Black Headline News

FAMU students not happy with secret agreement between their college and ICE without prior notification.Ryan Coogler's 2025 movie, Sinners, wins four Oscar, along with other Academy Award winners and historical firsts on his production team.Savannah, Georgia has a first, Black Ms. St. Patrick's Day.The special election to fill former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacant House seat in Georgia's solidly red 14th Congressional District is headed to a runoff next month.Nearly 40% of nonorganic fruits and vegetables grown in California contain traces of pesticides that are also PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” according to a new investigation. 

TSA workers not paid due to partial government shutdown causes shortage and long lines at airports.Dudley Najieb, Cheryl Smith and Brigitte Jones, the news hosts discuss breaking news, how TSA and The Department of Homeland Security workers are not getting paid due to the partial government shutdown, nine tornadoes hit several states, and "End Times" talk from commanders regarding the Iran war is problematic and a primary election results review ...Two shutdowns of the U.S. federal government have occurred in 2026, both arising from disputes in Congress about reforms to federal immigration enforcement after the killing of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.The first shutdown lasted four days from January 31 to February 3, affecting about half of the departments of the federal government; it was caused by delays in approving a funding package that would allow time for reform negotiations. The second began on February 14 due to a lack of progress in the reform negotiations and only affects the Department of Homeland Security.Nine TornadoesThe Heartland is reeling after a catastrophic outbreak of tornadoes claimed at least eight lives, leaving a trail of splintered homes and shattered communities in its wake on Thursday and Friday."End-Times" war with Iran?The Military Religious Freedom Foundation reports receiving more than 100 complaints from U.S. service members alleging that some commanders have framed current military operations in Iran in terms of Christian end-times prophecy, namely God’s plan for Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus.Landon Schnabel, associate professor of sociology at Cornell University who studies religion and social change, says that the use of such apocalyptic language by commanders reflects a climate shaped from the top down. Gas is upGas prices surged across Southern California this week, with the statewide average climbing above $5 per gallon and some drivers encountering prices more than $8 at the pump.The national average has risen nearly 50 cents a gallon in the week since the war in Iran began, according to AAA. The organization said prices were already trending upward with typical seasonal patterns when the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran drove oil prices higher.Spotlight: The Honorable Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968 and later became the first Black woman to run for President of the United States in 1972. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” reflected her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.Legacy: Chisholm broke barriers in politics, inspiring countless Black women to pursue leadership roles.Eight of the nation’s HBCUs reside in South Carolina. These institutions have made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy. According to UNCF, South Carolina’s HBCUs produce 4,985 jobs and $5.2 billion in lifetime earnings. Take a look at the following list of South Carolina HBCUs and what they offer...Elections and Politics: Arkansas, Texas and North Carolina primary election results are in ...

In this episode of the Black Headline News Talk Radio Show, with host, Julia Dudley Najieb, Cheryl Smith and Brigitte Jones, special guest, Kendra Noel Lewis, chair of the California Democratic Party Black Caucus, reveals the current state of the California political landscape and its powerful Black vote.As Governor Gavin Newsom proceeds on his book tour in key states in the South and throughout the nation, the show hosts and guests point out the major challenges in the state of California, from unemployment of Black Californians, state-government contract barriers to the the expense of living in  California.

On February 24, 2026, President Donald J. Trump gave his US State of the Union Speech; unfortunately, there were more inconsistencies in the information presented than what was factual. Listen to a review of key statements made during the speech that may have been exaggerated misrepresented, true or completely false during the speech.

The show is hosted by news publishers Cheryl Smith, Julia Dudley Najieb, and Brigitte Jones.BREAKING: (FOX) Labor Department deploys ‘strike team’ to California over $21B unemployment debt, fraud concerns: The Labor Department deployed a "strike team" to California to address federal findings of improper payments and alleged fraud within the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) program.California has been found to have a depleted UI trust fund, along with $21 billion in borrowed federal funds to keep the system running, which federal officials say has led state employers to pay higher UI taxes to repay the debt.Also, news hosts give their final reflections on the late civil rights leader, Jesse Jackson as they discuss President Donald J. Trump also giving his remarks regarding the deceased community activist.(EdSource) Meanwhile, California State University campuses are among those that have pledged to sever ties with organizations that help people of color under pressure from the Trump administration, an investigation by the Washington Post has found, according to EdSource.Black History Month Spotlight: HBCU marching bands go through quite a bit of preparation for their performances. Here is a backstage look at Howard University's marching band preparing for a big show.Elections & Politics: (NPR) Fewer congressional contests are expected to be competitive this fall, compared with past election cycles, and experts say the extraordinary mid-decade redistricting efforts initiated by President Trump are largely to blame, surmised from The Cook Political Report.(CBS News.) Longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is facing the fight of his political life, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Houston Rep. Wesley Hunt, both challenging him for the GOP nomination.The most recent polling from the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs showed Paxton with 38% support, Cornyn at 31%, Hunt with 17% and 12% undecided. The Real Clear Politics average of polls between December 1 and February 3 gives Paxton a two-point lead.If no candidate gets a majority, as is widely expected, the race will end up in a runoff on May 26th. Watch the last part of the documentary, "Nanoplastics: Threat to Life."

The show is hosted by news publishers Cheryl Smith, Julia Dudley Najieb, and Brigitte Jones.BREAKING: Starting with a tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, this episode covers: Is the SAVE America Act the new 'Jim Crow 2.0'? DHS Shutdown begins ... redistricting scheme backfiring ...Black History Month Spotlight: In 2022, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's HOPE Crew (Hands-On Preservation Experience; http://www.savingplaces.org/hope-crew) program in partnership with the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (http://www.savingplaces.org/action-fund) presented a 6-month paid fellowship to students studying at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs; http://www.savingplaces.org/hbcus): Florida A&M University, Prairie View A&M University, and Tuskegee University. To share the impact of the digital documentation fellowship and the way in which it has encouraged and supported the integration of historic preservation at HBCUs, HOPE Crew, in partnership with the Action Fund produced a documentary featuring the five students from the cohort.Election & Politics: (FOX News) Democratic lawmakers say President Donald Trump’s redistricting gambit is backfiring as Virginia’s Democratic-controlled Senate advanced new congressional maps that could chip away at the House GOP's majority.(NBC News) While some state lawmakers have been able to redraw congressional maps through legislation, Virginia's constitution mandates that a bipartisan redistricting commission handles the process. After several Republican-controlled states enacted new maps, Virginia Democrats began the complicated effort of amending the constitution to allow them to respond with redrawn district lines.(SCOTUSblog) California’s path to the enactment of its new map was slightly more complicated than in Texas. The California Legislature adopted the new map in August, but under the state constitution an independent redistricting commission – rather than the Legislature – normally has the power to redistrict. The legislation adopting the new map therefore proposed a ballot initiative, known as Proposition 50, that would amend the constitution to allow the use of the new map from 2026 through 2030. By a roughly two-to-one margin, the state’s voters approved the initiative in a special election on Nov. 4.

In this episode:  Julia Dudley Najieb and Cherly Smith start with the breaking news regarding the Obamas being depicted as apes in President Trump's delete Truth Social post.  The other breaking news deals with the Apple Music Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show featuring Bad Bunny controversy over his all-Spanish speaking performance.Black History Month Spotlight:  Black colleges in Atlanta, GAElections:  Trump calls to nationalize elections: federal judges orders Fulton County Georgia election case unsealed by an immediate dateIn the final hour:  Explore with BHN Talk Radio top scientists from throughout the world the threat of nanoplastic and how it is adversely affecting humanity and the living environment.

BREAKING:  Independent journalist Georgia Fort, former CNN anchor Don Lemon, and activists Trahern Crews and Jamael Lundy, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi were arrested at the end of January concerning a protest at a church location.Black History Month Spotlight: HBCUs in Nashville, TN Election & Politics: Texas upset from special election could interfere with bigger plans in the Senate for Republicans: Democrat Taylor Rehmet pulled an upset in a Fort Worth-area district, beating Republican Leigh Wambsganss 57%-43% in a runoff election in a solidly Republican district.Listen to movie excerpt, "Nanoplastics: Threat to Life" part one.

In this episode of BHN Talk Radio, Julia Dudley Najieb, Brigitte Jones and Cheryl Smith start with the breaking news of the winter storm that affected millions of people throughout the United States; over 11,500 flights were cancelled.  The hosts then connected the conversation with Dr. John Ahn from the previous episode who talked about the reason for the boost in natural disasters.Other news items discussed:Death Penalty on the Rise Over the last year, eight states have enacted 20 bills regarding capital punishment. In 2025, 43 executions were carried out across 11 states—a sharp rise from the 25 executions in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.Philadelphia sues over Trump directive to remove slavery displays from historical site (CBS News)A series of informational signs about slavery was removed from the President's House in Old City Philadelphia, prompting Philadelphia officials to file a lawsuit against the federal government. Elaine Quijano has more.Spotlight: Ryan Coogler's movie Sinners nominated 16 times (NPR)This year, Ryan Coogler's brilliant vampire story Sinners bested that by two, landing 16 nominations.Feature Story:  The United States said Thursday that it had officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).  But WHO member states are not obliged to accept the US departure as legally binding until it pays up on some $260.6 million in dues owed for 2024- and 2025, WHO’s Director General contends in a report to WHO member states, published this week. Elections & Politics:  State primary dates for 2026 are listed below. Political parties use primaries to determine which candidates will run for their state’s partisan offices in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Legislative, congressional, gubernatorial and statewide offices are on the ballots in 46 states. 

This episode of the Black Headline News Talk Radio Show with news publisher hosts Julia Dudley Najieb, Brigitte Jones and Cheryl Smith features special guest, Dr. John Ahn.Dr. John Ahn, PhD, MBA, is a distinguished professional recognized for building pathways between cutting-edge research and commercial impact. With multidisciplinary expertise in chemistry, life sciences, engineering, and venture development, Dr. Ahn drives sustainable innovations by translating early-stage discoveries into scalable technologies that address pressing global challenges. He has an established record of launching startups, cultivating strategic partnerships, and commercializing breakthroughs across agriculture, biotechnology, chemicals, energy, and materials science.Dudley Najieb, Jones and Smith discuss the increasing amount of natural weather disasters nationwide and worldwide, followed by a deep discussion about micro and nanoplastics damaging our health, even while we sleep.National News HeadlinesGhana Helped U.S. Deport Migrants, and Now Its Own Citizens Are Shut Out“America is a bully that is never satisfied,” Oliver Barker-Vormawor said from Ghana.  The Trump administration’s new freeze on immigrant visas from 75 nations is the latest example, he added.  African nations make up a striking share of the 75 countries swept into the Trump administration’s new freeze on immigrant visas This Texas County Is the Deadliest Place in the U.S. for Black Mothers to Give BirthA recent study by local public health officials found that from 2016 to 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in Harris County was 83.4 per 100,000 live births — the highest in the nation. In 2020, the national rate for Black women was 55.3 per 100,000; for white women, it was 19.1.Groundbreaking Ceremony for the African American Holistic Resource CenterThe African American Holistic Resource Center (AAHRC) will focus on serving African American Berkeley residents, particularly people from South and West Berkeley neighborhoods, and those displaced from Berkeley who have been disproportionally impacted by racism and gentrification and would benefit from treatment and services provided in a culturally responsive and supportive way. AAHRC will be open to all, however the focus of the AAHRC will be to enhance strengthen, and validate African American/Black identity, cultural values, and traditions. AAHRC will support participants by using community-defined and culturally appropriate approaches and practices.Global News HeadlinesChaos at Africa Cup of Nations final after Senegal players walk off fieldThe Africa Cup of Nations final went to extra time after finishing 0-0 in a chaotic end that saw Senegal players walk off the field when host Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty.Senegal would go on to win the game 1-0 in extra time to lift their second AFCON title and second in five years after winning it in 2021.Floods kill more than 100 across southern Africa as rains intensifyTorrential rains have killed more than 100 people across Southern Africa, forcing mass evacuations and rescue operations as authorities warn that more destructive weather may still be to come.Weeks of heavy rainfall have battered South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, overwhelming rivers and infrastructure and leaving entire communities cut off. Weather services across the region have issued further alerts, raising fears of additional flooding.

Today's episode of Black Headline News Talk Radio Show: Hosted by news publishers Cheryl Smith, Julia Dudley Najieb, and Brigitte Jones, today's show includes the following topics: Fraud allegations blocked for nowNBC News: A federal judge ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot block federal money for child care subsidies and other programs aimed at supporting needy children and their families from flowing to five Democratic-led states for now.Fake degrees?TYT contributing show host Dr. Rashad Richey claims to have earned five doctorates and five master's degrees in ten areas of study, but citizen journalist, Cam James seems to prove otherwise, claiming that at least seven of these degrees come from diploma mills or non-existent programs.Exposing Rashad Richey (Part 1): The GOAT of Fake DegreesExposing Rashad Richey (Part 2): The Scam University & Fake Investigation FirmTYT’s Rashad Richey: Fake Degrees, Fake Lawyer, Real ScamAre we living the dream?Smith, Dudley Najieb and Jones give their commentary on where Black America stands today.Let's "stamp" for joy for Ali and Wheatley!Black Headline News: The U.S. Postal Service is honoring Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book, with the 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series.A famed coach gunned down is remembered:San Francisco Chronicles: John Beam's celebration of life brought out a wide range of luminaries with deep ties to Oakland.Among the speakers were Mayor Barbara Lee and Rep. Lateefah Simon. Among the familiar faces in the crowd were five-time Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch and nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, both proud Oakland natives.

The Black Headline News Talk Radio Show team hosted a special three-hour radio show broadcast to review the most influential news stories of the year: the government shutdown, the Department of Education shutdown, the redistricting battles, the Charlie Kirk memorializing controversy, and Black women candidates running for higher offices.Hosted by news publishers Cheryl Smith, Julia Dudley Najieb, and Brigitte Jones, encores of the show can be watched daily on the AMPTV Network of channels or listen to the audio version below. Starting Tuesday, January 13, 2026, new shows broadcast weekly at 4:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM CDT on Tuesdays, with repeats every Tuesday at the same time. Programming can also be accessed on CTV platforms Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and the Live 365 mobile radio app.

Learn about this week in America's Black History.

Learn about this week in America's Black History.

Breaking:  The NAACP, the nation's leading civil rights organization, announced its creation of the Black Consumer Advisory, The Advisory places emphasis on Black consumers' nearly $2 trillion in spending power, promoting informed spending decisions by providing the Black community with insight into who's promoting progress, and who's living in the past.During her February 13 Senate confirmation hearing, Trump nominee for education secretary Linda McMahon cast doubt on the future of Black history courses in American public schools, saying she’s “not quite certain” if Black history instruction would violate an executive order banning “critical race theory in the classroom." During Biden’s presidency, some right-wing media figures called for the end of Black history curriculum, with one Fox News personality calling it a “Trojan horse.”The Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria has decided to cancel its annual Christmas performance at D.C.’s Kennedy Center.The move follows President Donald Trump’s complaints that the programming at the Kennedy Center under its past board was too “woke.” The president has since overhauled the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, which voted to make him the chairman.Green Watch:  A 10-minute excerpt of the documentary, "The Anthropogenic Factor in the Ocean's Demise" is shown as well as a discussion about the documentary, "Water from Air:  The Path to Saving Humanity.Spotlight:  The 10th Annual African American History Parade and Symposium took over the streets of downtown Houston on Saturday. The event was organized by The Houston Sun Foundation during Black History Month.More News:  The Super Bowl halftime show sparks different reactions, one extreme to the other.  However, this reviewers does a detailed breakdown of the meaning of the performance.Feature:  Robin McElroy, a Morgan Park resident, has cherished her Chicago home since purchasing it in 2012. But now, she’s facing panic and frustration over a mix-up involving unpaid property taxes.Despite proof of consistent payments since 2012, McElory recently received a letter from the Cook County Circuit Court stating her home was sold for delinquent taxes, and she may owe three years of back rent to the buyer.

Learn about this week in America's Black History.

Breaking:  The Justice Department on Monday ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, arguing in a remarkable departure from long-standing norms that the case was interfering with the mayor’s ability to aid the president’s crackdown on illegal immigration.Green Watch:  A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck in the western Caribbean on Saturday night, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were cleared of the threat. The quake struck at 6:23 p.m. ET at a depth of about 6 miles below ground, about 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.Scientists have detected several thousand earthquakes, the vast majority of them with small magnitudes, in just over two weeks near Greece's volcanic island of Santorini, the University of Athens' crisis management committee said Tuesday, adding that a larger quake cannot be ruled out. The highly unusual barrage of earthquakes which began in late January has alarmed authorities. They have declared a state of emergency on Santorini, one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, deploying rescue crews with drones and a sniffer dog and putting coast guard and navy vessels on standby.Spotlight:  Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., professionally known as Irv Gotti or DJ Irv, was an American record producer. He co-founded the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, which was an imprint of Def Jam Recordings. More News:  Blaine and Diane Smith were hurt but unsurprised when a Georgia superior court judge ruled last week that a railroad company could seize their land, despite their refusal to sell.  For nearly two years, they have been fighting to stop Sandersville Railroad Co., a 130-year-old, white-owned business, from building a 4.5-mile rail spur through a historically Black neighborhood in rural Sparta. The company initiated eminent domain, which is a process that allows the government to seize private property for public use.Feature Story:  Here is a review of the pre-show, the game and the halftime show.

Learn about this week in America's Black History.

Learn about this week in America's Black History.