By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor A U.S. District Court Federal Judge issued a temporary halt to changes in a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that would have left thousands of Marylanders homeless. On Dec. 22, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy barred HUD from implementing changes to the federal government’s Continuum of […]
Category: Maryland News
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Blacks vets share mixed views as Department of Defense eliminates shaving waivers
Black military veterans are expressing mixed reactions to the Department of Defense’s decision to strictly enforce facial hair grooming standards and significantly limit medical shaving waivers. While some veterans view the policy as part of the military’s long-standing emphasis on uniformity and discipline, others worry it will disproportionately affect Black service members who suffer from medical conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae, potentially forcing some out of the armed forces.
Posted inBaltimore News
City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises named finalist for National Superintendent of the Year
By Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is proud to announce that Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer, has been selected as one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year award, following her recognition as Maryland Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious national honor, presented by […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Assembly reverses 19 vetoes from Gov. Wes Moore in one-day session
By Catherine PughSpecial to the AFRO On Dec. 16, during a one-day special session, Gov. Wes Moore gathered lawmakers to select a new House Speaker. As rumors swirled about redistricting, legislators concentrated on choosing the Speaker. Then, they overturned 19 out of 29 gubernatorial vetoes handed down earlier this year. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21) […]
Posted inMental Health
How to support college students this holiday season
By Fajr Eutsey College is a time of significant transitions. Students are stepping out of their comfort zones, making hard decisions and learning to balance independence with responsibility. That growth can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. The holiday season, with its mix of family expectations, financial pressures and cultural traditions, often magnifies […]
Posted inBlack Press
Charles F. Robinson III, award-winning journalist and news director, dies at 69
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Veteran journalist and news director Charles F. Robinson III died Dec. 15. Robinson was a giant of the Black Press and a vital member of the Maryland Public Television (MPT) team. Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer at MPT, described Robinson as “one of the rare individuals […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland lawmakers launch bid to slash the cost of asthma treatments
Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks are advancing legislation designed to bring down the soaring cost of inhalers, nebulizers and other essential respiratory treatments. Their proposal would cap monthly expenses for insured and uninsured patients alike, expanding Medicare coverage and easing the financial strain on families managing asthma. The lawmakers say the measure is urgently needed as hospitalizations and racial disparities in respiratory illness continue to climb.
Posted inMaryland Government
Krystal Oriadha elected chair of Prince George’s County Council
Krystal Oriandha, a Kenyan American activist, was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Prince George’s County Council. She aims to make the county a national model for child-care access and affordability.
Posted inMaryland Government
Lester Davis speaks on first 100 days as chief of staff for Gov. Wes Moore
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com It’s been a little over a month since Lester Davis, former vice president and chief of staff for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (Carefirst), took over as Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s chief of staff. Davis brings more than a decade of public service experience, including serving as deputy chief of staff for […]
Posted inMaryland News
Settlement with Cracker Barrel over allegations, disability discrimination involving students with autism at Waldorf restaurant
Maryland officials announced a settlement with Cracker Barrel resolving allegations that students with autism from Dr. James Craik Elementary School faced discrimination during a 2024 visit to the company’s Waldorf restaurant. Under the agreement, Cracker Barrel will pay $75,000 to affected students, donate to school programs, and revise its public accommodation policies nationwide to comply with disability rights laws.
Posted inMaryland Government
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk leads race for Maryland House speakership role
Sources close to the AFRO say Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21), 59, is poised to become Maryland’s next Speaker of the House of Delegates when votes are held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.