Tata Motors Shares Drop 9% as Weak Q3 and JLR Slowdown Raise Concerns

Tata Motors Shares Drop 9% as Weak Q3 and JLR Slowdown Raise Concerns

Tata Motors’ shares took a hit following weak earnings for Q3, as its performance fell short of expectations. The decline was driven by pressure on margins and sluggish demand, particularly in the Chinese market, which led brokerages to lower their price targets for the stock to as low as Rs 660.

The company reported a 22% year-on-year drop in its consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 5,451 crore for Q3 FY25. This underperformance was primarily due to reduced volumes in its luxury segment, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), along with margin compression. Revenue rose by just 2.7% to Rs 1,13,575 crore, which was also below analyst predictions of Rs 1,16,873 crore.

EBITDA margins contracted by 60 basis points to 13.7% in Q3, reflecting higher costs and an unfavorable product mix. Concerns over demand, especially in China, and a reduction in the FY25 JLR revenue target by 3%, further added to the negative sentiment around the stock.

As a result, Tata Motors shares dropped 9% on January 30, reaching a low of Rs 683.20. At 11:34 AM, shares were trading at Rs 704.50, still near their 14-month low.

Brokerage firm Jefferies downgraded the stock to an ‘underperform’ rating after 3.5 years, slashing its price target to Rs 660. Although it expects some improvement in Q4 due to better seasonality, it lowered its EBITDA forecasts for FY25-27 by 7-11%, and earnings-per-share estimates by 5-10%.

Nuvama Institutional Equities also reduced its FY25 EBITDA target by 4%, predicting low growth in both revenue and EBITDA, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 2% for FY25-27. Nuvama cited concerns over JLR’s order book depletion, the discontinuation of certain models, and subdued demand across regions.

The firm also expects muted performance from Tata Motors’ India commercial vehicle (CV) division, predicting only a 1% CAGR due to lower road construction spending and a high base. Consequently, Nuvama cut its price target for Tata Motors to Rs 720, maintaining a ‘reduce’ rating.

Morgan Stanley retained an 'equal-weight' call on Tata Motors with a price target of Rs 853, though it expressed disappointment over the reduced guidance for FY25 revenue and Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) for JLR.

Udit Narayan Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Kissing Female Fan at Concert

Udit Narayan Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Kissing Female Fan at Concert

Bollywood playback singer Udit Narayan has come under fire after a video from his recent live performance went viral, showing him kissing a female fan on the lips.

In the video, while performing "Tip Tip Barsa Paani," the 69-year-old singer is seen engaging with female fans. In one particular moment, when a fan leans in to kiss him on the cheek, Narayan tilts his head and kisses her on the lips, sparking an online debate. Many have criticized the singer for his actions.

In response to the controversy, Narayan spoke with Hindustan Times and explained that such incidents are a reflection of fan enthusiasm and shouldn't be exaggerated. "Fans get so crazy, right? We are not like that; we are decent people. Some fans show their love in this way. What’s the big deal about it? There are so many people in the crowd, and we have bodyguards. Fans think they’re getting a chance to meet us, so some might offer a handshake, others kiss the hands... it’s all part of their madness. We shouldn’t pay too much attention to it," he said.

Narayan also expressed that the controversy was an attempt to damage his family's reputation. He further added, “My family’s image is such that people want to stir up controversy. Aditya (Narayan, his son and fellow singer) stays quiet and doesn’t get involved in controversies. I think when fans love me and show such excitement, I just let them be happy. We are not like those kinds of people; we want to make them happy.”

HAL Recruitment 2025: Details on Post, Qualification, Experience, Salary, and Application Process

HAL Recruitment 2025: Details on Post, Qualification, Experience, Salary, and Application Process

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is inviting qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Yoga Therapist on a Part-Time/Visit Basis at the HAL Industrial Health Center, Bangalore. The position is initially for a 2-year period, with the possibility of renewal based on management discretion. According to the official HAL Recruitment 2025 notification, applicants must have a B.Sc and M.Sc in Yoga or Yoga Therapy, along with at least 1 year of post-qualification experience. The selected candidate will receive a consolidated salary package, including conveyance, based on their qualifications and experience.

The maximum age limit for applicants is 40 years, as per the official guidelines. The role requires candidates to make 3 visits per week, with each visit lasting 3-4 hours, or as needed. Only one vacancy is available for this position. Candidates are required to submit a duly filled application form in the prescribed format, along with supporting documents, to the address mentioned below by the specified deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

Key Details for HAL Recruitment 2025:

Post Name and Vacancy:

• Yoga Therapist (Part-Time/Visit Basis) – 1 Vacancy

Age Limit:

• Candidates should preferably be below 40 years as of January 1, 2025.

Qualification and Experience:

• Required Qualifications:
  • B.Sc (Yoga or Yoga Therapy)
  • M.Sc (Yoga or Yoga Therapy)
• Experience:
  • Minimum 1 year of post-qualification experience in the discipline.

Salary:

• Candidates are expected to mention their expected remuneration per visit during the application process. The final salary package, including conveyance, will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Tenure:

• The position is for a Part-Time/Visit Basis. The initial engagement is for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal at the management’s discretion.

How to Apply:

UGC NET Answer Key 2024 Released: Here’s How to Download

UGC NET Answer Key 2024 Released: Here’s How to Download

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) December 2024. Candidates can now download the answer key and submit any objections by February 3 on the official website, ugcnet.nta.ac.in. A fee of ₹200 per objection applies.

The computer-based exam was held from January 3 to 27 for 85 subjects, aimed at determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges.

Steps to Download UGC NET December 2024 Answer Key:

1. Visit the official website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in
2. On the homepage, click the link for the UGC NET December 2024 answer key
3. Enter your login details and submit
4. Review and download the answer key
5. Print it for future reference

Railway Stocks Titagarh Wagons, RVNL, Jupiter Wagons Surge up to 7% Ahead of Union Budget 2025

Railway Stocks Titagarh Wagons, RVNL, Jupiter Wagons Surge up to 7% Ahead of Union Budget 2025

Railway stocks are seeing a surge as investors anticipate higher sectoral allocations in the upcoming Union Budget 2025.

Shares of railway companies such as Titagarh Wagons, RVNL, and Jupiter Wagons surged by up to 7% ahead of the Union Budget 2025. The sector has gained significant attention in recent years due to the government's 'Make in India' initiative, fueling expectations that railway companies will continue to receive strong support in this year's budget.

The BSE PSU index, which includes many railway stocks, rose nearly 1%, reflecting overall positive sentiment for the sector.

Other railway stocks, including Jupiter Wagons, Titagarh Rail Systems, BEML, RITES, Rail Vikas Nigam, Texmaco Rail & Engineering, and RailTel Corporation, were trading 3-7% higher as finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepared to deliver her budget speech.

Analysts are optimistic about significant announcements for the railway sector, with expectations of a 15–20% increase in allocations, potentially raising the budgetary outlay to ₹3 lakh crore. In the 2024-25 Union Budget, a record ₹2.62 lakh crore was allocated for railway capital expenditure, with nearly ₹2 lakh crore already utilized by January 5. For the upcoming budget, analysts foresee a similar, if not larger, increase.

Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking, highlighted that although railway capital outlays have steadily increased over the past five years, project execution has often lagged behind the original timelines. He expects companies in the railway ecosystem to benefit from government incentives under initiatives like Make in India and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

The government is reportedly planning to procure 90 additional Vande Bharat trains and provide funding for high-speed rail testing infrastructure, including an ₹820 crore dedicated test track in Rajasthan. A major order for wagons, valued between ₹20,000 crore and ₹25,000 crore, is expected to support freight transportation and help increase the railways’ current 27% market share in cargo.

Additionally, there are likely to be funds allocated towards achieving 100% electrification of broad-gauge lines and improving safety through upgrades to signaling, level crossings, and bridges.

Currently, Indian Railways operates 136 Vande Bharat trains, with further expansion plans, including the introduction of Vande Metro trains for suburban travel.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and do not reflect those of the website or its management. Users are advised to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Suzlon Energy Share Price: Hits 4th Consecutive Upper Circuit – Target for 2025

Suzlon Energy Share Price: Hits 4th Consecutive Upper Circuit – Target for 2025

Suzlon Share Price, Target 2025: Suzlon Energy shares are on a hot streak, hitting consecutive upper circuits. On February 1 (Budget Day), the stock hit its fourth upper circuit in a row.

Suzlon Energy shares continued their upward momentum today (February 1, Budget Day), gaining 5% to hit an upper circuit for the fourth consecutive session.

The stock opened higher at ₹60.50 on the NSE, compared to the previous close of ₹58.17, and reached a high of ₹62.07, up 5%, triggering the upper circuit. Trading was paused after that, with 8.65 crore shares being traded.

At 10:30 AM, Suzlon Energy's share price remained near its high of the day at ₹61.02.

Performance Overview:
Suzlon Energy shares have gained consistently for the past five trading sessions, delivering a solid 22% return. The shares are currently above their 5-day and 20-day moving averages but below the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages.

Target & Expert View:
Market expert Sachin, speaking to ET NOW, noted that Suzlon Energy shares have been moving within a long-range pattern. On the upside, the stock faces resistance between ₹69 and ₹70, while support is seen around ₹60, with ₹58 to ₹60 acting as a base.

His recommendation is to HOLD the stock, with a stop loss at ₹57 and a near-term target of ₹68 to ₹70.

Suzlon Energy Overview:
Suzlon Energy is a renewable energy company specializing in wind turbine generators and solar energy products. As a constituent of the Nifty Midcap 50 index, Suzlon Energy has delivered a positive 26% return over the past year and has surged more than 550% over the last two years. Over five years, its stock has skyrocketed by an incredible 2,500%, creating significant wealth for investors.

With a market capitalization of ₹83,250.23 crore, Suzlon Energy continues to capture investor attention

Tags;

demure,
demure trend,
very demure trend,
give me my money trend,
just give me my money trend,
what is demure trend,
what is the demure trend,
demure meaning,
demure trend meaning,
bta trend,
i love your daughter trend,
gimme my money trend,
nice try diddy trend,
legging legs trend,
hey brother trend,
who started the demure trend,
what is the very demure trend,
where did the demure trend come from,

Why Railway Stocks Like IRFC, RVNL, IRCTC, Titagarh, RailTel, RITES

 

Why Railway Stocks Like IRFC, RVNL, IRCTC, Titagarh, RailTel, RITES, and Jupiter Wagons Dropped After Budget 2025 Speech?

Railway Stocks Fall: Shares of railway companies such as IRFC, RVNL, IRCTC, Titagarh, RailTel, RITES, Jupiter Wagons, IRCON International, BEML, Texmaco Rail, and Concor plummeted following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2025 speech.

Reason for Railway Stocks' Decline: Railway stocks experienced a sharp decline on Saturday, February 1, soon after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her Budget 2025 address. Shares of companies like IRFC, RVNL, IRCTC, Titagarh, RailTel, RITES, Jupiter Wagons, IRCON International, BEML, Texmaco Rail, and Concor fell by up to 8% post-budget announcement.

As of 1 PM, IRFC shares dropped 5%, trading at ₹144 on the NSE, while RVNL shares fell 7% to ₹445. IRCTC shares were down by 3%, priced at ₹798.

Titagarh Railsystems saw a more than 6% drop, trading at ₹956, while RailTel Corporation’s shares fell 4.5% to ₹387. Ircon International’s shares lost over 7%, dropping to ₹205. Jupiter Wagons and Texmaco Rail & Engineering both saw declines of over 7%. Concor and BEML shares were down by 4% and 2%, respectively.

Why the Sell-off Happened: The sharp sell-off in railway stocks was triggered by the absence of significant reforms for the sector in the Budget, which fell short of analysts’ expectations. Many had anticipated a substantial increase in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Railways, in the range of 18-20%, which had previously boosted investor sentiment and sent railway stocks higher.

This is not the first time such a reaction has occurred—back in July 2024, railway stocks also fell sharply when the interim budget did not include major announcements for the sector.

Saqib Mahmood makes history with triple-wicket maiden; dismisses Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav in one over

Saqib Mahmood created history in the fourth T20I against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, claiming a remarkable triple-wicket maiden in his first over. Playing in his first match of the tour in place of Mark Wood, Mahmood dismissed Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and India captain Suryakumar Yadav without conceding a run.

Samson managed just a single run before falling, while Varma and Yadav were both dismissed for ducks. England made a strong start after Jos Buttler won his first toss of the series and chose to field.

Mahmood became the first English player to bowl a triple-wicket maiden and the first ever to do so against India in T20Is.

Samson's struggle against pace
Samson, who had been struggling with Jofra Archer's pace and bounce throughout the series, was caught out by Mahmood’s delivery. Trying to pull without reading the line of the ball, he was cramped for space and ended up offering a simple catch to deep square leg after scoring just one off three balls.

Tilak's golden duck
India’s in-form batter, Tilak Varma, went for an aggressive shot, charging down the pitch, but ended up slicing it to the third man fielder, departing for a golden duck. Mahmood took two wickets in the first two balls of his spell.

Suryakumar's brief innings
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who walked in at No. 4, opted to respect Mahmood’s line. He played three dot balls before chipping the last delivery of the over straight to mid-on, marking the end of a stunning maiden over for Mahmood.

Madness’: Former cricketers react to Harshit Rana-Shivam Dube concussion substitution in India vs England 4th T20I

Madness’: Former cricketers react to Harshit Rana-Shivam Dube concussion substitution in India vs England 4th T20I

India vs England: Former captain Alastair Cook was baffled by Harshit Rana's inclusion as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I in Pune on Saturday.
India pacer Harshit Rana's T20I debut as a concussion substitute for all-rounder Shivam Dube in India's fourth T20I victory over England in Pune has sparked controversy among fans and pundits.

The decision by match referee Javagal Srinath to approve Rana as a ‘like-for-like’ replacement for Dube, who had played a key role with a match-defining half-century, did not sit well with England’s captain Jos Buttler, particularly after his team lost by 15 runs, missing the chance to level the series. Rana, who replaced Dube after he was struck on the head by a short ball from Jamie Overton, ended up being a game-changer, claiming three wickets in his four overs.

Former England captain Alastair Cook expressed his disbelief over the substitution. Speaking to TNT Sports, Cook said, “It makes no sense to replace a big-hitting batting all-rounder, who bowled one over in the 2024 IPL, with a player who can't bat and bowls heavy seam.”

He added, “It seems absolute madness that you are allowed to do it, but credit to the lad on debut. However, he shouldn't have been allowed to play in that situation. It gave the captain another brilliant option.”

Union Budget 2025 LIVE updates: No income tax for those earning up to 12 lakh under new regime, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Budget 2025 LIVE updates: No income tax for those earning up to 12 lakh under new regime, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Tax relief for middle class, several projects announced for Bihar, and more as Finance Minister presents her eighth consecutive budget
Updated - February 1, 2025, 02:20 pm IST

The Hindu Bureau
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, New Delhi, on February 1, 2025.
Photo Credit: PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget for 2025-26 on Saturday (February 1, 2025), marking her record eighth consecutive budget presentation. She highlighted four key sectors – Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports – as key drivers of India’s "Viksit Bharat" vision.

In a major relief for taxpayers, Ms. Sitharaman announced that individuals with an annual income of up to ₹12 lakh will be exempt from income tax under the new tax regime. Bihar received special attention in the budget, with several initiatives for the state, including the establishment of a Makhana Board, funding for the Western Kosi Canal, and support to increase the capacity of IIT Patna.

Additionally, the fiscal deficit for FY25 is projected at 4.8% of GDP, with a target of 4.4% for FY26, according to the Finance Minister. This budget brings Ms. Sitharaman closer to equaling the record of 10 budgets presented by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai across various terms.

Keke Palmer Adds a Glamorous Twist to Little Orphan Annie Curls

Keke Palmer Adds a Glamorous Twist to Little Orphan Annie Curls

Keke Palmer recently took her signature red hair to new heights with a chic and glamorous spin on the iconic Little Orphan Annie curls.

I clearly remember the first time I envied someone else's hair. I was three years old when the original Annie movie came out, and Aileen Quinn's short, red curls made me wish my long, brown waves were more like hers. I eventually moved past the envy because, let’s face it, while the hairstyle is iconic, not everyone can pull it off. But now, I find myself wishing for those red ringlets once again, and it’s all because Keke Palmer is absolutely rocking them.

Though Palmer’s red hair isn’t exactly a new look, she and stylist Kira Dior decided to embrace a bold, rich auburn shade while promoting her new film, One of Them Days. While she's kept the warm, scarlet hue, Palmer’s styling has been ever-changing. She started with a sharp bob, then transitioned into voluminous ‘90s supermodel waves, and now, she’s pushing boundaries further with a stunning new update: cropped red ringlets.

On January 30, Palmer appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, wearing a cute black off-the-shoulder halter dress, accessorized with a low-slung gold chain belt and matching jewelry. But it was her curls that truly stole the spotlight. The layers created a voluminous look, with the longest curls brushing the back of her neck and the shortest ones framing her face into playful, curly bangs.

Her makeup was subtle yet glam, featuring glossy beige lips and sparkling eye shadow that beautifully complemented her bold auburn locks.

As Palmer’s press tour for One of Them Days wraps up, we can’t help but hope her evolving collection of red hairstyles continues long after the film's promotion.

‘MultiVersus’ Shuts Down and Gets Delisted After Season 5 Concludes

‘MultiVersus’ Shuts Down and Gets Delisted After Season 5 Concludes

After its official release just over a year ago, MultiVersus is shutting down its online service and will be permanently removed from digital storefronts.

When MultiVersus first launched its Beta, it quickly gained widespread attention, with many eager to play and experience the unique battles between iconic characters like Batman and Morty. Though the game wasn't as polished as some other platform fighters, it had a certain charm. However, after the Beta in 2023 and a delay of more than a year, the official game finally released — only to see a drop in interest. Now, just about a year after its official launch, MultiVersus is shutting down, and it will be delisted permanently. While the online features are ending, players will still be able to play offline.

Following a Successful Beta, MultiVersus Struggles to Maintain Momentum

In an official blog post from Warner Bros. Games, it was revealed that the game’s final content update will come in Season 5. This update will introduce Aquaman and Lola Bunny, available through regular gameplay rather than Gleamium purchases. With real-money transactions disabled, MultiVersus is officially winding down. The game's online services will be discontinued on May 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM PST, leaving only offline modes playable.

Though MultiVersus had immense potential, poor decisions led to a significant decline in hype. It’s a disappointing outcome, as the Beta was filled with fun moments, and Season 5’s start on February 5, 2025, might offer a final opportunity to revisit the game. It's surprising to see MultiVersus end so soon after its full launch, especially considering the impressive roster of characters it developed since release.

Live-service games can be hard to invest in emotionally. You connect with one, only to see it disappear just as quickly as it arrived. At least MultiVersus will still feature an offline mode, but its untapped potential and early promise make this shutdown especially unfortunate.

Emilia Perez Actor Karla Sofia Gascon Deactivates X Account Following Backlash Over "Controversial" Posts

Emilia Perez Actor Karla Sofia Gascon Deactivates X Account Following Backlash Over "Controversial" Posts

Actor Karla Sofia Gascon, known for her role in the Oscar-nominated film Emilia Perez, deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account after facing significant backlash over past controversial posts from 2020 and 2021.

According to Variety, Gascon's X account was removed by Friday morning.

The actress came under heavy criticism after users resurfaced tweets in which she shared controversial opinions on Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars.

In response to the controversy, Gascon apologized in a statement to Variety, saying, "I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I understand this suffering, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. My entire life has been dedicated to fighting for a better world, and I believe that light will always triumph over darkness."

One of the resurfaced tweets included Gascon criticizing the diversity at the 2021 Oscars ceremony, stating, "More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films. I didn’t know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration, or the 8M. Apart from that, an ugly, ugly gala."

Gascon also made derogatory comments about George Floyd, referring to him as a "drug addict swindler" following his death at the hands of a police officer in 2020, which ignited widespread protests across the United States.

Indiana Basketball Player Grades: Malik Reneau, Myles Rice Struggle in Loss to Purdue

Indiana Basketball Player Grades: Malik Reneau, Myles Rice Struggle in Loss to Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE – Indiana’s hopes of upsetting Purdue were undone by turnovers and poor late-game possessions in a tough 81-76 loss. Here's how the Hoosiers performed in the game:

STARTERS

Myles Rice: 5/10
A quiet game overall, Rice had a neutral impact—neither disastrous nor notable. He deferred to other guards who were more involved in the game.

Anthony Leal: 7/10
Leal likely had his best performance in an Indiana uniform. Statistically, he contributed six points, five rebounds, and four assists, but his effort, work rate, and intensity truly stood out. He set the tone for Indiana in a hostile environment before fouling out late in the game.

Mackenzie Mgbako: 8/10
Mgbako had a strong offensive outing, particularly in the first half. His key baskets early on helped prevent Purdue from taking control, and he was effective attacking off the dribble. With Indiana needing big plays from their wings, Mgbako delivered, finishing with a game-high 25 points.

Malik Reneau: 2/10
Reneau struggled, looking off his game since returning. Foul trouble contributed to his lack of impact, as did Indiana's focus on pushing the ball through Oumar Ballo. Reneau played just eight minutes.

Oumar Ballo: 7/10
Ballo was a nightmare for Purdue’s post players. His size, reach, and physicality caused issues for Caleb Furst and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who struggled with fouls. His stats—14 points and five rebounds—didn't fully capture his influence on the game.

RESERVES

Trey Galloway: 8/10
Galloway earned respect from Purdue coach Matt Painter for his tough defensive work, and he still made a solid impact in his final trip to Mackey Arena. He finished with 15 points, five assists, and six turnovers—the turnovers being the only flaw in his game. Indiana needed him to match Braden Smith’s control, and Galloway stepped up to the challenge.

Luke Goode: 7/10
Goode’s skills were especially crucial given Reneau’s struggles. With Purdue’s rotation disrupted by fouls, Goode capitalized on the opportunity, finishing with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. He contributed on both ends of the floor.

Bryson Tucker: N/A
Tucker made his return after missing three games due to injury. Coach Woodson managed his minutes carefully, and Tucker played sparingly during his first visit to Mackey Arena.

Phoenix Mercury Acquire Dallas Wings Star Satou Sabally in 3-Team Trade, Send Sophie Cunningham to Indiana Fever

Phoenix Mercury Acquire Dallas Wings Star Satou Sabally in 3-Team Trade, Send Sophie Cunningham to Indiana Fever

The Phoenix Mercury have made another big move in reshaping their roster, acquiring two-time All-Star Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings while parting ways with veteran forward Sophie Cunningham, as reported by ESPN.

According to the report, Phoenix secured Sabally through a three-team deal with Indiana on Friday. In exchange, the Mercury sent Cunningham and their 2025 second-round pick (No. 19 overall) to the Indiana Fever.

Sabally’s arrival marks the Mercury’s second major acquisition, following their trade for former Connecticut Sun All-Star and multi-year MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas just days earlier.

The trade involving Sabally was a sign-and-trade agreement between Dallas and Phoenix, finalized one day before free agency officially begins on Saturday. The Wings had extended a core qualifying offer to Sabally earlier this month, giving them exclusive negotiating rights as she considered offers from other teams.

In addition to Sabally, the Mercury will also receive Kalani Brown and Sevgi Uzun as part of the deal. Dallas, meanwhile, will acquire Ty Harris and NaLyssa Smith from Indiana, along with the rights to Mikiah Herbert Harrigan from Phoenix and Indiana’s No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft.

Harris had recently been part of the Thomas trade with Phoenix.

Entering her sixth season out of Oregon, Sabally was the Wings’ second-leading scorer last season, averaging 17.9 points per game, behind only Phoenix All-Star Arike Ogunbowale (2024 All-Star Game MVP). She also contributed 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and posted a career-high 45.2% from beyond the arc, ranking third on the team in 3-point shooting.

Rapper YFN Lucci Released from Prison After Nearly Four Years

Rapper YFN Lucci Released from Prison After Nearly Four Years

Rapper YFN Lucci has been freed from prison after serving nearly four years.

The 33-year-old artist, whose real name is Rayshawn Lamar Bennett, was released from the Burruss Correctional Training Center in Monroe County on Friday. He was met by his parents, children, close friends, and members of his music team, according to a press release.

In a statement, Lucci reflected on his time in prison, saying, "I’ve learned a lot during my time away," and expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his ordeal. He also shared his excitement about returning to his music career, adding, “Now, it’s my turn to give back."

Lucci expressed a desire to use his platform to inspire others, stating, “I want to show people it’s never too late to make a change. For me, this time is about growth, redemption, and purpose. I’m excited—there’s so much more to come.”

The rapper had been incarcerated following a 2021 indictment on charges including murder, assault, and racketeering. However, 12 of the 13 charges against him were dropped as part of a plea deal. Lucci pled guilty to one count of violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, with an additional 10 years of probation.

His legal team confirmed his early release on parole, noting, “Rayshawn Bennett, widely known as YFN Lucci, was granted early release on parole and walked out of prison this morning to dozens of waiting friends and family.”

The statement continued, “He is overjoyed to reunite with his children, his family, and his music. He will waste no time releasing new music and getting back on stage to perform for his fans.”

Girvan "Fly" Henry, CEO of Think It’s A Game Records, also celebrated Lucci’s release, saying the label was "beyond thrilled" to have him back.

7-Eleven Offering Free Slurpees on January 31 to Combat "Winter Gloom"

7-Eleven Offering Free Slurpees on January 31 to Combat "Winter Gloom"

7-Eleven is spreading some sweetness to kick off February by giving away free small Slurpees to customers on Friday, January 31.

While the convenience store usually reserves this offer for its signature 7-Eleven Day on July 11, the company decided to bring the treat a few months early to help fight the winter blues.

In a press release shared with PEOPLE on January 30, 7-Eleven explained that, after the long stretch of January, everyone could use a refreshing pick-me-up. "After a long winter month, everyone deserves a little mood boost," the company stated, referencing a study from the American Psychiatric Association that found 41% of Americans experience a decline in mood during the colder months.

To help brighten spirits, 7-Eleven is offering customers a free Slurpee to lift their "winter gloom" and introduce a more upbeat vibe for the rest of the year.

"We understand that January's long days can feel endless, so we're bringing a sweet surprise to help make the month a little easier," said Dennis Phelps, Senior Vice President of Merchandising. "Whether you're craving a Slurpee or one of our other favorites, we hope this little treat brings some joy."

This offer is valid for one free Slurpee per customer, only on January 31, at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations nationwide.

Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month is a yearly observance that began in the United States, also known as African-American History Month. Initially celebrated as a week-long event to honor notable people and events in African diaspora history, it was expanded into a month-long celebration starting in 1970. It is recognized in February in the U.S. and Canada, and more recently in October in Ireland and the U.K.

Origins
The precursor to Black History Month began in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) designated the second week of February as "Negro History Week." This week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), both significant figures in Black history. The goal was to emphasize the importance of Black history in schools and raise awareness about the contributions of African-Americans.

Woodson's motivation for this initiative was to ensure that African-Americans' historical contributions were acknowledged, noting that a group without a recognized history might become irrelevant in society.

The event's early years saw limited participation, but over time, it gained support from African-American newspapers, churches, and educators, expanding to several cities. By the 1930s, it began to challenge false narratives, such as the "lost cause" myth that claimed enslaved people were well-treated.

Black History Month Expansion
In February 1969, Black students at Kent State University proposed extending the observance to a month, and the first Black History Month celebration took place there in 1970. By 1976, President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month during the United States Bicentennial, urging Americans to "honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans."

Regional Observances

• United States: Black History Month is celebrated in February, with events and programs organized around themes chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The celebration has grown beyond educational institutions, reaching cultural institutions, libraries, museums, and even corporate spaces like Instagram and major companies.

• United Kingdom: First celebrated in October 1987, Black History Month in the U.K. was initiated by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. The observance was tied to several anniversaries, including the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation and the centenary of Marcus Garvey's birth.

• Canada: In 1995, Canada's House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month. The observance honors the contributions of Black Canadians and their role in shaping the country's diverse culture.

• Ireland: Black History Month in Ireland began in 2010, with Cork as a key location for early celebrations. Ireland's history as a center of abolition during the 19th century made it a fitting place for this observance.

• Germany: Black History Month began in Berlin in 1990, focusing on Black Germans' contributions, international African perspectives, and the history of civil rights.

Criticism and Debate
Some argue that confining the celebration of Black history to just one month is inadequate, suggesting it should be integrated into year-round education. Others, including notable figures like Morgan Freeman, have criticized the idea of dedicating a month to Black history, arguing that Black history is American history and should be recognized all year. Despite these critiques, Black History Month has evolved into an important and widely celebrated time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Black people.

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell Welcome Their Daughter, Tove

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell Welcome Their Daughter, Tove

The joyful couple has announced the arrival of their baby girl, Tove, through surrogacy.

Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, have officially become parents with the arrival of their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, via surrogate. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram on January 31, 2025, delighting fans and loved ones alike.

Collins, known for her role as Emily in Emily in Paris, shared a sweet photo of their newborn along with the news. "Welcome to the center of our world, Tove Jane McDowell," she wrote, posting a touching moment of the baby, nestled in her bassinet with floral fabric on her head. The photo also revealed Tove's name on her blanket, marking the beautiful start of their new family journey.

In her post, Collins expressed deep gratitude, writing, "Words will never express our endless gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back again." Her message reflected the emotional and meaningful path they took to parenthood through surrogacy.

Collins and McDowell first publicly shared their romance in 2019, when they made their relationship Instagram official. Their love continued to blossom, leading to McDowell's proposal, which Collins described as "the purest joy I’ve ever felt," accompanied by a stunning engagement ring.

The couple tied the knot on September 4, 2021, in a beautiful ceremony in Dunton, Colorado. On their wedding day, Collins expressed her love for McDowell, saying, "I've never wanted to be someone's someone more than I do yours, and now I get to be your wife." McDowell, the son of actors Mary Steenburgen and Malcolm McDowell, shared his admiration for Collins, calling her "the most generous, thoughtful, and beautiful person" he’d ever known.

Now, with baby Tove in their arms, the couple is stepping into the exciting world of parenthood. Their announcement has been met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from friends and fans, including Emily in Paris co-star Ashley Park, who affectionately commented, "Mom and dadddddd." The overwhelming support on social media reflects the joy surrounding the couple's new arrival.

Fans have also expressed interest in Tove's name, speculating on its origins and eagerly connecting with the couple's growing family story. With her parents both in the spotlight, it’s clear that little Tove will have a special place in Hollywood.

In addition to their personal lives, Collins and McDowell have worked together professionally on projects like Windfall and Gilded Rage. Collins has spoken about their collaborative dynamic, likening it to "a constant open conversation" and sometimes forgetting that McDowell was her fiancé, simply seeing him as her director.

With baby Tove now in the picture, Collins and McDowell are embracing their new role as parents. Their announcement radiates love and excitement, and fans are already looking forward to more moments from the couple as they embark on this incredible journey.

Penn State vs. Iowa Wrestling: How to Watch the Match of the Year for Free

 

Penn State vs. Iowa Wrestling: How to Watch the Match of the Year for Free

Penn State will face Iowa on Friday night in what could be the biggest college wrestling match of the year. Fans eager to watch the showdown can stream it for free on fuboTV, which offers a free trial along with $30 off your first month, or on DirecTV Stream, which also provides a free trial. SlingTV has promotional offers available as well.

WATCH THE MATCH FOR FREE HERE

Who: No. 2 Iowa vs. No. 1 Penn State
When: Friday, January 31, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA
Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $30 off first month); SlingTV; DirecTV Stream

Betting: Check out our Massachusetts sports betting guide for tips on terminology, definitions, and how to read odds if you're interested in betting in Massachusetts.

What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is an internet-based TV service that offers popular entertainment, news, sports channels, and local TV stations. The service starts at $79.98/month for the first two months with the ENTERTAINMENT package, which includes the DIRECTV Sports Pack.

What is fuboTV?
FuboTV is a streaming service that has made a name for itself in the live sports space in the U.S. Their "Pro" package, which costs $79.99/month, includes sports, news, and entertainment channels, including Showtime.

What is SlingTV?
SlingTV offers a variety of sports channels, including MLB, NBA, NFL, UFC, MMA, and college sports, starting at $40/month.

Will Ferrell Says Some 'Elf' Fans Were Unhappy With His "Midlife Crisis" Take on Buddy the Elf

Will Ferrell Says Some 'Elf' Fans Were Unhappy With His "Midlife Crisis" Take on Buddy the Elf

Will Ferrell had some fun with his beloved Elf character, Buddy, at a Los Angeles Kings game last December, but not all fans were thrilled with his twist on the classic role.

Ferrell went viral when he showed up dressed as Buddy, but with a decidedly different vibe—beer in hand, a fake cigarette hanging from his mouth, and a disgruntled expression. The actor, known for his humor, found the idea hilarious, but shared with People magazine that some fans didn’t agree. “Some people were not too happy,” Ferrell said, adding that they felt he wasn’t being true to the character. “They thought, ‘Please be true to the character. That was not cool,’” he explained.

However, Ferrell stood by his version of Buddy, saying, “Buddy was having a bad day. Yeah. He just went to a hockey game, smoked cigarettes and drank beer.”

In Elf, directed by Jon Favreau, Ferrell’s character Buddy is raised as an elf at the North Pole and embarks on a journey to New York City to find his estranged father. The film has become a holiday classic since its release in 2003.

Ferrell recently opened up about the inspiration for his updated Buddy look on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. He explained, “We’re season ticket holders for the L.A. Kings. We have seats right on the glass, which are amazing. I told my wife, ‘Over the break, it would be funny if I just got a Buddy the Elf costume and didn’t shave for like a week, and I’m just sitting there with a candy cigarette and I’m just gonna sit there for a period and see how people react.’ And that was it.”

Chuck Todd Departs NBC News After Nearly 18 Years

Chuck Todd Departs NBC News After Nearly 18 Years

Chuck Todd is stepping down from NBC News after almost 18 years with the network. In a memo to his colleagues, Todd announced that Friday would be his final day, though he plans to continue working on his podcast and explore new opportunities, without offering specifics.

Todd joined NBC News in 2007 as political director and served as the moderator of Meet the Press from 2014 to 2023, before being succeeded by Kristen Welker. His tenure made him one of the most prominent journalists in Washington, often becoming a target for President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Last year, Todd played a key role in the on-air protest that prevented former Republican Party chair Ronna McDaniel from joining NBC News as a contributor.

In his farewell message, Todd emphasized the challenges the media faces in rebuilding trust with its audience, expressing the belief that the solution starts with local journalism and entrepreneurship. “National media can’t win trust back without having a robust partner locally,” he said. He also stressed that people are seeking connection with their communities, something that national media and major social media companies are less able to provide.

Todd further stated that reporting must focus on integrity, not popularity or activism. “If you do this job seeking popularity, or to simply be an activist,” he wrote, “you are doing this job incorrectly.”

Chuck Todd is stepping down from NBC News after almost 18 years with the network. In a memo to his colleagues, Todd announced that Friday would be his final day, though he plans to continue working on his podcast and explore new opportunities, without offering specifics.

Todd joined NBC News in 2007 as political director and served as the moderator of Meet the Press from 2014 to 2023, before being succeeded by Kristen Welker. His tenure made him one of the most prominent journalists in Washington, often becoming a target for President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Last year, Todd played a key role in the on-air protest that prevented former Republican Party chair Ronna McDaniel from joining NBC News as a contributor.

In his farewell message, Todd emphasized the challenges the media faces in rebuilding trust with its audience, expressing the belief that the solution starts with local journalism and entrepreneurship. “National media can’t win trust back without having a robust partner locally,” he said. He also stressed that people are seeking connection with their communities, something that national media and major social media companies are less able to provide.

Todd further stated that reporting must focus on integrity, not popularity or activism. “If you do this job seeking popularity, or to simply be an activist,” he wrote, “you are doing this job incorrectly.”

Trump Administration Considers Placing USAID Under State Department: Report

Trump Administration Considers Placing USAID Under State Department: Report

The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of removing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from its independent status and integrating it under the control of the State Department, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. This move would represent a significant shift in how the U.S. manages foreign aid.

The National Security Council discussed this idea earlier this week, and while no final decision has been made, a U.S. official confirmed that the possibility is under review.

The administration recently froze U.S. foreign aid, citing a need to reassess how billions of dollars in assistance are allocated in accordance with President Trump’s “America First” policy and to ensure taxpayer money is not wasted.

One source noted that the White House is investigating the legal authority Trump could use to issue an executive order to revoke USAID’s autonomy, with the potential for such an order to be signed as early as Friday night or Saturday.

Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “USAID’s future will be watched closely.” It remains unclear whether Trump has the legal power to bypass Congress and dissolve USAID’s independence.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns over the idea, calling it "illegal and against our national interests," following rumors that Trump might dissolve USAID as a standalone agency.

Photographs reviewed by Reuters indicated that USAID offices have removed plaques bearing the agency's official seal, suggesting that a merger with the State Department is being considered.

The White House and USAID did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the State Department referred questions to USAID. Sources also revealed that officials from the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, have been involved in discussions about the potential merger and visited USAID’s Washington headquarters.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at restructuring the federal bureaucracy, claiming it has worked against him during his first term.

Should USAID be absorbed by the State Department, the impact could be significant for global aid programs. A source familiar with USAID operations noted that the move could especially affect its humanitarian efforts. USAID has often been able to provide assistance to countries like Iran, with which the U.S. has no diplomatic ties, helping to foster goodwill. This could be jeopardized if its operations were aligned solely with political goals.

If the merger goes ahead, it would eliminate the Cabinet position for USAID administrator, a role created by former President Joe Biden. Trump has yet to appoint a new USAID administrator, adding to concerns that he may be considering ending the agency’s independence.

Trump’s freeze on foreign aid has already disrupted the development sector, leading to hundreds of layoffs and putting thousands of jobs at risk. Programs that provide critical services, such as field hospitals in refugee camps and HIV treatments, are among those facing potential cuts.

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. distributed $72 billion in foreign assistance, covering a wide range of initiatives, from women's health in conflict zones to energy security and anti-corruption efforts. The U.S. accounted for 42% of all global humanitarian aid in 2024, according to United Nations data.

Trump’s recent executive order prompted the State Department to issue stop-work directives for most foreign aid, except for emergency food assistance, in a move that experts warned could lead to fatalities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later issued a waiver for "life-saving humanitarian assistance" while the 90-day review initiated by Trump continues.

Current and former USAID officials have suggested that the ongoing reshuffling of senior staff at the agency appears to be aimed at quashing any opposition. A former senior USAID official described the move to bring the agency under the State Department as a “seismic shift,” warning that it would diminish the influence of humanitarian priorities in U.S. policy decisions.

South Korea’s Exports Show Growth in January Despite Domestic Political Uncertainty and Donald Trump’s Tariff Threat

South Korea’s Exports Show Growth in January Despite Domestic Political Uncertainty and Donald Trump’s Tariff Threat

South Korea’s exports continued to show growth in January, providing optimism at the start of a year marked by domestic political instability and the looming threat of tariffs from Donald Trump.

According to data released by the customs office on Saturday, adjusted for working-day differences, the value of shipments increased by 7.7% compared to the same month last year. This was an improvement from the 4.3% growth reported for December.

However, when factoring in the Lunar New Year holiday, headline figures revealed a 10.3% drop in exports—better than the 14% decline projected by Bloomberg. Overall imports dropped by 6.4%, leading to a trade deficit of $1.9 billion.

South Korea, one of the world’s largest exporters, primarily generates revenue from technology products. The threat of tariffs from former President Trump has created considerable risk for this trade-dependent economy.

Semiconductors play a crucial role in South Korea’s exports, and major producers like Samsung Electronics are facing restrictions on shipments to China, as the U.S. seeks to prevent Beijing from acquiring advanced technologies for AI development.

In January, South Korea’s chip exports grew by 8.1% year-over-year, according to the Trade Ministry. However, the pace of growth slowed, raising concerns about weakening demand for memory chips.

Despite the positive export data, the chip sector has faced challenges. Samsung’s chip division reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly profit, while SK Hynix’s shares fell, partly due to worries that the rise of low-cost AI technology like DeepSeek could lead to reductions in data center and cutting-edge chip spending.

The return of Trump to the presidency also adds new challenges. His commerce secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, recently stated that the administration would review subsidies given to foreign chipmakers under the Biden administration.

Trump, who took office for a second term last month, has also threatened tariffs on various trading partners, including South Korea, which ranks eighth among countries with the largest trade surpluses against the U.S. He is also addressing U.S. trade deficits with nations such as China and Mexico.

South Korea is already planning to increase imports of U.S. energy to address potential trade imbalances with Washington, and may consider importing more U.S. food products as well. The government has sent a team to Washington to gather more details on Trump’s trade policy and is working on strategies to minimize the impact on its businesses. Additionally, South Korea is seeking talks with Trump to discuss possible areas of cooperation.

Concerns about trade are compounded by economic slowdown following political turmoil. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law has hurt consumer confidence. Yoon faces charges of insurrection, and a court is reviewing an impeachment motion against him.

The Bank of Korea (BOK) has revised its growth forecast for the year, citing political uncertainty, Trump’s trade policies, and weakening semiconductor exports. The BOK reported that South Korea’s GDP grew just 0.1% last quarter compared to the previous three months.

To stimulate the economy, the government, led by Acting President Choi Sang-mok, designated a one-off holiday before the Lunar New Year break in January. Many workers took extra days off, leading to greater-than-usual distortions in the export figures.

The BOK is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate when it meets later this month, in an attempt to combat slowing economic growth. It had unexpectedly kept the rate unchanged at 3% last month after two consecutive cuts in late 2024.

South Korea’s exporters, which are integral to global supply chains in sectors like automobiles, rechargeable batteries, shipbuilding, and refined oil, are facing growing concerns about a slowdown. Exports accounted for 90% of the country’s GDP growth last year, according to the Trade Ministry.

Sundance 2025 Awards: ‘Atropia’ and ‘Seeds’ Win Jury Prizes, Dylan O’Brien-Led ‘Twinless’ Takes Audience Award

Sundance 2025 Awards: ‘Atropia’ and ‘Seeds’ Win Jury Prizes, Dylan O’Brien-Led ‘Twinless’ Takes Audience Award
Sundance 2025 Recap
"Seeds" and "André Is an Idiot" were honored with the top documentary awards.

Sundance 2025 Awards Highlights
On Friday morning, the winners of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival were announced, with Twinless, a dark comedy starring Dylan O'Brien, taking home the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. The film, which debuted to strong reactions early in the festival, was written, directed, and co-starring James Sweeney. It follows two strangers who meet in a support group for those grieving the loss of their twin siblings. Dylan O’Brien also received a special jury acting award for his performance in the film.

Hailey Gates’ Atropia claimed the U.S. Grand Jury Prize in the Dramatic category. Originally conceived as a documentary, the film tells the story of an aspiring actress at a military role-playing facility who falls for a soldier cast as an insurgent. The film stars Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner, Chloë Sevigny, and Tim Heidecker.

Brittany Shyne's Seeds won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize in the Documentary category, offering a poignant exploration of Black generational farmers in the South. TheWrap critic Ronda Racha Penrice praised the film as a "visual love letter to the Black, rural South."

Meanwhile, André Is an Idiot received the Audience Award in the Documentary category, telling the story of a man who’s dying due to not getting a colonoscopy.

In other notable awards, Geeta Gandbhir earned the U.S. Documentary Directing Award for The Perfect Neighbor, which uses bodycam footage to examine Florida's controversial Stand Your Ground laws. Rashad Frett won the U.S. Dramatic Directing Award for Ricky, while Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby earned her the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for her debut feature.

This year’s festival has seen slower acquisitions, with only two films selling so far: Neon bought Together (Midnight section), and Netflix acquired Train Dreams, a drama by Joel Edgerton.

This year’s Sundance jury included Reinaldo Marcus Green, Arian Moayed, and Celine Song for the U.S. Dramatic Competition; Steven Bognar, Vinnie Malhotra, and Marcia Smith for U.S. Documentary; Ava Cahen, Wanuri Kahiu, and Daniel Kaluuya for World Cinema Dramatic; and many others for various categories.

Full List of Winners:

Grand Jury Prizes

• U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic – Atropia (USA), Directed by Hailey Gates.
  Jury citation: A singular first feature with biting criticism of American imperialism, blending humor with a timeless message.
• U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary – Seeds (USA), Directed by Brittany Shyne.
  Jury citation: A breathtaking exploration of Black generational farming and land ownership in the South.

World Cinema Grand Jury Prizes

• World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic – Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) (India, UK, Canada), Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade.
  Jury citation: A modern love story marked by tenderness, intimacy, and humor.
• World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary – Cutting Through Rocks (Iran, Germany, USA, Netherlands, Qatar, Chile, Canada), Directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni.
  Jury citation: A stunning portrait of a woman confronting patriarchal traditions in her Iranian village.

NEXT Innovator Award

• Zodiac Killer Project (USA, UK), Directed by Charlie Shackleton.
  Jury citation: A completely original and innovative true-crime commentary film.

Audience Awards

• U.S. Dramatic Audience Award – Twinless (USA), Directed by James Sweeney.
• U.S. Documentary Audience Award – André Is an Idiot (USA), Directed by Anthony Benna.
• World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award – DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia), Directed by Georgi M. Unkovski.
• World Cinema Documentary Audience Award – Prime Minister (USA), Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz.
• NEXT Audience Award – East of Wall (USA), Directed by Kate Beecroft.

Royal Rumble (2025

Royal Rumble (2025)

The 2025 Royal Rumble, also known as Royal Rumble: Indianapolis, is an upcoming professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It will mark the 38th annual Royal Rumble and is set to take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This will be the first Royal Rumble held outside of January. The event will air via pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming, featuring wrestlers from both the Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. It will also be the first WWE PPV event to stream on Netflix in most international markets following the merger of the WWE Network under the service in January 2025.

The Royal Rumble match remains the highlight of the event, with the winner traditionally earning a world championship match at that year's WrestleMania. For 2025, the winners of the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches will have the option to choose which championship they want to challenge for at WrestleMania 41. The men's winner can choose between Raw's World Heavyweight Championship or SmackDown's Undisputed WWE Championship, while the women's winner can select between Raw's Women's World Championship and SmackDown's WWE Women's Championship.

Production Background

This year’s Royal Rumble will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its inception in 1988, the Royal Rumble has been one of WWE’s five biggest events, alongside WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. Traditionally held every January, the Royal Rumble’s unique format involves participants entering the ring at timed intervals, unlike a traditional battle royal where all competitors begin in the ring at once.

On June 24, 2024, WWE announced a partnership with Indiana Sports Corp, resulting in the 2025 Royal Rumble, a future WrestleMania, and a future SummerSlam being held at Lucas Oil Stadium. The date of the 38th annual Royal Rumble was confirmed for February 1, 2025, making it the first Rumble to fall outside of January. In addition to traditional PPV broadcast, the event will be available for livestreaming on Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix in most international markets. This marks the first WWE PPV to be streamed on Netflix following the WWE Network's integration into the service in January 2025. Tickets for the event went on sale on November 15, 2024. The official theme song of the event is "Von Dutch" by Charli XCX.

On January 9, 2025, WWE entered into a multi-year agreement with Cosm, in which select WWE PPV and livestreaming events will be broadcast from Cosm’s immersive LED domes located in Los Angeles and Dallas. The 2025 Royal Rumble will be the first WWE event to be broadcast from these cutting-edge venues.

Storylines

The event will feature matches based on scripted storylines, with results predetermined by WWE’s creative team for the Raw and SmackDown brands. These storylines are developed through WWE's weekly television shows, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.

On November 13, 2024, it was announced that John Cena would compete in the 2025 Royal Rumble match. This marks his final Royal Rumble appearance, as Cena confirmed during the 2024 Money in the Bank event that he would retire at the end of 2025. On the January 6, 2025 episode of Raw, Cena confirmed that he would compete in the Royal Rumble match to pursue his 17th world championship at WrestleMania 41.

At Bad Blood in October 2024, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes temporarily allied with his longtime rival Roman Reigns to face The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu). After Rhodes and Reigns’ victory, a confrontation with Kevin Owens led to Owens turning heel, attacking Rhodes. This conflict would continue through the following months, culminating in a Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble between Rhodes and Owens, where both the Undisputed and Winged Eagle titles will be suspended above the ring.

#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) has been embroiled in a storyline involving their quest to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship after losing the title in August 2024. Their relationship became strained as Ciampa adopted a more aggressive persona. This tension culminated in a heel turn for both Ciampa and Gargano when they attacked other teams. They would go on to regain the Tag Team Championship in December 2024. At Saturday Night's Main Event in January 2025, the Motor City Machine Guns defeated Los Garza and Pretty Deadly, setting up a two out of three falls match for the Royal Rumble between #DIY and Motor City Machine Guns for the Tag Team Titles.