By Catherine PughSpecial to the AFRO On Dec. 16, during a one-day special session, Gov. Wes Moore gathered lawmakers to select a new House Speaker. As rumors swirled about redistricting, legislators concentrated on choosing the Speaker. Then, they overturned 19 out of 29 gubernatorial vetoes handed down earlier this year. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21) […]
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMental Health
How to support college students this holiday season
By Fajr Eutsey College is a time of significant transitions. Students are stepping out of their comfort zones, making hard decisions and learning to balance independence with responsibility. That growth can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. The holiday season, with its mix of family expectations, financial pressures and cultural traditions, often magnifies […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland lawmakers launch bid to slash the cost of asthma treatments
Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks are advancing legislation designed to bring down the soaring cost of inhalers, nebulizers and other essential respiratory treatments. Their proposal would cap monthly expenses for insured and uninsured patients alike, expanding Medicare coverage and easing the financial strain on families managing asthma. The lawmakers say the measure is urgently needed as hospitalizations and racial disparities in respiratory illness continue to climb.
Posted inMaryland Government
Krystal Oriadha elected chair of Prince George’s County Council
Krystal Oriandha, a Kenyan American activist, was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Prince George’s County Council. She aims to make the county a national model for child-care access and affordability.
Posted inMaryland Government
Lester Davis speaks on first 100 days as chief of staff for Gov. Wes Moore
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com It’s been a little over a month since Lester Davis, former vice president and chief of staff for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (Carefirst), took over as Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s chief of staff. Davis brings more than a decade of public service experience, including serving as deputy chief of staff for […]
Posted inMaryland News
Settlement with Cracker Barrel over allegations, disability discrimination involving students with autism at Waldorf restaurant
Maryland officials announced a settlement with Cracker Barrel resolving allegations that students with autism from Dr. James Craik Elementary School faced discrimination during a 2024 visit to the company’s Waldorf restaurant. Under the agreement, Cracker Barrel will pay $75,000 to affected students, donate to school programs, and revise its public accommodation policies nationwide to comply with disability rights laws.
Posted inMaryland Government
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk leads race for Maryland House speakership role
Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland leaders praise Speaker Adrienne Jones as she steps down from historic, transformative tenure
News of Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ immediate departure from her speakership role in the state legislature has led to an outpouring of love and appreciation for her time as the first woman and first Black person to hold the role. Leaders across the state credited her with steady, principled leadership through crises, landmark legislative victories, and major investments in HBCUs and underserved communities.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones steps down after six years
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones announces resignation after six years of service. She made history as the first African American and first woman to hold the position.
Posted inMaryland News
Anne Arundel County hosts local event apologizing for role in slavery
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Anne Arundel County released an official apology for their role in slavery, and the impact it has had on the community.
Posted inBUSINESS
Maryland’s Small Business Outreach Summit focuses on preparing entrepreneurs for the future
Maryland brought together state leaders and more than 800 entrepreneurs for the 10th annual Governor’s Small Business Outreach Summit, focusing on future-ready strategies for growth. The event expanded its programming this year, adding new tracks for technology, emerging entrepreneurs, youth ventures and veteran-owned businesses.
