By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writer On Jan. 30 protestors gathered in downtown Baltimore, Minneapolis and cities nationwide to oppose the violent immigration raids and recent deaths at the hands of agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol and other federal agencies. In Baltimore, the march and rally came as legislators and […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inDMV News
Deborah Owens, financial educator, author and advocate for women’s wealth, dies at 66
By Special Press Release Deborah Owens, a nationally recognized financial advisor, author, educator, and champion for women’s financial empowerment, died on Jan. 4 at the age of 66. Her passing marks the loss of a powerful voice in the movement to close the wealth gap and equip women, particularly women of color, with the tools […]
Posted inNational News
Judge blocks 47th president’s administration from ending protections for Haitians
By Luis Andres HenaoThe Associated Press SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A federal judge on Feb. 2 blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary protections that have allowed roughly 350,000 Haitians to live and work in the U.S. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington granted a request to pause the termination of temporary protected status […]
Posted inBaltimore News
BGE launches customer-focused education campaign on Maryland’s energy crisis and rising electric bills
By Baltimore Gas and Electric BGE announced the launch of a public education campaign designed to help Maryland customers better understand why energy bills are rising. The campaign, which uses non-recoverable funds and is at no cost to customers, explains options for how utilities can support customers while affordability and reliability challenges intensify. The education […]
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore praises Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland’s fight against child poverty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland at the organization’s annual legislative breakfast, highlighting their role in youth development and the state’s strategy to combat child poverty through community-based support. He pointed to increased state funding, expanded club access, and mentorship as critical tools, with Youth of the Year honoree Jared Jefferson’s story illustrating the clubs’ impact in building confidence, opportunity, and leadership for young people across the state.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Ending tax refunds by check speeds payments, but what about people without bank accounts?
By Beverly MoranThe Conversation More than 6 million Americans receive paper tax refund checks annually. Often, those refunds go to purchase groceries or pay the bills. But this year, those taxpayers may be surprised to learn that the paper check they’re waiting for no longer exists. That’s because of executive order 14247, which President Donald […]
Posted inCommentary
Subjective threats, fatal outcomes: The deadly gap in federal use-of-force policy
Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. This week, he speaks on the recent deaths of American citizens at the hands of federal agents.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County sees notable reductions in teacher vacancies as D.C. Council addresses teacher retention
Prince George’s County, Md., has reduced teacher vacancies by 52 percent, the largest in the state, helping to improve consistency for students and school culture. Recruitment for the next school year is already underway.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Prince George’s County Executive’s Office
Posted inArts & Culture
Baltimore August Wilson Celebration continues with ‘Fences’
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will produce August Wilson’s “Fences” as part of the citywide Baltimore August Wilson Celebration. The production is the sixth of 10 plays in Wilson’s American Century Cycle, being staged as part of the celebration, and will run Feb. 6–March 1. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, “Fences” centers on […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Inside the Earl Teen Center: Where Baltimore teens learn, build and belong
The Earl Teen Center at the Enoch Pratt Free Library offers Baltimore youth a safe, supportive place to explore their interests after school. Through hands-on STEAM programming and dedicated staff support, the center helps young people build skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Howard U. students walk out of classes, join peaceful march against ICE’s deadly attacks on Americans
Hundreds of Howard University students walked out of classes on Jan. 30, 2026, marching to the White House to protest what they called the violent and inhumane actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers said the youth-led demonstration, joined by students from other campuses, was meant to defend immigrant communities and demand protection of civil rights.
Posted inDMV News
Anacostia Coordinating Council stays true to mission of promoting ‘all things good East of the river’
The Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) is a volunteer-based consortium of organizations and individuals working to revitalize the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which has faced significant challenges due to gentrification and historical disinvestment.