The Southern Poverty Law Center has pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging it misused donor funds to pay informants linked to extremist groups. The case has sparked competing claims between prosecutors and civil rights advocates over the organization’s long-running investigative practices.
Category: NEWS
D.C. Council passes legislation to combat teen takeovers
The D.C. Council approved a modified juvenile curfew bill aimed at addressing social media-driven “teen takeovers.” The measure expands enforcement tools, while supporters cite safety concerns and critics warn of overpolicing and deeper, unmet youth needs.
Candidates for mayor and D.C. congressional delegate outline vision for District’s future
Candidates for D.C. mayor and delegate laid out their priorities at a debate focused on the District’s future, including housing affordability, education and economic opportunity. The May 2 event brought together contenders for both offices as they outlined differing approaches to statehood, economic growth and addressing inequality in the city.
How Iran turned trap and hip-hop into viral war propaganda
Viral AI-generated Lego rap videos tied to Iranian propaganda networks are flooding social media, using hip-hop, memes, and anti-White House humor to reach Americans already exhausted by war fears, inflation, and political chaos.
FBI searches Virginia Senate leader’s office as part of corruption probe
FBI searches Virginia state Senate leader’s office and cannabis shop in corruption investigation. Sen. Lucas calls it politically motivated.
Ex-deputy found guilty of reckless homicide in shooting of Black man entering grandmother’s home
A former Ohio sheriff’s deputy was convicted of reckless homicide in the 2020 shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man who was entering his grandmother’s home with sandwiches when he was killed. Jurors deadlocked on a murder charge against ex-deputy Jason Meade, whose second trial renewed scrutiny of police shootings of Black Americans and demands for accountability in Ohio.
Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
D.C. Council extends federal transparency laws
Washington, D.C. transparency laws governing the Metropolitan Police Department’s interactions with federal officers have been extended through November, amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity and debate over accountability, oversight and public trust in policing throughout the District.
D.C. schools bring voter registration to students ahead of elections
Schools and community organizations in Washington, D.C. are bringing voter registration and civic education directly to students as the District prepares for upcoming elections and ranked choice voting.
HBCU presidents announce collaboration to expand research and innovation
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editordbailey@afro.com Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation have declared an initiative to invest in the future of research and discovery. Fifteen of America’s HBCUs high-capacity research institutions have announced the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The umbrella organization has a mission to expand world-class research, […]
Coppin State hosts economic inclusion conference, highlights West Baltimore revitalization efforts
Coppin State University brought together elected officials, business leaders and community advocates for its 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference, focusing on strategies to expand economic mobility and investment in West Baltimore. Panelists highlighted ongoing revitalization efforts along the West North Avenue corridor, including housing redevelopment, small business support and workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening neighborhood wealth-building opportunities.
Black leaders demand corporate accountability for $175 billion in tariff refunds
Following the Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 ruling to strike down the current administration’s tariffs, Rep. Steven Horsford is leading an effort to demand corporate accountability regarding the distribution of $175 billion in refunds.

