The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session opened Jan. 14 with a focus on a $1.5 billion deficit. Lawmakers face tough decisions regarding budget cuts, redistricting and new leadership during the 90-day legislative term.
Author Archives: Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inHBCU
Building trust, saving lives: HBCUs expand organ donation education in Georgia
LifeLink of Georgia’s Multicultural Donation Education Program has spent years partnering with historically Black institutions in Georgia to expand education around organ donation and transplantation. Program leaders say the effort builds trust, broadens medical career paths and increases donation awareness in underserved communities.
Posted inBUSINESS
BWI’s $520M upgrade brings modern gates and faster baggage system
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) joined BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport leaders to celebrate the $520 million Concourse A/B Connector and upgraded baggage system, enhancing passenger flow, expanding gates, and strengthening the airport’s role as a regional economic engine.
Posted inMaryland Government
Moore unveils 2026 legislative priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) outlined his 2026 legislative priorities ahead of the General Assembly, emphasizing public safety, education and vaccine access. The agenda reflects efforts to address crime, close achievement gaps and strengthen Maryland’s long-term economic stability.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland comptroller appoints Andrea Brown as director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate
Director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate Excerpt: Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman (D) has appointed Andrea Brown as director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Brown brings nearly two decades of experience and will work to improve taxpayer accountability and access to a fair tax system.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County Council selects Wala Blegay to fill vacancy
Prince George’s County Council member Wala Blegay (D) will fill the recently vacated at-large seat, bringing her experience with various countywide initiatives. The seat will be up for election in November 2026.
Posted inMaryland Government
New Maryland laws to take effect on Jan. 1
As 2026 begins, several Maryland laws take effect, including new rideshare reporting requirements, domestic violence training for barbers and cosmetologists and expanded coverage for heart disease testing, aiming to improve safety, transparency, and health access statewide.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. reports decline in violent crime amid data disagreements
As 2025 ended, the District of Columbia saw a second consecutive year of significant declines in violent crime. While reported numbers show progress, federal and local officials remain at odds over the accuracy of the data and what it means for public safety.
Posted inBaltimore Government
State and local lawmakers comment on Mayor Scott’s 2026 legislative priorities
State and local lawmakers weighed in on Mayor Scott’s 2026 legislative agenda, supporting public safety, housing and infrastructure measures while adding their own priorities, including utility relief and youth programs.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland’s Easy Enrollment program opens for 2026 health coverage
Maryland’s Easy Enrollment program is now open for 2026, making it easy for uninsured residents to see if they qualify for affordable state health coverage.
Posted inUncategorized
Baltimore hosts sold-out ‘Seven Guitars’ production in tribute to August Wilson
The sold-out play “Seven Guitars” opens Jan. 9 at Spotlighters Theatre, bringing August Wilson’s poetic story of hope, loss and postwar African-American life to Baltimore. It’s the city’s first showing of the play in 2026.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Scott reflects on historic crime drop and looks toward 2026
Baltimore ended 2025 with a record low of 133 homicides, the fewest in nearly 50 years. Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) and city leaders highlighted strategies to sustain reductions and announced a new five-year violence plan, which will be released later this year.