By Michael KunzelmanThe Associated Press BALTIMORE (AP) — A federal judge blocked U.S. immigration authorities on Dec. 12 from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, saying she feared they might take him into custody again just hours after she had ordered his release from a detention center. The order came as Abrego Garcia appeared at a scheduled […]
Category: POLITICS
UN aid coordination agency cuts appeal for 2026 to $33B after lowest annual support in a decade
By The Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — The U.N.’s humanitarian aid coordination office is downsizing its appeal for annual funding in 2026 after support this year, mostly from Western governments, plunged to the lowest level in a decade. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Dec. 8 it was seeking $33 […]
Dr. Rod Paige, the first African American to serve as secretary of education, dies at 92
The AFRO sends condolences to the family and all those who knew and loved Dr. Rod Paige, the first Black leader to serve as the secretary of education. Paige died at 92 years old on Dec. 9.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is running for the US Senate in Texas. Allred to seek House seat
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has launched a bid for the U.S. Senate in Texas, entering a high-profile primary as Democrats look for long-shot gains in 2026 while former Rep. Colin Allred shifts his plans to seek a return to the U.S. House. Crockett, known for her outspoken style, faces state Rep. James Talarico in a race that comes as Republicans battle in a contentious primary to defend Sen. John Cornyn’s seat.
Allendale rec center reopens after nearly three years of closure
Baltimore’s Allendale community celebrated the reopening of the Mary E. Rodman Rec Center after nearly three years of closure. The $1.8 million renovation brings new fitness, a playground and community spaces for local youth and families.
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk leads race for Maryland House speakership role
Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
Trinidad and Tobago prime minister confirms U.S. Marines working on Tobago radar system
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed that U.S. Marines are working in Tobago on radar and airport upgrades, reversing earlier statements that no American military personnel were present. The disclosure comes amid growing regional U.S. military activity and questions about how the upgraded radar system may be used.
Grand jury rejects new mortgage fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James
The Justice Department failed to secure a new indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James after a judge dismissed the previous mortgage fraud prosecution, despite pressure from President Donald Trump to charge James and former FBI Director James Comey.
Advocate warns dismantling of Dept. of Education could harm Black and Brown students with disabilities
Advocates warn Black and Brown students with disabilities may face increased barriers and undiagnosed needs as the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education continues.
City leaders unveil 10-year financial plan to stabilize Baltimore, strengthen services
Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach says Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s 10-year plan aims to target the city’s current budget deficit, while investing in service delivery, infrastructure and making taxes more equitable for residents.
47th president labels Somalis ‘garbage,’ urges them to go back to their homeland and fix it
The 47th president said he does not want Somali immigrants in the United States and urged them to return to Somalia, remarks that drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders and local officials who said he was unfairly vilifying an entire immigrant community and stoking fear with legally dubious threats to revoke protections.

