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: National News
Posted inHealth
US has 800 measles cases and outbreaks in several states. Here’s what you should know
As of April 18, the U.S. has reported 800 measles cases — more than double the total from all of 2024 — with Texas leading the surge amid a large outbreak that has caused two child deaths and spread to several other states. Health officials are concerned the virus, which is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination, could continue to spread in communities with low immunization rates.
Posted inNational News
Not all debt is created equal: Understanding the difference between good and bad debt
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Debt is often treated as a bad word though taking out loans and swiping credit cards is commonplace and unavoidable for most households across the country. However, not all debt is “bad” debt. At times, taking on debt may be a necessary stepping stone in achieving a financial goal. The […]
Posted inHealth
Seven cities win $600K in grants to boost nutrition and community health
By African American Mayors Association More than half a million dollars was awarded to seven cities to promote nutrition access, affordability and education. The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), in partnership with American Beverage, today named seven cities with African American mayors as recipients of […]
Posted inNational News
NY prison guards beat an inmate to death then tried to cover it up, prosecutors say
Ten New York prison guards have been charged, including two with murder, in the fatal beating of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility, with allegations of assault, evidence tampering, and a coordinated cover-up. This marks the second group indictment for a prison death in the state this year, as investigations reveal systemic misconduct and lack of accountability during a period of staffing unrest.
Posted inNational News
West Point graduate becomes first woman to compete in grueling Army Ranger contest
First Lt. Gabrielle White became the first female Army Ranger to compete in the prestigious Best Ranger Competition, finishing 14th out of 52 teams alongside her teammate, Capt. Seth Deltenre. Despite the historic milestone, the Army has chosen not to publicly highlight her achievement due to current Department of Defense restrictions on promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Posted inNational News
Students at Florida State gather at memorials, prepare to retrieve belongings after deadly shooting
A shooting near Florida State University’s student union left two men dead and six others injured after a 20-year-old student, Phoenix Ikner, opened fire with a handgun he obtained from his mother, a sheriff’s deputy. The tragedy shocked the campus and reignited debate over gun access, prompting vigils, memorials and the cancellation of university events.
Posted inNational News
Lawyers file wrongful death notice against Idaho city for family of autistic boy shot by police
A California law firm has notified the city of Pocatello, Idaho, of its intent to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old autistic and nonverbal boy who was fatally shot by four police officers after being found holding a kitchen knife in a fenced yard. The claim alleges excessive force and emotional distress, with the family’s attorney asserting the officers unjustifiably opened fire despite Perez not posing a threat.
Posted inHealth
Federal legislation aimed at reform highlighted during Black Maternal Health Week
Lawmakers acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week and highlight top legislation from the 119th Congress that aim to improve maternal health care in America. U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) expressed concern over federal restructuring efforts and affirmed her commitment to expanding access to care for pregnant women.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Three car buying mistakes that can cost you more than you think
Many car buyers focus on the sticker price but overlook key ownership costs like insurance, maintenance and taxes, which can add thousands to their total expenses. To avoid financial surprises, it’s essential to research insurance quotes, expected repair costs and additional fees before purchasing a vehicle.
Posted inNational News
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network launch boycott of PepsiCo
At the 2025 National Action Network Convention, Rev. Al Sharpton announced a national boycott of PepsiCo in response to the company’s rollback of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, urging Black Americans to wield their economic power as a form of protest. He also unveiled digital tools and plans for an Aug. 28 March on Wall Street to amplify economic justice efforts and hold corporations accountable.
Posted inHealth
Black babies are still dying—and America let it happen
A new study spanning 70 years of U.S. mortality data reveals that Black children have consistently faced significantly higher death rates than White children, with racial disparities in survival worsening despite medical advances. Researchers attribute nearly 690,000 preventable Black childhood deaths to systemic racism and structural inequities, calling the findings a national crisis demanding urgent policy reform.
