For years, because it lacked adequate housing for juvenile offenders, the District resorted to placing them in facilities outside the city; most times, in other states as far as 300 miles away. This was particularly true for females. Last year for instance, of the more than 300 youths from the District that were detained in […]
Category: NEWS
Posted inNational News
Louisiana’s Black Communities Fear Oil’s Impact
NEW ORLEANS (NNPA) — As BP’s deepwater well continues to discharge oil into the Gulf, the economic and public health effects are already being felt across coastal communities. But it’s likely this is only the beginning. From the bayous of southern Louisiana to the city of New Orleans, many fear this disaster represents not only […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
‘Most Improved’ Students Recognized
WASHINGTON—Academic awards are usually given to students that excel on a consistent basis. But Councilmember Kwame R. Brown recently recognized 22 District students who may not have started off as “A” students but have worked their way past obstacles to a higher academic standing. They were students like Michelle Burris, of School Without Walls. Burris started […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Agrees to Pay for ‘Illegal Arrests’
In the wake of a report earlier this month that indicated Baltimore locks up a higher percentage of its population than any major metropolitan area in the nation, the city agreed to pay $870,000 to the victims of what some call “illegal arrests.” The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the […]
Posted inNational News
Analysis: GOP Resurrects Marshall as Target
WASHINGTON (AP) — Dead nearly two decades, the late Justice Thurgood Marshall looms improbably over Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court, a resurrection in liberal robes courtesy of Republicans eager to cast President Barack Obama’s selection as a judicial activist-in-waiting. “Justice Marshall is a historic figure in many respects,” Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Preparing for the Fourth of July and Harborplace Birthday Celebration
The Fourth of July weekend is filled with excitement, cookouts and fireworks. However, if it was not for Ports of America Chesapeake, the title sponsor, Baltimore’s dream for an event-filled weekend would have gone without a blast, literally. Baltimore is not only celebrating America’s Independence but also the 30th anniversary of Harborplace. So, extra celebration […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin Aims to Increase Graduation Rates
A year ago, the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research indicated that Coppin State University has one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. Addressing the issue, the university launched the Summer Academic Success Academy three weeks ago to nurture, retain and academically prepare incoming freshman. According to the study “Which Colleges Actually […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Memories, Tears at Funeral of Teen Drowning Victim
Hundreds poured into Hanover, Md.’s Kingdom Builders Church of God in Christ for a somber afternoon funeral service on June 29. Positioned at the front of the church was a pearl white casket holding the body of Walter Dines, a Maryland teen whose life ended thousands of miles away in a frigid Oregon river. Dines,18, […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
County Officials Try to Break Business Barriers
Prince George’s County officials are desperately trying to grow the commercial tax base in the county. However, they’re fearful there are perceived hurdles to making this happen. “In the minds of some, the county may be perceived as a place where it’s difficult to do business,” said Kwasi Holman, president and CEO of the Prince […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Metro Fare Hikes In Effect
Following months of sometimes contentious debate, Metro’s Board of Directors has paved the way for the first of two fare hikes. The first went into effect June 27 and is part of the beleaguered transit system’s effort to cover a $189 million budget deficit. The agency’s new fiscal year begins July 1 and incorporates an […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Mother Mourns the Loss of Her Son
Aaron Leach repeatedly denied his mother’s request to join the military when he graduated from high school. Leach, 21, was afraid he’d have to go to war and he’d be killed in action. Unfortunately for Leach, his fear came true. However, it was only miles from his home, as he was murdered leaving a party […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
State’s Attorney Candidates Believe in Experience
The State’s Attorney’s race in Prince George’s County is one that pits foes from different backgrounds against each other. However, the one advantage everyone believes they have is experience. Peggy Magee, a Mississippi native, served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, where she became the first female first sergeant for the maintenance […]