Straight Outta Brooklyn
@chriscarrega.bsky.social
The national criminal justice reporter, Capital B, & adjunct professor, NYU AJO Master's program.
Priors: @CNN @ABC 2 top U.S. tabloid newspapers. 🇧🇧🇬🇾 #NABJ #SJUAlumni
Isaiah 54:17
Priors: @CNN @ABC 2 top U.S. tabloid newspapers. 🇧🇧🇬🇾 #NABJ #SJUAlumni
Isaiah 54:17
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...
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
November 24, 2025 at 10:37 PM
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...
capitalbnews.org/tish-james-t...
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.”
November 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
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.
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.
November 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
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.
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-...
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
November 17, 2025 at 6:14 PM
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-...
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-...
An update from one of Rev. Jesse Jackson's longtime friend, S. Todd Yeary:
capitalbnews.org/rev-jesse-ja...
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
November 14, 2025 at 6:03 PM
An update from one of Rev. Jesse Jackson's longtime friend, S. Todd Yeary:
capitalbnews.org/rev-jesse-ja...
capitalbnews.org/rev-jesse-ja...
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...
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
November 13, 2025 at 10:33 PM
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...
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...
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.
“It's a sobering experience to compare the Justice Department of today, from what we were hoping it to be,” one told Capital B.
November 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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.
“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
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
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.
“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 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
November 6, 2025 at 7:20 PM
“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 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...
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
October 31, 2025 at 11:33 PM
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-...
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.
October 29, 2025 at 10:04 PM
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.
The jury will deliberate first-degree murder charges with instructions for second-degree murder to consider.
October 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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.
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...
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
October 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
🚨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...
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...
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...
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
October 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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...
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...
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...
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
October 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
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...
Now, as cannabis becomes big business, they're asking:
Who really benefits?
🔗 capitalbnews.org/marijuana-po...
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...
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
October 10, 2025 at 9:31 PM
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...
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...
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...
Help @capitalb.bsky.social keep going:
🔗 capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
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capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org
September 23, 2025 at 3:58 AM
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...
Help @capitalb.bsky.social keep going:
🔗 capitalbnews.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
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...
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
September 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
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...
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...
“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...
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
September 12, 2025 at 1:58 AM
“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...
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...
Reposted by Straight Outta Brooklyn
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...
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
August 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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...
Today, voters are making history as they cast ballots in the town’s first-ever municipal election.
NEW: capitalbnews.org/newbern-alab...
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.
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.
August 26, 2025 at 8:31 PM
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.
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.
In Saturday's @capitalb.bsky.social newsletter "Seen & Heard," I wrote about a nostalgic weekend that made me wonder what’s next for “sanctuary jurisdictions” during this administration, the 2003 blackout, and Amadou Diallo.
Sign up here to read it tomorrow morning: capitalbnews.org/newsletters
Sign up here to read it tomorrow morning: capitalbnews.org/newsletters
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
August 22, 2025 at 5:56 PM
In Saturday's @capitalb.bsky.social newsletter "Seen & Heard," I wrote about a nostalgic weekend that made me wonder what’s next for “sanctuary jurisdictions” during this administration, the 2003 blackout, and Amadou Diallo.
Sign up here to read it tomorrow morning: capitalbnews.org/newsletters
Sign up here to read it tomorrow morning: capitalbnews.org/newsletters
Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi released an overlapping list of cities, counties, and states accused of defying the administration’s mass deportation efforts through sanctuary policies.
(Quick 🧵🚨)
(Quick 🧵🚨)
August 21, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi released an overlapping list of cities, counties, and states accused of defying the administration’s mass deportation efforts through sanctuary policies.
(Quick 🧵🚨)
(Quick 🧵🚨)
Supporters of Tyesha Long said she is the “poster child” for the state’s Survivor’s Act because of her documented history of abuse.
But one advocate said it’s “hard to imagine more Black women benefiting” from similar second chance laws.
To learn more about her case:
capitalbnews.org/tyesha-long-...
But one advocate said it’s “hard to imagine more Black women benefiting” from similar second chance laws.
To learn more about her case:
capitalbnews.org/tyesha-long-...
She Got 27 Years for Killing Her Abuser. Oklahoma’s Survivors Act Could Free Her.
A judge will submit a written decision in Tyesha Long’s hearing next month.
capitalbnews.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Supporters of Tyesha Long said she is the “poster child” for the state’s Survivor’s Act because of her documented history of abuse.
But one advocate said it’s “hard to imagine more Black women benefiting” from similar second chance laws.
To learn more about her case:
capitalbnews.org/tyesha-long-...
But one advocate said it’s “hard to imagine more Black women benefiting” from similar second chance laws.
To learn more about her case:
capitalbnews.org/tyesha-long-...
President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., and its police department.
Click the link for more:
capitalbnews.org/dc-police-fe...
Click the link for more:
capitalbnews.org/dc-police-fe...
D.C. Faces Federal Takeover: What It Means for Black Communities
Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and threat to take over the city’s police comes as crime reaches a 30-year low in the nation’s capital.
capitalbnews.org
August 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., and its police department.
Click the link for more:
capitalbnews.org/dc-police-fe...
Click the link for more:
capitalbnews.org/dc-police-fe...