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 […]
Category: Maryland News
Posted inCommentary
Maryland must stop doing ICE’s dirty work
Cathryn Jackson is the policy director at CASA and the daughter of Guyanese and Trinidadian immigrants. This week she urges passage of the Maryland Values Act (HB 1222), which would end all 287(g) agreements in the state to ensure local police don’t work as immigration agents.
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
Maryland’s inaugural substance use rally highlights need for rehabilitative services
Maryland leaders and advocates gathered for the state’s first Substance Use Awareness Day Rally, emphasizing the need for better substance use services. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller highlighted progress, and outreach workers called for improved community support.
Posted inMaryland News
Shannetta R. Griffin selected to serve as new head of Maryland Aviation Administration, BWI Airport
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld has appointed Shannetta R. Griffin as the new executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). In the role, she will oversee BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and the state’s regional aviation program. Griffin, a veteran transportation engineer with four decades of experience, previously served as associate administrator of airports for the FAA and will focus on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening partnerships within Maryland’s aviation sector.
Posted inMaryland News
BWI’s growth under Ricky Smith: A look back as he heads to Atlanta
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 inBaltimore News
Transgender Day of Visibility highlights struggles and resilience amid anti-trans legislation
On Transgender Day of Visibility, advocates celebrate the resilience of trans people while confronting a political landscape that increasingly seeks to erase their rights. As executive actions target gender-affirming care, military service and public recognition, activists stress the urgent need for awareness, protection and community support.
Posted inBaltimore News
JPMorgan Chase expands virtual jobs to military spouses in Maryland
JPMorgan Chase expanded its virtual call center in Baltimore to provide job opportunities for military spouses within a 90-mile radius. Dawn Moore, Maryland’s first lady, praised the effort, emphasizing the value military spouses bring to the workforce.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Legal Aid partners with Johns Hopkins University & Medicine to host a free expungement clinic
BALTIMORE, MD., (March 26, 2025) – Maryland Legal Aid is partnering with Johns Hopkins University & Medicine to host a FREE Expungement on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Individuals with a criminal history will have an opportunity to be advised by legal professionals and have petitions prepared on site. This includes people with cannabis-related charges who […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Gov. Moore addresses Key Bridge collapse impact with Dundalk business owners
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) led a business roundtable in Dundalk, Md., with local leaders to discuss the impact of the Key Bridge collapse. Participants shared stories of resilience, community support, and recovery efforts.
Posted inBaltimore News
One year later: Residents and business owners continue recovery efforts from Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
As the anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse approaches, Baltimore residents reflect on the lasting impact of the tragedy and the ongoing rebuild efforts. While the collapse has caused significant disruptions to traffic and local businesses, community leaders remain hopeful that increased attention and new partnerships will help address infrastructure concerns.
Posted inHealth
15 years later: The Affordable Care Act’s impact and the fight to keep it intact
For 15 years, the Affordable Care Act has reshaped the U.S. health care system, expanding coverage to millions and cutting the uninsured rate nearly in half. Yet, as political battles continue, health advocates warn that efforts to weaken the law could shift financial burdens back onto the public. (Credit: Unsplash/ Francisco Venancio)
