By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com The Baltimore City Council held its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Taxpayers’ Night on May 15. Taxpayer’s Night is an annual opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts and concerns about Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s (D) proposed budget before the council decides whether to accept the mayor’s budget as is […]
Category: LOCAL
State’s attorney Ivan Bates to host town hall on youth crime
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (left) and Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 04) (right) will join city agencies and residents for the May 20 solutions pact town hall at Huber Memorial Church. The event will address juvenile crime, offer youth resources and connect families with summer programs and city services.
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 […]
Baltimore City scholars receive full scholarships to McDaniel College
Earning a full-ride scholarship is more than a student achievement — it reflects the dedication of families who nurtured and guided them. For Baltimore City seniors Skye Hammond and Zoe Saunders, awarded full-tuition scholarships to McDaniel College, success came through hard work, family support and strong academic focus.
Mayor Scott and fellow Democratic mayors address first 100 days of new presidential administration
Democratic mayors criticized the 47th president’s first 100 days in office, highlighting how sudden budget cuts and mass firings have strained local governments.
Six Flags to close Maryland park at end of 2025 season
Six Flags theme park is closing in Prince George’s County at the end of the 2025 season. The news hits hard at a time when many county residents are being laid off from federal employment and the Washington Commanders football team just announced a move to Washington, D.C.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Elevating teen voices and the parents who listen
Teen mental health advocate Peyton Griffin and her mother Brittany Williams are sharing their journey with mental health. The two emphasize the importance of early support, therapy and compassionate listening. Their story highlights how open dialogue and emotional awareness can change lives.
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.
Racial Healing: How a murder united an HBCU and a mostly-White university
Eight years after the racially motivated killing of Army-bound ROTC student Richard Collins III, his legacy lives on through scholarships, symposia, and a joint BSU-UMD alliance dedicated to combating systemic racism and promoting social justice on college campuses.
Rev. Willie E. Ray: A life of service remembered
By Marnita ColemanSpecial to the AFRO On Easter morning, April 20, the Reverend William Edward Ray, beloved founder of Save Another Youth, Inc. and the Baltimore Coalition to Stop the Killing, took his final flight and entered eternal rest. After more than 50 years of tireless ministry, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love for his community, […]
TSU Terry’s ‘Roll Call’ brings Baltimore club music to Fortnite’s global stage
Baltimore native and choreographer TSU Terry has brought his hometown’s signature sound to the global stage with his track “Roll Call” featured in Fortnite, a video game with over 650 million players. The milestone not only celebrates Terry’s musical journey, but also highlights Baltimore club music and Black cultural expression for a new generation of players around the world.
Gov. Wes Moore draws buzz as Democrats look ahead
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is gaining national attention as a potential Democratic presidential contender, praised for his leadership, charisma, and unifying presence following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. While Moore insists his focus remains on Maryland, party members nationwide view him as a rising star and a beacon of hope for the Democratic Party’s future.

