News

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.

Saint Paul Public Schools Board Member resigns early

Wednesday, 11 November 2009 15:35

Tom Goldstein, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Board of Education Director, today resigned from the Board of Education effective Nov. 11, 2009. Given the critical superintendent decision facing the Board this month, the SPPS Board plans to act on the appointment of Board Member Elect Jean O'Connell to fill the remainder of Mr. Goldstein's term to so she can fully participate in superintendent selection process. On. Nov. 11, the Board also plans to act on the early appointment of Board Member Elect Vallay Varro.

New website gives Black youth a voice

Tuesday, 10 November 2009 17:15

(Chicago, IL—November 10, 2009) The Black Youth Project (BYP) announced today the launch of its new website — blackyouthproject.com — to provide a place on the web where young black people can speak for themselves. This first-of-its kind online resource explores the attitudes, actions and decision making of black youth by including their lives, ideas and voices. The purpose of the BYP website is to generate new media information, blogs, art, conversations, webinars, data, research, policies and movements that will expand the human and social capital of young black youth, facilitating their empowerment through highlighting their voices and experiences.

International gospel legend donates in-kind gift worth $6 million to Tennessee State University

Monday, 09 November 2009 16:05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dr. Bobby Jones, international gospel music singer and alumnus of Tennessee State University (TSU), has donated an in-kind gift worth $6 million to the university. To celebrate its appreciation, the university held a tribute to Dr. Jones on Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on TSU’s main campus.

Ellison extends homebuyer credit unemployment benefits to boost economy

Thursday, 05 November 2009 17:04

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-5th District) voted for H.R. 3548 - the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 which passed the House today. The legislation now awaits President Obama’s signature to become law.

Benjamin confirmed as Surgeon General

Thursday, 05 November 2009 16:01 Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Dr. Regina Benjamin was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 29 as the next U.S. surgeon general, making the Black Alabama physician the nation’s top doctor.