When school lets out for the summer, many children lose access to the free breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the academic year. Hunger relief organizations say demand for food assistance rises during this time, as families turn to community programs to fill the gap.
Category: NEWS
New autopsy of a baby killed by police in Mississippi deepens outrage
A preliminary autopsy commissioned by the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was fatally shot by police in Senatobia, Miss., raises questions about officers’ account of the June 14 shooting, suggesting the child was struck from the side rather than the front of the vehicle. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling for the release of body camera, dashcam and surveillance footage as the investigation continues, while state officials say the official autopsy is not yet complete.
Mississippi reveals its full history for America’s anniversary year, a contrast to federal efforts
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Mississippi is highlighting its full history—including slavery, racial violence and the Civil Rights Movement—through exhibits at the Two Mississippi Museums. State leaders and museum officials say confronting the state’s painful past, rather than minimizing it, offers a more honest account of American history amid broader national debates over how that history should be presented.
‘D.C. Wants Your Story’ campaign launches
The D.C. Public Library is collecting stories and memorabilia from sports fans for an exhibition celebrating the spirit of D.C. sports.
City of Baltimore declares code red as temperatures rise
Baltimore City has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert from July 1-4, 2026, and is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and vulnerable populations from the dangerous temperatures, including activating cooling centers, suspending certain services, and providing public safety messaging.
D.C. group brings Black women from the Civil War era to lifeÂ
FREED (Female RE-Enactors of Distinction) is a non-profit organization of Black women who portray Black women from the Civil War era to honor their stories and contributions to the Union cause.
Caesar Rodney statue at Freedom Plaza sparks controversy over legacy of slavery
The installation of a Caesar Rodney statue at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., is drawing criticism because the founding-era leader enslaved hundreds of people. The statue, previously removed from Delaware in 2020 during racial justice protests, is one of 13 monuments being installed ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
City leaders propose charter amendment to modernize Baltimore water system
Baltimore city leaders introduced a charter amendment that would separate the Bureau of Water and Wastewater from the Department of Public Works in an effort to modernize the region’s aging water infrastructure and improve oversight. Advocates say the proposal could increase transparency, strengthen regional collaboration and help address long-standing environmental and public health concerns tied to water systems.
‘Chosen family’ strengthens Black LGBTQ+ community in the nation’s capital
By Morgan CarpenterAFRO Internmcarpenter@afro.com For many LGBTQ+ people, family is not always defined by blood relations. Instead, it is built through community, trust and mutual support. The concept of chosen family has long been central to LGBTQ+ culture, particularly for people who have experienced rejection from biological relatives or institutions. Community advocates say these networks […]
High court broadens executive authority, allows Lisa Cook to remain at FedÂ
The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on June 29 dramatically expanded presidential power, upholding President Donald Trump’s firings of the heads of independent federal agencies with one important exception: the Federal Reserve. The justices allowed Fed governor Lisa Cook to stay in her job while she fights the Republican president’s effort to […]
UB President Kurt Schmoke announces plans to retire in 2027
University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke announced his plans to step down in June 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since taking the helm in 2014, the former Baltimore mayor has guided the university through the pandemic, enrollment challenges and a centennial milestone.
The scars of war among survivors in Sudan
Years of war in Sudan have left countless survivors with life-altering physical and emotional scars, from amputations and the loss of loved ones to sexual violence and displacement. Through personal stories, the article highlights the resilience of those rebuilding their lives despite ongoing hardship and limited access to medical care and support.

