By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, lawmakers rushed to pass dozens of bills before the midnight deadline on April 13. Bills that failed to pass before the deadline must be reintroduced next session and go through the legislative process again to be reconsidered. The 90-day […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre co-present ‘Best of The Apollo’ in Washington, D.C., with special performance by legendary hip-hop duo Clipse
Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre will co-present “Best of The Apollo” on April 26 in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by hip-hop duo Clipse and rising artists, while celebrating the legacy of “Amateur Night” and supporting the Howard Theatre Foundation.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Revolve Fund to provide $20,000 to support food access efforts in Alabama Black Belt
Revolve Fund has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Black Belt Community Foundation to support food access initiatives in Alabama’s Black Belt, helping communities impacted by SNAP delays and rising food insecurity.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Haitians cut back on already scarce food and ask how they’ll survive rising fuel prices
Rising global oil prices have driven up fuel costs in Haiti, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis by increasing transportation and food prices, forcing families to eat less and struggle to survive.
Posted inBUSINESS
New Visit Baltimore CEO, Kireem Swinton pledges to reframe Charm City’s story
Kireem Swinton has been named permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2025. In his new role, Swinton said he aims to expand tourism while reshaping how Baltimore is perceived on the national and global stage through storytelling and major events.
Posted inBaltimore News
Funeral home founder Al Wylie celebrates his 80th birthday with street renaming ceremony
Community members gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of funeral home founder Al P. Wylie on April 10 at Wylie Funeral Homes. Wylie received personal certificates from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and Baltimore City Police Department Western District’s Major Natalia Preston and a street was renamed in his honor.
Posted inNational News
Family sues US over 8-year-old’s death in custody after crossing the border
The family of 8-year-old Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging medical neglect while she was in border custody in 2023 despite known serious health conditions.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott presented a nearly $5 billion proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a virtual town hall, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, youth programs and public safety without raising property or income taxes. Residents raised concerns about transportation, housing and access to grocery stores as officials encouraged continued public input ahead of City Council hearings.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Hip-hop pioneer DJ Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68
Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneer of hip-hop, died of prostate cancer at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of music and a controversial history of sexual abuse allegations.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Devin Allen takes the helm for SCOUT, Baltimore’s affordable art fair
Baltimore photographer Devin Allen has been named curator of SCOUT 2026, the city’s affordable art fair held as part of Artscape. As curator, Allen will spotlight local and national artists while helping build stronger connections between creators and the community.”
Posted inNational News
Calls for investigation after Haitian asylum seeker dies days after ICE release
A 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker was found dead at a Pittsburgh bus stop just days after being released from federal immigration custody. Attorneys and advocacy groups are calling for answers about the circumstances surrounding her release and death.
Posted inElections 2026
Black Voters Matter raises alarms over threats to voting rights ahead of 2026 midterms
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Black Voters Matter (BVM) led a virtual briefing with Black media on April 1, alerting people to escalating attacks on voting rights and urging them to remain vigilant ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Leaders highlighted current legislative proposals and court cases that could redefine voter access nationwide, particularly in […]