Maryland lawmakers worked through crossover day, passing key bills, including the Second Look Act, which allows certain offenders to petition for reduced sentences. Despite strong opposition from House Republicans, the bill now moves to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for further review.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore provides update on budget negotiations as deadline draws near
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) reaffirmed his commitment to tax code reforms and economic competitiveness while ruling out a sugary drink tax and business-to-business taxes in the FY 2026 budget. With a $3 billion deficit looming, Senate leaders anticipate deeper cuts, while Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about potential tax hikes.
Posted inHealth
COVID-19 reflections: Navigating loss and unity together
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As March marks five years since COVID-19 arrived in the United States and began to shut down the country along with the rest of the world, community members shared their experience in the early days of the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from the first week to […]
Posted inCivil Rights
Black Press Day 2025 highlights need for innovation and resilience in mediaÂ
At the NNPA Fund’s 2025 Black Press Day event, NNPA President and CEO Benjamin Chavis reaffirmed the Black Press’s role in advocating for justice and equality. He emphasized adapting to digital platforms while preserving print’s impact and urged stronger collaboration between the Black Press and the Black church. Quoting Freedom’s Journal, he reflected on progress and ongoing challenges, stressing that Black media must continue to be the trusted voice of Black America.
Posted inMaryland Government
New legislation would create commission to review and assess racial disparities in criminal justice
State Del. Charlotte A. Crutchfield (D-Md.-19) is sponsoring legislation that would establish a commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system.
Posted inBUSINESS
Whole Foods workers organize and succeed
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Over a year and a half ago, workers of a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia came together under the need for better work conditions, fair and equitable pay and healthcare for part-time workers. On Jan. 28, workers voted to become the first Whole Foods Market store to unionize. Black workers […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Deadline looms as Maryland caucuses push for key diversity and equity bills
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. braces for impact as federal layoffs mount; Bowser outlines support
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted a town hall to address the impact of mass layoffs of federal workers on the city, with an estimated $325 million less in revenue over the next four years.
Posted inNational News
Women join newsrooms in growing numbers, but few rise to leadership
While women are making strides in U.S. newsrooms, they still remain underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 24 percent of top editors being women, despite women making up 40 percent of journalists.
Posted inUncategorized
Building pathways: A look at the organizations helping women journalists thrive
Black Women Unmuted, Black Girls in Media, ColorComm and African Women in Media are organizations that support Black women journalists, providing resources and opportunities for them to thrive in their careers.
Posted inLiving
Luxury living expands in Baltimore as affordable housing gap remains
Baltimore City has seen a recent increase in luxury rental properties, leaving many average or low-income residents unable to afford housing, and the mayor’s office is working to implement a new inclusionary housing policy to address the issue.
Posted inNational News
Sisters of the pen: A look at the women who broke barriers
Carole Simpson, Dorothy Pearl Butler Gilliam, Belva Davis, and Melba Tolliver are all trailblazers in the journalism industry, breaking barriers and making history as the first Black woman to hold a certain position or title.