On Juneteenth, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the $400 million Just Communities initiative to combat the racial wealth gap by prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods impacted by redlining, mass incarceration and economic exclusion. He also issued nearly 7,000 additional cannabis possession pardons, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting economic equity across the state.
Category: !Front Page Maryland New
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore announces Schiraldi’s departure from DJS and new acting secretary
Gov. Wes Moore has replaced Vincent Schiraldi as Maryland’s juvenile services chief and appointed Betsy Fox Tolentino as acting secretary to lead the troubled agency through a critical period of reform.
Posted inReligion
Faith leaders stand with governor on veto of bill to create Maryland reparation commission
Rev. Jerome Stephens and a group of prominent faith leaders support Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of a proposed reparations commission, urging a shift from further study to immediate action on racial equity. They highlight the administration’s tangible progress in closing racial gaps and call for continued investment in housing, education and economic opportunity for Black Marylanders.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for ‘the work itself’
By Brian WitteThe Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced May 16 he will veto a measure to create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, saying that while it was a difficult decision, the issue already has been studied and now is the time “to focus on […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Journalism comes from behind to win the Preakness 2 weeks after finishing 2nd in the Kentucky Derby
Journalism overcame mid-race contact and surged ahead to win the 150th Preakness Stakes, marking a triumphant comeback after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. The victory gave trainer Michael McCarthy his second Triple Crown race win and made jockey Umberto Rispoli the first Italian to win a Triple Crown event.
Posted inMaryland News
Moore approves major school funding legislation at third bill signing of 2025
Governor Wes Moore signed the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act to improve education and tackle the state’s teacher shortage through updated funding and support. Although there were proposed budget cuts, lawmakers restored money for community schools, which mainly serve low-income and Black students across Maryland.
Posted inHBCU
Governor Moore delivers commencement address at Lincoln University
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore delivered the May 4 commencement address at Lincoln University, honoring the legacy of his grandfather—an alumnus forced to flee the U.S. as a child—and urging the Class of 2025 to embrace patriotism by shaping a better future. Moore, a military veteran and author, emphasized gratitude for past sacrifices and the responsibility of graduates to lead with purpose and unity.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland governor signs key criminal justice reform bills during Second Chance Month
At his second bill signing of 2025, Maryland Gov.Wes Moore signed transformative legislation aimed at reforming the state’s expungement process and giving incarcerated individuals a meaningful second chance. The Expungement Reform Act and Second Look Act address long-standing racial disparities in the justice system, offering new hope for thousands of Marylanders seeking redemption and opportunity.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore holds first bill signing of 2025 with focuses on workforce growth
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) held his first bill signing of 2025 on April 8, hours after the close of the 90-day general assembly session. Over 800 bills were passed this legislative session.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]
Posted inMaryland News
Shannetta R. Griffin selected to serve as new head of Maryland Aviation Administration, BWI Airport
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld has appointed Shannetta R. Griffin as the new executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). In the role, she will oversee BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and the state’s regional aviation program. Griffin, a veteran transportation engineer with four decades of experience, previously served as associate administrator of airports for the FAA and will focus on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening partnerships within Maryland’s aviation sector.
Posted inBaltimore News
One year later: Residents and business owners continue recovery efforts from Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
As the anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse approaches, Baltimore residents reflect on the lasting impact of the tragedy and the ongoing rebuild efforts. While the collapse has caused significant disruptions to traffic and local businesses, community leaders remain hopeful that increased attention and new partnerships will help address infrastructure concerns.