Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died on April 21 at age 88, leaving behind a transformative yet polarizing legacy marked by his humility, compassion for the marginalized, and progressive reforms that challenged conservative Catholic traditions. While he inspired many with his focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a “poor church for the poor,” his papacy also stirred controversy over his approach to sexual abuse scandals, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and church doctrine.
Category: !Front Page National News
One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen remembers struggle for recognition amid 47th president’s diversity purge
By Mead Gruver and Thomas PeipertThe Associated Press AURORA, Colo. (AP) — With members of a trailblazing Black Air Force unit passing away at advanced ages, efforts to remain true to their memory carry on despite sometimes confusing orders from President Donald Trump as he purges federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Col. James H. […]
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus condemn U.S. president’s address in joint session of Congress as ‘misleading’ and ‘divisive’
President Trump’s 2025 address before a joint session of Congress was criticized by Democratic lawmakers as a misleading, hyper-partisan speech that ignored the struggles of everyday Americans and failed to offer concrete solutions to lower costs for working families.
White House suspends chief education data commissioner
Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, has been placed on administrative leave, potentially disrupting the collection of data that exposes racial disparities in the nation’s K-12 schools.
24-hour marathon livestream launched as counterpoint to 47th president’s State of the Union
The “State of the People” town hall, hosted by Joy Reid and featuring various civil rights leaders and national advocates, will provide a 24-hour alternative to the expected State of the Union address, focusing on the truth and offering solutions for the nation’s challenges.
Presidents Day: Reflections from former Carter Center staff members
By Dana M. Peck, AFRO Digital Solutions Director This Presidents Day, the AFRO reflects on the legacy left behind by President Jimmy Carter. Known for his humanitarian efforts, Carter touched countless lives– including some right here at the AFRO. Dana M. Peck, Health Programs Senior Business Manager, 1997-2003; Consultant, 2008-2020 In 1985, my mom bought […]
Philadelphia plane crash causes fiery scene with multiple homes ablaze
A small plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia, causing a fire and damage to surrounding residential homes, with one person sitting at home describing it as feeling like a mini earthquake and a “mini attack.”
Justice Department says it has fired employees involved in prosecutions of the president
The Justice Department has fired more than a dozen employees who worked on criminal prosecutions of President Donald Trump, signaling an early willingness to take action favorable to the president’s personal interests.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon dies at 104
Retired US Army Nurse Corps Major Nancy Leftenant-Colon, who was the first Black woman to join the US Army Nurse Corps after the military was desegregated in the 1940s, has died at the age of 104.
22 states sue to stop executive order blocking birthright citizenship
Attorneys general from 22 states have sued to block President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, a constitutional right that guarantees that U.S.-born children are citizens regardless of their parents’ status.
A tale of two cities: Nation’s capital divided on Martin Luther King Day 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy was honored at the National Action Network’s MLK Day rally in Washington, D.C., while the inauguration of President Donald Trump’s successor took place, highlighting the ongoing divide in America.
Bernice King urges people to focus on her father’s teachings in 2025
Bernice King, daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., is urging people to truly focus on his teachings and work throughout the coming year, rather than just quoting him or celebrating for a day, in the lead up to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

