NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A growing body of research confirms what many low-income families have long known: when court fines and fees are set at realistic levels, people are far more likely to pay them. A […]

By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville residents will have the opportunity to step inside local law enforcement this spring as the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) opens applications for its Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy. The program offers […]

By Shaylyn Cochran and Rob WeinerWord in Black The 2026 midterm will be a referendum on the direction of our country, but without the fair and complete participation of Black voters and communities of color, next fall’s election will not truly reflect the voice of the people.  Unfortunately, in granting a stay in the Texas […]
The post In redistricting wars, Black and Brown voters stand to lose appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

John Harbaugh is leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as their head coach, following a disappointing 8-9 season and playoff miss.
The post AP Source: John Harbaugh leaving the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as coach appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Stacy BrownNNPA Newswire On the fifth anniversary of Jan. 6, a date now fixed in the American conscience, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn returned to the moment that altered his life and the nation’s course.  Appearing on “Let It Be Known,” Dunn spoke about the unforgettable day that’s shaped by time, pain, and […]
The post Five years later, former Capitol Officer Harry Dunn says Jan. 6 was ‘worst day’ of his life appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for economic and social justice, and the right to vote, and despite progress made during his lifetime, the same hatred that motivated his assassination still exists today, making the power of the ballot crucial in the fight against racism and inequality.
The post Keeping it Real: Nexus 2026: The Third Monday in January and the First Tuesday in November appeared first on Black Voice News.

By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writer YouthWorks, the program within the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development that provides a five-week summer job opportunity to thousands of Baltimore City youth and young adults will return in 2026. The program, which began in 1973 as “Blue Chip,” creates employment opportunities each year for people ages 14 […]
The post YouthWorks opens 2026 summer job applications for Baltimore youth appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Stacy M. Brown Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has joined the small and closely watched group of Black American billionaires, a milestone that places her alongside a handful of individuals who built vast wealth in a country where Black ownership has long been restricted, delayed or denied. According to Forbes, Beyoncé is now worth at least $1 […]
The post Beyoncé enters billionaire ranks few Black Americans have reached appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Elite Body Sculpture, a cosmetic surgery chain, has been sued by the families of three patients who died after undergoing liposuction and fat transfer operations performed by plastic surgeon Heidi Regenass, alleging false advertising and medical malpractice.
The post Advertisements Promising Patients a ‘Dream Body’ With Minimal Risk Get Little Scrutiny appeared first on Black Voice News.

Baltimore’s historic drop in youth homicides and gun violence is the result of intentional investments in Black-led organizations, youth arts programs, recreation centers and public spaces, not chance. Drawing from her work with Creative Nomads, Kayenecha Daugherty argues that art, community-based leadership and equitable funding are proven public-safety strategies—and warns that recent gains are fragile without sustained support.
The post Commentary: Baltimore’s violence drop proves investing in Black-led youth and the arts works appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The death of Richard Smallwood, the legendary gospel composer and musician whose work reshaped Black church worship, on Dec. 30 at age 77, has prompted tributes across congregations and the music world. Best known for “Total Praise” and other modern hymns, Smallwood blended classical training with gospel tradition, leaving a lasting spiritual and musical legacy that continues to resonate across denominations and generations.
The post Richard Smallwood: ‘I’m looking forward to singing with you in heaven’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The arrest and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a U.S. federal court sparked widespread protests across the United States and abroad, with demonstrators questioning the legality and consequences of the 47th U.S. president’s action. As Maduro appeared under heavy guard in Manhattan, rallies erupted from New York to Bogotá and Caracas, drawing condemnation from global leaders and deepening international tensions over U.S. intervention and international law.
The post From Washington to Bogotá, protests grow as Maduro faces US judge appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times Jefferson County announced preliminary estimates that show more than $400 million in economic development projects during 2025 including nearly 900 jobs and an average hourly wage of $30.60, according to figures provided by Jeff Traywick, economic development advisor for the Jefferson County Commission. The projects, worth $401,492,499 and […]

BY ALI SWENSON and LAURAN NEERGAARD | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of cutting the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — a move that leading medical groups said would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases. The change is effective immediately, meaning that the U.S. Centers for […]

The Baltimore Ravens’ season ended in heartbreak with a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final minute, eliminating Baltimore from playoff contention. Despite three touchdown passes from Lamar Jackson and a strong rushing performance by Derrick Henry, defensive breakdowns, costly penalties and a late Steelers drive led by Aaron Rodgers sealed a stunning defeat and left the Ravens facing an uncertain and potentially turbulent offseason.
The post Ravens have a long offseason to think about where to go next after stunning loss to Steelers appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
The post  Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named 2025 AFRO Person of Year appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The trial of Kevin Epps, a Black filmmaker and journalist accused of murder, exposes the fragility of justice, equity, and truth in San Francisco due to a non-diverse jury, suppressed evidence, and a prosecution narrative that obscures the truth.
The post My Observations and Presentation of Information the Prosecution Wants Suppressed appeared first on Black Voice News.

California has implemented several new laws impacting workers, including an increase in minimum wage, protection for service workers’ tips, and the right for rideshare drivers to sectoral collective bargaining, as well as enhanced enforcement authority to recover lost wages and measures to prevent employer fraud.
The post Enhanced Rights and Protections for CA Workers in 2026 appeared first on Black Voice News.

____________________________               MERCHANDISE       ____________________________       _____________________________               EMPLOYMENT       ____________________________   Sales Account Manager       Develop pricing, products, and marketing strategies. 24 months of experience in overseas sales positions is required. 40 hrs./wk. Send […]

The African American Film Critics Association announced the winners of its 17th Annual AAFCA Awards, with “Sinners” emerging as the top honoree, earning multiple awards, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Director and Writing for Ryan Coogler. The winners, selected by more than 100 AAFCA members, will be celebrated Feb. 8 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, honoring films and artists whose work reflects bold storytelling and cultural impact.
The post Winners announced for the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards presented by the African American Film Critics Association appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com For the first time in a decade, Birmingham ended 2025 with less than 100 homicides. There were 88 homicides in 2025, down from 152 in 2024 when the city’s homicide tally broke a record set in 1933. The city’s year-end tally mirrors the national trend in what experts describe as a […]

The Birmingham Times The Jefferson County (AL) Democratic Party announced Friday that candidate qualifying for the 2026 Democratic Primary Election that include races for Jefferson County Commission and Jefferson County Sheriff will open on today Monday, January 5 and close on Friday, January 23. Qualifying will take place in person at 1601 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, during the following dates and times: […]

Figure skater Emmanuel Savary is preparing for what may be his final appearance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, set to begin Jan. 7, as the event plays a key role in selecting the U.S. Olympic team for 2026. After overcoming an ankle injury, Savary has regained confidence through competitive success, show skating with Ice Theatre of New York, and self-choreographed programs, while balancing his athletic career with coaching and his studies in astrophysics.
The post Skater Emmanuel Savary sharpens routines for the 2026 U.S. Championships appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Gunmen killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others during a Jan. 3 raid on Kasuwan-Daji village in Nigeria’s Niger state, according to police and local residents. Survivors and church officials say the death toll could exceed 40, with bodies still unrecovered amid delayed security response, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
The post Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The White House cited the Monroe Doctrine as justification for U.S. military action that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reviving a two-century-old policy long used to rationalize American intervention in Latin America. Scholars say the 47th president’s framing follows a historical pattern of invoking the doctrine to advance U.S. strategic and commercial interests, particularly energy, while raising questions about prolonged U.S. involvement in Venezuela and tensions within the “America First” movement.
The post How the Monroe Doctrine factors into US arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Dayvon Love One of the impacts of the descent of news media into the realm of pop culture is a general neglect of political discourse in Black spaces on foreign policy. The focus on things that will get likes and shares disincentivizes rigorous foreign policy conversations in Black civic and political circles. This has […]
The post 47th president’s foreign policy is White supremacy appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, with the 49th stamp in its Black Heritage series, celebrating her enduring literary legacy and impact on American history. Issued Jan. 29, the Forever stamp recognizes Wheatley’s groundbreaking achievements as an enslaved woman whose poetry helped shape African American literature and inspired generations.
The post USPS honors Phillis Wheatley, first published African-American poet, with 49th Black Heritage Stamp appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

In this opinion column, Dayvon Love argues that the 47th president’s foreign policy reflects and reinforces White supremacy through U.S. military aggression and imperialism, particularly toward Black- and Global South–led nations such as Venezuela, Nigeria and South Africa. Love calls on Black communities to more actively engage in foreign policy discourse and to demand reduced military spending and greater investment in community-based violence prevention at home.
The post Opinion: 47th president’s foreign policy is White supremacy appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A nationwide analysis shows U.S. households paid significantly more for electricity and natural gas in 2025, with average electricity bills rising 9.6 percent over 2024—outpacing wage growth and inflation. Driven by aging grid upgrades, climate-related weather stress, rising demand from AI data centers, higher fuel costs, and policy decisions slowing clean energy expansion, the increases are affecting more than 150 million utility customers nationwide.
The post Average household electricity bills in 2025 ran 9.6 percent higher than in 2024, rising faster than wages and overall inflation appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Dozens of migrants are missing after an overcrowded boat carrying more than 200 people capsized off the coast of Gambia on New Year’s Eve, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue operation involving emergency services and local fishermen. The tragedy underscores the deadly risks faced by African migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic route to Europe in search of better opportunities.
The post Dozens missing after boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Legal experts are examining military action taken by the United States in Venezuela on Jan. 3 to determine if the “capture” of the country’s president and first lady can be legally justified. The two are said to be in U.S. custody to face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges in New York.
The post U.S. strikes Venezuela, says its leader has been ‘captured’ and flown out of the country appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Alaina Bookman | abookman@al.com After 18 months, the city of Birmingham has begun construction on permanent barriers for their Safe Streets: East Lake initiative. Construction for the East Lake crime curbing project in began in late December and is expected to be completed by March 30, according to a city of Birmingham spokesperson. The […]

By Anthony Cook | Alabama News Center Students from five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) squared off recently in the fourth annual HBCU Energy Hackathon presented by the  American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). The event featured teams from Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Talladega College,  Lawson State Community College  and Trenholm State Community College competing for prizes totaling $17,500. The Birmingham Chapter of […]

The Indiana Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the 2026 Rose Bowl Game, with a strong offense and defense, and will face off against Oregon in the CFP Semifinal.
The post Indiana Hoosiers Crush Alabama 38-3 In 2026 Rose Bowl appeared first on Black Voice News.