Delrawn Small’s family has lived through an acquittal, a lawsuit settlement, and years of waiting for a promised NYPD hearing that never happened. They say his name is often missing from conversations about police accountability. capitalbnews.org/delrawn-smal...

Delrawn Small’s Family Still Seeks Accountability 9 Years After NYPD Killing

Officer Wayne Isaacs was acquitted on murder and manslaughter charges in 2016.

capitalbnews.org

Nicki Minaj’s recent appearance at a conservative political conference has fueled online speculation about her political turn — and raised new questions about who benefits from presidential clemency under Trump’s second term.

Five years after Casey Goodson was killed by a Franklin County deputy, the former officer plans to raise a stand-your-ground self-defense claim in his second trial. Jury selection begins Jan. 26, 2026. capitalbnews.org/casey-goodso...

5 Years After Casey Goodson’s Death in Ohio, His Family Faces a New Legal Hurdle

The 23-year-old was shot five times in the back by a former Franklin County sheriff's deputy.

capitalbnews.org

In Thursday's @capitalb.bsky.social “Everything’s Political” newsletter, I’m filing in for my colleague @brandontensley.bsky.social to break down the DOJ’s new rule — announced Tuesday — that blocks many anti-discrimination lawsuits against government-funded agencies from moving forward.

🚨 Update with new details: Jada Johnson's family said on Monday they’re planning their appeal. capitalbnews.org/jada-johnson...

After 17 Police Bullets Killed This N.C. Mom, a Judge Has Dismissed Her Family’s Case

Within 30 minutes, Jada Elizabeth Johnson was shot and killed by a Fayetteville officer.

capitalbnews.org

After five years of searching, the masked suspect accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican national committee locations in Washington, D.C., has been identified as Brian J. Cole Jr. Here’s what we know: capitalbnews.org/jan-6-pipe-b...

Virginia Man Accused of Planting Pipe Bombs Before Jan. 6 Faces Federal Charges

If convicted, Brian J. Cole Jr. could spend up to 20 years in federal prison.

capitalbnews.org

Another attempt to indict NY AG Tish James for mortgage fraud in Virginia failed on Thurs. when a VA grand jury declined to refile the criminal case. James said in a statement on Thurs. that “it is time for this unchecked weaponization of our justice system to stop.” capitalbnews.org/tish-james-t...

Grand Jury Declines to Reindict N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James

Experts warn of the growing target of Black women in public office after President Donald Trump’s first administration set the groundwork.

capitalbnews.org

A federal judge dismisses the excessive-force, wrongful-death lawsuit in the case of 22-year-old Jada Johnson, who was shot 17 times in her grandfather’s living room. Prosecutors never charged the officer. Her family continues to fight for justice. capitalbnews.org/jada-johnson...

After 17 Police Bullets Killed This N.C. Mom, a Judge Has Dismissed Her Family’s Case

Within 30 minutes, Jada Elizabeth Johnson was shot and killed by a Fayetteville officer.

capitalbnews.org

Journalism is facing real headwinds — but @capitalb.bsky.social isn’t slowing down. As we approach year four, I’m proud to stand with a team committed to reporting that matters. Right now, every end-of-year donation is matched, doubling your impact: capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...

Join | Capital B

Capital B is supported by people like you. Support Capital B today.

capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org

A federal judge has dismissed the criminal case against NY Attorney General Tish James, ruling the prosecutor’s appointment unconstitutional. James calls the decision a “victory” — and vows to stay “fearless” in the face of what she says is political retaliation. capitalbnews.org/tish-james-t...

Judge Dismisses Charges Against N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James

Experts warn of the growing target of Black women in public office after President Donald Trump’s first administration set the groundwork.

capitalbnews.org

Ta’Kiya Young was 21. A mom of two little boys. Pregnant with a daughter she never got to meet. Today, the officer who shot and killed her was acquitted of all charges. Her grandmother wept in court: “It’s not right.”

When the money dries up, the work doesn’t stop. Across the country, groups like Alliance for Safety and Justice’s Scaling Safety initiative, and leaders like Sharon Brown in Jackson, MS, are proving that true public safety starts with the community — not bigger policing budgets.

Update: As of 2025, 13 states have enacted Clean Slate laws, extending eligibility to over 5 million Black Americans to have their records cleared. Click the link to learn more about Clean Slate law initiatives: capitalbnews.org/clean-slate-...

Your Permanent Record Really Stays With You Unless ‘Clean Slate’ Legislation Passes

In the 13 states with clean slate legislation, over 5 million Black adults are eligible to clear their entire records, according to research by the Clean Slate Initiative.

capitalbnews.org

An update from one of Rev. Jesse Jackson's longtime friend, S. Todd Yeary: capitalbnews.org/rev-jesse-ja...

Jesse Jackson's Health Struggles Highlight the Impact of His Civil Rights Leadership

The 84-year-old recovered from two bouts of COVID in 2021 and 2023 while battling a neurodegenerative disorder.

capitalbnews.org

Before Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, there was the Rev. Jesse Jackson. His push for proportional representation changed how Democrats nominate presidents — and helped open doors for the leaders who followed. Click the link for more: capitalbnews.org/rev-jesse-ja...

Family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Asks For Prayers as the Pioneer Is Hospitalized

The 84-year-old recovered from two bouts of COVID in 2021 and 2023 while battling a neurodegenerative disorder.

capitalbnews.org

Former DOJ prosecutors say the agency that once protected Black communities now works against them. “It's a sobering experience to compare the Justice Department of today, from what we were hoping it to be,” one told Capital B.

In Saturday’s @capitalb.bsky.social newsletter, I wrote about two Black women at the center of a Virginia school shooting case — Deja Taylor, the mother of the 6-year-old who shot his teacher, and Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal now facing eight felony child abuse charges.

Newsletters

We write the untold stories of Black America. Sign up now for Capital B's national, Atlanta, Gary and Everything's Politics newsletter emails.

capitalbnews.org

“I thought I would die.” A former Virginia teacher was shot by her 6-year-old student in 2023. A jury has now awarded her $10 million — but the case continues to raise questions about who’s held responsible when tragedy strikes. Click the link to find out more: capitalbnews.org/virginia-mom...

A Son Shot His Teacher. His Mother’s Prison Sentence Raises Questions.

As the administrator awaits trial, the child’s mother remains in prison until May 2026.

capitalbnews.org

Black Lives Matter isn’t one organization. Some chapters split off, while the DOJ investigates how millions in donations were spent, according to the Associated Press. Click the link about the movement’s complicated history: capitalbnews.org/black-lives-...

Black Lives Matter Facing Financial Scrutiny — Again

Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation Inc. denies in a statement to Capital B that there is a federal investigation.

capitalbnews.org

A Peoria County, Illinois, jury has found former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson guilty in the killing of 36-year-old Sonya Massey.

Jury deliberations are expected to begin today for Sean Grayson, the former Illinois officer on trial for killing Sonya Massey. The jury will deliberate first-degree murder charges with instructions for second-degree murder to consider.

🚨UPDATE! A juror’s letter. A family’s last hope. A clemency system few understand. After serving 31 years of a 240-year sentence, Kofi Modibo Ajabu will appear before the Indiana Parole Board next week, seeking a rare act of mercy. Click the link for more: capitalbnews.org/clemency-kof...

Indiana Man Seeks Clemency With Help From Jury Foreperson

Kofi Modibo Ajabu has served three decades of his 240-year sentence. His family and supporters say that is long enough.

capitalbnews.org

Letitia James. Fani Willis. Lisa Cook. Marilyn Mosby. Different roles. Same pattern. Black women professionals are being targeted in a wave of legal, political, and institutional retaliation. Here’s what’s happening — and why it matters: capitalbnews.org/trump-target...

From Fani Willis to Letitia James, Trump’s Enemies List Targets Black Women Prosecutors

The president's first administration set the groundwork for federal investigations against Black women leaders.

capitalbnews.org

Britt White did 5 years for marijuana. Bryan Reid watched from prison as Virginia legalized the plant that put him there. Now, as cannabis becomes big business, they're asking: Who really benefits? 🔗 capitalbnews.org/marijuana-po...

Cannabis Convictions Still Haunt Black Families. This Nonprofit Offers a Lifeline.

The Last Prisoner Project provides grants to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals strictly with cannabis convictions.

capitalbnews.org

4 attorneys general. 5 cities. National Guard troops are being deployed in Trump’s continued immigration and what he calls a crime crackdown. We break down what’s happening — and who’s being targeted. Click the link for more: capitalbnews.org/trump-nation...

A City-by-City Breakdown of Trump’s Immigration Raids and Troop Deployments

The Trump administration has deployed federal troops into four cities, and there are no signs of a slowdown.

capitalbnews.org

Two weeks ago, I went to Chicago, where I spoke with Black residents about concerns over a possible federal takeover. Reporting like this — centered in community — is only possible with your support. Help @capitalb.bsky.social keep going: 🔗 capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...

Join | Capital B

Capital B is supported by people like you. Support Capital B today.

capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org

Black Chicagoans are divided on how to respond to Trump’s renewed immigration crackdowns. Some see echoes of overpolicing in their own communities. Others say: “It’s not us against them.” Here's what’s happening when I went on the ground to Chicago last week: capitalbnews.org/trump-ice-ra...

Chicago’s Black Immigrants Face New Wave of ICE Arrests and Uncertainty

Nearly 70,000 immigrants from African countries live in the city, making up 5.2% of the population according to 2023 U.S. Census data.

capitalbnews.org

“I should have gotten it.” After surviving a brutal attack, Yolanda Carter was left with permanent injuries — and zero financial help from Illinois’ victim compensation fund. Here's why the system is failing survivors: capitalbnews.org/crime-surviv...

She Nearly Died in a Domestic Violence Attack. Illinois Denied Her Victim Compensation.

Advocates are challenging compensation rules that leave Black and brown survivors behind.

capitalbnews.org

Remember Newbern, Alabama — the rural town where a Black man was blocked from serving as mayor and where elections had never been held? Today, voters are making history as they cast ballots in the town’s first-ever municipal election. NEW: capitalbnews.org/newbern-alab...

Black Mayor in Rural Alabama Once Denied His Seat Faces Opponent

For the first time in the majority-Black town’s history, residents on Tuesday get to participate directly in the democratic process.

capitalbnews.org

Hey y’all hey! Quick 🧵🚨 The federal takeover of D.C.’s government has been kicked up a notch with President Trump’s executive order that threatens to take away funds from the district if it doesn’t end its cashless bail policy.