Nigeria, electric, vehicles, Korea
Photo by Haberdoedas Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/electric-vehicle-charging-station-outdoors-32472665/
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 4, 2026

Nigeria Inks Deal With South Korea To Host Africa’s 1st And Only Electric Vehicle Factory

The deal is seen as a way for the country to pivot from being a consumer of used imports to a producer of high-tech exports.

Nigeria is making strides in the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry by signing a deal with South Korea to build Africa’s first EV manufacturing plant, Business Insider Africa reports.  

On Jan. 30, Nigeria signed an agreement with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish Africa’s first EV factory. Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry Senator John Enoh and AEDC Chairman Yoon Suk-hun, industry leaders call the agreement a “landmark collaboration.”

“On January 30, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through Senator John Enoh, Hon. Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and develop critical charging infrastructure nationwide,” the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) said in a statement. 

“This landmark collaboration aligns strongly with Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).”

The initiative’s plans align with the African nation’s energy and automotive development plans, including the development of essential EV infrastructure. As the country imports roughly 720,000 vehicles each year, with 74–90% of them being used cars, the automotive sector faces structural challenges, including limited local production, high assembly costs, and a heavy reliance on imports. 

Under the new plan, efforts will include state-level financial programs and initiatives, such as electric buses in Lagos.

“Nigeria is ready to compete in future-facing industries,” Enoh said, according to Tech Labari. “This is a statement of intent.”

The two-phase plan starts with assembly. Operations will focus on vehicle assembling from imported kits to technical familiarity. The second phase will focus on full production, with the long-term goal being “in-house” manufacturing, keeping essential parts like batteries local, and reducing the $10 billion annual spent on fuel and vehicle imports.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles per year and create close to 10,000 jobs. 

While Nigeria has a reputation as the world’s “end-of-life” hub for internal combustion engines, the deal is seen as a way for the country to pivot from being a consumer of used imports to a producer of high-tech exports.

Other countries in Africa have made moves in EV production, with Ethiopia leading with 100,000 electric vehicles Nigeria’s goal is more about  “large-scale manufacturing.” 

Data revealed that Africa had fewer than 30,000 EVs in use, which accounted for less than 1% of total sales by mid-2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Microsoft Investigates Widespread 365 Outage Impacting Outlook And Teams In North America

librarians, prosecution, Georgia
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-yellow-shirt-sitting-beside-woman-in-black-shirt-6334763/
by Kandiss Edwards

February 4, 2026

Georgia Senate Bill Puts Librarians At Risk Of Prosecution

The bill, which applies to public libraries and school libraries, would shift responsibility from institutions to individual librarians.

Georgia librarians and school media specialists could face criminal charges under legislation moving through the Georgia General Assembly.

Senate Bill 74 would remove long-standing legal protections for library workers, placing them at risk of prosecution and amend state law governing material deemed harmful to minors.

SB 74 is sponsored by 17 Georgia assembly members who wish to overturn Georgia’s current laws that protect librarians and other public library employees from criminal liability. 

The bill does offer a safe haven, if you’d like to call it that. As long as librarians are working in their professional capacity and make a good faith effort to remove “harmful materials” from minors, they are safe. The language is vague and dangerous, as there is no way to prove a librarian knowingly allowed minors access to “harmful materials.”

According to SB 74, “violation of such the [legislature amendment] shall be a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature when committed knowingly.”

The bill applies to public libraries and school libraries and would shift responsibility from institutions to individual librarians and school media specialists. The legislation does not require proof of harm, only that the “harmful materials” were made available to minors and met the statutory definition in the standing state law.

The definition of material considered harmful to minors is already codified in state statute. The bill does not change that definition but alters who can be held legally responsible for violations.

The bill was discussed during a legislative committee hearing, where lawmakers questioned how librarians would be expected to evaluate materials and whether criminal penalties were appropriate for collection decisions made in educational settings.

Librarians who testified or spoke with lawmakers expressed concern about the legal exposure created by the bill and said it could affect how libraries manage collections. 

State Bill 74 has not received final approval and remains under consideration in the General Assembly. The bill must advance through additional committee review and votes before reaching the governor’s desk.

RELATED CONTENT: Ohio Man Accused Of Burning Library Books On Black And LGBTQ History

Nicki Minaj, Trump, gold card,citizenship
Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage) (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 4, 2026

Jay-Z Paternity Claimant Thanks Nicki Minaj and Trump After Dismissal

Rymir Satterthwaite withdrew his federal paternity suit with prejudice in July.

Rymir Satterthwaite, who has long claimed Jay-Z is his biological father despite his decade-long paternity case being dismissed last year, is publicly thanking Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump, prompting questions about whether he’s trying to revive the case.

The Philadelphia native has remained active on social media despite dropping his federal lawsuit against Jay-Z months before his legal guardian, Lillie Coley, had her own case dismissed last November, a ruling that later saw the rapper awarded a $119,235.45 judgment against Coley.

Now, amid Nicki Minaj’s public tirade against Jay-Z and her alignment with Trump, Satterthwaite appears to be seeking support from the “Anaconda” rapper and MAGA advocate.

“Thanks to Nicki and Mr. President for your help!!!” Satterwaite tweeted on Feb. 3, as captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

“Thanks to the Queen. Me and Godmom will always have your back; u are a good person,” he wrote in a follow-up tweet.

Beyond the thank-you messages, Satterthwaite has been reposting tweets from Minaj and her fans, further signaling his alignment with the rapper as she amplifies allegations tied to Jay-Z and the paternity case.

“JusticeForRymir,” a Nicki fanpage tweeted, which Satterwaite reposted.

https://twitter.com/PrettyHustlerzz/status/2018561227656692078

In the latest legal fight, Coley—who became Satterthwaite’s guardian in 2011 after his mother’s terminal illness—filed a lawsuit against Jay-Z in May 2025 seeking damages and restitution, alleging emotional distress and fraud tied to earlier dismissals.

Coley, who had continued Wanda Satterthwaite’s 2010 New Jersey lawsuit before it was dismissed in 2012 for jurisdictional reasons, also accused Jay-Z of suppressing evidence and misrepresenting material facts.

After the case was dismissed, Coley was banned from refiling. Satterthwaite withdrew his federal paternity suit with prejudice in July. But Satterthwaite appears to be keeping the conversation alive on social media.

RELATED CONTENT: Audacity At The Australian Open: Naomi Osaka Wins The Match & The Battle Against Forced Silence By Her Opponent

lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather, Boxer, unpaid wages
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 4, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Sues Showtime For $340M

The boxer claims the money owed him was paid to his former manager, Al Haymon.

Undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is trying to win a fight outside the ring.

He has filed a lawsuit against Showtime, accusing the cable network of shorting him hundreds of millions of dollars. He seeks $340 million in damages.

According to TMZ, the former pugilist filed the paperwork in California stating that the network, along with his former manager and longtime advisor, Al Haymon, and former Showtime Sports president, Stephen Espinoza, cheated him out of a “significant portion of his career earnings,” while he was under contract.

Mayweather wants to “recover hundreds of millions of dollars in the misappropriated funds and damages resulting from a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud” that was allegedly perpetrated by the network.

He also claims that Haymon, who Mayweather is not suing, received “substantial participation and aid” from them.

Mayweather claims that the money that was supposed to be deposited into his bank account never reached it because the network paid the funds to Haymon. After switching managers, Mayweather’s new team inquired about payments and requested a review of Showtime’s financials.

They were told the books were unavailable because they were “lost in a flood” or otherwise inaccessible.

Mayweather is suing the defendants for aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, conversion, and unjust enrichment. Along with the requested $340 million, Mayweather is seeking punitive damages.

“Floyd is one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view draws,” Mayweather’s attorney, Bobby Samini, told TMZ. “He generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Showtime. Mr. Mayweather now takes this fight to the courtroom to recover what he rightfully earned. Retiring undefeated at 50-0, Mr. Mayweather will go the distance in the courtroom just as he has in the ring.”

RELATED CONTENT: Audacity At The Australian Open: Naomi Osaka Wins The Match & The Battle Against Forced Silence By Her Opponent

Nicki Minaj, Trump, gold card,citizenship
Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage) (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 4, 2026

Nicki Minaj Weighs In On Black Community’s Indifference While Backing Trump’s Border Crackdown

Minaj compared the immigration policies to someone entering a private home.

Nicki Minaj broke down her support of President Donald Trump and his controversial immigration policies while explaining why she believes the Black community isn’t protesting.

The newly-aligned MAGA rapper, who has has made headlines for her staunch support of the GOP, sat down with Republican podcaster and former political advisor Katie Miller to explain her side of the story.

Miller specifically asked the “Super Bass” rapper’s thoughts on Trump’s “approach” to the immigration issue, such as the handling of deportation.

The Neighborhood Talk shared a clip.

In response, the Trinidad native used a metaphor comparing the United States to Trump’s “private home.”

“If I had a business or a home or anything, and someone was there one day when I walked downstairs to cook breakfast or something, I would have them kicked out of my home because I didn’t invite them,” explained the singer. “And this is my private home, so the president has to treat the United States as if it’s his private home.”

She then emphasized that people must respect the laws enforced by the president within his own country.

“People all around the world have to respect the policies of the country and the administration,” Minaj said. “Therefore, to my immigrants, who I love. Very much. I love my immigrants. I’m an immigrant. But how can you tell a president not to enforce a law that simply says you have to be legal to get in the country?”

She also called the notion of an open border policy “so stupid,” expressing the need for proper vetting processes due to potential “spies.”

As for how she believed illegal immigration has impacted the Black community, Minaj says it is “unbothered” with championing the social cause.

“African Americans have finally decided to find somebody else to do it. That’s why they’re not protesting,” she explained. “OK? They finally decided that they are not going to be anyone’s pawn in these political games anymore, in this political theater, the political theatrics, they’re not going to be bothered.”

She also seemingly referenced a lack of trust toward Democratic leadership.

“And I think that’s where African Americans stand right now. They’re not going to keep on speaking for people who, every time they get in office, they completely forget about them and they just use them every four years. Find somebody else to do it.”

Not everyone agrees. Though Minaj has pledged allegiance to MAGA, social media users have clowned the rapper for her affiliation.

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: Returning To Our Roots With These 5 African Nations Leading The Diaspora Repatriation Movement

George Clinton, Billy Bass Nelson
Joe Schneid, Louisville, Kentucky, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 4, 2026

Funkadelic Co-Founder Billy Bass Nelson Dies Days After 75th Birthday

No cause of death was revealed.

Billy Bass Nelson, the bassist and guitarist for the groups Parliament and Funkadelic, died Jan. 31, three days after celebrating his 75th birthday.

The Facebook account of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic confirmed the founding member’s death on the day he died.

“We have now received official confirmation.

“Rest in eternal peace and Funk, Billy Bass Nelson (January 28th, 1951-January 31st, 2026), bassist/guitarist for Parliament-Funkadelic.”

No cause of death was mentioned, but there was an indication that Nelson may not have been faring well as the Facebook account posted on Jan. 25: “Keeping Billy Bass Nelson in our hearts and our minds.”

According to The New York Times, the first bassist for Funkadelic was in hospice care before his death.

Nelson was recruited Clinton to become the bassist in the backup band for the Parliaments, Clinton’s doo-wop quintet in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967, Clinton formed Funkadelic with Nelson, a band that combined funk and psychedelic rock.

Nelson was featured prominently on the group’s three albums, Funkadelic, (1970), Free Your Mind … and Your Ass Will Follow (1970), and Maggot Brain” (1971), when he co-wrote and sang on several tracks, including “Super Stupid.”

After the group’s third album, he left due to financial disputes with Clinton and found work backing several acts, including The Temptations, the Commodores, and Lionel Richie. He would return to the collective (Parliament-Funkadelic, also known as P-Funk), although the two musicians never fully resolved their differences.

He left the industry briefly and returned in 1994 as O.G. Funk, releasing the album Out of the Dark. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other members of Parliament and Funkadelic. 

Nelson is survived by his daughter, Ebony Nelson, and sister, Alise Nelson.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Minding Our Own Business—’ A Spotlight On Diaspora Enterprise and Culture: Lu Smith

David Dinkins, BHM, Black History Month, New York, mayor, Mamdani
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 4, 2026

Zohran Mamdani Celebrates BHM By Opening David Dinkins Municipal Building to Public

In a breathtaking video posted on X, Mamdani showcased the building, which he called “one of the most magnificent government buildings in the world."

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the cupola of the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, named after the city’s first Black mayor, will be open for the first time ever, free of charge. 

In a breathtaking video posted on X, Mamdani showcased the building, which he called “one of the most magnificent government buildings in the world” and described what New Yorkers and tourists are in for.

“From up here, you can see everything. From MetLife Stadium, all the way to Bushwick. This building belongs to the people of this city,” he said from the top of the Dinkins building. “But for too long, most New Yorkers have been shut out of it. That’s coming to an end.” 

To start Black History Month, Mamdani, the city’s youngest mayor ever, said “it felt fitting to honor the legacy of our City’s first Black mayor right here.” The building was renamed in Dinkins’ honor in 2015 by former Mayor Bill de Blasio.  

Free guided tours will begin June 2026 just in time for NYC’s stellar summer season.

Tickets can be reserved online for small groups to come up. In addition to tours, the building, one of the largest government office buildings in the world, will undergo $6 million in renovations, including repairs to the building’s historic cupola, glass barriers installations to guarantee visitor safety, and changes to the rotunda landing.

“As we celebrate Mayor Dinkins’ legacy, we’re making that unique view available to the people of New York City,” Mamdani said, according to NYC.gov. 

Advocates and elected officials celebrated the move, with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams said, “I’m so glad that the mayor sees the importance of bringing the public into this space to see our incredible city.

Comptroller Mark Levine said he has “been calling for this since serving as a Council Member and then Borough President.”

“It shouldn’t be just the wealthy who enjoy the inspiration of an observation deck,” Levine added. “New Yorkers should have an opportunity to look down upon the city they love.”

The move and Mandami are being celebrated on social media as well, with one X user making a joke with the “Arthur’s clenched fist” meme: “Mayors around the country realizing they have to step their game up now because of Mamdani,” @BiggUU254 wrote.

Another user took a dig at President Donald Trump. 

“What’s incredible about this is that he didn’t make it about himself, it doesn’t come at the cost of lives or human rights, it doesn’t violate the constitution, and it wasn’t a partisan decision designed to make people mad and hate each other,” @benlakind wrote.

“Is it really that easy?”

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: Returning To Our Roots With These 5 African Nations Leading The Diaspora Repatriation Movement

NYC, high school
(Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 4, 2026

Texas High Schoolers Beat Breaks Off MAGA Man For Not Minding His Business

A slew of high schoolers began to jump the man after he tried attacking a teen protestor.

Some MAGA man played stupid games and ended up with a stupid prize.

The Texas incident went viral on the internet as a group of kids successfully beat up the man after he allegedly tried swinging at a young girl protesting ICE. The Mirror reports that the violence ensued as the man began hurling racist comments at a group of teens demonstrating against ICE.

One of the teen girls then allegedly kicked his truck, prompting the violence as the man tried to attack her. The man, identified by his red MAGA hat, was recorded getting jumped by a slew of high schoolers supporting the young girl after the attempted assault. A CBS Austin news report reposted the footage.

The incident occurred in Kyle, Texas, as students from the Hays Consolidated Independent School District intervened as tensions escalated. In the video, the 45-year-old man, identified by the news outlet as Chad Michael Watts, pushed through the crowd of young protestors to get to the girl who kicked his car. After swinging at her, the young girl fell, leading others to chime in as he kept trying to attack.

The video went viral as a swarm of younger people began throwing punches back, leading the man to run back to his truck. However, the fed-up high schoolers did not stop there. While Watts sat in his truck, trying to avoid the scene, the students threw other objects at his truck amid the frenzy.

As the video gained traction, state officials called for Watts’ arrest for his apparent assault against the teenage girl and another student.

“Have the Kyle, TX police arrested this racist white man who attacked Hispanic girls and other high school students who were protesting ICE?” questioned Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro.

The issue arose as high schoolers across the country participated in an anti-ICE walkout on Feb. 2. While around 500 students in the school district left their classrooms in opposition to ICE raids, some students faced arrests for their behavior during the demonstration.

According to the Kyle Police Department, one student received assault charges for an unrelated incident, while also receiving a charge for resisting arrest. On whether the kids involved with the MAGA man received justice, CBS Austin reports that officers did arrest him. Watts now faces two counts of assault causing bodily injury.

RELATED CONTENT: Nicki Minaj To Continue Riding MAGA Train With Appearance At Trump Summit

Baltimore mayor, Brandon M. Scott
Photo credit: public domain
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 4, 2026

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Claps Back After Being Questioned On Protective $163K SUV

Social media users are seemingly pro Mayor Scott, with one Instagram user pointing out how “the president is building a gold ballroom while people in America are struggling.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott decided enough was enough while clapping back at a reporter for questioning him about the price tag of a protective executive SUV. 

During a press conference, an unidentified Fox 45 News reporter questioned the young mayor about the purchase of a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with $163,495 in taxpayers’ money. While the city of Baltimore has been in the news for more positive developments, such as historic lows in violence, this reporter wanted to check in on the vehicle, something Scott wasn’t having. 

“Let’s just stop you right there. We understand that your station has a severe right-wing effort underway, we get that, but you guys are dragging this thing out and also not including all the facts. A vehicle that was purchased in 2023 is not the same price as 2025. You have to understand that reality,” Scott said. 

When the reporter attempted to interrupt him, the mayor did not back down, reminding her and others that she “asked the same idiotic question now for three months.” Scott continued to school the reporter on how quickly SUV prices can rise, allegedly starting at $90,000 to $100,000.

He then reassured her that the price could go up once police protective equipment, which most cars provide for elected officials have, is added.

“These are not astronomical costs. You guys, and your station in particular, wouldn’t ask the President of the United States how much the beast costs. You wouldn’t do that. You would never do that,” he continued. 

“This is ridiculous. Let it go.” 

But she didn’t, continuing to press Scott for a little longer about the cost of vehicles for past mayors and claiming he hadn’t answered the question.

However, the 41-year-old held his own, saying, “I did answer the question.”

“Just because you didn’t get the answer that you wanted and your racist slant, that’s one thing,” he finished saying. 

City documents show that only two executive vehicles in the state exceed $100,000, both for Baltimore City officials. While Scott said he feels “the residents of Baltimore will understand,” some residents are indifferent. Christian Heath of Federal Hill Park said he’s OK, just “not with taxpayers’ money.”

“If he wants it for himself, yeah. But not with our money.” 

Another resident said he understands the cost, touching on the base price of the Wagoneer. “I could see that as a reasonable amount of money,” one unidentified man said. “Considering a basic Jeep Grand Wagoneer is about $70,000.”

But on social media, users are more pro-Mayor Scott, agreeing with his “let it go” sentiments. One Instagram user pointed out how “the president is building a gold ballroom while people in America are struggling.”

One user focused solely on the positive things the mayor is doing for the city, while others pointed out how “we don’t play about Mayor Brandon.”

“Try Again. Black kids are learning how to swim, recreation centers are opened, and he posts summer intern positions. We good,” @andisaidshalom wrote.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Minding Our Own Business—’ A Spotlight On Diaspora Enterprise and Culture: Lu Smith

Black-owned business
photo credit:(Getty Images
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 4, 2026

Detroit To Award $1K Microgrants to Local Startups Through New Small Business Fund

Detroit has launched a microgrant program to help local small businesses adopt essential technology and drive economic growth.

Detroit is boosting its local business sector with a new fund offering $1,000 microgrants to small, city-based businesses.

The Detroit Small Business Technology Fund is designed to help the city’s smallest businesses adopt essential technology. Backed by the Rocket Community Fund, it will provide $1,000 grants to 140 Detroit-based businesses with 10 or fewer employees and under $500,000 in annual revenue.

“Small businesses are the heart of Detroit’s economy, and they deserve access to the tools that help them grow and succeed,” Mayor Mary Sheffield said in a statement. “This funding will make it easier for neighborhood small businesses to modernize, reach more customers, and operate more efficiently.”

The grants are tech-focused, with recipients encouraged to use them for hardware, software, and emerging tech tools that enhance daily operations, including laptops, point-of-sale systems, accounting and e-commerce software, and AI platforms.

“Strong neighborhoods are anchored by thriving small businesses,” said Justin Onwenu, director of the Office of Small Business Services and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit. “When we invest in our small businesses, we invest in the families they support, the jobs they provide, the communities they serve, and the future we are building together.”

Administered by Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the technology fund is designed around a local economic flow model in partnership with nine trusted business and neighborhood organizations that will identify grantees.

Each partner will award 10 to 20 grants to small businesses, which must be affiliated with one of the partner organizations to qualify. Participating groups include the Southwest Detroit Business Association, Michigan Black Business Alliance, and Michigan Women Forward.

“Technology is no longer optional. It is foundational,” said Sean Gray, DEGC’s vice president of small business services. “By giving Detroit microbusinesses access to modern tools and connecting them with trusted support organizations, we are strengthening Detroit’s local economy from the ground up.”

RELATED CONTENT: How To Master The Art Of The Follow-Up

×