April marks Second Chances Month, and in Baltimore, the NCIA Vocational Training Center is transforming lives by helping returning citizens build brighter futures.
Category: NEWS
Posted inOPINION
At the threshold: Why the D.C. Bar election matters for the future of legal integrity in America
The 2025 election for President-Elect of the D.C. Bar Association, though under the radar, could significantly influence the ethical direction of the legal profession during a time of heightened political pressure. As concerns about impartiality and the politicization of justice grow, the leadership of the Bar stands as a critical safeguard for legal independence and public trust.
Posted inMoney
From debt to success: Lamar Laing’s journey
Lamar Laing, CEO and founder of Copiafy, turned his struggles with debt and poor credit into a mission to empower Black Americans with financial literacy and resources. Through Copiafy, an online platform, he provides tools for setting financial goals and tracking bills and credit report disputes.
Posted inBaltimore News
Wreath laying ceremony honors Freddie Gray 10 years after brutal death
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Local officials, residents, family members and friends came together April 19 to honor the life of Freddie Gray exactly 10 years to the date of his 2015 death. With Gray’s eyes piercing through a mural in the background, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott and family attorney William “Billy” Murphy” […]
Posted inBaltimore News
The dos and don’ts of credit repair from the ‘Credit Queen’
Ronda Brunson, the “Credit Queen,” advises people to take a comprehensive approach to credit repair, emphasizing the importance of facing their financial reality and addressing emotional spending behaviors. She highlights the significance of timely payments, avoiding disputes on credit reports and using credit responsibly, while also recommending credit monitoring services to protect against identity theft and keep track of financial progress.
Posted inBaltimore News
World Autism Month sparks call for broader inclusion and acceptance
As World Autism Month calls for greater awareness and acceptance, advocates and creatives alike are pushing for more inclusive narratives. In Baltimore, Donte Lewis uses music and media to build community, while Taya Dunn Johnson challenges biases that delay diagnoses and deny dignity to individuals with autism.
Posted inReligion
A Black pope? Francis made it a possibility
Pope Francis, who died at age 88, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities, including Black people, through actions like appointing the first African-American cardinal and condemning racism as a sin. His inclusive leadership reshaped the Catholic Church’s global power dynamics and opened the possibility for the election of the first Black pope.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott boasts progress during 2025 State of the City address
In his 2025 State of the City address, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott highlighted significant reductions in violent crime and outlined ambitious goals for education and housing, including plans to lower property tax rates and rehabilitate vacant homes. He also criticized federal policies, emphasizing Baltimore’s commitment to progress despite national challenges.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died on April 21 at age 88, leaving behind a transformative yet polarizing legacy marked by his humility, compassion for the marginalized, and progressive reforms that challenged conservative Catholic traditions. While he inspired many with his focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a “poor church for the poor,” his papacy also stirred controversy over his approach to sexual abuse scandals, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and church doctrine.
Posted inHealth
US has 800 measles cases and outbreaks in several states. Here’s what you should know
As of April 18, the U.S. has reported 800 measles cases — more than double the total from all of 2024 — with Texas leading the surge amid a large outbreak that has caused two child deaths and spread to several other states. Health officials are concerned the virus, which is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination, could continue to spread in communities with low immunization rates.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Brandon M. Scott to deliver 2025 State of the City address
Mayor Brandon M. Scott will deliver his 2025 State of the City address on April 21 at 6 p.m., outlining progress on public safety and housing while unveiling new goals around literacy, property tax relief and the arts. Framed by the theme “Built Different, Building Different,” the speech aims to chart a steady course for Baltimore amid national uncertainty.
Posted inNational News
Not all debt is created equal: Understanding the difference between good and bad debt
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Debt is often treated as a bad word though taking out loans and swiping credit cards is commonplace and unavoidable for most households across the country. However, not all debt is “bad” debt. At times, taking on debt may be a necessary stepping stone in achieving a financial goal. The […]