News

“Walmart Gives Back” Initiative provides toys and books for 10,000 military children in top markets for troop deployment

Tuesday, 08 December 2009 16:38

Fort Bragg, N.C. Dec. 4, 2009 – Walmart gives an early Christmas to more than 10,000 military children and families who will receive free toys, books, Walmart gift cards and gift packages. Through a $1.1 million donation from Walmart, the initiative will benefit families in all branches of the military. The company will also lay 16,000 wreaths at national cemeteries across the United States to honor fallen veterans.

Obama administration kicks off Mortgage Modification Conversion Drive

Wednesday, 02 December 2009 16:46

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last week kicked off a nationwide campaign to help borrowers who are currently in the trial phase of their modified mortgages under the Obama Administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) convert to permanent modifications. The modification program, which has helped over 650,000 borrowers, is part of the Administration’s broader commitment to stabilize housing markets and to provide relief to struggling homeowners and is a primary focus of financial stability efforts moving forward.

McCollum supports Obama’s Afghan strategy

Wednesday, 02 December 2009 16:25

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) today expressed support for President Obama’s plan to achieve U.S. objectives in Afghanistan, following the speech he delivered at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Obama administration kicks off Mortgage Modification Conversion Drive

Monday, 30 November 2009 16:52

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today kick off a nationwide campaign to help borrowers who are currently in the trial phase of their modified mortgages under the Obama Administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) convert to permanent modifications.

Kenyan youth get training for war in Somalia

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:42 Special to the NNPA from GIN

(GIN) – Kenyan officials have confirmed that Kenyan youth of Somali origin are secretly being recruited and trained to fight on behalf of the Transitional Federation Government of Somalia, in another sign of the regionalization of troubles in the African Horn.

Walmart line cutting case ends with misdemeanor guilty plea

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:32 Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

(NNPA) - A woman who faced up to 15 years in jail for an altercation which began when she allegedly cut the line at a Missouri Walmart has pled guilty to misdemeanor charges. Heather Ellis went on trial November 18, for two felony charges of assault in Kennett, Mo. But just a few hours after the case went to the jury on November 20, Ellis accepted a plea deal.

Anti-war heroine Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) discusses Afghanistan

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:23 Kathleen Wells, Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune

(NNPA) - US Rep. Barbara Lee, D-CA, gained international acclaim for being the only member in Congress who courageously and extraordinarily voted against the authorization of the use of force following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Former Minnesota resident US helps Okwa Omot get out of prison in Ethiopia

Monday, 23 November 2009 15:23 Douglas McGill, The McGill Report

Okwa Omot is now sleeping safely in a warm bed at his home in Washington, D.C. That is something of a miracle considering that only two week ago – and for 107 days before that – he was sleeping on freezing cold concrete floors in Ethiopian prisons, accused of treason and threatened with execution.

To honor the Great American Smokeout and Lung Cancer Awareness Month, smokers quit for a Day for Life

Thursday, 19 November 2009 16:18 the National Cancer Institute, NNPA Special Commentary

(NNPA) - Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The death toll from smoking exceeds that from HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, motor vehicle collisions, suicide, and even homicide. In fact, 90 percent of lung cancers, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, are caused by tobacco. Unfortunately lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among African American men and women. Mortality rates for lung cancer are highest among African American males.

Superintendent candidates narrowed to three

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:50

The Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education narrowed the field of candidates for the next superintendent to the following three individuals who will be introduced to the SPPS staff, families and community at day-long visits this week:

Obama: America just two steps away from health insurance reform

Friday, 13 November 2009 16:52 Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - When the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, banged the gavel and declared, "The bill is passed,” health care reform that President Obama and Democratic leaders have pushed for so fervently over the past year came one step closer to reality on Saturday, November 7. The Senate is next.