Monica and Anthony Wilson spark marriage rumors, Ayra Starr joins Sexy Redd as headliners of Afronation Festival in the Dominican Republic, Ademola Lookman goes on strike amid Atalanta’s “broken promises.” 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. Monica and Anthony Wilson spark marriage rumors
Fans are in a frenzy after singer Monica and artist manager Anthony “Ant” Wilson dropped what many believe is a subtle but very real marriage announcement. The couple, who made their relationship public in October 2023, shared coordinated photos on Instagram on Monday (Aug. 4) in formal attire, captioned with a telling message: “Two Hearts 🖤 One Love … FOREVER.” Monica tagged Wilson in the post, and though no rings or vows were explicitly mentioned, the vibe was unmistakably matrimonial. Adding fuel to the speculation, Wilson commented, “S/o to everybody at the courthouse that got us in and out without a problem,” with Monica chiming in, “They were amazing!”
The internet quickly lit up with congratulatory messages from celebrity friends and fans alike. Though the couple has yet to confirm any official marriage, the timing couldn’t be more poetic: Monica is preparing to hit the road with Brandy for their long-awaited The Boy Is Mine tour. If the courthouse visit was indeed a wedding, it marks a private but powerful new chapter for the R&B icon. She is preparing to take the stage with one of her most iconic collaborators.
2. Ayra Starr joins Sexy Redd as headliners of Afronation Festival in the Dominican Republic
Ayra Starr is set to headline Afro Nation festival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, scheduled to take place from November 7–9, 2025. 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/DheAEhKfWa
— Ayra base (@ayra_base) August 4, 2025
Grammy-nominated Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr is set to headline the 2025 edition of Afronation Festival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The rising global star will be joined by American rapper Sexy Redd and South African powerhouse DJ Maphorisa as lead acts for the three-day event, scheduled for November 7–9. With other Afrobeats talents like Shallipopi and Ruger also on the bill, the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of African and diaspora music.
Ayra Starr’s inclusion comes amid a remarkable year for the 23-year-old artist, who has been steadily establishing herself as a major force in the global music scene. In 2025 alone, she has toured with Coldplay, headlined the St. Kitts Music Festival and Canadian Jazz Festival, and claimed major accolades, including the BET Award for Best International Act and two MOBO Awards. She also won Best R&B Single at the 17th Headies Awards for “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon and made history as the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. With her latest single “Hot Body” already making waves, fans are eagerly anticipating her performance at Afronation.
3. Trump is creating a task force for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Trump to Lead Federal Task Force for 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Gameshttps://t.co/hbko5HtIcO
— Variety (@Variety) August 5, 2025
President Donald Trump is forming a federal task force to support the planning and execution of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The White House confirmed that Trump will sign an executive order on Tuesday to officially launch the initiative, underscoring what officials describe as the president’s deep personal interest in the upcoming Games.
The 2028 Olympics will be the first to take place on U.S. soil since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Trump has called the event one of the highlights of his second term and, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, views it as “a great honor to oversee this global sporting spectacle.” LA28 president and chair Casey Wasserman welcomed the move, stating the task force represents “an important step forward” and a “shared commitment to delivering not just the biggest, but the greatest Games the world has ever seen.”
4. Sean “Diddy” Combs denied bail, named a “risk of flight or danger”
Sean “Diddy” Combs will stay in jail.
Judge Subramanian rejected his bail request today.
“Even if the flight-or-danger requirement was satisfied, there are no ‘exceptional reasons’ warranting a departure from what Congress has required.” pic.twitter.com/AdqbP5XoeX
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 4, 2025
Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars as he awaits sentencing, following a federal judge’s decision to deny his latest request for bail. In court documents released on Monday (Aug. 4), Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the disgraced music mogul failed to demonstrate that he is neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. “Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions doesn’t change the calculus,” the judge wrote, rejecting a proposed $50 million bond backed by Combs’ Miami property and co-signers.
Combs was convicted last month on two counts of violating the federal Mann Act for transporting women across state lines for prostitution. Although acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, prosecutors argued that violence, coercion, and exploitation were central to his crimes. This assertion supported by testimony from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who described years of abuse. Combs’ legal team claimed his actions involved consensual adult relationships and sought either a new trial or to vacate the conviction entirely. However, the judge dismissed those arguments, stating, “What happened was nothing more than a case of willing ‘swingers’… [is] not supported by the record.” Combs’ sentencing is set for October 3, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.
5. Ademola Lookman goes on strike amid Atalanta’s “broken promises”
🚨⚠️ OFFICIAL: Ademola Lookman confirms he’s handed in a transfer request.
“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible”.
“Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a… pic.twitter.com/lVtQOpHHtn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2025
Ademola Lookman has now missed a second consecutive training session at Atalanta, intensifying his ongoing standoff with the Serie A club over a proposed move to Inter Milan. After being absent on Monday, the Nigerian international was again missing on Tuesday, reportedly scheduled for individual work due to a calf injury. However, the absence is widely viewed as part of a growing protest after Atalanta blocked a potential transfer despite two significant offers from Inter, worth €40 million and €45 million.
Lookman, who has formally submitted a transfer request, took to social media to voice his frustration, accusing the club of breaking promises and treating him poorly. “After many months of broken promises… I feel that enough is enough,” he wrote. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi defended the club’s position, citing a prior agreement that Lookman would only be sold to a top foreign club, not a domestic rival. Tensions have risen further with fans displaying banners against the player at the training ground. Meanwhile, Inter Milan is reportedly preparing a new offer as they remain determined to land their key attacking target. If successful, Lookman is expected to sign a deal until 2030, earning €4.5 million annually.
Featured image: Tony Bowen Photography
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.
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
— Read also