A federal bankruptcy judge said he will approve Purdue Pharma’s revised $7 billion opioid settlement, a deal that would require the Sackler family to give up ownership of the company and contribute billions to governments and victims. The ruling could close a major chapter in nationwide litigation over an opioid crisis tied to more than 900,000 U.S. deaths since 1999.
Category: NEWS
Posted inNational News
Chicago civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized for rare neurological disorder
Prayers are pouring in from across the country for civil rights giant Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is currently hospitalized and fighting progressive supranuclear palsy
Posted inDMV News
Celebrating 50 years of greatness: VSU Class of 1976 comes together to mix, mingle and network
By Evelyn CarterSpecial to the AFRO On Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. Trojan supporters gathered at the Delta of Marriott Hotel in Colonial Heights, Va., to honor the distinguished achievements of the Class of 1976. The event aimed to foster excitement for the upcoming Golden Reunion, scheduled for May 2026. Registration commenced at 6:30 […]
Posted inHealth
Only 5 percent of U.S. doctors are Black– Howard alumni are working to change that
Only 5.2 percent of U.S. physicians are Black, despite African Americans making up nearly 14 percent of the population. The Howard University Medical Alumni Association is working to close this gap through its Need More Black Doctors campaign, providing scholarships, emergency grants and mentorship to aspiring Black physicians.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Early educator pay fund faces cuts amid D.C. budget shortfall
Childcare advocates are warning that D.C.’s early learning system could face a major setback after the D.C. Council voted to reduce salary minimums for educators supported by the city’s Pay Equity Fund. Lawmakers said the change was necessary to sustain the program after Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to provide additional funding amid ongoing budget challenges
Posted inU.S. Government
House passes bill to end historic government shutdown, sending measure to Oval Office
The House of Representatives voted 222–209 to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, sending the bill to the Oval Office after 43 days of halted services, unpaid workers, and widespread economic strain. The compromise measure funds several government departments through January but leaves unresolved partisan battles over health care tax credits that Democrats had sought to extend.
Posted inNational News
Dr. Benjamin Chavis celebrated as ‘Father’ of the environmental justice movement
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, was honored as the “Father of the Environmental Justice Movement” at the Mississippi Statewide Environmental Climate Justice Summit. Recognized for his groundbreaking 1987 study “Toxic Waste and Race” and his leadership during the 1982 Warren County protests, Chavis was celebrated for linking environmental issues to civil rights and inspiring global climate activism.
Posted inHealth
A look at Congresswoman Underwood’s maternal health push to ‘change lives for generations’
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has launched Lifting Up All Families (LUAF), a new organization focused on improving maternal health through equity-driven policy and community partnerships. LUAF addresses the social and systemic barriers many mothers face, especially Black women and veterans. Grounded in real stories and supported by legislation like the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, LUAF aims to ensure every mother receives the care and respect she deserves.
Posted inHealth
Empowering Black women in health: SHE’s mission for change
Baltimore-based Shaping Health Equity (SHE), founded by Tanya Myers and Ashley Price in 2020, empowers Black women and girls to navigate the health care system and advocate for themselves. The organization provides educational workshops, referrals to vetted providers and storytelling opportunities to address gaps in culturally responsive care and systemic inequities.
Posted inBaltimore News
CLLCTIVLY’s Martin fellowship builds a regenerative network for Baltimore’s upliftment
A new generation of Black social innovators is reshaping Baltimore’s future through the Drs. Elmer & Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship, a six-month program by CLLCTIVLY that nurtures collaboration, cultural leadership and community wealth across the city’s arts, education, health and technology sectors.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Christopher Albert named D.C. Teacher of the Year
By Chianti MarksAFRO Interns D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced Christopher Albert as the District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Bowser called it one of her favorite annual celebrations. “It is an incredible experience to hear an auditorium of students erupt in cheers when their teacher is announced and to see the other educators just […]
Posted inMaryland News
Md. Public Defender hosts discussion on criminal justice and child well-being
The Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue hosted a panel on child well-being and juvenile justice reform, emphasizing prevention over punishment. Panelists highlighted racial disparities, science-based solutions and culturally sensitive programs to support and empower youth.