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Category: Maryland News
Jawando’s campaign for Montgomery County executive picks up steam and new endorsements
Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando’s bid for county executive is gaining momentum with endorsements from Progressive Maryland, the Working Families Party, and several local leaders. He joins a five-person Democratic field to replace outgoing Executive Marc Erlich, with no Republican candidates yet filed ahead of the February 2026 deadline.
Maryland lawmakers lead opposition to president’s plan for National Guard in Baltimore
President Trump has signaled plans to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore, though he has not specified when. Maryland leaders at every level say the move is unnecessary and warn it could jeopardize the city’s recent gains in reducing violent crime.
The system has failed our men and boys. We can – and we must – fix it.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino says the state must overhaul systems that have long failed young men and boys. She outlines efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen reentry support, expand mentorship, and align with Gov. Wes Moore’s Young Men and Boys Initiative to create real opportunities for youth and reduce cycles of neglect and incarceration.
Family mourns death of Dacara Thompson as advocates push for change in media coverage
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Officials have announced that the man accused of taking the life of Prince George’s County teen, Dacara Thompson, will be held without bond. Police have charged Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, with first and second degree murder. According to information released by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s […]
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially launches 2026 re-election campaign
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) officially launches his 2026 re-election campaign Sept. 9, emphasizing his work in increased job growth, reduced crime, education investment and bipartisan leadership across Maryland.
Maryland Cycling Classic sparks dialogue on Black health and inclusion
The Maryland Cycling Classic returned to Baltimore, hosting inaugural men’s and women’s races for teams across the country. The event sparked conversations amongst African American spectators on health benefits and the lack of representation within the sport.
Advocates warn of racial harm in new juvenile monitoring guidelines
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is changing how it handles youth on electronic monitoring, allowing for detention if they reoffend. While state officials say the move balances safety and support, advocates warn it will deepen racial disparities and criminalize youth before trial.
MPT to debut documentary on Thurgood Marshall during HBCU Week 2025
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com In a public media partnership that offers content about the history, legacy, cultural heritage and degree programs offered by America’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Maryland Public Television (MPT) will debut “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect.” The new documentary will explore the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, […]
Wes Moore, Brandon Scott reject 47th president’s National Guard plan for Baltimore
Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott denounced the Oval Office’s plan to send the National Guard to Baltimore, calling it unnecessary and “performative.” At a Sept. 5 press conference in Park Heights, they pointed instead to record crime reductions, with homicides at a 50-year low. City leaders and community advocates stressed that resources should go toward collaboration, jobs and housing — not militarization.
Family, city council members call for reform after in-custody death of Dontae Melton Jr.
The family of Dontae Melton Jr. is speaking out against his death in police custody, which was ruled a homicide, and is demanding full disclosure and improved police training on mental health calls.
Maryland Cycling Classic returns Sept. 6 with men’s, women’s races held for the first time entirely within Baltimore City limits
The Maryland Cycling Classic will return on September 6th, with the debut of men’s and women’s races on a course contained entirely within the City of Baltimore, and the Benin National Team making history as the first all-Black African women’s national team to compete in a UCI-ranked race in North America.

