Maryland Governor Wes Moore, leaders of the faith community and other state officials came together on May 6 to unveil a new highway marker recognizing the boys who died while in custody at the former House of Reformation for Colored Boys, now the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center.
Category: Maryland Government
Mfume secures $500k grant to expand job training for returning citizens
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) closed out national Second Chance Month with a $500,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) during the federal appropriations process to support returning citizens and prevent recidivism. The funds, which were delivered on April 27, will be used for 50 […]
Moore kicks off 2026 reelection bid with high-energy rallies and promises to ‘finish the job’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially launched his 2026 reelection campaign with energetic rallies in Baltimore and Prince George’s County, drawing strong support from community members and local leaders. Joined by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and their families, Moore highlighted his administration’s achievements and pledged continued focus on public safety, education and economic growth.
First Lady Dawn Moore hosts third annual ‘A Woman’s Work’ brunch
Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore and the Foundation of the Preservation of Government House hosted the third annual “A Woman’s Work” Women’s Economic Empowerment Brunch on April 18 at the Government House. Attendees included co-founder of Black Entertainment Network (BET) Sheila Johnson, Wanda Durant and Angel Webb Reese.
Maryland lawmakers race clock as major bills clear final hurdles
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, lawmakers rushed to pass dozens of bills before the midnight deadline on April 13. Bills that failed to pass before the deadline must be reintroduced next session and go through the legislative process again to be reconsidered. The 90-day […]
Moore signs $70.8B state budget with no new taxes and fees
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a balanced $70.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, emphasizing affordability without tax and fee hikes. The plan features significant utility relief, law enforcement funding and housing investments, despite opposition concerns regarding long-term government spending.
The Community Trust Act: Due process should not depend on immigration status
The Community Trust Act in Maryland would require a judicial warrant for immigration detention, ensuring due process and protecting the rights of those accused of a crime.
Moore unveils Baltimore Transit-Oriented Development Plan
State and local officials unveiled the Baltimore Regional Transit-Oriented Development Strategy at Rogers Avenue Metro Station on April 6. The strategy aims to boost housing, expand transit access and drive economic growth, including 400 new housing units and major Light Rail investments.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman announces upcoming departure of Chief of Staff Rianna Matthews-Brown
By Office of the Maryland Comptroller Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today announced that Chief of Staff Rianna Matthews-Brown will depart the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland on April 30, concluding her tenure as a senior leader in the agency during a period of significant transformation and growth. Matthews-Brown was the first African-American person to […]
Maryland Delegates advance bill on historic Cheltenham youth facility
Maryland delegates passed HB 552 in a 129–1 vote, creating a commission to study the historic Cheltenham youth facility, including its operations, abuses, and deaths, after recognition of an unmarked burial site of Black children.
Caucuses push priority legislation in Maryland
Lawmakers from Maryland’s legislative caucuses gathered March 24 in Annapolis to advance shared priorities as the session nears its end, highlighting bills on youth justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, and educational equity. Unity and collaboration remain central to their push for measurable results before Sine Die.
Lawmakers, community members rally in Maryland for immigrant protections
Lawmakers and community members rallied in Annapolis, Md., for We Are Casa’s Black Lobby Day, urging the state legislature to pass bills limiting federal immigration enforcement and ensuring humane standards for immigrant detention facilities.

