KOFA, a youth hip-hop collective based at Imagine Lincoln Public Charter School, will perform an end-of-year showcase on June 27 at the Suitland Creative Arts Center, highlighting a year of music, mentorship and personal growth. Founded by Darius Pugh, KOFA serves as a creative and communal outlet for middle-schoolers to build artistic skills, explore identity and strengthen ties to hip-hop’s legacy.
Category: Maryland News
Marilyn Mosby completes her year-long home detention
As of June 20, former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has completed her one-year home detention sentence. Convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of mortgage fraud, Mosby was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release. A court filing now indicates that U.S. Probation may seek early termination of her remaining supervision. Speaking at the State of the People’s National Assembly on the day her sentence ended, Mosby declared her intent to continue advocating for change and rebuilding her life for the sake of her two daughters.
Maryland governor announces hiring freeze to mitigate budget cuts
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a statewide hiring freeze starting July 1 to address a $121 million budget cut imposed by the General Assembly, drawing criticism from citizens and Republican lawmakers. The move, seen as conflicting with Moore’s recent efforts to support unemployed federal workers, includes additional cost-saving measures like voluntary separations and eliminating vacant positions.
Morgan State and Visit Baltimore recognized at 67th Capital Emmys
Baltimore HBCU Morgan State University earned its first individual Emmy at the 67th Capital Emmy Awards for the documentary “History of a National Treasure,” highlighting its legacy and commitment to Black storytelling. Visit Baltimore was also honored in the Short Form Content category for its video “Celebrating Baltimore’s Civil Rights Legacy,” showcasing the city’s historical contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Orchard Ridge becomes Maryland’s first UPLIFT community
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announces Northeast Baltimore’s Orchard Ridge as the first UPLIFT community on June 13. The UPLIFT program was designed to boost homeownership and property values through equitable housing development, addressing wealth gaps caused by inequitable appraisals and systemic disinvestment.
PG Council adopts $5.8B budget, prioritizing health and re-entry programs
The Prince George’s County Council has adopted a $5.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, focusing on core services, education, safety and infrastructure amid financial challenges. It includes funding for the Black Maternal Health Fund and various community programs.
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Governor Moore declares State of Preparedness to enhance government coordination amid extreme heat forecast
Governor Wes Moore signed a State of Preparedness to protect Marylanders from a potentially hazardous heat wave, urging them to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable family members and friends to ensure their safety.
Governor Moore unveils $400M initiative to reduce racial wealth gap on Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the $400 million Just Communities initiative to combat the racial wealth gap by prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods impacted by redlining, mass incarceration and economic exclusion. He also issued nearly 7,000 additional cannabis possession pardons, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting economic equity across the state.
Braveboy takes oath of office as Prince George’s County executive on Juneteenth
Aisha Braveboy was sworn in as the 10th Prince George’s County Executive on June 19 at the University of Maryland, with notable guests like Gov. Wes Moore and actor Taraji P. Henson in attendance. In her speech, Braveboy emphasized openness, community involvement, and immediate priorities such as clean streets, unity in government and support for local businesses.
Upcoming Juneteenth events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area
Celebrate freedom, culture and community at Juneteenth events happening across Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. From family-friendly festivals and historical reenactments to live music, art showcases and educational panels, this year’s celebrations honor the legacy of emancipation while spotlighting Black excellence. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant parade, local vendors, or space for reflection, there’s something for everyone to engage, uplift and remember.
Chesapeake Bay health grade dips after hottest year on record and extreme rainfall patterns
The Chesapeake Bay’s health declined from a C-plus to a C in the latest annual report, with scientists attributing the drop to extreme weather patterns during the hottest year on record. Despite the setback, long-term trends show improvement in key areas like dissolved oxygen, aquatic grasses, and nutrient levels, though challenges from climate change and declining water clarity remain.

