Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. This week, he speaks on the recent deaths of American citizens at the hands of federal agents.
Category: National News
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Howard U. students walk out of classes, join peaceful march against ICE’s deadly attacks on Americans
Hundreds of Howard University students walked out of classes on Jan. 30, 2026, marching to the White House to protest what they called the violent and inhumane actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers said the youth-led demonstration, joined by students from other campuses, was meant to defend immigrant communities and demand protection of civil rights.
Posted inNational News
Mayors gather in DC to discuss crime and policing
More than 250 mayors gathered in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 94th Winter Meeting to discuss public safety, housing, and crime reduction strategies. Leaders highlighted the strain on police officers and emphasized investing in communities, youth programs, and stable housing to lower violent crime.
Posted inNational News
Federal agents arrest journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort for reporting on Minnesota church protest
Federal agents have arrested veteran journalist Don Lemon and Minnesota-based reporter Georgia Fort in connection with their coverage of a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators challenged a pastor who also serves as a senior ICE official. The arrests have sparked widespread outrage from press freedom advocates and civil rights groups, who argue the charges represent a dangerous escalation in the federal government’s efforts to criminalize journalism amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement and protest.
Posted inNational News
A former Illinois deputy is sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey
Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a Black woman who had called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home.
Posted inNational News
The fire is out, scars remain: What Altadena residents want people to know a year after the Eaton Fire
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com A year after the Eaton Fire blew through 14,000 acres of the historically Black neighborhood of Altadena, Calif., the community is still processing collective trauma and fighting to keep its place in an ever-changing neighborhood that was already facing gentrification. Across the city, there are signs on front lawns that […]
Posted inNational News
Minnesota AG Ellison: ‘There is no risk-free way to stay free’ Â
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has called for an investigation into the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good at the hands of federal agents during immigration raids in Minneapolis, asserting that civil and human rights are often paid for in blood, sweat and tears.
Posted inNational News
Bovino set to leave Minneapolis as president reshuffles leadership of immigration crackdown
By Steve Karnowski and Mike Balsamo Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is expected to leave Minneapolis on Jan. 27, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the Trump administration reshuffles leadership of its immigration enforcement operation and scales back the federal presence after a second fatal shooting by federal officers. President Donald Trump […]
Posted inNational News
New tax law locks in gains for the rich, leaves Black households behind
Economists warn that the 47th president’s new tax law, now in effect as the 2026 filing season begins, entrenches economic inequality by delivering the largest benefits to the wealthiest Americans while raising taxes and cutting supports for low-income households. Analyses show Black families are disproportionately harmed, as the law expands tax breaks tied to wealth and inheritance while offering limited, often inaccessible relief to working-class and poor households.
Posted inU.S. Government
Deadline looms as Congress risks another shutdown
With federal funding set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 30, Congress is again on the brink of a government shutdown, just months after a prolonged lapse disrupted essential services and deepened hardship for families nationwide. As Republicans push a single sweeping funding vote, Democrats warn that no viable agreement exists, leaving negotiations stalled and the risk of another shutdown growing as the deadline approaches.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
National Guard troops to stay on Washington, D.C. streets through 2026
National Guard troops will be on the streets of Washington, D.C. until the end of 2026, according to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press, signed by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and dated Jan. 14.
Posted inBUSINESS
One year later, Target still reeling from boycotts
Nearly a year after Pastor Jamal Bryant’s Lenten fast against Target evolved into a nationwide boycott, the retailer is still feeling the financial fallout. Experts say the losses reflect years of weakening performance and a deeper erosion of consumer trust following Target’s rollback of its equity, diversity and inclusion commitments.