By John O’connor A jury was seated Oct. 20 in the murder trial of an Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey, a Black woman shot in her home last year after calling police for help. Opening statements took place on Oct. 22 in the case against Sean Grayson after a jury of 10 […]
Category: National News
Posted inHBCU
Shooting at a historically Black university’s homecoming fest in Pennsylvania kills 1 and wounds 6
A shooting during Lincoln University’s homecoming festivities late Oct. 25 left one person dead and six others wounded, turning a night of celebration into tragedy at the historically Black university in Pennsylvania. Authorities detained one person with a firearm and are investigating whether more than one shooter was involved. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the campus as state police and the FBI assist in the investigation.
Posted inEducation
Pell Grant cuts helped lower Black college enrollment, report says
A new report links cuts and inconsistencies in Pell Grant funding to a nearly half-million drop in Black college enrollment over the past decade, with Southern HBCUs hit hardest. Researchers urge federal and state leaders to stabilize Pell funding to ensure equitable access to higher education.
Posted inArts & Culture
Misty Copeland hangs up her pointe shoes after performing for adoring crowd at retirement show
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre’s 85-year history, performed her farewell show Oct. 22 at Lincoln Center, marking her retirement after 25 years with the company. Surrounded by family, colleagues and admirers including Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen, Copeland celebrated a career that broke racial barriers in classical ballet while pledging to continue advancing diversity through her foundation and advocacy work.
Posted inSports
NBA scandal: 34 people indicted in major illegal gambling and betting operation
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones are among 34 people indicted in a federal probe into an illegal gambling ring tied to Mafia families. Prosecutors say the trio used insider information and rigged poker games to profit, leading the NBA to place Billups and Rozier on indefinite leave.
Posted inWord In Black
USDA warns states about November SNAP benefits
By Jennifer Porter GoreWord in Black When Congress couldn’t agree on a budget to fund the government before Oct. 1, officials used some budget trickery to guarantee that the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would continue through the end of the month. But if Congress doesn’t pass a budget by Nov. 1, millions […]
Posted inNational News
Man pardoned after storming Capitol is charged with threatening to kill Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Christopher P. Moynihan, a New York man pardoned by the 47th president for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has been arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat after allegedly vowing to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries thanked law enforcement for their swift action, calling the threat “credible” and condemning the pardons that freed violent offenders.
Posted inBaltimore News
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
African American sorority makes history again with first chapter in Puerto Rico
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has chartered its first-ever chapter in Puerto Rico, marking the organization’s historic expansion into a Spanish-speaking Latin American region. The new Alpha Delta Nu Omega Chapter, based in San Juan, will continue the sorority’s mission of service by supporting women, children, and families across the island, beginning with projects addressing childhood hunger and disaster preparedness.
Posted inNational News
Millions march in ‘No Kings’ protests nationwide
By Mike Pesoli, Matt Brown and Gary Fields Large crowds of protesters marched and rallied in cities across the U.S. on Oct. 18, for “No Kings” demonstrations decrying what participants see as the government’s swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. People carrying signs with slogans such as “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” […]
Posted inPOLITICS
Corey Jackson endorses Proposition 50 to strengthen democratic processes and protect Black representation in California
By the office of Corey Jackson California State Assembly member Dr. Corey Jackson announced his strong support for Proposition 50, a measure designed to enhance the fairness of the redistricting process in California and oppose Republican efforts to undermine the democratic process. He joins the Legislative Black Caucus, the United Domestic Workers (UDW), the California […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Philadelphia police find human remains in search for missing Black woman
Philadelphia police have found human remains believed to be those of 23-year-old Kada Scott, who has been missing since Oct. 4, and have arrested 21-year-old Keon King in connection with her disappearance.
