TSA employees are missing paychecks as the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretches into March, forcing workers to juggle bills, childcare, and transportation while still reporting to work. Airports across the country are feeling the strain, with long lines and wait times at major hubs like Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York.
Category: National News
Alabama governor commutes death sentence of man whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Mar. 10 commuted the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton, the 75-year-old inmate who was set to be executed this week even though he was not in the building when the victim was killed during a 1991 robbery.
An effort to remedy harm from a race-based kidney test helps Black patients seeking transplants
A nationwide effort to correct a race-based kidney function test has helped thousands of Black patients gain credit for lost time on transplant waiting lists, improving their chances of receiving a kidney. Researchers say the policy change has increased transplant rates for Black patients without negatively affecting patients of other races.
Baltimore to host National Society of Black Engineers 2026 Annual Convention
The National Society of Black Engineers will hold its 2026 Annual Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center from March 18-22, bringing together thousands of students, professionals and leaders in STEM fields. The multi-day event will feature workshops, panel discussions, a career fair and the Black on Purpose Festival— celebrating Black engineering excellence with food, music, art and technology demonstrations.
Black lawmakers warn of disproportionate impact as House rejects War Powers Resolution and ethics reform
The House of Representatives recently reinforced expansive executive authorities by rejecting measures to curb presidential war powers and increase transparency regarding congressional sexual harassment. Black lawmakers warned that these decisions leave the burden of military conflict on a disproportionately represented active-duty force while shielding institutional misconduct from public accountability.
Haitian man dies in US immigration custody with untreated toothache, brother says
A 56-year-old Haitian man, Emmanuel Damas, died at a hospital after being held for months at an immigration detention center in Arizona, where his brother says a tooth infection went untreated. His death is among several reported this year in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising concerns about detainee medical care.
‘Worse than a prison’: 911 calls, interviews reveal problems at ICE’s largest detention camp
Records of more than 100 emergency calls and interviews reveal serious medical, mental health and safety concerns at Camp East Montana, the nation’s largest ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Detainees report overcrowding, inadequate food and medical care, and repeated suicide attempts, while federal officials dispute claims of poor conditions.
Thousands honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life and legacy at Chicago homegoing
Thousands gathered at Chicago’s House of Hope on March 6 to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who died Feb. 17 at age 84. Former presidents, national leaders and activists paid tribute to his lifelong fight for justice, voting rights and equality, urging a new generation to carry forward his message to “keep hope alive.”
Rev. Robert Turner to take reparations fight nationwide after years-long protest
Rev. Robert Turner, the pastor who has walked from Baltimore to the White House for 40 months, has concluded his monthly treks to bring attention to the need for federal reparations. Turner recently spoke with the AFRO about his next steps.
Cleveland father says his missing daughter was one of 2 girls found in shallow graves
A Cleveland father says one of two young girls found buried in shallow graves earlier this week is his missing daughter, 8-year-old Mila Chatman, whom he had been trying to locate for five years. Police say a 28-year-old woman has been detained as a person of interest as investigators work to determine how the children died.
National Week of Prayer confronts HIV in Black communities
Churches nationwide are observing the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, March 1–8, a faith-based initiative founded by Pernessa C. Seele and organized through Balm In Gilead. The annual campaign combines worship with HIV testing, education and outreach, addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans and working to reduce stigma through faith and public health partnerships.
Despite recent gains, tribal citizens descended from slaves face disparate treatment
Despite expanded access to services in recent years, tribal citizens descended from people enslaved by several Oklahoma tribes continue to face barriers to health care, education and housing. A Government Accountability Office report highlights ongoing disparities, particularly for Seminole Freedmen descendants and those still denied citizenship in the Muscogee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations.

