The Trump administration has revoked all U.S. visas for South Sudanese nationals, citing the country’s failure to accept deportees—an action South Sudan criticized as unfair and based on a mistaken identity. This move threatens to return individuals to a nation facing renewed civil unrest and underscores the stark shift in U.S. policy toward a country it once helped to independence.
Category: NEWS
Funeral arrangements announced for Armstead B.C. Jones, director of Baltimore City Elections
By AFRO Staff Funeral arrangements have now been announced for longtime Baltimore City Board of Elections Director Armstead Bernard Crawley Jones Sr. A viewing will take place on April 11 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Paul Baptist Church of Baltimore City, located at 3101 The Alameda. A celebration of life will […]
Gov. Moore holds first bill signing of 2025 with focuses on workforce growth
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) held his first bill signing of 2025 on April 8, hours after the close of the 90-day general assembly session. Over 800 bills were passed this legislative session.
‘Postpartum shower’ will celebrate Baltimore mothers April 16
By AFRO Staff Black mothers will be feted April 16 at a postpartum shower hosted by DMC Promise Foundation. Under the banner, “Crowned in Resilience, Blooming in Beauty: Celebrating Black Mothers & The Village!” the organization aims to create a welcoming space for mothers in the Baltimore area to gather, connect, network and access valuable […]
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]
Baltimore man says ATF raided home without cause
By DaQuan LawrenceAFRO International WriterDLawrence@afro.com A Baltimore family is still seeking answers after having their home raided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2024. Months after the incident, Mark “Choppa” Manley, who maintains that the raid was carried out without probable or reasonable […]
Commentary: Legally Written: Women caregivers need to plan for the future
Black women, often balancing work, school and family, are the backbone of caregiving, managing not only the day-to-day needs of aging loved ones but also the emotional and logistical complexities of end-of-life planning. This labor—both paid and unpaid—underscores the urgent need for estate planning and access to legal resources to protect what generations have built.
Tariffs could deepen economic burdens for low-income and marginalized communities
The 47th president’s newly announced tariffs are expected to raise prices on everyday goods, disproportionately impacting low-income and marginalized communities who spend a higher share of their income on essentials. Experts warn that the increased costs and economic uncertainty could worsen inequality, strain household budgets, and potentially lead to job losses in vulnerable sectors.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott unveils $4.6 billion budget plan to tackle $85 million deficit
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott released his $4.6 billion preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026 on April 2 with a plan to eliminate an $85 million deficit. The shortfall has been brought on by the city’s expenditures outpacing its revenue, much like the state of Maryland. Some of the factors […]
Holliday and Sugano help Orioles snap a 3-game skid with an 8-1 victory over Royals
By Cody FriesenThe Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jackson Holliday highlighted Baltimore’s four-run sixth inning with a two-run single, Tomoyuki Sugano was solid through five-plus innings and the Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-1 on April 5 to snap a three-game skid. Heston Kjerstad and Ramón Urías also had RBI singles in […]
Commentary: April is National Minority Health Month
National Minority Health Month highlights the ongoing effort to achieve health equity, with this year’s theme emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to eliminate disparities. Despite improvements in healthcare access, racial and ethnic minority groups continue to face significant health challenges, underscoring the importance of culturally informed care, community engagement, and preventive action.
Protesters denounce 47th president and billionaire ally in ‘Hands Off!’ rallies across the US
Thousands of protesters rallied across all 50 states on April 5 in the largest demonstration yet against President Trump’s administration, criticizing sweeping government cuts, immigration policies, and threats to civil rights under the leadership of Trump and adviser Elon Musk. Organized by over 150 advocacy groups, the peaceful “Hands Off!” protests reflected widespread outrage over actions impacting Social Security, LGBTQ+ rights, and federal agency staffing.

