NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

Kenyan R. McDuffie resigned from the D.C. Council after 13 years of service, during which he championed policies that enhanced economic security, public safety, and affordable housing, and expressed interest in running for mayor in the future.
The post Kenyan McDuffie leaves D.C. Council after 13 years, says ‘the work is not finished’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO) has been in Birmingham since 1905 and is celebrating its 121st year. On Thursday, the Jefferson County Commission made sure the company won’t be leaving anytime soon. The Commission voted unanimously to approve ACIPCO’s anticipated investment of $793.1 million in its North […]

By Ameera Steward | For The Birmingham Times Originally from Adamsville, Ala., Kennedi Spurling is adding a new and active space to the city of Birmingham. The Pilates Dwelling is a studio dedicated to cultivating an experience that supports strength, intention, and presence. “I wanted to provide a space for people to come that made […]

By Javacia Harris Bowser | For The Birmingham Times When I heard about The Pilates Dwelling, I was eager to check out a Black woman-owned studio. I attended my first class at TPD on a frigid December morning, but about halfway through the session, I’d started to sweat. TPD is owned by Kennedi Spurling, who […]

As 2025 ended, the District of Columbia saw a second consecutive year of significant declines in violent crime. While reported numbers show progress, federal and local officials remain at odds over the accuracy of the data and what it means for public safety.
The post D.C. reports decline in violent crime amid data disagreements appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Candidates for Maryland’s Districts 40 and 45 gathered at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum to discuss ways to strengthen Black-owned businesses, improve access to capital and expand workforce development opportunities. Panelists highlighted the need for unbundled contracts, stronger apprenticeship programs and targeted investment in historic Black business corridors.
The post Maryland District 40 and 45 candidates discuss strategies to support Black businesses appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The post Sophisticated Settings — Lifestyle — January 9, 2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

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State and local lawmakers weighed in on Mayor Scott’s 2026 legislative agenda, supporting public safety, housing and infrastructure measures while adding their own priorities, including utility relief and youth programs.
The post State and local lawmakers comment on Mayor Scott’s 2026 legislative priorities  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

    ____________________________               MERCHANDISE       ____________________________       _____________________________               EMPLOYMENT       ____________________________       Assistant Ticketing Manager       BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) Guest Service Ambassador, 2) Assistant Ticketing Manager and 3) Setup Supervisor for […]

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are condemning the United States’ military action in Venezuela, calling it an illegal act of aggression carried out without congressional authorization or a clear plan. Lawmakers warn the operation risks destabilizing the region, undermining international law, and drawing the country into another open-ended conflict.
The post CBC slams U.S. intervention in Venezuela, citing lack of legal authority appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Maryland’s Easy Enrollment program is now open for 2026, making it easy for uninsured residents to see if they qualify for affordable state health coverage.
The post Maryland’s Easy Enrollment program opens for 2026 health coverage appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins steps down as chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to lead the House Ways and Means Committee.
The post Wilkins leaves Black Caucus chair role to lead House Ways and Means Committee appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

D.C., along with 34 other states, has reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia after the automakers sold millions of vehicles without industry-standard anti-theft technology. Under the agreement, nearly 8,200 vehicles in the District are now eligible for free anti-theft hardware, and affected drivers may receive restitution for theft-related damages.
The post D.C., 34 states reach settlement with Kia, Hyundai over anti-theft failures appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

In this deeply personal commentary, Jarvis Houston reflects on becoming a father under crisis when his son was born prematurely due to preeclampsia while the family was in Colombia. Through the experience of navigating a foreign health system, witnessing the fragility of life in the NICU, and advocating for his partner’s survival, Houston examines the realities of Black fatherhood, the dangers of maternal health inequities facing Black women, and the collective nature of survival, care and love.
The post Opinion: What the NICU in Colombia taught me about Black fatherhood, preeclampsia and survival appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Javacia Harris Bowser | For the Birmingham Times When Kenyele Harrison took her first Pilates class in June 2021, she had one thought: “This is where I need to be.” The mind-body exercises of Pilates—a system of moves that help strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance flexibility—not only seemed like the best way […]

Compiled by Javacia Harris Bowser | For The Birmingham Times Birmingham’s wellness scene is on the rise and there’s no shortage of studios offering classes to help you start your Pilates practice. Aero Joe Pilates 2924 3rd Ave S Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35233 www.aerojoepilates.com Aero Joe Pilates, located at Pepper Place, offers group Pilates […]

birminghamal.gov The Woodfin administration and Birmingham City Council jointly support an agenda enhancing neighborhood stability, housing affordability, and blight removal ahead of the 2026 Alabama Legislative Regular Session. “These are shared values influenced by ongoing conversations with the residents of our 99 neighborhoods,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “I thank the council for its collaboration […]

By Arielle Gray | WBUR Boston chef and food stylist Elle Simone Scott has passed away. Her family announced that she died on Jan. 5 at 49 years old. Scott joined the PBS program “America’s Test Kitchen” in 2016 and was the first Black woman to be a regular member of the show. Beyond her […]

KENYELE HARRISON, WHO CALLS HER PILATES PRACTICE BUSINESS KENETIC WELLNESS, AFTER TAKING HER FIRST PILATES CLASS IN JUNE 2021; THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES, JAN. 8.

Just when many Americans believed the flu season was easing, new data shows influenza cases are climbing again — driven by a fast-spreading new variant and intensified winter transmission. Health officials say the resurgence is […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS For many Black families and Southern households, eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is more than a tradition — it’s a ritual rooted in survival, history, and hope. The practice […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS For millions of women — especially Black women — uterine fibroids are more than a diagnosis. They are a life-altering condition that can derail health, careers, and fertility. For Annalise Henry, […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Fiber has long been praised as a cornerstone of good health — supporting digestion, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. But health experts […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS You may not think about your liver often, but it plays a critical role in keeping your body healthy. The liver filters toxins, removes waste, regulates fats, and produces essential proteins. When […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS LOS ANGELES — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel used humor and political commentary to punctuate his acceptance speech Sunday night after winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show Host, taking […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — One of Huntsville’s most ambitious developments is preparing for its next leap forward. MidCity officials have unveiled plans for a $300 million expansion that will add a major […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS For Huntsville Parks & Recreation, 2025 was a year of big plays, expanded access, and stronger community connections. From new facilities to broader programming, the department continued building momentum while enhancing […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS From green spaces and public parks to neighborhood streets and outdoor classrooms, Huntsville’s Landscape Management and Green Teams spent 2025 strengthening environmental stewardship and community pride across the city. Powered by […]

An ICE officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation, an incident federal officials described as self-defense but city and state leaders condemned as reckless and avoidable. The shooting, captured on video, sparked protests and vigils, intensified criticism of large-scale ICE deployments in the Twin Cities, and prompted state and federal investigations amid growing tension over immigration crackdowns.
The post ICE officer kills a Minneapolis driver in a deadly start to White House’s latest immigration operation appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Baltimore has reached its first-ever project labor agreement, prioritizing union labor and local hiring on four major Department of Public Works infrastructure projects. City officials say the deal will improve worksite conditions while ensuring projects are completed on time and to high-quality standards.
The post Baltimore’s first project labor agreement aims to boost union jobs, local workforce appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Despite recent declines in overall U.S. maternal mortality, Black women continue to face rising and disproportionately high death rates due to systemic racism, chronic disease and inequitable access to care. The author argues that so-called “maternal care deserts” are intentionally under-resourced areas and should be reframed as “maternal care disinvestment zones” to highlight structural neglect and drive accountability.
The post Opinion: Maternal care deserts are no accident—they are disinvestment zones harming Black mothers appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO The old magic of “Chocolate City” returned on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. The theatre, located in the U Street corridor known as “Black Broadway,” is where legendary entertainers musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong once showcased their musical prowess […]
The post D.C.’s ‘Black Broadway’ comes alive as fans celebrate 50 years of go-go music appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Certified Professional Midwife Nikki Helms advocates for the integration of midwifery into the healthcare system to improve birthing services in the US, providing personalized in-home education, community-centered workshops, and a welcoming birth center for families to have a safe and healthy birthing experience.
The post Why Peace on Earth Begins with Birth, a Q&A with Midwife NikkiHelms appeared first on Black Voice News.

Black women in California are three to four times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related complications, and advocates are pushing for expanded access to midwifery care and certified birth doulas, as well as education, to reduce these disparities.
The post Protecting California’s Black Moms and Babies: Policies and Programs Struggle to Fix Deep-Rooted Maternal Health Inequities appeared first on Black Voice News.