An ICE arrest outside a Baltimore elementary school during end-of-year celebrations has sparked criticism from Maryland and local officials, who say the operation traumatized children and families and undermined the sense of safety at schools. Federal officials defended the arrest, alleging the suspect resisted officers and endangered an agent, while the incident renewed debate over immigration enforcement near educational settings after the 47th president’s administration ended longstanding protections for schools.
Category: Baltimore News
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO News endorses Tapp-Harper for Baltimore City Sheriff
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer Through more than 35 years of law enforcement experience Sabrina Tapp-Harper has provided excellent service to the community. She has led innovative training to officers around bias and prioritized domestic violence survivors, creating a nationally recognized Domestic Violence Unit. If elected, she is committed to enhancing transparency by building […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Lawsuit against Baltimore mayor emerges amid EEOC call for discrimination cases with white, male plaintiffs
Andrew C. Freeman, former vice president of real estate development at East Baltimore Development Inc., has filed a federal lawsuit and EEOC complaint alleging racial discrimination against Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and city leadership. The lawsuit comes as legal experts and labor advocates debate growing federal scrutiny of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the rise of “reverse discrimination” claims.
Posted inArts & Culture
Artscape 2026 turns Baltimore into cultural dreamscape despite rain
Despite rainy weather, the 2026 edition of Artscape transformed Downtown Baltimore into a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and community engagement. The festival featured live performances, visual art, local vendors, youth entrepreneurs, advocacy organizations and interactive experiences that highlighted Baltimore’s artistic spirit and civic consciousness.
Posted inBaltimore News
Disappearance of Baltimore man with schizophrenia and epilepsy underscores challenges in missing persons cases
It’s been more than a year since 22-year-old Tiyaun J. Leach went missing from West Baltimore, leaving his family desperate for answers. His mother, LaMonica Patton, continues to call hospitals, shelters and jails in a relentless search for her son, who struggles with schizophrenia and epilepsy.
Posted inBaltimore News
Civil rights complaint, petition intensify fallout from Lyric Baltimore seating dispute
A civil rights attorney and her son face racism and mistreatment at Lyric Baltimore, leading to a formal complaint and a call for the CEO’s resignation.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore mother desperate for information on missing son with schizophrenia and epilepsy
It’s been more than a year since 22-year-old Tiyaun J. Leach went missing from West Baltimore, leaving his family desperate for answers. His mother, LaMonica Patton, continues to call hospitals, shelters and jails in a relentless search for her son, who struggles with schizophrenia and epilepsy.
Posted inEducation
Dr. Otis Eldridge takes 2026 Teacher of the Year title for Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Otis Eldridge is officially the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). Eldridge, a band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary Middle School, learned of the honor on May 7 via surprise visit by City Schools CEO Dr. Sonya Santelesis.
Posted inHBCU
HBCU presidents announce collaboration to expand research and innovation
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editordbailey@afro.com Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation have declared an initiative to invest in the future of research and discovery. Fifteen of America’s HBCUs high-capacity research institutions have announced the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The umbrella organization has a mission to expand world-class research, […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Coppin State hosts economic inclusion conference, highlights West Baltimore revitalization efforts
Coppin State University brought together elected officials, business leaders and community advocates for its 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference, focusing on strategies to expand economic mobility and investment in West Baltimore. Panelists highlighted ongoing revitalization efforts along the West North Avenue corridor, including housing redevelopment, small business support and workforce development initiatives aimed at strengthening neighborhood wealth-building opportunities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Morgan State hosts inaugural caregivers conference focused on wellness and support
Morgan State University’s School of Social Work hosted its inaugural Caregivers Conference on April 25 to highlight the mental, emotional and physical well-being of caregivers. The event emphasized resilience, shared experiences and access to resources for those supporting loved ones with serious health needs.
Posted inBaltimore News
Tax payment plan to prevent property loss debuts in Baltimore
Baltimore City has opened enrollment for its first residential property tax payment plan, offering homeowners a way to catch up on past-due taxes through manageable monthly payments designed to reduce tax sales and prevent home loss.
