The Skanner

By The Skanner News | The Skanner News Published: 09 January 2026 August 29, 1934 — January 3, 2026 Johnny B. Newton, affectionately known to his friends and family as John or Johnny B, peacefully began his next great journey on January 3, 2026, leaving behind a blueprint for a life exceptionally well-lived. John was a man of gentle strength, unwavering discipline, and above all—immense heart for family.

Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Published: 06 January 2026 On the fifth anniversary of January 6, a date now fixed in the American conscience, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn returned to the moment that altered his life and the nation’s course. Appearing on “Let It Be Known,” Dunn spoke about the unforgettable day that’s shaped by time, pain, and resolve, revisiting what he has called the worst day of his life.

Associated Press Published: 06 January 2026 An Oregon cafe that takes orders in sign language has become a cherished space for the Deaf community, providing a unique gathering place as well as employment for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. American Sign Language, or ASL, is the primary language at Woodstock Cafe in Portland, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Non-ASL speakers can use a microphone that transcribes their order onto a screen.

MATTHEW LEE, AP Diplomatic Writer Published: 06 January 2026 The Trump administration has added seven countries, including five in Africa, to the list of nations whose passport holders are required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States. Thirteen countries, all but two of them in Africa, are now on the list, which makes the process of obtaining a U.S. visa unaffordable for many.

Jared O. Bell Published: 05 January 2026 Late Friday night into early Saturday, I watched the news and scrolled through social media as reports of explosions in Caracas began to spread. I went to sleep unaware of what the morning would bring.

When New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams spoke directly to Black boys at a recent inauguration, his words spread quickly. Clips ricocheted across phones and timelines far beyond City Hall. Not because they were clever. But because they were rare. “Little Black boy,” Williams said, “you were worth it, and you always were. Without any titles, you were enough. You were always enough. You deserve to accept love, and you deserve to be protected.” No charts. No statistics. No list of disparities.

By The Skanner News | The Skanner News Published: 05 January 2026 New state laws rolling out Jan. 1 safeguard Oregonians’ rights as consumers and tenants, improve access to health care, and protect personal safety. Oregon House and Senate Democrats made these issues priorities in 2025, defending workers and families here, while at the national level the Trump administration has shredded health care programs, rewarded huge corporations, and brought violence to innocent communities.

For faith leaders supporting and ministering to anxious immigrants across the United States, 2025 was fraught with challenges and setbacks. For many in these religious circles, the coming year could be worse.

Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Published: 29 December 2025 Black pop culture in 2025 did not chase attention. It set terms. Across music, television, film, fashion, and sports, Black creators tightened control over narrative, ownership, and meaning at a moment when the country itself felt unmoored. Music Hip hop provided the year’s clearest line of separation. “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar did more than dominate playlists. It reset cultural boundaries.

Stacy M. Brown
, Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent Published: 29 December 2025 As questions mounted over the heavily redacted release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and new material placing President Donald Trump closer to the late sex trafficker than previously acknowledged, the White House shifted abruptly to a familiar tactic.