News

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.

Gun buy-back program aims to make MN streets safer

Thursday, 05 November 2009 15:36 Laura Thornquist

Last year, 109 people in Minnesota died by the trigger of someone else's gun, according to the state Department of Safety. Public safety groups have joined forces and organized a gun buy-back day in an effort to get guns off the street. Anyone turning in a firearm will receive gift cards: $100 for automatic guns and $50 for revolvers - with no questions asked.

Minneapolis election results

Thursday, 05 November 2009 15:33

City of Minneapolis: Mayor - 1st Choice Precincts reporting 100.0% Candidate Votes Vote% R.T. Rybak 33,220 73.6% Papa John Kolstad 4,949 11.0% Al Flowers 1,783 4.0% Dick Franson 1,569 3.5% Christopher Clark 1,340 3.0% Tom Fiske 655 1.5% Joey Lombard 439 1.0% James R. Everett 354 0.8% Bill McGaughey 230 0.5% Bob Carney, Jr. 229 0.5% Write-In 215 0.5% John Charles Wilson 134 0.3%

D.C. Sniper execution slated for Nov. 10

Tuesday, 03 November 2009 14:48 Dorothy Rowley, Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - It was around this time seven years ago that the Washington, D.C., area was gripped with terrorizing fear. In October 2002, John Allen Muhammad, known as the Beltway Sniper, and his teenage accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo, embarked on a deadly shooting spree. And when it was over, 10 people had been killed.

Ellison announces special payments for service members who served under Stop Loss Orders

Friday, 30 October 2009 15:39

Washington, D.C. – US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) announced that special payments are now available to over 185,000 service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001, providing $500 for every month they were held under stop-loss orders. Congress established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted this summer.

NNPA chairman confronts GM and Ford for lack of Black ads

Thursday, 29 October 2009 15:51 Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - It is estimated by the Chicago-based research firm, Target Market News, that African American consumers will have spent $2.8 billion on new General Motors cars in this year alone.