Chronic absenteeism in U.S. K–12 schools is gradually declining, and a new EdTrust report suggests rates could be cut in half within five years if states continue expanding early interventions, tutoring, and wraparound supports. The improvements are especially significant for Black students, who remain disproportionately affected but are seeing progress as states adopt data-driven strategies and invest in student well-being.
Category: Afro Briefs
Posted inVeterans
Keeping history alive: Remembering the Montford Point Marines
The Montford Point Marines were trailblazers in the U.S. Marine Corps, but their stories have often gone untold. Mallorie Berger, granddaughter of Montford Point Marine Maurice L. Burns, is working to ensure the bravery of these men, including Charles Cargile Hall, is remembered
Posted inAfro Briefs
Jimmie C. Gardner, exonerated after 27 years in prison, forms foundation for social justice
After spending 27 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, former Chicago Cubs Minor League player Jimmie C. Gardner has turned his pain into purpose. Through his new nonprofit, Gardner House LLC, he’s working to support others wrongfully convicted and to challenge systemic injustices in the U.S. legal system.
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO News to honor U.S. veterans for their service
AFRO News will host their annual “Salute to Our Veterans” event on Nov. 13 at Martin’s West, located on 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD.
Posted inNational News
Congressman Meeks chastises president for threatened invasion of Nigeria
Congressman Greg Meeks criticized the 47th president’s social media threat to send U.S. troops to Nigeria over alleged anti-Christian violence, calling it a reckless oversimplification of the country’s complex conflicts. Meeks emphasized that violence in Nigeria stems from resource disputes and insurgent activity, not solely religion, and stressed that all Nigerians deserve protection.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Hurricane death toll rises to 43 in Haiti as aid pours in across the northern Caribbean
The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 43 in Haiti and 32 in Jamaica, with thousands displaced and entire communities cut off by flooding and landslides. The U.S. has pledged $24 million in aid as relief efforts ramp up across the devastated Caribbean region.
Posted inTransportation
Flight delays persist as government shutdown leads to air traffic controller shortages
Flight delays continued across major U.S. airports Nov. 2 as air traffic controller shortages worsened amid the ongoing government shutdown. Airports including Newark, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles experienced multi-hour delays and some cancellations, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized he won’t fire controllers working without pay.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Kenyan landslide death toll rises to 26 as flash floods hamper search for survivors
Heavy rains in western Kenya triggered a deadly landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County, killing at least 26 people and leaving 25 missing as flash floods forced rescuers to suspend search efforts. The government and Red Cross are airlifting supplies and urging residents in high-risk areas to relocate as rains and landslide threats continue.
Posted inNational News
No. 47’s administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November
By Geoff Mulvihill and Kimberlee KruesiThe Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Nov. 3 that it will partially fund SNAP for November, after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Justice Department investigating fraud allegations in Black Lives Matter movement, AP sources say
The Justice Department is investigating whether leaders of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and other affiliated groups misused millions in donations raised during the 2020 racial justice protests. While no charges have been filed, subpoenas and a search warrant have been issued, renewing scrutiny of the movement’s finances amid concerns about political targeting of progressive organizations.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Jurors convict Illinois deputy of killing Sonya Massey but can’t agree on first-degree murder charge
An Illinois jury convicted former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who had called 911 for help. Grayson, who claimed he feared being scalded with hot water, was acquitted of first-degree murder, angering Massey’s family and supporters who say the verdict shows the justice system’s failure to protect Black lives.
Posted inAfro Briefs
A North Carolina man is charged with 4 murder counts after telling authorities he killed his kids
A North Carolina man, Wellington Delano Dickens III, has been charged with four counts of murder after telling authorities he killed his children. Deputies found human remains in the trunk of a car at his home in Zebulon, N.C. Dickens’ surviving 3-year-old son was found alive inside the house. Investigators believe the victims—three of Dickens’ biological children and his 18-year-old stepchild—were killed in May.