by Jameelah Mullen

January 29, 2026

After Two Decades, PayPal Returns to Nigeria

The move sparked mixed reactions within the Nigerian community.

PayPal is returning to Nigeria for the first time in more than 20 years.

Through its PayPal World Initiative, the company has allocated $100 million to work with Nigerian fintech companies, enabling users to conduct local and international transactions.

The Nigerian launch, done in partnership with fintech firm Paga, enables users to link their PayPal accounts to Paga wallets, giving Paga users access to PayPal’s network. The partnership supports PayPal’s strategy to acquire or collaborate with Nigerian fintech startups and gradually gain market dominance over the next three to five years, Business Insider Africa reports.

Paga CEO Tayo Oviosu announced the partnership in a LinkedIn post, revealing that he first approached the financial giant about a collaboration in 2013. Oviosu noted that PayPal initially declined his proposal, suggesting that Nigerian fintech companies were still relatively new at that time. But he kept communication open with PayPal.

“Partnerships like this don’t happen overnight. They are the result of years of conversations, trust-building, regulatory work, and showing up consistently. I’m proud of the Paga team for staying the course. I’m grateful to the PayPal team for believing in the long-term vision. And I’m excited about what this unlocks for Nigerians participating in the global digital economy,” Oviosu wrote.

PayPal suspended its services in Nigeria in 2004, blocking users from receiving funds due to a high fraud risk. The company reported a surge in stolen credit cards from North America and Europe, allegedly used from Nigerian IP addresses. PayPal also cited issues with the country’s identity verification process.

Although the partnership with Paga will provide wider access to digital money transfers in Nigeria, some remain wary. The move could threaten competitors and smaller fintech companies in the country. Consumers took to social media to express their concerns.

PayPal locked Nigerians out of the global digital economy for 21 years. No receiving payments. No withdrawals. Just ‘send-only’ status while our freelancers and businesses struggled. Now that we’ve built a billion dollar fintech ecosystem without them, they want back in. The…

— MrBanks💰 (@Mrbankstips) January 27, 2026

“PayPal locked Nigerians out of the global digital economy for 21 years. No receiving payments. No withdrawals. Just ‘send-only’ status while our freelancers and businesses struggled. Now that we’ve built a billion-dollar fintech ecosystem without them, they want back in. The audacity, X user, Mrbanks wrote.

PayPal’s share price has declined, including a 37.7% drop over the past year and a 75.6% decline over five years. The decline is primarily driven by intensifying competition in the Western market, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Gervonta Davis, Muslim, Islam, Abdul, Wahid, boxer, convert, Baltimore

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2026

Boxing Champion Gervonta Davis In Custody For Domestic Violence After Evading Police For 2 Weeks

He was was arrested on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

After evading law enforcement for two weeks after authorities announced an arrest warrant for him, boxer Gervonta Davis was arrested on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

According to ESPN, the embattled fighter was apprehended in Miami, Jan. 28, after Miami Gardens police officers and the United States Marshals fugitive task force had been searching for him in Florida. He was taken into custody without incident. He is currently housed at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

The charges stem from an incident that took place in October 2025.

Davis, who is known to the boxing world as Tank, is accused of domestic violence after his former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, filed a civil lawsuit against the boxer in November. She accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A police report was filed on Nov. 3, with the Miami Gardens Police Department claiming that Davis allegedly assaulted Rossel at a gentlemen’s club named Tootsie, where she worked as a VIP cocktail server. The alleged incident occurred in a back room of the club where there were no cameras. She stated that she was dragged through a stairwell, kitchen, and the back exit before being physically assaulted in the parking garage.

Tank is no stranger to being in trouble with the law. In August, after being arrested in July, following an accusation of striking the mother of his two children during a custody exchange, prosecutors dropped a domestic violence case after she refused to press charges against the boxer.

Due to his recent issues, the undefeated boxer is now a former world champion, as it was announced that the fighter has been stripped of his World Boxing Association lightweight title shortly after police officers in Florida issued an arrest warrant. Tank, who has a record of 30-0-1, with 28 knockouts, has not fought since a controversial majority draw in March 2025.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison and/or probation for battery, five years for false imprisonment, and a felony carrying a maximum 15-year sentence for attempted kidnapping, with aggravating factors possibly increasing the penalties.

by Jameelah Mullen

January 29, 2026

Research Reveals Weighty Concerns About Long-Term Use Of GLP-1 Meds

A study shows that the popular medication could impact your health and your wallet.

While GLP-1 medications have revolutionized weight loss, recent studies suggest that their benefits may not be long-lasting for many users.

Ongoing research shows that when patients stop taking GLP-1 drugs, they tend to regain the weight. Additionally, the weight-related medical conditions that initially prompted the treatment may also return.

According to research from the University of Oxford, experts estimate that many patients’ weight will return to pre-treatment levels within about 1.7 years after stopping medications. Cardiometabolic markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes-related markers, tend to decline roughly 1.4 years after discontinuing the medications.

Oprah Winfrey has openly discussed her journey with GLP-1. Winfrey said she gained weight after stopping the treatment and decided to resume the medications. In an interview with People, she explained that she has committed to using GLP-1 for life.

“If you have obesity in your gene pool, I want people to know it’s not your fault,” Winfrey told the outlet. “I want people to stop blaming yourself for genes and an environment you can’t control. I want people to have the information, whatever you choose to do with it, whether you get the medications, or whether you want to keep dieting.”

However, long-term use of the drug is not accessible to some individuals. On average, patients pay at least $4,200 out of pocket each year for GLP-1s like Ozempic, Zepbound, and Wegovy. Patients also need to consider changes in their health insurance. As demand increases, more employers have stopped covering the cost of these expensive medications.

In a 2025 study, researchers analyzed the health records of 77,310 Danish adults who used Wegovy. The study found that 52 percent of people stopped taking the drug within a year due to costs. Some respondents noted that they stopped the medication because of side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation.

As it becomes clearer that GLP-1s may require a lifelong financial and medical commitment, researchers and clinicians are increasingly considering more permanent weight-loss options, such as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty. ESG typically costs around $12,000, and VSG costs about $17,000.

While the initial costs are more expensive than a year’s supply of GLP-1, the one-time nature of these procedures might make them a more attractive option for patients seeking lasting results.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2026

Ex-Diddy Sex Worker Sues Netflix, 50 Cent, Claims ‘The Reckoning’ Doc Distorted Testimony

The former sex worker claims the documentary distorted his testimony regarding his "freak offs" with Combs and Cassie Ventura.

A former sex worker who worked for Sean “Diddy” Combs is suing Netflix and 50 Cent for the streamer’s “The Reckoning” documentary.

In the defamation lawsuit filed Jan. 28, the sex worker says the documentary “distorted” his testimony regarding Cassie Ventura’s role in the sex trafficking allegations. The plaintiff, Clayton Howard, stated that the Netflix documentary portrayed a different picture than what he initially described.

According to The Wrap, Howard’s filing alleges that “The Reckoning” offered a manipulated version of his account. Instead of displaying his testimony that paints Ventura as an accomplice in Diddy’s alleged sex trafficking ring, the docuseries makes his testimony depict Ventura as a victim.

“Defendants deliberately edited, distorted and misrepresented plaintiff’s account to portray Cassie Ventura — plaintiff’s primary trafficker — as a victim, while omitting and suppressing plaintiff’s testimony that he was sex trafficked by Ventura, thereby inflicting severe harm upon plaintiff’s reputation,” detailed the lawsuit.

Howard allegedly engaged in numerous “freak-offs” with Ventura and Combs. He joined the documentary to describe his experience with the disgraced media mogul and his former girlfriend, stating that Netflix promised to accurately portray his account.

Now, Howard is seeking $20 million, claiming that the streamer allegedly twisted his testimony. He says the false representation could land him in legal trouble, especially as he appeared as a witness for Combs’ federal indictment.

The lawsuit continued, “Plaintiffs’ role as a cooperating witness in the federal criminal prosecution of Sean Combs places him in a uniquely vulnerable position. Any distortion or misrepresentation of his testimony undermines not only his personal credibility but also the integrity of federal prosecutorial efforts to hold sex traffickers accountable.”

The four-part documentary, produced by Diddy’s long-time public adversary, 50 Cent, delved into the sex trafficking and racketeering allegations against the Bad Boys Records founder. Released in early December, the docuseries garnered millions of views for its depiction of Combs’ legal downfall, resulting in a lawsuit from Combs himself. The incarcerated star filed a failed cease-and-desist before the documentary’s release.

Howard also believes that 50 Cent’s personal issues with Combs are tied to the manipulation of his testimony. His lawsuit called the move “calculated” as 50 Cent tries to further sully Combs’ public reputation.

Morris Brown College,Night Watch, Freedom's Eve, Morris Brown AME Church

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2026

Morris Brown College Secures $810K In Funding From Government Grant, AME Church, and Rapper T.I.

Morris Brown College secured $810,000 in funding from a government grant, the Sixth District of the AME Church, and rapper T.I.

The state of Georgia is backing Morris Brown College with more than $800,000 in funding to preserve the century-old HBCU’s legacy in Atlanta.

On Jan. 28, the school announced it received $810,000 in financial support, with $700,000 coming from a grant sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05) through the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, signed into law on Jan. 23, 2026, 11 Alive reported. The HBCU also received $60,000 from the Sixth District of the AME Church, coinciding with its 145th anniversary, and a $50,000 donation from Atlanta rapper and producer T.I. to support endowment scholarships.

“At a time that Morris Brown College is witnessing great growth, support that helps to enhance our campus security will truly make a difference as we prioritize the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James. “As Morris Brown continues its resurgence, we are most appreciative of philanthropic support and will continue to be good ground for people to pour into.”

The grant will help Morris Brown develop coordinated emergency response plans, enhance safety awareness through media outreach, upgrade communications and public safety technology, conduct risk assessments, and train and hire additional safety personnel. The funding comes after Morris Brown, along with nearby HBCUs like Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta, faced threats last year. Just last week, the college received a violent, racist threat sent to students via email.

“This $700,000 for Morris Brown College reflects a simple truth: Our students deserve to feel safe where they learn,” said Rep. Williams. “As our HBCUs continue to face increasing threats, these federal funds will support critical safety infrastructure so that students, faculty, and staff can learn and work in an environment that is secure, responsive, and prepared. I’m proud to stand with Morris Brown College and invest in the resilience and future of a campus that means so much to Georgia’s Fighting Fifth.”

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2026

Ben Crump And Barack Obama Are The Most Mentioned Black Newsmakers In The 21st Century

To top the newsmaker list, over 200 Black-owned national newspapers were mined to determine who received the most coverage.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has compiled a list of the Top Black Newsmakers of the 21st Century. Leading the way is civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump at no. 1 and President Barack Obama at no. 2.

To top the newsmaker list, over 200 Black-owned national newspapers were mined to determine who received the most coverage.

According to the NNPA analysis, Crump has appeared in more major national headlines than any other Black American over the past quarter-century. After the first Black president received his mention, different cultural, entertainment, sports, music, and political figures followed. Serena Williams, LeBron James, Vice President Kamala Harris, Simone Biles, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey are among the top ten Black newsmakers of the century.

The recognition is rooted in his work on high-profile civil rights and justice cases. He said the attention his name receives is “not about me. It is about forcing America to confront what it too often wants to ignore.” His work first gained national consistent coverage when he represented the family of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed 17-year-old killed in Florida in 2012.

Crump and Obama are the Top Black News Makers of the 21st Century
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Since the Trayvon Martin case propelled him into the national consciousness, civil rights attorney Ben Crump has accumulated a distinction unmatched by any other Black American in th …… pic.twitter.com/dmaD3FBMAu
— Black Press USA (@BlackPressUSA) January 26, 2026

The amount of coverage by Crump is sobering, as his name is mainly attached to violent death, at the hands of authorities or racists. Constant recognition signals the continual need to fight against injustice. Crump has represented families in some of the most consequential racial justice cases of the 21st century, including those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Crump said mentions of his name are humbling and redirects the public’s attention to the victims he seeks to avenge.

“This recognition belongs to the families who trusted me with their pain and pursuits of justice, the communities who refused to stay silent, and the Black Press that has always told our stories with honesty and courage,” said Crump. “Any attention this work receives is a reflection of how our nation is still being called upon to live up to its ideals.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2026

Atlanta Schools Back ‘Student Voice’ While Threatening Discipline Regarding ICE Protests

Official assert leaving school grounds is a violation of policy and will lead to disciplinary action.

Metro Atlanta school districts are discouraging students from attending planned walkouts protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The Cobb County School District issued a statement supporting students’ rights to state their views. However, the district asserts that students are expected to remain in class, Channel 2 reported.

While university and high school students participate in the “Free America Walkout” in multiple districts, officials state that leaving school grounds violates school policy and will result in disciplinary action. Similarly, disrupting the classroom through protests can have consequences. Potential actions against students range from suspensions and in-school detentions to the loss of privileges, such as participation in clubs and extracurricular activities.

Other counties have issued similar warnings, including DeKalb County Schools. DeKalb County Schools stressed the need for students to use their voices to be heard without interrupting the instructional day. Officials emphasized that rule enforcement is tied to maintaining a safe and productive educational environment.

On Jan. 20, students in Gwinnett County Schools held a planned walkout. The county has a large Hispanic student population at 23%. As a result, many students are facing a personal battle. They are both concerned about the state of the country and the lives of family and friends. As mass deportations continue, many families of color are becoming increasingly concerned about their futures.

“I’m here fighting for not only my rights, but the rights of my family and the rights of my friends,” Rafael Cabarcas said to WSBTV.

Other students who spoke with Channel 2 Action News said they were not certain what punishments they might face. However, students indicated a willingness to accept any consequences if they believe the walkouts or other protests are justified. One student, Ayla Easterling, told WSBTV that consequences were a minor consideration.

“I’ll take whatever happens because in the grand scheme of things, that’s nothing for what’s going on,” she said.

Shirley Raines, death, dead, Ms. Shirley

by Jameelah Mullen

January 29, 2026

Shirley Raines, Known For Her Work With Skid Row’s Homeless Community, Has Died

The Compton native and dedicated advocate began feeding the homeless through her church in 2017 and later started her own nonprofit organization.

Shirley Raines, also known as “Ms. Shirley,” a TikTok star and the founder and CEO of Beauty 2 The Streetz, has died at age 57.

Beauty 2 The Streetz is a nonprofit organization that provides beauty services to unhoused people on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The activist founded the nonprofit in 2019 and expanded its services to other homeless communities in California and Nevada.

The organization announced the philanthropist’s death on Instagram Jan 28.

“Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations,” the statement read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shirley Raines (@beauty2thestreetz)

“This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue through the work she started and the hearts she touched.

The organization also asked its supporters to pray for Ms. Shirley’s family and community.

Earlier this week, Raines posted a video on social media where she handed out bagged lunches to people. She greeted them by calling “King” or “Queen,” showing her commitment to treating the people she helps with respect.

She captioned the post with a bible verse.

“Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shirley Raines (@beauty2thestreetz)

Ms. Shirley’s twin sister, Sheila, told TMZ that authorities found the philanthropist unresponsive in her Nevada home. According to Sheila, her sister was in good health and not taking any medications. They are waiting for autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

In 2025, Raines received the Outstanding Social Media Personality award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards. That same year, she made the TIME 100 creators list. CNN honored the activist as its Hero of the Year in 2021.

Atlanta Police Hunts For Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting, Butchering Two Dogs

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2026

Atlanta Police Hunts For Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting, Butchering Two Dogs

The disturbing incident took place July 22, 2025

Police officers in Atlanta are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting and then killing two dogs. The alleged incident took place in July 2025.

The Fulton County Police Department has used social media to request help identifying or locating the suspect whose image was captured on surveillance video. Officials have stated that the alleged incident took place on July 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.

The Black man was seen walking a tan male mixed-breed dog and a dark brindle-and-white mixed-breed dog that day. The alleged crime location was the Atlantic Station parking deck, and the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted both canines and then killed them. He is then seen walking away from the alleged act.

Police officers have stated that he may be between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, has tattoos on both arms, and is sporting a grey goatee. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, and was carrying a black backpack. A picture of the suspect is included in the Facebook post.

Police are asking anyone who knows the suspect or the dogs, or who has information about the alleged crime, to contact Captain N. Dwyer at 470-312-3090 or at nicole.dwyer@fultoncountyga.gov.

According to Justia, the 2024 Code of Georgia statute refers to a crime of bestiality (police officials did not identify what the suspect would be charged with when captured) under section 16-6-6:

Title 16 – CRIMES AND OFFENSES (§§ 16-1-1 — 16-17-10)
Chapter 6 – SEXUAL OFFENSES (§§ 16-6-1 — 16-6-25)
Section 16-6-6 – Bestiality

(a) A person commits the offense of bestiality when he performs or submits to any sexual act with an animal involving the sex organs of the one and the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina of the other.
(b) A person convicted of the offense of bestiality shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

If the suspect is charged with bestiality, he will be facing a sentence of one to five years in prison.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2026

Frank Pitts, HBCU Football Legend Who Played in First Super Bowl, Has Died

He played in the first Super Bowl in 1967

Former football player Frank Pitts, who played in the first Super Bowl (then known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game) in 1967, has died at the age of 82.

Pitts, who played his collegiate football career at Southern University and was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, died Jan. 16. No cause of death has been released. The school acknowledged his death in a Facebook post several days after he died.

His funeral service was held Jan. 23 at Greater King David Baptist Church in Louisiana.

According to HBCU Connect, the wide receiver was born in South Carolina but grew up in Atlanta. He attended Southern University, where he excelled, leading to his being drafted into both the AFL (American Football League) and the NFL (National Football League). Before the two leagues merged to form the NFL, they were separate leagues, with their respective champions competing in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.

Pitts was selected in the 16th round in the NFL Draft, while he was selected in the fourth round in the AFL Draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) selected Pitts in 1965. When the leagues competed against each other, he was among the first players to participate in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game (later known as the Super Bowl). Although the Chiefs lost to the Green Bay Packers, 35-10, he went on to win a Super Bowl trophy when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23–7 in Super Bowl IV in 1969. He helped the Chiefs win the AFL Championship in 1966.

During his football career, he also played for the Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 1974.

His grandson, Brandon Bolden, is also a former NFL player who won two Super Bowls while playing with the New England Patriots (2014 and 2017).

Pitts leaves behind his wife, three children, Marva Bolden, Maurice Pitts, and Monika Pitts; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.