A new update has surfaced in the ongoing allegations involving comedian Corey Holcomb and fellow comic Cristina Payne, as surveillance footage that appears to show Holcomb punching Payne in the face continues to spread online. In the clip, Holcomb and Payne appear to argue in front of a crowd before Holcomb seemingly throws a right-handed punch that hits Payne in the face, triggering a chaotic brawl moments later. The incident was originally reported in 2024, with TMZ stating at the time that Holcomb was seen yelling at Payne and her friend outside the venue. Sources claimed that Holcomb threatened to punch Payne and that a random man tried to step in and stop it, but Holcomb allegedly swung anyway and made contact. Now, as the video gains traction, Payne has added fresh context, claiming that the new video shows that Holcomb had a gun, which she says he passed to another performer.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 18:22 UTC
Since then, Her has been placed under federal investigation for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement. View image in fullscreen Students protest against federal immigration action in front of the Minnesota state capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on 14 January 2026. She served as policy director for the two-term Saint Paul mayor Melvin Carter before challenging and beating him in November, vowing to deliver a more engaged administration. On Thursday during a visit to the Twin Cities, JD Vance urged state and city law enforcement to help federal immigration officers. View image in fullscreen Students protest against ICE at the Minnesota state capitol in Saint Paul on 14 January 2026.
Source:The Guardian
January 24, 2026 17:13 UTC
When 126 pounds was pulled as the starting weight class for the North Hunterdon wrestling team’s dual meet at Warren Hills, both teams had the opportunity to seize momentum early. North Hunterdon won 10 of 14 bouts in a 51-22 win over the Blue Streaks Friday night. “We knew that those were gonna be big matches and set the tone for the night,” North Hunterdon coach Dave Bell said of the first two matches. “Reid’s been wrestling really, really well… He’s been wrestling really sharp. Buzby took down senior Augie Szamreta about 30 seconds into the bout and then crucially scored a second takedown late in the first period.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 16:37 UTC
The Anambra State government has announced the commencement of pro-rata salary payments for workers across the state as part of efforts to end the Monday sit-at-home, saying that effective February 2026, civil servants’ salaries will be paid according to pro-rata. The commissioner noted that, for the past four years, Anambra public and civil servants had often stayed away from work on Mondays due to the sit-at-home, citing insecurity and lack of transportation facilities. It will mean that Anambra State has yielded to whoever introduced this sit-at-home, and again, we will be the only state working on Saturdays in Nigeria, and that will be absurd. “So, it is only reasonable to start with this pro-rata payment to get the workers to resume on Mondays. On how the pro-rata payment will be calculated, the commissioner said the 24 working days of the month will be used to divide each worker’s salary to determine what they will earn at the end of the month.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 13:54 UTC
The University of Ibadan has emerged as the best Nigerian university in both law and medicine, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The rankings were obtained by PUNCH Online on the Times Higher Education website on SaturdayIn the law ranking, UI and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka made the 301–400 band, marking Nigeria’s presence among 425 top global law schools. THE said, “The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026 reveal the world’s top universities for law. “The 2026 Law ranking evaluates excellence across: constitutional and administrative law; international law; commercial and corporate law; criminal law and justice; and legal theory and jurisprudence, among other topics.”Globally, Stanford University topped the law ranking for teaching excellenceOn the medicine and health subjects, THE said, “The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026 reveal the world’s top universities for medical and health subjects. Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, University of Benin, University of Jos, and UNN were ranked in the 601–800 band, while Babcock University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and University of Ilorin featured in the 801–1000 band.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 13:46 UTC
A Special Adviser to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Sunusi Kwankwaso, has resigned his position following the resignation of the governor from the New Nigeria People’s Party. The development was disclosed in a video released on Friday by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Alhassan, on his Facebook page. In the video, Sunusi said his decision followed reports that the governor had exited the NNPP and was expected to join the All Progressives Congress. Kwankwaso explained that he had earlier submitted a resignation letter but was unable to have it officially received. He ruled out joining the APC, stressing his loyalty to the national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 13:12 UTC
Pisa president Giuseppe Corrado has expressed his delight following the return of Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra report. Corrado expressed his elation that one of his best midfielders is back and ready to contribute immediately to the club’s campaign. “Now Akinsanmiro is back, having been away for the Africa Cup of Nations, and he’ll give us a huge boost in midfield. And other players who can raise the bar will also be returning,” Corrado told Inter News. The 21-year-old, who departed the Super Eagles camp on January 17 following the third-place victory over Egypt, is now fully available for selection.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 12:54 UTC
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress have called on the National Assembly to assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore constitutional order in the state. “The Governor has shown prudence and is ready to work for the people of Rivers State, not for a few who want Rivers State bankrupt. We will sustain this battle until our President sacks Wike and the National Assembly takes over the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement added. The party also commended the presidency for affirming Fubara as leader of the APC in Rivers State. He also reiterated calls for the resignation of the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over comments on the impeachment process.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 12:54 UTC
Greenland and Denmark have formed a united front to face down US President Donald Trump, momentarily setting aside the troubled history between them. The Arctic island, a Danish colony for three centuries, still has a complicated relationship with Denmark, which now rules it as an autonomous territory. At the height of the crisis, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear that if the government had to choose between the United States and Denmark, it would choose Denmark. – Colonial past –Trump’s talk of a framework deal negotiated with NATO chief Mark Rutte prompted Denmark and Greenland to reiterate that only they can take decisions concerning them. In the last month of diplomatic back-and-forth, Greenland and Denmark have presented a united front, speaking with one voice.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 12:22 UTC
Her resignation was contained in a letter dated Friday, January 23, 2026, addressed to the NNPP leadership in Tudun Wada Local Government. “In view of the above, I hereby resign my membership of the party,” the letter stated. She also expressed gratitude to the party leadership and members for their support during her time in the party. The development is expected to further weaken the NNPP’s influence in the state, as more members of the party continue to realign with the Governor’s political direction. Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, has also formally resigned his membership of the NNPP, effective Friday, January 23, 2026.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 12:06 UTC
Martin Rowson and Ella Baron are both regular contributors to the Guardian’s daily political cartoon. Below, each reflects on their process, the challenges and joys of political cartoons, and what they have learned from one another. Politics is messy and political cartoons should be too. The juxtaposition of these pared-down, fragile lines and bold, confident ones can be helpful in evoking the power dynamics which are important to political cartoons. When I’m drawing a political cartoon I’m always slightly in awe of the fact I’m working from and into a tradition.
Source:The Guardian
January 24, 2026 06:12 UTC
Addressing party supporters at his residence in Kano shortly after the governor’s resignation on Friday, Kwankwaso said his long-standing political struggle had always been aimed at the emancipation of ordinary Nigerians. Kwankwaso also urged his supporters to begin early mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning against complacency. Speaking on recent developments in Kano, the former presidential candidate stressed the need for immediate preparations. “Going by what is happening in Kano today, we need to start preparing because there are people hell-bent on destroying what we built over time,” he stated. Reaffirming his position, Kwankwaso assured his supporters of his resolve to remain steadfast.
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 04:18 UTC
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, says any call for him to contest the governorship of Abia State will have to come from the party. Speaking with journalists in his Bende town, Bende LGA, Kalu said that while the governorship is important, his political ambition extends beyond holding the office. “It is the call from the party that will make me run if they find me worthy. My call for him to join the APC is borne out of sincerity of purpose. He commended South East governors for their efforts in maintaining peace in the zone, an aspiration aligned with his PISE-P (Peace in South East Programme).
Source:Punch
January 24, 2026 02:13 UTC
Napoli have intensified contacts with Atalanta to sign Ademola Lookman as the Serie A side look to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The newspaper adds that Lookman remains the real target for Napoli, but the formula presents a problem as the club’s “zero balance” policy until February 2 complicates any economic manoeuvre. Fichajes reports that Napoli see Lookman as a player who could make an immediate impact on the squad and believe the forward’s profile matches their sporting project. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen revealed he has tried to convince Lookman to join him at the Turkish champions. I told him everything about my experience at Galatasaray; how amazing the club and the fans are, and that when he comes here, he’ll feel right at home,” Osimhen told Turkish publication Forza Cimbom.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 23:19 UTC
He Had Gun Before He Punched Me!!! Play video content TMZ.comComic Cristina Payne says comedian Corey Holcomb is threatening her and making her fear for her life ... and she got emotional watching a video that appears to show Corey punching her square in the face. Cristina joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday, and she got emotional when we asked her about surveillance video from the alleged Hollywood street brawl finally surfacing. The raw emotions flowed as soon as we asked Cristina if she was going to take the video to police or a lawyer ... she told us she's afraid to even leave her house these days, claiming Corey has her running scared. As we told you ... Cristina filed a battery report with LAPD, but Corey was never arrested ... and he attempted -- but failed -- to get a temporary restraining order against her ... claiming Cristina put hands on him first, while his back was turned to her.
Source:Punch
January 23, 2026 20:30 UTC