Halle Bailey announces debut album, Love? Or Something Like It, Blaqbonez confirms new release date for delayed album, No Excuses, Cristiano Ronaldo is football’s first billionaire player. 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. Halle Bailey Announces Debut Album
love? or something like it’ — my debut album. a story of first love, heartbreak, and everything that comes after. out 10/24. this one means everything to me. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Vevb0PHJTr
— Halle (@HalleBailey) October 8, 2025
On October 8, 6x Grammy-nominated artist Halle Bailey revealed that her highly anticipated debut album, Love? Or Something Like It will drop on October 24. The announcement was accompanied by a captivating trailer, which she shared across her social media. In the brief yet mesmerizing clip, Bailey is seen in a flowing red dress, narrating a poetic prelude to her musical journey. “Once upon a time, there was a girl who believed in love,” she begins, setting the tone for an album that promises to explore the complexities of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The singer described the project as “a story of first love, heartbreak, and everything that comes after,” inviting listeners to join her on an emotional ride through the highs and lows of romance.
Though Love? Or Something Like It marks her debut solo album, Halle Bailey has been a force in music for nearly a decade. She and her sister Chloe gained attention with their YouTube covers before signing with Parkwood Entertainment in 2016. As part of the duo Chloe x Halle, they released critically acclaimed albums like The Two of Us (2017), The Kids Are Alright (2018), and Ungodly Hour (2020), earning multiple Grammy nominations. Bailey has also made waves as an actress, starring as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023). With singles like “Back and Forth,” “Braveface,” and “Angel” already introducing her solo sound, Bailey is now poised to fully captivate her audience with her first full-length album.
2. Blaqbonez Confirms New Release Date for Delayed Album No Excuses
BLAQBONEZ
NO EXCUSES (ALBUM)OUT ON OCTOBER 17 ⏳pic.twitter.com/uPHAVUm9GT
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) October 8, 2025
Nigerian rapper and songwriter Blaqbonez has set a new release date for his highly anticipated album No Excuses. Originally scheduled for August 22, the 16-track project will now drop on Friday, October 17. The delay, Blaqbonez explained in a recent video shared on social media, was essential to ensure the album met his high creative standards. “I didn’t finish it on time, that’s the truth. Since I want to put out the best album ever, I’ve refused to cut any corners,” the “Go Home” hitmaker confessed. Fans, however, have been kept engaged with a series of pre-released singles, including the chart-topping “Everlasting Taker,” “Louder,” and “W for WETEGO” featuring Young Jonn, Phyno, and DJ 808. They have also enjoyed the popular track “Follow Her” featuring Kizz Daniel.
With No Excuses now just days away, Blaqbonez is poised to deliver what he calls his “best work yet,” following a string of successful projects such as Sex Over Love (2021), Young Preacher (2022), and Emeka Must Shine (2023). Known for his sharp wit and fearless persona, Blaqbonez has carved out a unique space in the Nigerian hip-hop scene. With No Excuses, he’s expected to push the boundaries even further. As fans eagerly await the album’s release, the rapper is set to prove once again why he holds the title of the “Best Rapper in Africa.”
3. Trump Says Illinois Governor and Chicago Mayor Should Be Jailed
Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose Guard deployment https://t.co/zUIJEHbrHV
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) October 8, 2025
President Donald Trump stirred controversy on Wednesday with a social media post demanding that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson be jailed for their opposition to his deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago. Trump’s call came in the context of his ongoing immigration and crime crackdown, with the president accusing the two Democratic leaders of failing to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. However, it was unclear what specific actions Trump was referencing. In response, Johnson and Pritzker stood firm, with Johnson denouncing the remarks as a continuation of Trump’s efforts to “unjustly arrest” Black leaders. Pritzker also condemned the call as an authoritarian attack on elected officials who challenge the president’s power. He emphasized that Trump’s actions were part of a broader pattern of undermining democratic processes.
The National Guard deployment has sparked significant tension between the Trump administration and Chicago’s local government. While the exact mission of the troops remains unclear, the move has raised alarms among city officials, who argue that the intervention is unnecessary and politically motivated. Pritzker, who has openly criticized Trump, claims the president’s actions are part of a broader strategy to militarize cities ahead of the 2026 elections. The administration’s push for tougher immigration enforcement, coupled with accusations of increased violence in Chicago, has further fueled the debate. Meanwhile, as the state and city move to block the National Guard’s presence through legal action, Chicago’s diverse and politically active communities remain at the center of this escalating conflict.
4. Ayo Edebiri covers Vogue Magazine’s November Issue
Ayo Edebiri is Vogue’s November 2025 cover star! Ahead of #VogueWorld: Hollywood’s celebration of fashion and film—the actor and writer opens up about taking risks, staying present, and what’s next. Read the full profile here. pic.twitter.com/MuUbKCAfLH
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) October 8, 2025
Ayo Edebiri’s star continues to rise, and with it, her ability to navigate the complexities of fame on her own terms. Recently, the actress and comedian, now a Chanel ambassador, graces the cover of Vogue’s November issue ahead of Vogue World Hollywood. She’s come a long way from her breakout role in The Bear. As her public persona blossoms, marked by her hilarious red carpet moments, candid Letterboxd reviews, and unapologetic online presence, Edebiri is increasingly exploring the tension between being beloved and being boxed in by fame. This interview in Vogue is a reflection of her desire to expand beyond the charming, relatable persona that has endeared her to fans.
Her upcoming role in Luca Guadagnino’s After The Hunt sees her embracing a completely different side of her artistry. Ayo plays Maggie, a character described as “a bit of a pill”—sneaky, entitled, and frustratingly unlikable. Edebiri’s preparation for the role includes curating playlists of “chaos and depressed, misplaced anger,” a far cry from the infectious energy her fans are used to seeing. She describes it as a freeing challenge to take on a character who may not be immediately understood or liked, signaling her commitment to pursuing roles that defy expectations. Rather than chasing the approval of others, Ayo seems more focused on carving out space for herself as an artist, one that isn’t confined by the need to be liked or constantly popular. It’s a brave, and perhaps risky, choice in an era where digital approval feels so instantaneous and essential. But it’s precisely this boldness of following her creative instincts without chasing the approval of TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) that makes her one of the most exciting and thoughtful voices in entertainment today.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo is Football’s First Billionaire Player
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire football player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanks to a huge Saudi deal in the twilight of his career.
Here’s how his wealth stacks up: https://t.co/eW1MTtJBPp
📷: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/Ve3abAXz0e
— Bloomberg (@business) October 8, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a groundbreaking milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the first footballer ever to achieve billionaire status. Notably, the Portuguese superstar’s net worth has reportedly surged to an incredible $1.4 billion (£1.04bn/€1.2bn) following his recent contract extension with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. In June, Ronaldo signed a two-year deal with the club, making history with the most lucrative contract in sports. His annual salary now stands at £178 million, equating to a staggering £488,000 a day, alongside a signing bonus worth £24.5 million, which could rise to £38 million in the second year of his contract. This monumental financial achievement places Ronaldo among an elite group of athletes, including tennis legend Roger Federer, golf icon Tiger Woods, and basketball greats Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who have all crossed the billion-dollar threshold over their careers.
While Ronaldo has secured a place in sports history with his financial success, his sights remain firmly set on further footballing milestones. At 40 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is determined to continue playing and contributing to both his club and national team. Ronaldo, who is just 54 goals away from becoming the first footballer to score 1,000 official goals, expressed his desire to keep playing in the immediate future, despite the advice from his family to retire. As Portugal prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary, Ronaldo’s drive to achieve even greater records and make more footballing history shows no signs of slowing down.
Featured image: @hallebailey/Instagram
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 2025.
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