Several Caribbean governments have begun signing agreements with the United States to accept third-country deportees, a move critics say followed U.S. visa restrictions on Dominica and Antigua meant to force regional compliance. Leaders in nations including Guyana, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Antigua insist the deals will exclude violent offenders and apply mainly to CARICOM nationals, while opposition groups demand greater transparency and warn about social and security impacts.
Category: NEWS
Upcoming Black History Month events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area
This Black Month History, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is full of events for the entire family. Take a look at this month’s community calendar to get an idea of happenings in your area.
Hundreds come together for 66th Annual Alpha Omega Mardi Gras Ball
Over 700 people attended the 66th Annual Alpha Omega Mardi Gras Ball in Bethesda, Md. to support the Alpha Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in their efforts to raise funds for their scholarship fund.
Advocates rally in Annapolis to push expungement legislation
Advocates from across Maryland rallied in Annapolis, Md. urging lawmakers to advance the Fair Chance Housing Act and Clean Slate Act. Supporters say the bills would help reduce barriers to housing and employment for people returning from incarceration.
Mayor Scott announces property tax relief, tax sale reforms for Baltimore homeowners
Baltimore homeowners could see property taxes drop below $2 under a new city plan announced by Mayor Brandon M. Scott. The initiative includes revising the Homestead Property Tax Credit, increasing the Targeted Homeowners Tax Credit, and reforming the city’s annual tax sale to offer payment plans and raise the minimum bid to the property’s assessed value. City leaders say the changes aim to make Baltimore more affordable, keep residents in their homes and encourage new homeownership.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation kicks off 50th anniversary year
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has launched a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary under the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising,” highlighting five decades of work advancing equity, leadership development and policy solutions for Black communities. The milestone will feature signature events, service initiatives in 50 cities, mini legislative conferences, and recognition of the AVOICE digital archive, all culminating in the Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in September.
Mayors discuss impact of data centers in their cities
As data centers expand alongside the growth of artificial intelligence, mayors across the U.S. are weighing economic benefits against environmental and infrastructure concerns. Local leaders say clear standards are key as communities push back.
Ed. Dept. dismissed 90 percent of discrimination cases, report says
A Government Accountability Office report found that the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights dismissed about 90 percent of discrimination complaints in 2025 after the Trump administration laid off nearly half its staff. Advocates warn the cuts have left students unprotected, allowed serious cases of racial and disability discrimination to go unresolved, and cost taxpayers up to $38 million while employees were paid but barred from working.
Moore calls White House snub ‘blatant disrespect’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, said the White House disinvited him from the annual bipartisan National Governors Association dinner, calling the move disrespectful and partisan. The 47th president’s administration limited the event to Republican governors, a break from longstanding tradition that NGA leaders criticized as undermining cooperation.
Baltimore County bill would expand Inspector General oversight of BCPS
Baltimore County legislators are considering a bill to give the Office of the Inspector General authority to oversee public schools. Supporters say it would increase transparency, accountability and trust in the school system.
Islamic militants kill at least 162 people in attacks on 2 villages in Nigeria, lawmaker says
Armed extremists killed at least 162 people in coordinated attacks on the villages of Woro and Nuku in western Nigeria, according to a local lawmaker, with rights groups saying the toll may be higher. The massacre underscores Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, as multiple militant groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram continue deadly assaults across the country.
Maryland-based coalition arms parents with more effective tools to keep youth drug free
A new Glenarden, Md.–based nonprofit, the Teen & Youth Alliance Coalition (TAYAC), is working to help parents and communities better protect young people from marijuana and non-prescription drug use. Backed by a federal drug-free community grant, the coalition is focusing on early prevention, open dialogue and culturally relevant outreach rather than lectures.

