Funke Akindele makes Box Office history as “Behind The Scenes” crosses ₦1.77bn, Jill Scott announces first album in over a decade, Liam Rosenior appointed Chelsea 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. Funke Akindele makes Box Office History as “Behind The Scenes” crosses ₦1.77bn
𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲’𝘀 ‘𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀’ 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 ₦1.77𝗯𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://t.co/IGxOp8VI1N pic.twitter.com/5KV2JnJJQl
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 5, 2026
Funke Akindele has made Nollywood box office history once again as her latest film, “Behind The Scenes,” officially becomes the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of 2025. The film has earned an impressive ₦1.77 billion in under four weeks, according to figures released by distributor FilmOne Entertainment. Early signs of its dominance appeared almost immediately, with the film breaking five opening-weekend records, including the highest single-day gross ever recorded on Boxing Day after pulling in ₦129.5 million in a single day. FilmOne described the milestone as a collective victory driven by strong audience turnout, as the movie continued its run as the number-one title at the box office.
The achievement made by “Behind The Scenes” also marks Funke Akindele’s third film to cross the ₦1 billion threshold, following “A Tribe Called Judah” and the record-breaking “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” now Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of all time. “Behind The Scenes” benefited from strategic advanced screenings ahead of its December 12 nationwide release, as well as a star-studded cast that includes Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, and Uche Montana. Beyond timing and casting, the film’s success underscores Akindele’s growing reputation as one of Nollywood’s most dependable commercial forces, blending audience insight with calculated storytelling to deliver yet another blockbuster hit.
2. Jill Scott Announces First Album in over a Decade
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Jill Scott has announced her long-awaited return to music with “To Whom This May Concern,” her first studio album in more than a decade. The 19-track project arrives Feb. 13, 2026—just in time for Valentine’s Day—and marks her first full-length release since 2015’s Woman. Scott shared the news on Instagram, thanking fans for their patience as excitement poured in from peers, including Queen Latifah, Rapsody, Doechii, Lizzo, and MC Lyte. The album features a wide-ranging lineup of collaborators such as Ab-Soul, J.I.D., Tierra Whack, and Too $hort, with production from DJ Premier, Adam Blackstone, Om’Mas Keith, Camper, Andre Harris, Trombone Shorty, and others. The project will be released through The Orchard, signaling a new chapter following her previous deal with Atlantic Records.
Scott began setting the tone for her return with the lead single, “Beautiful People,” a warm, reflective song centered on community, resilience, and connection. The track, which features cover artwork honoring her mother, Joyce Alice, serves as both a reintroduction and a statement of purpose, blending soulful roots with lived-in perspective. The album announcement follows a milestone year for Scott, as 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of her debut “Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1,” a genre-defining release that earned Grammy recognition and helped shape modern R&B. With “To Whom This May Concern,” Scott isn’t simply revisiting her legacy, she’s opening the door to a deeply personal next era.
3. US Cuts the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Every Child
BREAKING: President Trump announces a new childhood vaccination schedule.
Trump says American children are no longer required to receive “72 jabs,” reducing recommendations to just 11 vaccines. pic.twitter.com/x4Z9ORou6m
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 5, 2026
The United States has taken an unprecedented step by cutting the number of vaccines it recommends for every child, a move that federal officials said takes effect immediately. Under the revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are now broadly recommended to be vaccinated against 11 diseases, down from the previous schedule. Vaccines for influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, certain forms of meningitis, and RSV are no longer recommended for all children, instead being advised only for high-risk groups or through shared decision-making between families and doctors. The overhaul was requested by President Donald Trump in December and strongly backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said the change would rebuild public trust and better align the U.S. with other developed nations, while maintaining insurance coverage and access for families who still want the vaccines.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from leading medical groups, who warn it could increase preventable illnesses at a time when vaccination rates are already declining and exemptions are at record highs. Public health experts noted that diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and influenza are rising nationwide, and argued the changes were made without transparent scientific review or public input. Pediatric and medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, said they will continue to recommend a broader range of childhood vaccines, cautioning that scaling back guidance could confuse parents and lead to more hospitalizations and avoidable deaths. While states retain authority over school vaccination requirements, some have begun forming their own alliances to counter the new federal recommendations.
4. Ashley Tisdale’s rep speaks out on “Toxic Mom Group” rumors about Hilary Duff and Mandy Moore
Ashley Tisdale’s rep denied rumors that stars Mandy Moore and Hilary Duff were in the “toxic mom” group that the “High School Musical” alum wrote about leaving. https://t.co/dPd2dwWQiu
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) January 6, 2026
Ashley Tisdale’s representative has addressed speculation about her recent comments about leaving a “toxic mom group,” following online rumors that the fallout involved fellow actresses Hilary Duff and Mandy Moore. The rumors gained traction after Tisdale published a New Year’s essay for The Cut titled “Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group,” and fans noticed she had unfollowed both Duff and Moore on Instagram. However, her rep told the media there is “zero truth” to claims that the piece was about Duff, Moore, or Meghan Trainor, adding that online sleuths had jumped to incorrect conclusions. The representative also dismissed suggestions that politics played a role, noting that Tisdale is a registered Democrat.
While Tisdale did not name the individuals involved, she explained in her essay that she distanced herself from the group due to dynamics that reminded her of high school bullying. The “High School Musical” alum described feeling excluded and emotionally unsettled, prompting her to send a text ending her involvement, writing that the situation felt “too high school” for her. Although some members attempted to mend things afterward, Tisdale said the interactions only reinforced her decision. She emphasized that she does not view the mothers involved as bad people, but ultimately felt the group dynamic was no longer healthy or positive for her.
5. Liam Rosenior appointed Chelsea Head Coach
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach of the men’s team.
Welcome to Chelsea, Liam! 🔵
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2026
Chelsea Football Club has announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as the new head coach of the men’s team, with the Englishman signing a long-term contract that runs through 2032. The 41-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge following a successful spell abroad with RC Strasbourg, where he guided the French side to European qualification for the first time in 19 years during his debut season. Rosenior also brings Premier League and Championship experience from previous managerial roles at Hull City and Derby County, positioning him as a coach with both domestic and international pedigree.
Speaking on his return to the Premier League, Rosenior said he was “extremely humbled and honoured” to take charge of a club with Chelsea’s history and winning identity. He pledged to build a team rooted in unity, hard work, and togetherness, while maintaining the club’s ambition to compete for trophies at the highest level. Club officials praised Rosenior’s ability to establish a clear playing style, develop players, and set high standards, expressing confidence that he can quickly get the best out of the squad as Chelsea looks to remain competitive across all competitions in the seasons ahead. This move comes 24 hours after parting ways with Ruben Amorim.
Featured image: Odun-Ayo Funmilola (Sabie Gal)
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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