Mary J Blige announces her first Las Vegas residency, Burna Boy confirms release date of his first song of 2026, Michael Carrick signs deal with Man United to be the interim head coach. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix. 

Here is a rundown of 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 first ever Las Vegas Residency May 1 – 9 & July 10 – 18 at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Get your tickets (Friday at 10 AM 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 Dolby Live at Park MGM for two limited runs, from May 1–9 and July 10–18, delivering her iconic catalog and powerhouse vocals in one of Las Vegas’ premier venues.

The announcement marks a milestone moment 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 response suggests they will move quickly. Far from a nostalgia-driven showcase, the residency is being framed as a celebration of her enduring influence, an earned victory lap for an artist whose music has defined generations and continues to resonate with raw honesty and grown-woman confidence.

2. Burna Boy confirms the release date of his first song of 2026

For the dreamers, the ballers, the outsiders, FOR EVERYBODY! @SportyTV ⚽️🚀

January 16th, #sportyforeverybody pic.twitter.com/byVONT1Hsu

— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) January 12, 2026

Burna Boy has officially confirmed the release date of his first song of 2026, signaling 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 arrive on Friday, January 16. The release will be accompanied by a star-studded music video, teased with cinematic visuals that have already sparked excitement across social media.

According to early details, the video is set to feature prominent European football stars, with rumored cameos from elite players across the Premier League and La Liga, further blurring the line between music and sports culture. Sharing the news, Burna Boy reinforced the inclusive spirit behind the track with the caption, “For the dreamers, the ballers, the outsiders, FOR EVERYBODY!” The single follows a dominant 2025 for the artist, marked by the release of his eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness and a historic performance alongside England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegman after the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph.

3. Death toll from nationwide protests in Iran spikes to at least 2,000, activists say

Now in Iran: The Ayatollah’s murderous regime officials confirmed at least 2,000 dead in protests for first time.

Tehran has previously downplayed lethal crackdowns against its citizens – this admission could fuel increased international scrutiny. pic.twitter.com/wRvh24IDDw

— C14 News Israel | EN (@c14israel) January 13, 2026

The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surged to at least 2,000 people, according to activists, marking the deadliest period of unrest in the country in decades. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the figure dwarfs casualties from previous protest movements, including the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations, with most of the deaths occurring over just two weeks. The protests, which erupted over Iran’s worsening economic conditions, have since evolved into direct challenges to the country’s theocratic leadership, including chants and graffiti calling for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an offense that can carry the death penalty.

Activists report that at least 1,847 of those killed were protesters, alongside 135 government-affiliated individuals, with children also among the dead, while more than 16,700 people have been detained. The spike in casualties comes amid a sweeping security crackdown and prolonged internet shutdowns that have made independent verification difficult. The escalating violence has intensified international pressure on Tehran and raised tensions with Washington, as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranians to continue protesting and warned of possible action. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have defended the crackdown, praised pro-government rallies, and cautioned that foreign intervention would 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 lose bid to reclaim their masters after judge dismisses lawsuit against UMG | Haniyah Philogene

A New York judge dismissed Salt-N-Pepa’s legal push to reclaim ownership of their music from Universal Music Group in copyright lawsuit.https://t.co/GX7Pzt149H

— Left of Black (@LeftOfBlack) January 11, 2026

Salt-N-Pepa have been denied ownership of their master recordings after losing a legal battle against Universal Music Group, according to a ruling by a U.S. federal judge. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote granted UMG’s motion to dismiss the case, concluding that the pioneering hip-hop duo never owned the copyrights they sought to reclaim. The group had asked the court to honor termination notices filed in 2022 covering recordings released between 1986 and 1990, but the judge found 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” Roper, who left the group in 2019, was not involved in the lawsuit.

Despite the setback, Salt-N-Pepa say the fight is not over. In a statement, the duo said they “respectfully disagree” with the ruling and plan to appeal under Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows artists to attempt to reclaim rights after a set period. The decision underscores the challenges legacy artists face in regaining control of sound recordings created under early label contracts, where ownership was often fully assigned. While their catalog will remain under UMG’s control for now, the case has renewed debate over whether long-standing copyright laws adequately protect artists’ rights to their own work.

5. Michael Carrick signs a deal with Man United to be the interim head coach

🚨 BREAKING: Michael Carrick signs in as new Manchester United caretaker manager until the end of the season.

Verbal agreement since yesterday, now sorted in all details + backroom staff also.#MUFC official announcement to 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 Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed earlier this month, and will take charge of the Premier League side with immediate effect. The 44-year-old faces a daunting first assignment, with his opening match set to be the Manchester derby against second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Carrick inherits a club in turmoil, with United sitting seventh in the Premier League table, 17 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. It marks a return to familiar ground for the former England international, who previously served as caretaker manager in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure. A United stalwart as a player, Carrick made 464 appearances and won five league titles and the Champions League during his time at the club, while his managerial résumé includes a mixed spell at Middlesbrough before his dismissal last June.

Featured image: @maryjblige/X

Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve 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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