Tori Kelly welcomes first child with husband André Murillo, Afrobeats star FOLA reaches unprecedented streaming milestone, crosses 1 billion streams, DR Congo knock out Super Eagles in World Cup playoff on penalties. 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. Tori Kelly Welcomes First Child with Husband André Murillo
Tori Kelly announces her and husband André Murillo welcomed their first child on November 11th:
“Zayden Michael Murillo
11.11.25we love you so much, sweet boy ♡” pic.twitter.com/BVyqf7gm4U
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 17, 2025
Tori Kelly is officially a mom, welcoming her first child with husband André Murillo. The Grammy-winning singer announced the arrival of their baby boy, Zayden Michael Murillo, on Nov. 11, sharing the joyful news in a joint Instagram post. Kelly included a sweet photo of her son’s tiny feet and another of him resting beside the couple’s dogs, writing, “Zayden Michael Murillo. 11.11.25. We love you so much, sweet boy ♡.” The moment marks a new chapter for the pair, who first revealed their pregnancy in July and expressed deep gratitude for the journey ahead.
Kelly, who spent part of the year touring Europe with Ed Sheeran, previously said that 2025 had been “full of highs,” from stadium performances to writing her most personal music yet. Now, she and Murillo are embracing life as new parents after nearly a decade together, having married in 2018 following their 2016 courtship. The singer, whose latest album “TORI” arrived last year, has been open about cherishing each milestone—especially after recovering from a 2023 health scare involving blood clots. Welcoming her first child, baby Zayden, Tori Kelly said, is another reminder of “the little gift from God” she and her husband had been eagerly waiting to meet.
2. Afrobeats star FOLA reaches Unprecedented Streaming Milestone, Crosses 1 Billion Streams
🚨 FOLA has now crossed 1 BILLION streams across all platforms worldwide 🔥👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/TbnhbOiouS
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) November 17, 2025
Afrobeats singer-songwriter FOLA has reached a historic career milestone, surpassing one billion streams across major digital platforms and cementing his status as one of the genre’s fastest-rising global stars. The Nigerian artist, born Folarin Odunlami, announced the achievement following the success of his debut album Catharsis, released in September 2025. The project made history as the highest-debuting Nigerian album on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut Global Chart, peaking at No. 2 and fueling widespread interest in his emotionally rich blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, and R&B. Hit singles such as “Lost” and “Very Soon,” coupled with viral collaborations, have amplified his reach across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Industry analysts say the billion-stream milestone underscores both FOLA’s global resonance and the expanding appetite for authentic African storytelling. Signed to Dangbana Republik, the singer’s catalogue—spread across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Boomplay, and more—reflects a consistency and vulnerability that continue to set him apart in a crowded landscape. With international festivals, high-profile collaborations, and new markets now within closer reach, FOLA’s trajectory signals a new chapter not just for his career but for Afrobeats’ growing worldwide footprint. Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how he builds on this defining moment.
3. Trump Says House Republicans Should Vote to Release Epstein Files
Trump now says House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files “because we have nothing to hide” pic.twitter.com/B45x3nkRW4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 17, 2025
President Donald Trump on Sunday urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, marking a sharp reversal after weeks of opposing the proposal. The shift came as support for the measure surged within the GOP, with lawmakers predicting a landslide vote despite resistance from party leadership. In a late-night social media post following his return from Florida, Trump wrote, “We have nothing to hide,” framing the push for disclosure as an attempt by Democrats to distract from what he called Republican “success.” His new stance follows a public and increasingly bitter rift with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of his staunchest allies, who backed the release and accused Trump of fighting transparency without explanation.
The bill, championed by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, through a rare discharge petition, would compel the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related files, with redactions only for victims and ongoing investigations. With at least 218 signatures secured, House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the measure is all but guaranteed to move forward. The vote comes amid the release of new documents raising fresh questions about Epstein and his associates, though Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the case. Still, the political fallout is widening divisions within the GOP, particularly as Greene, Lauren Boebert, and other Republicans defy leadership ahead of the 2026 midterms. Even if the bill passes the House, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, setting the stage for a broader, high-stakes showdown over government transparency and party loyalty.
4. Tom Cruise Receives Honorary Oscar at 2025 Governors Awards
Tom Cruise accepts his honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards pic.twitter.com/YxFaY5MwJc
— Variety (@Variety) November 17, 2025
Tom Cruise received one of Hollywood’s highest honors on Saturday night as he was presented with an Academy Honorary Award at the 2025 Governors Awards. The 63-year-old actor was introduced by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is currently working with Cruise on an upcoming 2026 film, before taking the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech about the unifying power of cinema. Reflecting on his decades-long career, Cruise paid tribute to filmmakers around the world and spoke about how movies have shaped his worldview. “No matter where we come from, in that theater, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together,” he told the star-studded crowd inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
Cruise, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, also looked back on his childhood, recalling the moment a beam of light from a projector first ignited his love for storytelling. The four-time Oscar nominee, whose career spans iconic roles in “Risky Business,” “Jerry Maguire,” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, was honored alongside Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas. The celebration continued offstage as Cruise was seen dancing with Allen at a pre-awards event, a reminder of the energy and enthusiasm that have defined his career. With this Honorary Oscar, the actor’s legacy as one of cinema’s most dedicated performers, from record-breaking box office triumphs to gravity-defying stunts, is further cemented as the film industry looks ahead to the 2026 Academy Awards.
5. DR Congo Knock Out Super Eagles in World Cup Playoff On Penalties
𝑫𝑹 𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑮𝑶 𝑲𝑵𝑶𝑪𝑲 𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑨 😱
No World Cup for Osimhen & Super Eagles 😔
Democratic Republic of the Congo have qualified for the intercontinental play-offs 🎫 pic.twitter.com/agFNSyjmsi
— 433 (@433) November 16, 2025
Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday as the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo in a tense penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The playoff final, which ended 1–1 after 120 minutes, saw Nigeria take an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute before DR Congo’s Meschack Elia equalised just past the half-hour mark. Despite chances for both sides in extra time, including a missed header from Tolu Arokodare and a crucial save by Stanley Nwabali, neither team could find a winner, sending the clash to a dramatic shootout.
The penalties brought even more tension. Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their spot kicks for Nigeria, while Nwabali briefly kept hopes alive by stopping DR Congo’s first attempt. Akor Adams converted under pressure, but the Leopards held their nerve, with Sadique and his teammates scoring four of their five attempts to seal a 4–3 victory. The win sends DR Congo to the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for one of the final berths at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Nigeria, the defeat marks a second consecutive failure to reach the global tournament, bringing another painful end to their World Cup campaign in Rabat.
Featured image: @torikelly/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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