American

In a bold move that’s igniting debates across North America, Google Maps is reportedly set to rename the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America'. This alteration will take effect once the U.S. Geographic Names System enacts the change, according to a recent post from Alphabet's Google on social media. For most users within the United States, this new nomenclature will become instantly recognizable on their screens. However, in a bid to honor regional identities and historical contexts, Mexico will continue to refer to the…

PORTLAND, Oregon (AX) — In a historic turn of events, Senator Kayse Jama has ascended to the role of Majority Leader in the Oregon State Senate. This remarkable achievement marks the first time a Somali-American and Black Muslim has held such a position in the state. Representing the 24th District and chosen by fellow Democrats who dominate the legislative body, Jama’s appointment is a landmark in the ongoing push for inclusive representation for both immigrant communities and communities of color.Jama secured this…

A South Korean prosecutors' office representative revealed that Ramsey Khalid Ismael, better recognized as Johnny Somali in online circles, is set to be tried and temporarily prohibited from departing the nation. SEOUL, South Korea — In recent developments, an American livestreamer infamous for his audacious antics abroad is facing serious charges from South Korean authorities, who have accused him of stirring up chaos in a local convenience store, announced on Wednesday by the prosecutors. Widely known by his alias,…

Back in January 2012, German-American journalist Michael Scott Moore found himself in dire straits when he was kidnapped in Galkayo, Somalia. That's quite a ways, roughly 400 miles, northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, huh? It's a wild world we live in. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Fast forward to today, two Somali fellows—prosecutor lingo for pirates—got slapped with 30-year prison sentences. Who are these dudes, you ask? Well, they played starring roles in the dramatic 2012 abduction of Moore, and he…

Mogadishu (AX) — Internet personality Ramsey Khalid Ismael, infamously recognized by his online moniker "Johnny Somali," finds himself the center of controversy in Japan and South Korea. His offensive antics have not only triggered public outcry and legal repercussions but have also riled up the Somali diaspora. They believe his actions have unjustly stained their community's name. Though Ismael sports the nickname "Johnny Somali," he lacks Somali roots—he has openly expressed that he is of Ethiopian descent. At just…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — As we gear up for the November 5 election, the political scene in St. Cloud is ready for a transformation. A total of six candidates are vying for three at-large seats on the city council. Notably, Hudda Ibrahim and Omar Podi are two Somali-American leaders determined to confront the city’s most pressing challenges while amplifying the voices of its varied residents.Hudda Ibrahim has been a key player in St. Cloud's civic engagements for quite some time. Recognized for her contributions to…

Emerging Somali-Swedish artist Salad Hilowle captivates the art scene with his vibrant examination of Afro-Swedish identity and diaspora, weaving together the realms of video, sculpture, and photography. His anticipated showcase at the American Swedish Institute explores profound themes of identity and resilience. / Photo courtesy of Göteborgs KonsthallMINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Salad Hilowle, an artist of Somali origin nurtured in Sweden, is poised to unveil his first U.S. solo exhibit at the American Swedish Institute (ASI)…

Footage from surveillance cameras capturing a tragic collision that resulted in the deaths of five friends in June 2023 was highlighted as Derrick Thompson faced his federal trial.Tears rolled down, and comforting embraces were shared among family members as they watched the haunting footage in federal court. It was a heart-wrenching scene involving the tragic fates of five young Somali American women.During the trial’s opening moments, the grim video of the incident—where Thompson, the driver, struck the women's car—played.…

A court in Russia has handed down a nearly seven-year prison sentence to a 72-year-old American citizen accused of serving as a mercenary in Ukraine. The man, identified by media outlets as Stephen Hubbard, was adjudicated in accordance with the country's stringent laws regarding foreign combatants. In recent months, Russia has apprehended several American nationals and orchestrated significant prisoner exchanges. Among those released was Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, as well as Irish citizen Paul Whelan.…