By Brian WitteThe Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Feb. 9 that he will run for U.S. Senate, giving Republicans a prominent candidate who is well-positioned to run a competitive campaign for the GOP in a state that hasn’t had a Republican U.S. senator in 37 years. The decision […]
Category: !Front Page Maryland New
Posted inMaryland Government
A look at the juvenile justice policy proposed in Maryland legislature
By Dayvon LoveSpecial to the AFRO What is on the table during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly? To be clear– it is not whether a young person should be punished for committing heinous violent crimes. None of the legitimate advocates on juvenile justice issues believe that a young person should not be held accountable for […]
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
State and city leaders release bill to relieve impoverished neighborhoods
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and other legislators across the city and state gathered in support of the new legislation, the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households Grant Program (ENOUGH Act), SB482/HB694. “As legislators, we get tens of hundreds of emails, sometimes tens of thousands of […]
Posted in2024 Elections
Congressman John Sarbanes endorses Angela Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political WriterTmcqueen@afro.com U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.-03) recently announced his endorsement of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) for U.S. Senate. Sarbanes said he sees Alsobrooks as “good for Maryland” and “terrific for our country.” “It’s why I’m as motivated as I am in this moment to support her and her […]
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
Wes Moore unveils proposed budget
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.com Gov. Wes Moore unveiled his fiscal year (FY) 2025 proposed budget on Jan. 17, highlighting his focus on public safety, with increased funding for police protection, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and a new statewide gun violence prevention center. Moore said that his goal is to “make Maryland safer, […]
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
Montgomery County partners with United Therapeutics for long-term economic growth in Silver Spring
By Megan SaylesAFRO Business Writermsayles@afro.com Montgomery County recently announced a $100-million deal with United Therapeutics, a biotechnology public benefit corporation, that will pave the way for economic growth in downtown Silver Spring, Md. As part of the partnership, United Therapeutics will build a new public parking garage on Georgia Avenue, supply land and funding to […]
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
Maryland General Assembly begins 2024 legislative session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.com The much anticipated 2024 Maryland General Assembly commenced on Jan. 10. Though the first day is largely ceremonial, hundreds of pieces of legislation have already been filed and assigned to committees. The 90-day session will feature policies aiming to reduce gun violence trauma, protect youth and hold them accountable for […]
Posted in!Front Page Maryland New
Maryland Black Caucus’s legislative agenda includes criminal justice reform and health
By Brian WitteThe Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Black Maryland lawmakers highlighted a package of measures on Jan. 18 that they are prioritizing to improve health, access to housing, minority business opportunities, education and criminal justice reforms. Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, noted that the caucus includes 66 […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Former Maryland state elections board member arrested on Jan. 6 insurrection crimes
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.com Carlos Ayala, newly resigned member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and breach of the U.S. Capitol. The FBI arrested Ayala, 52, on Jan. 9 on civil disorder, a felony according to […]
Posted inGovernor Wes Moore
New Maryland laws you should know about in 2024
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.com Though many new laws from the 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly took effect in July and October, some will not apply until 2024. Several new laws took effect on Jan. 1. The Stop the Spam Calls Act of 2023 (SB90/HB37), which restricts mobile phone solicitations for non-charities, went […]
Posted inHBCU
CNN’s Abby Phillip encourages Bowie State graduates to expect adversity
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Cable network anchor and Bowie High School graduate Abby Phillip reminded Bowie State University winter graduates Dec. 23 of the power of failure in life. Phillip, anchor of “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” a Harvard graduate and a member of Bowie High School’s class of 2006, told the 405 graduates […]
Posted inMayor Brandon Scott
Mayor’s Business Recognition Awards honor 14 firms demonstrating civic leadership in Baltimore
By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writermsayles@afro.com Mayor Brandon M. Scott, in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), hosted the 49th annual Mayor’s Business Recognition Awards on Dec. 13. The ceremony celebrated 14 firms with an active presence in Baltimore, exemplary leadership and a commitment to improving Baltimoreans’ quality of life. […]