked people, with children also among the dead, while more than 16,700 people have been detained. The spike in victims comes amid a sweeping security crackdown and prolonged internet shutdowns that have made independent verification difficult. The escalating violence has increased international pressure on Tehran and increased tensions with Washington as US president Donald Trump publicly urged Iranians to continue protesting and warned of possible action. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have defended the crackdown, praised pro-government demonstrations and warned that foreign intervention will be met with force as uncertainty and fear continue to grip cities across the country.
4. Salt-N-Pepa denied ownership of their masters
Salt-N-Pepa loses bid to reclaim their masters after judge dismisses lawsuit against UMG | Haniyah Philogene
A New York judge rejected Salt-N-Pepa’s legal attempt to reclaim ownership of their music from Universal Music Group in a copyright case.https://t.co/GX7Pzt149H
— Links of Black (@LeftOfBlack) January 11, 2026
Salt-N-Pepa have been stripped of ownership of their master recordings after losing a legal battle against Universal Music Group, according to a ruling by a US federal judge. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote has granted UMG’s request to dismiss the case, concluding that the pioneering hip-hop duo never owned the copyrights they were trying to reclaim. The group had asked the court to grant termination orders filed in 2022 covering recordings released between 1986 and 1990, but the judge ruled that they failed to prove original ownership as the masters were initially owned by their first label, Noise In The Attic/Next Plateau. Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roperwho left the group in 2019, was not involved in the lawsuit.
Despite the setback, Salt-N-Pepa says the fight is not over. In a statement, the duo said yes “respectfully disagree” with the ruling and the plan to appeal under Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows artists to attempt to reclaim rights after a certain period of time. The decision underscores the challenges older artists face in regaining control of sound recordings made under early label contracts, which often involved transferring ownership outright. Although their catalog remains under UMG’s control for now, the case has revived debate over whether long-standing copyright laws adequately protect artists’ rights in their own work.
5. Michael Carrick signs a deal with Man United as interim head coach
🚨 BREAKING: Michael Carrick signs as Manchester United’s new interim manager until the end of the season.
Verbal agreement since yesterday, now arranged down to the last detail + backroom staff as well.#MUFC official announcement will follow next. pic.twitter.com/BOaEYHJSTt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2026
Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Michael Carrick to appoint the former midfielder as interim head coach until the end of the season, a club source confirmed on Tuesday. Carrick replaces Reuben Amorimwho was sacked earlier this month, and will take charge of the Premier League with immediate effect. The 44-year-old faces a tough first assignment, with his opening match being Saturday’s Manchester derby against second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Carrick inherits a club in turmoil, with United in seventh place in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. It marks a return to familiar territory for the former England international, who previously acted as agent in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departure. A United stalwart, Carrick made 464 appearances and won five league titles and the Champions League during his time at the club, while his CV includes a mixed spell at Middlesbrough before being sacked last June.
Featured image: @maryjblige/X
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the world. This week we dive into the latest celebrity headlines from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2026.
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