Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said in an April 14 news conference that he will not return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father wrongly deported to a notorious El Salvador prison last month. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the government to facilitate his return, but officials in both countries continue to pass off responsibility on who should initiate Abrego Garcia’s trip back to America.
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMaryland News
Testimonies at Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final hearing call for reparations, healing and accountability
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) held its final public hearing to examine the enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings, with testimonies advocating for reparations and police accountability. Experts, advocates, and community members emphasized the need for radical reparations and a shift in how law enforcement engages with Black communities, urging both acknowledgment and concrete action to repair historical harms.
Posted inMaryland Government
A step toward justice: Maryland legislators approve reparations commission bill
During the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland successfully led an effort to establish a reparations commission to address the historical harms of slavery in the state. Senate Bill 587, now awaiting the governor’s signature, will create a commission to study and propose recommendations on reparations, with findings expected by 2027.
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
Maryland faces pressure over new bill to limit state liability in child sex abuse cases
A new bill in the Maryland General Assembly would cap the state’s financial liability for child sexual abuse claims, cutting the maximum payout for survivors from $890,000 to $400,000 for suits filed after Oct. 1, 2025. Critics, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, argue the measure would deny justice to thousands of victims, many of whom suffered abuse in state-run facilities.
Posted inMaryland News
BWI’s growth under Ricky Smith: A look back as he heads to AtlantaÂ
After nearly a decade of leadership, Ricky D. Smith is stepping down as CEO and executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration to take on a new role as general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Before his departure, Smith reflected on his accomplishments at BWI Airport, including expanding capacity, fostering minority business participation and enhancing airport amenities.
Posted inOpinion
The politics of harm: How conservative policies disguise their impact on our communities
Dayvon Love is public policy director for the Baltimore-based think tank Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. This week he discusses how conservative political forces have historically promoted policies that harm Black communities while claiming to act in their best interests. For example, advocates for harsh sentencing often cite protecting victims while ignoring how such policies disproportionately fuel mass incarceration. Such right-wing stances reflect a broader indifference—or even hostility—toward the systemic oppression faced by Black people.
Posted inBaltimore News
Maryland residents and leaders commemorate anniversary of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
One year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Marylanders gathered to honor the lives lost and reflect on the resilience of their communities. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the bridge by 2028, emphasizing the need for continued economic recovery.
Posted inBaltimore News
State of Maryland announces grant funding for economic development projects for Baltimore’s most-disinvested residential and commercial corridor in West Baltimore
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) has awarded over $6.5 million in its second round of grant funding to 19 recipients, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and returning citizen-led businesses, as part of its 15-year revitalization strategy for West Baltimore. With a total investment of $21.2 million over the past two years, WNADA continues to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and improve community services along the West North Avenue corridor.
Posted inMaryland Government
MEJC launches inaugural report detailing drivers of mass incarceration
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released a report March 13 to address the historical roots and drivers of mass incarceration and the racial disparities within it. The report highlights inequities such as the fact that Black Marylanders make up around 30 percent of the […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Crossover Day marks progress for Maryland’s Second Look ActÂ
Maryland lawmakers worked through crossover day, passing key bills, including the Second Look Act, which allows certain offenders to petition for reduced sentences. Despite strong opposition from House Republicans, the bill now moves to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for further review.