Maryland lawmakers passed emergency legislation ending local cooperation with ICE and banning most masked law enforcement, aiming to protect immigrant communities and rebuild trust. Advocates called it a historic victory for families and public safety.
Category: Maryland News
Posted inMaryland News
Free tax preparation returns through CASH Campaign of Maryland
The CASH Campaign of Maryland has launched its free tax preparation services for the 2026 tax season, helping households earning under $69,000 claim valuable tax credits and refunds. Last year, the program assisted more than 308,000 Maryland households in securing nearly $455 million in tax refunds and credits.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland House passes redistricting plan, while Senate vote looks bleak
While the House passed a redistricting plan to reshape Maryland’s congressional districts, Senate President Bill Ferguson signaled the effort is stalled. He argued the “window has closed” as the Senate prioritizes economic and affordability issues.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore praises Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland’s fight against child poverty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland at the organization’s annual legislative breakfast, highlighting their role in youth development and the state’s strategy to combat child poverty through community-based support. He pointed to increased state funding, expanded club access, and mentorship as critical tools, with Youth of the Year honoree Jared Jefferson’s story illustrating the clubs’ impact in building confidence, opportunity, and leadership for young people across the state.
Posted inMaryland Government
MD Public Defender’s Office unveils 2026 legislative priorities
Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) unveiled its 2026 legislative agenda at a Jan. 21 rally in Annapolis, Md., urging reforms to youth charging laws, traffic stops and indigent defense funding. Leaders cited racial disparities and systemic failures harming families and children statewide.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland legislators advance redistricting plan after tense hearing
Maryland legislators advanced a partisan congressional redistricting bill Jan. 27, sending it to the floor amid support from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Senate backing remains uncertain and Republicans are criticizing the process.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland faith leaders press Ferguson to back congressional redistricting
Faith leaders across Maryland are urging Senate President Bill Ferguson to prioritize mid-cycle redistricting legislation ahead of a House hearing. The appeal comes as lawmakers consider a proposed congressional map that critics say could eliminate the state’s lone Republican seat and backfire on Democrats.
Posted inNEWS
10 films selected for inaugural HBCU Week NOW Film Festival
Ten award-winning short films by students and recent graduates of historically Black colleges and universities will premiere Jan. 27 as part of the inaugural HBCU Week NOW Student Film Festival. The selected films, representing multiple genres and institutions, will stream on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel, with each winning project receiving a $5,000 award.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland targets data-driven grocery price hikes
Maryland lawmakers unveiled a proposal to ban individualized grocery pricing driven by consumer surveillance and data. Advocates say the plan could ease food insecurity for Maryland consumers.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission issues final report with 84 recommendations
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) has released its final report, outlining 84 recommendations for the state to reckon with its enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings and marking the culmination of six years of research and public hearings. The commission hosted a virtual briefing on the report—released […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Marylanders are leaving money on the table– here’s how to claim what’s yours
By Brooke E. Lierman If you worked last year, you might be walking past hundreds—even thousands—of dollars that already have your name on them. Nearly 20 percent of eligible Maryland residents didn’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2023. That’s roughly 100,000 people who left their money with our state rather than in their bank accounts. Most people lived in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly kicks off 2026 legislative session
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session opened Jan. 14 with a focus on a $1.5 billion deficit. Lawmakers face tough decisions regarding budget cuts, redistricting and new leadership during the 90-day legislative term.