Dwayne Johnson sparks Oscar buzz for The Smashing Machine, Pheelz and Fireboy DML set to release joint EP in September, Liverpool break British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak for £125m. 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. Dwayne Johnson sparks Oscar buzz for The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson weeps during the 15-minute #Venezia2025 standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine.’ This was the most emotion we’ve since on the Lido since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign here four years ago for ‘The Whale.’ pic.twitter.com/BzAjB4v6uk
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 1, 2025
Dwayne Johnson has sparked major Oscar buzz following the world premiere of The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival, where the film received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation. The 53-year-old actor, best known for his action-hero roles, broke down in tears as the audience celebrated his transformative performance as two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mike Kerr. The film, directed by Benny Safdie, explores Kerr’s meteoric rise in mixed martial arts alongside his personal battles with substance abuse and a strained relationship with his wife, played by Emily Blunt. Both Johnson and Blunt wept during the ovation, joined by Safdie and Kerr himself, underscoring the emotional weight of the screening.
Johnson’s performance is already being hailed as the most vulnerable of his career, marking a striking departure from his blockbuster image. The actor revealed he spent hours daily in prosthetics to embody Kerr and admitted to feeling fear and self-doubt while taking on the gritty role. “I was so hungry for an opportunity to do something raw and gritty and rip myself open,” Johnson told the press, describing the project as a defining moment in his career. With the momentum from Venice and the film’s October 3 U.S. release date, The Smashing Machine is positioning Dwayne Johnson not just as a box office powerhouse but as a serious contender in the upcoming awards season.
2. Pheelz and Fireboy DML set to release joint EP in September
PHEELZ × FIREBOY DML
PEACE BY PIECE (JOINT EP) 💿
SEPTEMBER 26 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Z8SJDpAwd6— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) September 2, 2025
Fans of Afrobeats can officially start the countdown as Pheelz and Fireboy DML are set to release their highly anticipated joint EP, Peace by Piece, on September 26. The announcement, paired with a cinematic teaser video showing the duo on a serene beach at sunset, immediately ignited buzz online. With a snippet of unreleased music playing in the background, the teaser hints at a body of work blending emotional depth with the infectious energy both artists are known for.
The collaboration marks a dream pairing for fans, uniting Pheelz’s reputation for chart-topping production and catchy hooks with Fireboy DML’s soulful vocals and acclaimed storytelling. While the tracklist and guest features remain under wraps, excitement is already soaring across social media, with speculation mounting about the sound and direction of the project. With the promise of rhythm, heart, and creativity, Peace by Piece is already shaping up to be one of the standout Afrobeats releases of 2025.
3. Donald Trump breaks silence on health after death hoax
“I didn’t do any for two days and they said there must be something wrong with him. Biden wouldn’t do them for months, and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him.”
President Donald Trump reacted to speculation about his health that has dominated the conversation… pic.twitter.com/gqHvgIO87v
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) September 2, 2025
President Donald Trump has addressed swirling rumors about his health, declaring he is “feeling fine” following several days without public appearances that sparked unfounded online speculation, including false claims of his death. In a characteristically emphatic Truth Social post on August 31, the 79-year-old president dismissed the rumors, writing, “NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE,” while adding, “DC IS A CRIME FREE ZONE! President DJT.” The post came just ahead of a scheduled Oval Office announcement on September 2, intended to reaffirm his continued leadership.
Concerns about Trump’s health had grown over the past two weeks, particularly after a cryptic remark during an August 19 Fox & Friends appearance where he said, “I want to try and get to heaven if possible,” fueling public anxiety. Additional scrutiny followed a White House briefing on August 25, where photos showed noticeable discoloration on his right hand. His decision to forgo speaking to reporters during an August 30 departure from the White House only added to the speculation. Despite reassurances from White House medical staff and Vice President JD Vance, who called Trump “in incredibly good health,” Vance’s own readiness to step in “if needed” further intensified public concern.
4. South Africa: Bontle Modiselle and Priddy Ugly announce the arrival of their baby
Congratulations are pouring in for choreographer Bontle Modiselle and rapper Priddy Ugly who have joyfully welcomed their second child. The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post, unveiling tender family photos that included their newborn son and their daughter, Afrika, who looked absolutely smitten with her baby brother. “Life lately. To God be the glory,” they captioned the post, which was met with an outpouring of love and well-wishes from fans and fellow celebrities.
In one of the videos, Afrika shared her candid thoughts about becoming a big sister, admitting with a smile, “I like having a little brother. I don’t want a little sister anymore. They are cute, but I know they are dramatic.” The couple first announced their pregnancy back in April with a lighthearted video featuring Afrika, who has since become a star of these heartwarming family moments. With their latest addition, Bontle and Priddy Ugly continue to capture the hearts of South Africa with their love, humor, and growing family bond.
5. Liverpool break British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak for £125m
We have completed the transfer of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on a long-term contract 🙌🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2025
Liverpool have completed the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in a deal worth a British transfer record of £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m). The 25-year-old striker has penned a six-year contract at Anfield after months of negotiations and transfer drama, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. Liverpool had pursued Isak all summer, but their initial £110m bid was rejected as Newcastle insisted the Sweden international was not for sale. The saga took a turn when Isak expressed his desire to leave, missing Newcastle’s opening three fixtures and publicly accusing the Magpies of breaking promises, which eventually forced both clubs back to the negotiating table.
Isak, who will wear the No.9 shirt for Liverpool, expressed his excitement after sealing the blockbuster move. “It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work.” The former Real Sociedad forward, who netted 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, could make his Liverpool debut against Burnley on September 14 after the international break. For Newcastle, the record-breaking sale follows the signing of striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart as they look to reshape their attack following the departure of their talisman.
Featured image: @thewrap/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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