D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit challenging the President’s deployment of nearly 2,300 National Guard troops to the District, arguing the move violates federal law and undermines local self-governance. The suit contends that deputizing out-of-state troops for policing duties endangers residents, erodes public trust, and exceeds presidential authority.
Author Archives: Special to the AFRO
Commanders open 2025 season with confidence, chemistry and championship dreams
By Edward G. Robinson III A new NFL season has arrived and expectations are sky high for the Washington Commanders. That’s not a joke. Last season, Commanders fans experienced a level of success that had eluded the franchise for more than 20 years. Inspired by the coolheaded performances of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and veteran […]
Baltimore Ravens return with depth, star power—and a reminder to trust the process
By Edward G. Robinson III Some Baltimore Ravens fans are looking at the team’s current roster and can’t help but skip ahead to the NFL playoffs. They recall last season, when the Ravens exited the playoffs earlier than expected in a heartbreaking 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, and they are […]
Maryland must reckon with its juvenile justice past to protect today’s youth
By Marc Schindler I started my legal career in the mid-1990s as a Baltimore public defender representing children in juvenile court. In the late 1990s I joined a civil rights law firm addressing juvenile justice policies statewide and across the nation. These experiences taught me two things: The Maryland detention facility where many of my […]
Foreign drug pricing models leave patients – and economic growth – behind
Kirsten Axelsen argues that adopting foreign-style drug pricing models in the United States would harm patients and stifle innovation. While other nations keep prices low by denying access through health technology assessments and rigid cost-effectiveness thresholds, the U.S. system fosters competition, broad access, and generics that lower costs. She contends the U.S. should push for fairer global cost-sharing rather than importing restrictive foreign policies.
ABC’s The Cookout returns: Celebrating Black culture, community and equity in Baltimore
Associated Black Charities (ABC) announced the return of its signature event, The Cookout, on Sept. 13, 2025, at The Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore. Presented by SECU, the free, family-friendly celebration will feature a march and rally, children’s activities, game tournaments, live entertainment, food trucks, and a showcase of Black-owned businesses.
Public hearing on Baltimore County redistricting: Facts vs. misinformation
By Peta RichkusBaltimore County Coalition for Fair Maps Baltimore County residents will have the opportunity to testify (in-person and virtually) at today’s public hearing on Bill 55-25, the Council’s proposed redistricting map, at the Council’s regularly scheduled work session. Time and Place: Tuesday, August 26, 4pm, 2nd floor Council Chambers, Historic County Courthouse. There is […]
Opinion: I beat the odds and made it to law school – others won’t get the chance
Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake, a Henry A. Wallace Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies and incoming Georgetown Law student, reflects on the financial and systemic challenges marginalized students face in pursuing legal education. She warns that the 47th president’s plan to eliminate Grad PLUS loans will shut the door for many low-income students and further reduce diversity in law schools.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service launches free new special education project to help families statewide
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) begins recruiting attorneys, consultants and advocates to join its paid Special Education Project panel.
Attorney General Brown sues to stop federal cuts that threaten state energy programs
By Maryland Office of the Attorney General Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined 17 other states in suing to block the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from imposing a new funding cap that cuts support for vital state-run clean energy and energy efficiency programs. The new DOE policy would limit funding for critical administrative […]
Commentary: Baltimore County’s redistricting must reflect all of us
By Senator Charles E. Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County- District 44), Sharonda Dillard-Huffman and Peta N. Richkus On Aug. 17, the Greater Baltimore Urban League hosted an urgent discussion on Baltimore County’s redistricting. The message was clear: fair process, fair maps and fair representation. Bill 55-25—the County Council’s proposed plan—delivers none of these. Instead, Bill 55-25 […]
The Black Press, public media, and press freedom: We must restore these cornerstones of a functioning democracy
By Shavon Arline-Bradley and Ja’Lia Taylor There is no democracy without a free press. That truth is especially urgent for Black women and our families, who have long relied on trusted media not only for information, but also for protection, representation and empowerment. In an era of disinformation, misinformation, political polarization and eroding trust in […]

