News

Minneapolis City Council rejects Civil Rights Department cuts

Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:12 Lydia Schwartz, Contributing Writer

Monday evening, December 7, the Minneapolis City Council voted 7-6 in a motion led by Council Member Robert Lilligren (Ward 6) to strike down a controversial amendment to the 2010 General Appropriation Resolution. The amendment would have reappropriated funding for the next two years from the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights Complaint Investigation Division.

Uganda's anti-gay bill had U.S. Christian church support

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:37

(GIN) – A bill before the Ugandan parliament that would punish practicing homosexuals with life in prison—or, in some cases, death— was crafted with help from overseas conservative Christian leaders, according to local reports.

Somali rapper's wavin' flag picked for 2010 World Cup Games

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:36

(GIN) – Muslim rapper K’Naan's song, "Wavin' Flag", has been picked as the soundtrack for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - soccer's greatest spectacle - to take place next summer during June and July.

Africa is in the pot! says Nigerian activist

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 16:33

(GIN) – Author Nnimmo Bassey, one of many African environmental activists at the Copenhagen Climate Conference this week, challenged industrialized countries to pay the debt they owe to Africa – “not a gift, not a loan, not a grant, but a real debt,” he said, “to help Africa develop systems that would make it more resilient to the impacts of global warming, as well as helping Africa to adopt technologies that are more green, that are low carbon intensive.”

“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.