By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 4) led a public safety legislative oversight hearing on April 28 focused on the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). The hearing followed an investigative report from the Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that raised concerns about potential fraud […]
Category: !Front Page
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
‘Michael’ moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
“Michael” soared to a record-breaking $97 million opening weekend in North America and $217.4 million globally, becoming the biggest debut ever for a music biopic despite mixed reviews and production setbacks. Starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the film overcame controversy and costly reshoots to draw strong audience enthusiasm, with sequels already under consideration.
Posted inNational News
DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against 47th president in writings to family
Authorities say Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, is accused of attempting a politically motivated attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25, after sending writings to family expressing grievances against the 47th president’s administration. Investigators believe Allen acted alone, legally acquired multiple weapons, and intended to target administration officials before being subdued by security, prompting a chaotic scene and the evacuation of the president, who was unharmed.
Posted inAfro Events
‘Hats, gloves and brilliance’: Black community shines at the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea
Nearly 1,200 guests gathered in Baltimore for the AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea, celebrating Black excellence and honoring women leaders across corporate, nonprofit and civic spaces. The annual sold-out event highlighted the achievements of Black women in executive roles while fostering community, tradition and intergenerational connection.
Posted inMusic
Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class includes many Black creatives, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Sade and more. The honorees span multiple genres and eras, with additional awards recognizing artists like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and MC Lyte. The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 14 in Los Angeles, with a television broadcast set for December.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott named president of African American Mayors Association
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott is now president of the African American Mayors Association. Read more about the selection and the organization’s recent conference in Washington, D.C. on AFRO.com.
Posted inBaltimore News
The AFRO’s Baltimore Tea returns with spotlight on women in the C-suite
The AFRO’s 2026 Baltimore Tea will be held April 25 at Martin’s West from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each year the event serves as a time to celebrate the Black community and bring together the best of Baltimore. Shown here, 2025 attendees Jade Madden (left), Michelle Johnson and Dikesha Robinson.
Posted inBaltimore News
Philadelphia’s Jermaine Dawson named new CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Jermaine Dawson has been announced as the new CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools.
Posted inMusic
Trick Daddy performance halted at AKA Regional Conference
By AFRO Staff “You can’t give me no playlist … this ain’t your wedding.” That was the response from Trick Daddy in a video posted to social media and later reported by BIN News, after his performance was halted at a gathering of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Miami rapper had been booked to […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Branson Oduor, 27-year-old missing Baltimore man, found dead
Baltimore police recovered the body of 27-year-old Branson Oduor on April 14 in the Inner Harbor after he was reported missing following a night out in Fells Point almost two weeks prior. Authorities are still investigating the cause of death. Loved ones remember him as a caring, outgoing person deeply connected to the city.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland lawmakers race clock as major bills clear final hurdles
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, lawmakers rushed to pass dozens of bills before the midnight deadline on April 13. Bills that failed to pass before the deadline must be reintroduced next session and go through the legislative process again to be reconsidered. The 90-day […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre co-present ‘Best of The Apollo’ in Washington, D.C., with special performance by legendary hip-hop duo Clipse
Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre will co-present “Best of The Apollo” on April 26 in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by hip-hop duo Clipse and rising artists, while celebrating the legacy of “Amateur Night” and supporting the Howard Theatre Foundation.