Natasha M. Dartigue became the first person of color to lead the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in 2022, and is now focusing on ending the automatic charging of children as adults, limiting police interaction with the public during traffic stops, and addressing the disparity in resources for public defenders.
Category: Maryland News
Posted inMaryland News
From homeroom to handcuffs: Part 3 – The evolution of a school resource officer and his influence on state policy
Michael Rudinski, the former School Safety Program coordinator for the Maryland Center for School Safety, has helped shape training and best practices for SROs, while Joan Cox, a retired Juvenile Services probation officer, and Joan Blair, a school-based probation officer, have witnessed positive interactions between SROs and students.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore reveals economic growth agenda for 2025
Governor Wes Moore has announced over $750 million in funding for economic and workforce development, including $128.5 million for targeted investments in Maryland’s dominant industries, which are expected to generate $515.6 million in economic activity and support more than 2,500 jobs.
Posted inMaryland News
Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott address historic progress and 2025 public safety priorities
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced a $122 million budget proposal to increase public safety, including an additional $4.2 million for evidence-based community interventions, and highlighted the city’s 20% reduction in homicides in 2023 and 23% in 2024.
Posted inMaryland Government
2025 Maryland General Assembly kicks off
The 2025 Maryland General Assembly session is focused on protecting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, improving police accountability laws, and addressing a $2.9 million budget deficit.
Posted inMaryland Government
Ben Cardin reflects on his life, legacy and plans for retirement
Former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin has announced his retirement after 58 years of public service, and reflects on his accomplishments and advice for the next generation of aspiring politicians.
Posted inMaryland Government
Shaneka Henson poised to become first Black woman of Anne Arundel County, Md. to serve in the Maryland Senate
Maryland Del. Shaneka Henson has been nominated by the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee to the state Senate, and if approved by the governor, she will become the first Black woman to represent Anne Arundel County, Md. in the state Senate.
Posted inBUSINESS
Dr. Lance London talks growing his Southern-cooking restaurant Carolina Kitchen
Dr. Lance London, founder of the Southern-cooking restaurant chain Carolina Kitchen, recently opened a new location in Owings Mills, MD, focusing on providing plant-based options, and plans to open a new concept named for his grandmother in Upper Marlboro, MD in 2025.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Moore awards Y in Central Maryland $300,000 grant to fight poverty
The Y in Central Maryland has been awarded a $300,000 planning grant from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Children’s ENOUGH Act to address the root causes of poverty in the Greater Waverly area.
Posted inEducation
From homeroom to handcuffs: Part 2 – Resource officers, poor academic instruction blamed for fueling disproportionate school-to-prison pipeline
School resource officers and zero-tolerance policies have been blamed for the disproportionate introduction of Black and disabled students into the school-to-prison pipeline, with many students facing arrest for school fights and being blacklisted by the school system.
Posted inNational Sports
Ravens wrap up the AFC North with a 35-10 rout of Cleveland; Jackson surpasses 4,000 yards passing
The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North for the second straight season with a 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, led by Lamar Jackson’s two touchdown passes and Derrick Henry’s 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter.
Posted inAfro
AFRO News selects Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks as person of the year
Senator Angela D. Alsobrooks has been named the 2024 AFRO Person of the Year for her unwavering dedication to public service and transformative leadership, as she begins serving as the first Black person to represent the state of Maryland in the U.S. Senate.
